Civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois once wrote that "a classic is a book that doesn't have to be written again." Those old enough, or musically literate enough, to remember Roy Orbison's 1961 song "Crying" will likely agree that he nailed it. It is a classic that couldn't be improved upon. Yet 17 years later, Don McLean nailed it as well.
McLean is almost exclusively known for the song "American Pie." This is unfortunate because he has had a very long and rich career. Even though the lyrics about unrequited love are sad, there is something uplifting in the honest beauty of McLean’s version of “Crying,” which prompted me to post it for those who have never heard it, or would like to hear it again. It also may prompt some of you to check out other McLean songs such as “Vincent,” “And I Love You So,” “Empty Chairs” and “Castles in the Air,” or even see him live, for he is still performing at age 79.
However, when I tried to put together a simple video for the song, I encountered a problem. The sentiments of 1960s and 1970s songs do not fit 21st century video. With “Crying” being a sensitive song, I tried to find short clips of sweet, gentle relationships. But when I went to the “Love and Romance” section, I encountered mostly narcissistic images of nasty people engaging in public displays of sexual foreplay. Video snippets of sub-reptilian mating habits didn’t fit a song about deeply caring about another human being. When I placed the two together, the images made the song appear creepy and cynical.
But never fear, I have put together a video which features mostly non-humans. All of this, though, convinces me more than ever that what is ailing the United States cannot be solved politically because it is not a political problem. There is something terribly wrong deep within the soul of modern America.
But let’s push aside all that for a while. Instead, sit back and enjoy this beautiful cover of “Crying” by Don McLean.
