"Gentle on my Mind" -- remembering Glen Campbell

[3notes]

It's awfully nice to see the tributes to Glen Campbell. I saw him live in Portland, Maine. It brought to light what an incredible guitar player he was. Absolutely amazing.

I got John Hartford's autograph that night. He's one of my favorites of all-time. I told him his music "reminds me of all things old." He looked up at me and said... "you know, that's about the finest compliment I've ever received."

It was a special night...

My heart goes out to both of them.

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by 3notes

It's awfully nice to see the tributes to Glen Campbell. I saw him live in Portland, Maine. It brought to light what an incredible guitar player he was. Absolutely amazing.

I got John Hartford's autograph that night. He's one of my favorites of all-time. I told him his music "reminds me of all things old." He looked up at me and said... "you know, that's about the finest compliment I've ever received."

It was a special night...

My heart goes out to both of them.

Hi 3notes,

Thanks for the comments. How cool that you got to talk to John Hartford! What a wonderful memory for you.

- Glenn

[Rogerblair]

Good morning Glenn. What a great way to start my weekend, listening to your cool tribute to Glen. And, you're right, the Guild sets the mood for that song perfectly. Great job.

The lyrics are so engaging that I never thought about the fact that there is no chorus. Also, I never considered that it probably is more appealing to guys than to ladies... sort of living a roustabout lifestyle (at least until it's time for supper) ��.

Thanks again for sharing your time and talent with us. I always look forward to the newest "Glenn tune" on the forum.

Roger

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by Rogerblair

Good morning Glenn. What a great way to start my weekend, listening to your cool tribute to Glen. And, you're right, the Guild sets the mood for that song perfectly. Great job.

The lyrics are so engaging that I never thought about the fact that there is no chorus. Also, I never considered that it probably is more appealing to guys than to ladies... sort of living a roustabout lifestyle (at least until it's time for supper) ��.

Thanks again for sharing your time and talent with us. I always look forward to the newest "Glenn tune" on the forum.

Roger

Hi Roger,

Thanks for your thoughts and comments on this song! I'm really glad you liked this!

You're right that there is no chorus, only the hook at the end of each verse about "...gentle on my mind." I really hadn't thought about that. I guess I just got used to the idea over the years that some songs are just a string of verses with no chorus. Kind of like "The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald."

The lyrics are engaging and I think very well written. That last verse is just plain poetic...

I dip my cup of soup back from a gurglin' cracklin' cauldron
In some train yard;
My beard a rustlin' coal pile
And a dirty hat pulled low across my face.
Through cupped hands 'round a tin can
I pretend to hold you to my breast and find
That you're waitin' from the back roads
By the rivers of my memory
Ever smilin', ever gentle on my mind.

I think it really is a "guy" kind of song. It's also part of that genre of folk songs about "the ramblin' man." (Even in the spoof, "A Mighty Wind", they have a "ramblin'" song!) I found the song appealing from the first time I heard it, yet my wife never liked it. I can see why. She particularly doesn't like that line about "...And some other woman's cryin' to her mother 'Cause she turned and I was gone..."

So, this is not a big favorite song around my house. But as a tribute to Glen Campbell, I can't think of a better song!

Thanks so much for your comments, Roger!

- Glenn

[Toby Walker]

Beautiful. Right in your wheelhouse Glenn!!

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

Beautiful. Right in your wheelhouse Glenn!!

Thank you so much, Toby! How nice of you to comment!

- Glenn

[Gitarre]

As always Glenn, I really enjoy your playing and singing. Always interesting how the memory works regarding your playing the song. Look forward to your next.

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by Gitarre

As always Glenn, I really enjoy your playing and singing. Always interesting how the memory works regarding your playing the song. Look forward to your next.

Thanks so much, John! Wonderful that you liked this; I really appreciate your taking the time to comment!

It is interesting how memory works, and it's different for each of us. For some reason, I tend to remember music and I really have a hard time with lyrics.

- Glenn

[flatbaroque]

I've enjoyed all the tributes posted here.This was great.Enjoyed yours and Roger's observation on the lyrics too.

[Silly Moustache]

You did it again Glenn, you owned it.

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by flatbaroque

I've enjoyed all the tributes posted here.This was great.Enjoyed yours and Roger's observation on the lyrics too.

Thank you FB -- I very much appreciate your comments!

- Glenn

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

You did it again Glenn, you owned it.

Thank you Andy! I appreciate that you are listening and commenting!

- Glenn

[marty bradbury]

Wow, That took me back a few years..lol..Loved it Glenn,

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by marty bradbury

Wow, That took me back a few years..lol..Loved it Glenn,

Thanks Marty! Very nice of you to listen and comment!

Yes, the song takes me back, too!

- Glenn

[SalFromChatham]

Oh my brother... what a great song and cover. Well done!

I remember being 5 years old in perhaps 1971ish when my mom would play a Glen vinyl. I wish I still had it.

I played a gig with my partner last night in a bar in Breezy Point Brooklyn. We played Wichita Lineman as a tribute - cold. We had never rehearsed it. We just knew the song each individually, and played it. Karma worked. We complemented each other amazingly and I thought it was the best song we did. Sadly most of the patrons did not know the tune, and it therefore went over - flattish.

What an amazing voice and guitar that man had. RIP Glenn