Lyrics of the week, 24 Sep 2015, Jim Croce

Jim Croce (1943-1973)

There are artists whose fame blazes into the air only to burst like a great firework, gone before they can be forgotten, yet also before their true appreciation can be fulfilled - an after-light burned into the public retina. Like Pheidippides bringing news of the Greek victory at Marathon, they cross the finish and die, having fulfilled their destiny. Jim Croce burst his light on the public consciousness with his ironic tales of underdog heros who refused the advice that "You Don't Mess Around with Jim" or "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown." He even looked the part, like he'd just walked into the studio from the lower reaches of Chicago's 42nd street (he was actually from Philadelphia). Then, 42 years ago this past week, just as he began to succeed in showing his gentler, reflective side with "Operator," his plane crashed, taking the genius with it. After his death his most personal and ironic song, "I've Got a Name," was released as scheduled - the day after his death. The song and it's ironic message found its way into the charts and the hearts of his fans.

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcqauC49Xmc>

I'VE GOT A NAME

Like the pine trees lining the winding road
I've got a name
I've got a name
Like the singing bird and the croaking toad
I've got a name
I've got a name

And I carry it with me like my daddy did
But I'm living the dream that he kept hid
Moving me down the highway
Rolling me down the highway
Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

Like the North wind whistling down the sky
I've got a song
I've got a song
Like the whip-poor-will and the baby's cry
I've got a song
I've got a song

And I carry it with me and I sing it loud
If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud
Moving me down the highway
Rolling me down the highway
Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

And I'm gonna go there free
Like the fool I am and I'll always be
I've got a dream
I've got a dream
They can change their minds but they can't change me
I've got a dream
I've got a dream

I know I could share it if you want me to
If your going my way I'll go with you
Moving me down the highway
Rolling me down the highway
Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

Moving me down the highway
Rolling me down the highway
Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

Love this song!!!!!!