"An honest man's pillow is his piece of mind" is a lyric to live your life by. One cannot write a more powerful lyric than one that accomplishes that. Another lyric that was powerful in the context of this song is: 'the old man told me this, my son, now I'm telling it to you". Throughout the whole song the listeners believe the story is being told to them. And with one quick, subdued line at the end of the last chorus the whole meaning of the song is altered. The song goes from from some random man telling a personal story to a father imparting the most important of life's lessons onto to his child. That it was practically snuck in and at the end of the song makes that swerve all the more impactful. As a 15 year old listening to this song for the first time in 1985, that one line in particular made me appreciate the lessons of my own father's wisdom, experiences, successes and failures so much more. Thank you JM & GMG.
I grew up listening to John through the troubles in the north of Ireland, his songs were just as relevant here as they were in Indiana. He's a great man with great stories to tell.
When life is beating me up, I listen to this song for inspiration. The part of the old man being a steel worker makes me recall my grandfather who passed of colon cancer in 1975, he worked his life at the Bethlehem Steel and was only 62 when he passed, I still think of him to this day.
This is such a well written song. It just strikes a chord. And, I am a woman with no real ties to the story. I mean it is supposed to be two men on a bus yet this song is a favorite of mine for some unknown reason.
I agree: George Green wrote a hell of a lyrical story here, RIP George, a school buddy of John's. Along with "Small Town", these two songs would be enough reason to buy the LP "Scarecrow", but the WHOLE LP IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Scarecrow album got me through my high school senior year back in 1985. Many well-written songs on that album. However, years of cigarettes, his age, have killed what his voice once was.
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"So, suck it up, and tough it out. Be the best you can" My favorite JCM song
68 now.,30 when this came out... And looking back over the past 35 years... Every lyric hits home
the most underated lyrical song ever. should been a #1. and he shouldve made a vid for it! i do things my way and i pay a high price!!!!!!!
Absolutely my favorite song of his. Strikes a nerve.
One of my favorite JM songs, I understood it even at 14. Its always stuck with me.
"An honest man's pillow is his piece of mind" is a lyric to live your life by. One cannot write a more powerful lyric than one that accomplishes that. Another lyric that was powerful in the context of this song is: 'the old man told me this, my son, now I'm telling it to you". Throughout the whole song the listeners believe the story is being told to them. And with one quick, subdued line at the end of the last chorus the whole meaning of the song is altered. The song goes from from some random man telling a personal story to a father imparting the most important of life's lessons onto to his child. That it was practically snuck in and at the end of the song makes that swerve all the more impactful. As a 15 year old listening to this song for the first time in 1985, that one line in particular made me appreciate the lessons of my own father's wisdom, experiences, successes and failures so much more. Thank you JM & GMG.
I have earned every dollar that has passed through my hands! Damn right!
I grew up listening to John through the troubles in the north of Ireland, his songs were just as relevant here as they were in Indiana. He's a great man with great stories to tell.
This might be his very best amongst many great songs…
When life is beating me up, I listen to this song for inspiration. The part of the old man being a steel worker makes me recall my grandfather who passed of colon cancer in 1975, he worked his life at the Bethlehem Steel and was only 62 when he passed, I still think of him to this day.
phenomenal song period.
On a Greyhound thirty miles beyond Jamestown
"An honest mans pillow is his piece of mind" - accurate and one of my favorite lyrics
This is such a well written song. It just strikes a chord. And, I am a woman with no real ties to the story. I mean it is supposed to be two men on a bus yet this song is a favorite of mine for some unknown reason.
I agree: George Green wrote a hell of a lyrical story here, RIP George, a school buddy of John's. Along with "Small Town", these two songs would be enough reason to buy the LP "Scarecrow", but the WHOLE LP IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ward: Me too. My favorite JCM song. Les S: Me too. This song reminds me of my dad. I hope someday it reminds my daughters of me.
The BEST JCM song ever!!!
The Scarecrow album got me through my high school senior year back in 1985. Many well-written songs on that album. However, years of cigarettes, his age, have killed what his voice once was.
First time I've ever heard JM give George Green credit. GG wrote most of John's good songs.
it sucks how fast we fall apart