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A song about empathy, being truly understood in a situation where you have no reason to expect it. This happened to me about 50 years ago. But the names of the Pennsylvania towns where I was driving lacked the necessary poetic resonance. I've never been to El Paso. Photograph by Marisa Rood. Used by permission.

lyrics

I pulled out of El Paso, Headed for Houston, Hoping for I don't know what
Highway was baking, Heart was broke down, Stomach tied in a knot
She said it was over, I was running for cover, Needing for someone to fight
I looked in the mirror, I was caught like a deer, Trooper had me in his sight

I rolled down my window, He asked for my license, I timed you at 90 he said
My eyes started tearing, the fight up and left me
He stared and he nodded his head
I could write you a ticket that would go on your record
That's what I usually do, But something inside me where I was once broken
Imagines what you're going through

Chorus:
It's kindness sustains us when boundaries restrain us
When hearts are broke down and a lump in your throat
The secret to life is in bridging the distance
We must never forget we're all in the same boat

Thirty years later I remember his wisdom, how he let me drive off in the night, I can't help but wonder with all that I know now
How lucky I was to be white.
And I still think about him and what led him to see me
How he knew just to leave me alone
I can count on one hand all the magical moments
When I truly felt truly known

Repeat chorus

credits

from Keeper Of The Light, released June 10, 2019
Alton Smith on accordion, Rob Arendt on fretless bass and drums/percussion

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peter zeldow image

peter zeldow Chicago, Illinois

Songs that hover around folk, rock & country genres with a mostly gentle, acoustic guitar-based mid-60s sound. The themes are universal: love (Jerome, You Are True), loss (Go), desire (Hunger), memory (It All Comes Back), aging (Golden Years), empathy (Kindness), & gratitude (Grateful). The delivery is understated, but the storytelling packs an emotional wallop that rewards careful listening. ... more

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