Brian Wilson, leader of the Sixties legends, The Beach Boys, is one of America's greatest pop songwriters of all time. Many don't realize that he is an equally loving and spiritual being, with a genius ability to write some of the most heartfelt songs ever heard.
"Love and Mercy" is one of his most moving and most compassionate compositions about the gift of unconditional love for all of humanity.
BRIAN WILSON – "Love and Mercy" (Words and music by Brian Wilson)
I was sittin' in a crummy movie with my hands on my chin
Oh the violence that occurs seems like we never win
Love and mercy that's what you need tonight
So, love and mercy to you and your friends tonight
I was lyin' in my room and the news came on T.V.
A lotta people out there hurtin' and it really scares me
Love and mercy that's what you need tonight
So, love and mercy to you and your friends tonight
I was standin' in a bar and watchin' all the people there
Oh the loneliness in this world well it's just not fair
Bob Dylan has written a motherlode of deeply moving and profound songs in his vast career. But perhaps, "I Shall Be Released" may be one of his most passionate and heart-felt.
It was released very early in his career and many other artists have chosen to record their own versions. One of the best versions is found in the film, "The Last Waltz," which was a tribute to the group, The Band, Bob Dylan's backing musicians when he made the controversial choice to go "electric" in 1965.
The chorus to "I Shall Be Released" is what gives it such a spiritually uplifing tone. Absolutely beautiful song!
They say ev'rything can be replaced,
Yet ev'ry distance is not near.
So I remember ev'ry face
Of ev'ry man who put me here.
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east.
Any day now, any day now,
I shall be released.
They say ev'ry man needs protection,
They say ev'ry man must fall.
Yet I swear I see my reflection
Some place so high above this wall.
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east.
Any day now, any day now,
I shall be released.
Standing next to me in this lonely crowd,
Is a man who swears he's not to blame.
All day long I hear him shout so loud,
Crying out that he was framed.
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east.
Any day now, any day now,
I shall be released.
