above: a last album
below: blind faith covered “Well… Alright”
Well alright, so I’m being foolish
Well alright, let people know
about the dreams and wishes you wish
in the night when lights are low
Well alright, well alright
We will live and love with all our might
Well alright, well alright
Our life time love will be alright
Well alright so I’m going steady
Its alright when people say
That those foolish kids can’t be ready
For the love that comes their way
Well alright, well alright
We will live and love with all our might
Well alright, well alright
Our life time love will be alright
The greatness that is “Well, Alright” lies in its simplicity. Can’t that be said really about every Holly track? The way he sings with a growl, a hiccup, a hushed whisper? How the rhythm guitar track cuts through the mix like a chef chops onions? Quick, precise, consistent and plentiful?
As is the case with the best in recorded music, there is not a lot on here. A ride cymbal drives the percussion. Lead guitar harmonizes over the basic track. Holly’s vocals sound like they’re right up close to you. The mere hint of a bass line pumps along as counter point to the lead guitar.
Examine the lyrics now. Is there anything to examine? They’re so simple, so conversational, so matter of fact. All right, I’m foolish, I dream. I’m not ready, but I’m still going to. With all my might for that matter.
The song is over as quickly as it started. Just like his life. He died at age 22. Musicians will spend their entire careers trying to even come close to approaching what he accomplished in two short years. He died on this day in 1959. More importantly, he was born on September 7th, 1936. Today, we celebrate his life and what he gave rock and roll, which is in a word, immeasurable.