Today feels like a good day for a hopeful song.
I received my second COVID-19 vaccination this afternoon. I know it won’t get to its maximum protection for two weeks, and we must all still exercise a lot of caution while the vaccination rate (hopefully) rises, especially in hotspot Manitoba. But it does finally feel like life will begin anew after over fifteen months of restricted life. I was filled with emotion just after the nurse gave me the needle and said congratulations.
And by the way, technically, it’s still spring, a season of renewal, new beginnings, new life. Hope.
So, looking for a song, I stumbled upon “A New Life” by Jim James (also known as Yim James). I have no recollection of buying this song, though my Apple Music library’s metadata tells me I did indeed snag it in the iTunes Store, in April 2013.
I didn’t know anything about James, but after reading up on him, I see that the American guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer is a member of the Louisville, Kentucky, USA band, The Morning Jacket. I don’t know them, either. I also read that, in the 2007 Todd Haynes biographical film of Bob Dylan, I’m Not There, James plays the bandleader (for the Tucson, Arizona, USA group, Calexico) singing “Going to Acapulco.”
But, back to “A New Life”…
Hey, open the door
I want a new life
Hey, and here’s what’s more
I want a new life, a new life
Babe, let’s get one thing clear
There’s much more stardust when you’re near
I think I’m really being sincere
I want a new life, a new life
With you
Hey, open the door
I want a new life
Hey, and here’s what’s more
I want a new life, a new life
Babe, let’s get one thing clear
There’s much more stardust when you’re near
I think I’m really being sincere
I want a new life, a new life
With you
Can’t you see a perfect picture
You and me
But you know, it won’t come easy
And what’s more
It’s worth looking for
Babe, open the door
And start your new life
Oh, your new life
Babe, on to the shore
And start your new life
Your new life, once more
(“A New Life,” by Jim James. Unofficial lyrics are courtesy of AZLyrics.com.)
Today’s selection comes from Regions of Light and Sound of God, James’s first solo album, released in February 2013.
Now you know a little about why this is my Song of the Day for Today. Thanks for joining me here, and please enjoy.
Here’s a video of James’s performance of the song for the Public Broadcasting Service TV program Austin City Limits, from 2013:
Song of the Day for Today 