Car Seat by Blind Melon Written by Shannon Hoon Recorded February 11, 1995
Tongue tied, nerves as big as boulders Why Mom, I thought I was your soldier My brother sits by me Buckled into the car seat
Feel the thirst, it’s time for pulling over Into the truckstop on my daddy’s shoulder Out back where they plant all the trees ten feet away my daddy buries me…
God’s Presents
by Blanche Bridge on February 11, 1884
If my path be smooth or rugged If with thorns or roses strewn Where I go the Father seeith And He will leave me not alone
If I take the wings of morning far within the giant sea Even there His hand will lead me Even there my God will be
Though the gloom of night be round me Though I cannot see my way Yet the Lord will see and guide me Because unto Him the night is day
If my thoughts are good or evil Set me think to hide them not There is One above all seeing And He beholdeth every thought
And ever more my eyes beholds me And all my ways to Him are known And His loving arms enfolds me He will leave me not alone
The first part of the song was inspired by the deaths of 3-year-old Michael Daniel Smith and 14-month-old Alexander Tyler Smith, the sons of Susan Smith. Her children were buckled into their car seats when she steered her vehicle into John D. Long Lake and watched as the car sank. The tragedy moved Shannon.
Blanche Bridge was Shannon Hoon’s (Blind Melon front man) great great grandmother. He so loved the poem, he it tattooed to his left forearm.
Posted by tata on Friday May 29, 2009 Under Events, Media
Since returning to Louisville, it’s been harder than I expected to reconnect with my old friends. I’ve made a slew of new friends through knitting and recently made a new pal at the gym. But particularly special to me is Jenni, the new wife to an old friend, Phil, who plays for the band Common Ground. I finally got the opportunity to meet her when Common Ground reunited for a show back in October last year and we’ve recently gotten better acquainted on Facebook since she and Phil live in Tennessee. I simply adore her.
So, about a month ago, Common Ground announced another show for May 28th at Headliners Music Hall here in Louisville. P, being my absolute best friend in the whole wide world, and the only friend I’ve really been able to reconnect with since moving home, agreed to watch the kids so Husband and I could go out for the show. I later learned that Nappy Roots was headlining the show, which made it all the more exciting. (Last week, I was helping Big Rob out at the show and he had this poster of Nappy Roots. I inquired about it, wondering if he was a fan. He says that he grooms the dog of Ron Clutch. Yeah, that impressed me. Pretty fuckin’ cool.)
As the date neared, Jenni and Phil decided they were going to stay in town for the night. I offered them digs here, which Jenni accepted, but they ended up elsewhere. I was bummed about it, ’cause I’d really hoped to hang with Jenni as much as possible, but I was gracious. By the time Thursday rolled around, I was prolly more excited about seeing her than the show! She and Phil got us on the guest list (a tremendous help, considering our recent financial issues) and we had an outstanding time.
I, being under the influence of some serious drugs (I’ll rant about that in another post dedicated specifically to the dentist and my many apprehensions thereof), as well as being pretty broke, decided to have a couple shots of Woodford Reserve before heading out. We dropped the kids at P’s place and my understanding was that it went pretty well for Buddha (who is usually very unhappy about Mama and Daddy leaving him anywhere. P, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong!).
J, the singer, was feeling a bit under the weather, but not a soul in the house could tell by the amazing performance he gave. He even busted out the didgeridoo. He has such phenomenal stage presence.
During CG’s set, I saw Ron Clutch walking by and approached him. I told him that my brother Big Rob grooms his dog and that I’m a long-time fan. He asked if my brother was there, but he wasn’t. He shook my hand, thanked me for being a fan and showing my support.
I also FINALLY got to meet Deowick! We have been online friends since 2000 or 2001 and it was so absolutely wonderful to meet and squeeze him. I hope it’s not another 9 or 10 years until we can kick it again. He totally rocks.
I’m pleased that the videos turned out so well in spite of being pretty wasted! Most of the pictures turned out great, too. I can’t pick a favorite. I really love them all.
On our way home, Husband stopped to get me a bite to eat, drop me off then go get the kids from P’s place. I kept falling asleep trying to eat and finally gave up and went to bed. I do think I brushed my teeth beforehand, though. Ultimately, I am a bit relieved that Jenni and Phil opted to stay elsewhere, as I woke up quite early to vomit twice. I won’t swear that I didn’t embarrass myself at the show last night, but it would have been much worse for us all if they had to hear that.
I had a superbly wonderful time. I am so glad that Common Ground is doing shows again (even if they are few and far between). I’m grateful that I have such an awesome friend who will sacrifice her own fun so that Husband and I can have a break from our kids. And I’m really quite smitten with Jenni, who I plan to hang onto for the rest of my life as my newest step soul-sister!
Even there His hand will lead me 
