about
'Glory Light' is a song I've had in my back pocket for maybe 2 years. I think now is the time to send it out into the world, for a couple of reasons....
Firstly, it describes an experience that is (temporarily) lost to us...the deep and profound pleasure of attending a live concert. The spontaneity and atmosphere of a show, the shared experience; sometimes shared with thousands, but particularly shared with the mate or the sweetheart you've gone along with. The anticipation of the leadup to the show. The way you carefully turn it over in your mind for days afterwards.
Secondly, it pays homage to two of my songwriting heroes. Bob Dylan just released a song ('Murder Most Foul') that has once again moved me to tears. If you haven't heard it, look it up. If it doesn't make sense when you hear it, read this
www.theredhandfiles.com/bob-dylans-new-song/
And our very own Paul Kelly.
Thirdly, it evokes the image of the ghost light. In this time of social distancing, most live theatre, art, music and drama has been postponed indefinitely. The ghost light illuminates the darkness to help navigate, but also to signal that the show will return, the show will go on.
I'd like to thank the guys who played on the song 'Glory Light':
-Isaac Vincent has played some great violin tracks recording on my tunes over the past 6 months or so
-David Vassella generously contributed his intuitive keyboard talents late one night after dinner and some good red, thanks brother.
-David Braid also generously contributed some earthy organic double bass via internet
-Scott Hills really brought it all together with his effortless touch on the drum kit.
lyrics
Glory Light - Words & Music by Luke Vassella Copyright 2018
"Hey Lukey V, I got a spare ticket to the Dylan show"
Said my friend Davey, how could I say no?
We crossed the border into Brisbane rain
Two Mexicans eating sushi from a Southbank train
We made it to the show
Septuagenarian Bob gave it a red hot go
He played the new stuff, he played the old
He gave a glimpse of the diamonds, a glint of the gold
But near the end he played something very special
Like I hoped he'd do
The song was 'Long and Wasted Years'
And they brought the stage-light fader up, right on cue
It was like somebody turned on a glory light
Turned on a glory light
Showed us something special
Made us feel like something happened that night
Well, years ago I took my darling
To see him at Ballina, Seagulls Park
Now that was the very best show I ever saw
We were front and centre, cuddled up in the dark
And Bob looked straight down at us
With a half smile that I understood
As if to give his blessing, as if to say
"Son, you've done real good"
As if to turn on a glory light
Turn on a glory light
Show us something special
Make us feel like something happened that night
Like the spirit moved, and made rough places smooth
But there's times I've seen Bob when I should've stayed at home
Watching paint dry or watching the tele
Like that time at Bluesfest, man he had nothin on
Our very own Paul Kelly
I guess I've done all the dumb things,
I know I've been careless,
And deeper water is calling me on, but still...
I'm going to see him again, just one more time
I've got a spare ticket from another friend
Slip and me don't know what we're gonna find
But I sure hope Bob brings it to that Newcastle fishbowl
I sure hope he slings it like an arrow
Into our heart and into our soul
Come on Bob, turn on a glory light
Turn on a glory light
Show us something special, make us feel like something happened tonight
Turn on the glory light, turn on the glory light
Show us something special make us feel like something happened tonight
Like the spirit moved
Like all the long and wasted years don't matter
Like it's all alright
Come on Bob turn on the glory light
Like it's all gonna be alright
credits
from
Glory Light,
released April 11, 2020
Isaac Vincent-Violins
David Vassella-Piano
David Braid-Double Bass
Scott Hills-Drums
license
all rights reserved
