Five years ago yesterday, John Hartford passed away

[Bake]

I didn't even realize it had been so long until my brother pointed it out to me.

John Hartford was a terrific musician, performer, steamboat pilot, and all-around good guy. He has been, and continues to be missed.

Bake

[peacefreak]

1. It's been 5 years?

What a sweet, sweet soul. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform more than once. Another light, gone.

[greatauntoftriplets]

2. Doesn't seem that long...sigh....

Well you seem a little colder
When I say I must be leaving
But it's an ugly way for us to let it end
What's the use in being worried
Cause I'm going in an hour
When the time is running out that we can spend
What's the difference being different
When it's difference now that looks alike
You say I'm changing
I'm not sure that's wrong
It's just today it may be natural
Sitting here discussing it
Tomorrow just as natural to be gone

< violin >

There's no season in my mind
That I can count on for an answer
And I dug too many holes expecting snow
I'm not sure to where I'm headed now
I ride the hard line with it
If I return or when I think I might go
What's the difference being different...

[greendog]

3. and it's goodbye to the sunshine...

In Tall Buildings
By John Hartford, 1976

Someday, baby, when I am a man,
and other's have taught me
the best that they can
they'll sell me a suit
and cut off my hair
and send me to work in tall buildings

and it's goodbye to the sunshine
goodbye to the dew
goodbye to the flowers
and goodbye to you
I'm off to the subway
I must not be late
going to work in tall buildings

now when I retire
and my life is my own
I made all the payments
it's time to go home
and wonder what happened
betwixt and between
when I went to work in tall buildings

and it's goodbye to the sunshine
goodbye to the dew
goodbye to the flowers
and goodbye to you
I'm off to the subway
I mustn't be late
going to work in tall buildings