It was a sad loss for country music yesterday with the passing of Don Williams. The Gentle Giant was always my favorite country music artist. In part, because I always thought he looked like my high school Physics and Geology teacher—Mr. Ian Smith, one of my favorite teachers. Mostly, it was soft, deep voice and relevant lyrics that I loved the most.
I trust that the clock in heaven are now set to Tulsa time.
I can’t say I have a favorite Don Williams song—because they are all great—but “I Believe in Love” always strikes a chord. It is still significant today as it was when he first released the recording in 1980. So, I share the lyrics here and hope they resonate.
“I don’t believe in superstars
Organic food and foreign cars
I don’t believe the price of gold
The certainty of growing old
That right is right and left is wrong
That north and south can’t get along
That east is east and west is west
And bein’ first is always best.
But I believe in love
I believe in babies
I believe in mom and dad
And I believe in you.
Well, I dont believe that heaven waits
For only those who congregate
I’d like to think of God as love
He’s down below
He’s up above
He’s watchin’ people everywhere
He knows who does and doesn’t care
And I’m an ordinary man
Sometimes I wonder who I am.
But I believe in love
I believe in music
I believe in magic
And I believe in you.
I know with all my certainty
What’s goin’ on with you and me
Is a good thing
It’s true
I believe in you.
I dont believe virginity
Is as common as it used be
In workin’ days and sleepin’ nights
That black is black and white is white
That Superman and Robinhood
Are still alive in Hollywood
That gasoline’s in short supply
The risin’ cost of gettin’ by
But I believe in love
I believe in old folks
I believe in children
I believe in you.
I believe in love
I believe in babies
I believe in mom and dad
And I believe in you.”
Image source: http://img.wennermedia.com/social/rs-226487-don-original.jpg