Back in the mid-80s, I came across a band that I still love — Lone Justice, fronted by the phenomenally gifted Maria McKee, whose voice is a national treasure and whose songwriting beyond compare. The band, a funky mix of country, cow-punk, and roots rock, split up after only two albums; on their first, simply titled “Lone Justice,” Maria belts out “Soap, Soup, and Salvation,” an ode to Gospel missions that’ll knock you right out of your Birkenstocks. And, for all of you raised on Methodist camp songs, there’s a terrific surprise at the end.
I don’t know how to imbed songs or lyrics, but you can find the lyrics and, I think, listen to the song at:
http://www.cmt.com/lyrics/lone-justice/soap-soup-and-salvation/590762/lyrics.jhtml
You want a high-tech, media-swollen blog? This isn’t it. But listen to Maria sing — anything, I mean, even the back of a cereal box — and you’ll thank me, I promise.
Even if you don’t like punk music or a Western-swing country version thereof. Enjoy.
That takes me back! My very first date (other than hiking) with Mary was to see Lone Justice at some dive punk rock club in Pomona. The supporting act was an extremely loud punk group and I worried whether there would ever be another date. I sure enjoyed Lone Justice though (Mary less so). Think I’ll go pull out some records, remember those?
Greg H (Mary has stolen my Google account identity)
Comment by Anonymous — April 7, 2010 @ 3:03 pm
Not exactly Bob Dylan, but . . .
“Soap, Soup, and Salvation”
By Maria McKee
All ill-fated sorts
Who sleep on doorways and in alleyways
Take a stumble to the corner
There’s heavenly music played
No more taking recreation
With your dark defeated friend
They who seek the consolation of the bottle
Never win
Soap, soup and salvation
Tired hearts sing in jubilation
Restoration at the rescue mission
Soap, soup and salvation
Brother Randle is a bit
Long winded and a little loud
And as he pounds the pulpit
The sweat flies from his brow
Making sure none are caught slumbering
In the mournful motley crowd
For the ones who stay awake
Are therefore graciously endowed with
Soap, soup and salvation
Tired hearts sing in jubilation
Restoration at the rescue mission
Soap, soup and salvation
Procter and Gamble
Campbell’s gospel
Watch brother Randle wave that bible
Bein’ drunk and hungry
Seemed like more fun cause
They don’t feed no one
Til’ the preacher’s done
I just thought I heard the choir singing
My old favorite song
That old harmony is still familiar
Though it’s been so long
Lonely faces, empty glances
They surround me everywhere
But those sweet angelic voices
Are now rising through the air
“When the roll is called up yonder”
“When the roll is called up yonder”
“When the roll is called up yonder”
“When the roll is called up yonder”
I’ll be there with
Soap, soup and salvation
Tired hearts sing in jubilation
Restoration at the rescue mission
Soap, soup and salvation
Comment by Tom Hansen — April 9, 2010 @ 11:18 pm