This is the second in Cornelius Eady’s series of Limited Edition chapbook-CDs (following the 2013 Book of Hooks.) It’s hard to imagine a more timely collection than Singing While Black. The chapbook opens with poems Eady often brings to the mike before his blues-folk band, Rough Magic, performs, including: “Aretha Franklin’s Inaugural Hat,” “Otis Redding, being pulled from Lake Monoma,” and “Emmett Till’s Glass Top Casket.”

Lyrics of the thirteen songs of the contained CD follow, threading Eady’s familiar preoccupations: the truth of our history; the blues of our daily struggle; the sweetness of our self-delusions and occasionally, our moments of ringing clarity. It is no accident that Eady is already the recipient of a slew of literary awards. Singing While Black underscores his importance, as well, as a contemporary songwriter and musician.

Half-Shut

          Words and Music: Cornelius Eady

 

You tried to reach out and grab his hand

But he was made of barb wire

Don’t patty-cake with a rattlesnake

Or try to kiss a fire

 

Keep your mouth half-shut

 

Jesus tried to save the world

They hung him up like a scarecrow

Changed the water into wine

Refused that boy like a Negro

 

Keep your mouth half-shut

 

Three ships sailed into the bay

They claimed the world was Christian

You tried to give them your proper name

They weren’t there to listen

 

Keep your mouth half-shut

 

He tells you this

He tells you that

He’s a fountain of sorrow

Any beggar who steals your time

Won’t give it back tomorrow

 

Keep your mouth half-shut