Where Did You Happen to Be

Summary

The website content reflects on historical freedom and safety through a series of limericks, juxtaposing pastoral life with the arrival of intrusive forces, and complements the narrative with classic songs that echo similar themes of loss and longing.

Abstract

The web content presents a poignant reflection on the concept of freedom and safety in the past, contrasting it with a time before disruptive elements arrived. It is structured around a series of limericks that depict idyllic scenes of life in different settings such as the veld, forests, and along the Silk Road, all disrupted by the arrival of men from the sea. The narrative is interwoven with musical references, including the 1973 song "The Battle Is Over (But The War Goes On)" by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, and Randy Newman's "Sail Away," which is presented in a 2008 live performance. These musical pieces resonate with the theme of a paradise lost and the harsh realities that followed, particularly in the context of the American dream and the history of slave trading. The content also acknowledges the influence of oral traditions and the impact of external forces on them. Additionally, the author thanks Marla Bishop for a Limerick prompt that may have inspired the piece, with a link to a related article titled "Enough Already."

Opinions

The author nostalgically longs for a time when people lived freely and safely, uncorrupted by external influences.
There is a sense of loss and a yearning for the simplicity and peace that characterized life before the arrival of disruptive forces.
The repeated phrase "Before the men came from the sea" suggests a critical view of colonialism and its impact on various cultures.
Music is presented as a powerful medium that can express feelings and take the listener to a place of understanding beyond words.
The inclusion of "The Battle Is Over (But The War Goes On)" implies a recognition that while specific conflicts may end, the struggles they represent continue.
Randy Newman's "Sail Away" is used to highlight the irony and tragedy of the American dream, especially in the context of African slave trading.
The author expresses gratitude for creative inspiration, indicating the importance of community and collaboration in artistic endeavors.

On that day in history

Image by Rujhan Basir on Pixabay

Was there a time when we were free When it was safe to be you and me We ran o’er the veld How sweet the air smelled Before the men came from the sea

Was there a time when we were free When it was safe to be you and me The forests our home In peace did we roam Before the men came from the sea

Was there a time when we were free When it was safe to be you and me Traveled the Silk Road Wealth in camels we showed Before the men came from the sea

Was there a time when we were free When it was safe to be you and me When we honored our gold Not something to be sold Before the men came from the sea

Was there a time when we were free When it was safe to be you and me Then our oral tradition Was sent to perdition When those learned men came from the sea

Often words alone cannot express what I seek. Then I let the music take me where I need to be. Please join me.

Sail Away

Randy Newman’s composition features on the same album but this 2008 live performance by Randy in London deserves a hearing.

In this song Newman describes the American dream of a promised land as it might have been presented to black Africa in slave running days, but also with the full knowledge of everything to follow.

Thank you to Marla Bishop for the Limerick prompt in this Ideastream:

Limerick

Where Did You Happen to Be

On that day in history

The Battle Is Over (But The War Goes On)

Sail Away

Enough Already

It’s time for the brutality to stop