For Ray Augustine

Chicago recently suffered the loss of a great musician and wonderful friend with the passing of Ray Augustine. I had the pleasure of playing with him at many an open-mic and backyard BBQ over the years, as many of us did. We will all miss him.

In his memory, I want to post a song that he especially enjoyed playing with me - one that suited his soulful, lonesome harmonica perfectly. I wish I had an audio file I could post here, but for now, the lyrics will have to do.

THE METER

hard knocks and want-nots
trace their way to me
lost rails and buzzard tails
weave a strand for me

dry runs and pale suns
lay their claim to me
word-knives and staggered sighs
tighten up to me

it’s good to remember that it pays to forget
the meter’s been runnin’ awhile and it ain’t done yet.

high roads and half-loads
slip around to me
spare skies and alibis
lean in hard to me

[SOLO]

it’s good to remember that it pays to forget
the meter’s been runnin’ awhile and it ain’t done yet.

first signs and last times
make that crawl to me
old bells and wishing wells
stand on guard for me

(C)2001 Dave Donovan


Ray, that last boxcar has left the yard. We'll meet you somewhere down the tracks...