A "Second Line," in the Creole tradition, refers an exuberant procession of mourners and musicians away from a funeral, distinct from the somber "first line," in which the body is escorted. This song uses the concept of a "Second Line" as the basis for a meditation on death and destiny, culminating in a resolute acceptance of both, complete with saxophone.
lyrics
When I was only a child, I never quite believed
That I would have to someday leave the stage.When it came to stretching the truth, there was
nothing quite like my youth, so it was hard to engage.
But, here I am, engaging at last,Without a moment to spare, completely in my prime.
Yet, I find, I’m inclined to leave such moments behind, If it’ll spare me some time.
I know I have it in me to be the man you’ve always needed,
And I don’t intend to waste my time
On all my doubts and all my demons;
I might as well believe in destiny,
Cause that’s the way that it’s looking
At the second line.
When you fall down on your knees, does it give you a view
Of something you can’t see with your head held high?
Every once in a while, I look over and smile, but that’s just by the by.
I couldn’t tell you what a blind man sees, but I can tell I’m going nowhere if I don’t get gone
today. There’s no magnetic force just to keep me on course; I’ve gotta find my own way,
Cause--
I know I have it in me to be the man you’ve always needed,
And I don’t intend to waste my time
On all my doubts and all my demons;
I might as well believe in destiny,
Cause that’s the way that it’s looking
At the second line.
If I ever made you cry,
Ever caused you pain,
You’ve gotta know, that was never my intent.
I always felt like I knew what I needed to do, but never said what I meant,
So, I can understand why you’d believe that I was working from motives which weren’t entirely
pure,
But, if you’re coming with me, then I can help you to see whatever seemed so obscure.
I know I have it in me to be the man you’ve always needed,
And I don’t intend to waste my time
On all my doubts and all my demons;
I might as well believe in destiny,
Cause that’s the way that it’s looking
At the second line.
credits
from The Great Extreme,
released October 19, 2020
Lyrics, music and vocals - Barry Jean Fontenot
Produced, recorded and edited by Amir Khay Nir
The Fountains:
Jake Cavalier - Acoustic Guitar, Electric guitar
Julian Daniell - Drums and Percussion
Dylan Harris - Bass
Amir Khay Nir - Fender Rhodes
Guest musician:
Izzy G - Saxophone
Mixed by Benjamin Esterlis
Mastering - Stuart Hawkes, Metropolis studios, London.
Barry Jean Fontenot is a Louisiana-born, Chicago-based Soul musician. Raised in the “Deep Soul” and “Delta Blues” musical
traditions, Barry’s vocal style brings to mind the strong, rich tenor notes of legendary singers such as Sam Cooke and Otis Redding.
Upon moving to Chicago, Barry met The Fountains members, together they created a solid bond, smoothly complementing Barry’s voice and songs....more
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