This is an Open Letter.

To: Eddie Vedder, Jay Farrar, Tom Waits, Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings, Dan Bern, David Byrne, Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Rob Bochnik, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Levon Helm, Mic Christopher, Mark Geary, Ezra Caldwell, Sam Amidon, Jolie Holland, Win Butler, Mike Cooley, Lisa Hannigan, Joe Henry, JohnSmithJohnSmith
Cc: Eddie Watson, Ben Gunsberg, Ryan Reardon, Rob Robertson, Jason Slatton
Bcc: K–, T–
Re: Finding One’s Voice

I am 40 years old.

That’s not dead, but it’s not young.

Prior to my YouTube World Premiere (please see above; I’m calling it “Lost Years of the Christ Boys,” if you’re keeping track at home), I’d never written a song before. I can’t read music. Never had a voice lesson. Had a few guitar lessons here and there, but mostly nowadays I’m just on my own, fumbling with the frets and jabbing at the strings, croaking out cover songs that don’t quite suit the considerable limitations of my untrained voice.

And now, 74 days before I turn 41 years of age, I have written a song.

Or anyway: I’ve sketched a song. (Interdisciplinary mixed metaphor intended.) Is it good? I mean. Not really. It has its moments. It fits my voice. I like the words. The music is — not surprisingly — rudimentary at best, and the musicianship is (ahem), well, I mean. You know.

But good vs. not-good isn’t the point at all. The point is possible vs. impossible and, as far as I’m concerned, we can count this little development as a stirring victory for the indefatigable powers of possibility. (more…)