After recently writing about Leonard Cohen’s passing and some thoughts about the recent presidential election, it is appropriate that I should mention, too, the passing of a unique musical talent, Mose Allison, who died on November 15, 2016, four days after his 89th birthday.  Although his work has been called too bluesy for jazz and to jazzy for the blues, it has been accepted and honored in many fields.  In addition to his many recordings, many of his songs have been performed by the likes of the Who, the Clash, Elvis Costello, Georgie Fame, Van Morrison, Blue Cheer, Paul Butterfield, Bonnie Raitt, Leon Russell, Roy Rogers and many, many others.

One of the most memorable things about Allison’s writing was the wry sense of humor with which he observed the world around him.

I would like to share a couple of his songs that seem to be relevant to our current political situation.  First, here are the words to “Everybody’s Cryin’ Mercy”:

I can’t believe the things I’m seeing
I wonder about some things I’ve heard
Everybody’s Crying Mercy
When they don’t know the meaning of the word

A bad enough situation
Is sure enough getting worse
Everybody’s Cryin’ Justice
Just as long as there’s business first

Toe to toe
Touch and go
Give a cheer
Get your souvenir

People running around in circles
Don’t know what they’re headed for
Everybody’s Crying Peace on Earth
Just as soon as we win this war

Straight ahead
Knock ’em dead

Pack your kit
Choose your hypocrite
Well you don’t have to go to the movies
To see something plain absurd

Everybody’s Crying Mercy
When they don’t know the meaning of the word
Nobody knows the meaning of the word

And here is a YouTube video of “Your Mind Is On Vacation”: