The Song in My Head

Tonight, the song in my head is

Just a Song Before I Go
by Crosby, Stills, & Nash
from their album "CSN"

This one is an oldie but a real goodie. I just re-sparked on this tune this week, after hearing it over the piped-in music at a doctor's office waiting room. I had forgotten how much I loved it. Its sad lyric kills me, sung in three-part harmony throughout, accompanied by a mellow five-piece ensemble of bass, drums, Fender Rhodes piano, and two guitars--one electric, one acoustic.

Sir Nigel Tufnel was wrong, F#minor the key in which this one is written, (not D minor) is the "saddest of all keys." Stephen Stills' electric guitar work is beautifully understated. At just barely over two minutes long, this song makes the most out of every single note.

And the verse about leaving a loved one at the airport--who hasn't felt that sadness before entering "the friendly skies" or embarking on a long, lonely journey? Man, I love this song.

Just a song before I go
To whom it may concern
Traveling twice the speed of sound
It's easy to get burned.