Take Me For Longing, Or...

While I'm normally pretty darn upbeat here--because, after all, it's bluegrass!--these last few days -- ok, the last couple of years -- have held a few unpleasant moments. So here's a vent, and I dedicate it to all those strong, intelligent, hardworking, passionate women out there who are sitting around, alone, scratching their heads, wondering, wondering, wondering.

Now, I'm not easy to love. I've screwed up a few times, most notably by marrying some fool who really couldn't give a rat's ass about anything but making sure I was the butt of every joke he made. Once clear of that train wreck, I managed to stumble into an ill-fated love story with a man who only too late -- after he'd already killed my love for him with a number of weapons -- recognized what a real deal I am. Now, I like my independence, that's true. In fact, were I ever to really get my panties in a bunch over somebody, giving up my way of life, even for something infinitely better, might actually be difficult.

But at this point, dear readers, you and I may never know! One thing is certain, though, I'll never settle again. And I hope you won't either. As I assured a fellow fine woman blogger going through a similar pass earlier this week, we deserve to be ADORED. PERIOD. Damn it!

I wish I were more competent at offering you audio delicacies, but, I suck at it. So I'll just tell you about this next one which should have a teeny clip attached above.

Of the very very too too few bands fronted by women in bluegrass, Alison Krauss and Union Station is one kind of band. This is a collection of extraordinary seasoned musicians -- including Ohio's very own Jerry Douglas (isnt' he the only dobro player in the world?), the phenomenal Ron Block on banjo, and the unforgettable voice of Dan Tyminski (George Clooney's singing voice in O! Brother) She brings to it her trademark buttery voice -- the type I'm not personally particularly fond of because it's almost "too pretty" for bluegrass. However, on the band's stunning live release, she does belt out a few. Among them this evocative gem written by Mark Simos. It's my best offer, at the moment.

TAKE ME FOR LONGING

Don't choose me because I am faithful.
Don't choose me because I am kind.
If your heart settles on me, I'm for the taking.
Take me for longing or leave me behind.

I would be, for you, a fire in a rainbow,
I would be, for you, an opening door.
Time and hard lessons are one kind of wisdom.
Try to forget them or love me no more.

(instrumental)

I'm not asking your heart to believe me.
I'm not asking for promise or pledge.
Whatever the answer, it's yes that's the question.
I am the fool dancin' over the edge.

(instrumental)

Don't choose me because I am faithful.
Don't choose me because I am kind.
If your heart settles on me, I'm for the taking.
Take me for longing or leave me behind.