The Riot Smoke of Memory

This song features opening and closing motifs. The first time is just to set the scene. After the story is told throughout the verses, it returns to the motif - in the exact same wording - but this time to illuminate the man's current condition and state of mind.

Or at least that's what I'm going to tell Pitchfork, if they ever interview me.

Also, I submit this one as a late Veteran's Day/Armisitice Day tribute to veterans everywhere, but especially former Marine Cpl. Michael J. Donovan (Korea) who received his "final discharge papers" this past February. Best uncle I ever had - though this song is not about him.

THE RIOT SMOKE OF MEMORY

afternoons with walter
on his back porch drinkin’ beer
feet up on a wooden crate – yellow toenails cracked like antique mirrors
and ol’ bess the shephard collie with a tabby-cat asleep between her paws
they nuzzle one another now and then – born again outlaws

walter tells his story
we go sailin’ back through time
to a two-room dirt floor company shack of Virginia’s coal mines
where daddy swung his fist every time he got laid off and debts grew deep
momma grew so tired of that fist - she surprised him in his sleep

the memories fresh of bruises old
they circle ‘round to take their hold
but walter’s holdin’ on (C)
the stubborn will survive
and one by one they’ll fire their guns
to the last man left alive

too young for Iwo Jima
with their statues and parades
but just right for the Frozen Chosin – and a snowy unmarked grave
he says, “i beat those odds and made it back
and the schrapnel in my leg aint killed me yet
but a couple chinese faces and my ringin’ ears just won’t let me forget”

Repeat (C)

his temper and his nightmares kept him out of steady work
drivin’ trucks and packin’ crates – diggin’ lonely ditches in the dirt
the 50’s and the 60’s were a day-to-day tornado he survived
it only cost him his youth and a couple angry wives

but out here on the back porch
the demons disappear
the riot smoke of memory fades a little more and more each year
and ol’ bess the shephard collie has a tabby cat asleep between her paws
they nuzzle one another now and then – born again outlaws.

(C)2002 Dave Donovan