Ordinary Joe

Inspirational words on a funky, dismal Monday from the underrated singer-songwriter Terry Callier:

For my openin’ line
I might try to indicate my state of mind
Or turn you on- or tell you that I’m laughin’
Just to keep from cryin’
Pretty music, when you hear it,
keep on tryin’ to get near it
A little rhythm for your spirit
But that’s what it’s for- c’mon in here’s the door

I’ve seen a sparrow get high
and waste his time in the sky
He thinks it’s easy to fly,
he’s a little bit freer than I

Now here’s a mystery,
maybe you can help to make it clear to me
When you’re fast asleep,
What is it that’s lightin’ up the dreams you see
All your tears can’t conceal it,
all your prayers may not reveal it
You got soul so you can feel it
And when you make the scene,
then you’ll know what I mean

I’ve seen a sparrow get high
and waste his time in the sky
He thinks it’s easy to fly,
he’s a little bit freer than I

Down here on the ground,
when you find folks are givin’ you the run-around
Keep your game up-tight- and if you must just take your secrets underground
Politicians try to speech you-
mad color watchers try to teach you
Very few will really try to reach you
If you’re lost in the stack-
that’s O.K. come on back

I’ve seen a sparrow get high
and waste his time in the sky
He thinks it’s easy to fly,
he’s a little bit freer than I

Ordinary Joe,
although they say you’re just a lazy so and so
What they think is real,
is nothing but an animated puppet show
So don’t let time and space confuse you
Don’t let name and form abuse you
let Big Joe Williams blues you
In the light of the sun you can see how they run

I’ve seen a sparrow get high
and waste his time in the sky
Don't you know, he thinks it’s easy to fly,
he’s a little bit freer than I