It was a sad day for music, story tellers, and those who work hard every day so their families can survive. Nanci Griffith, the Grammy-winning folk and country songwriter whose popular recordings include “Love at the Five and Dime,” “Once in a Very Blue Moon,” and “Outbound Plane,” died Friday, August 13th, her manager confirmed to Rolling Stone. No cause of death was given. She was 68. When I read the news, I immediately went to Youtube to listen to her song “Trouble in the Fields.” I was surprised to find a rendition of the song not only featuring Nanci Griffith, but another of our favorite Irish singers, Maura O’Connell. If you love both of those singers you will really enjoy this version of the song and even if you know nothing of either singer, please watch and enjoy. – https://youtu.be/8l87JpWkbI0
Baby I know that we’ve got trouble in the fields
When the bankers swarm like locust out there turning away our yield
The trains roll by our silos, silver in the rain
They leave our pockets full of nothing
But our dreams and the golden grain
Troubled Fields – Written by: NANCI GRIFFITH, RICK WEST
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
I loved Maura O’Connell’s recorded version of “Blue Train,” but then today I found this version featuring James Grant, Nanci Griffith and Maura O’Connell. The three combine to deliver an overwhelming sadness. It’s a quiet howl that engulf your entire being, the brain, and our collective souls. – youtu.be/ORMUqhofLGw
Peg and I scored nicely nearly thirty years ago when we bought tickets for a Nanci Griffith concert at The Moore in Seattle. Joining Peg and me was our dear friend Jan Runbeck. Peg wanted to go for two reasons: Nanci Griffith and Guy Clark (another favorite country singer). In reality, we were granted a boon. Replacing Guy Clark was Iris Dement. She was part of Nanci’s group, but had recently released her own CD and sang a number of solos with the group at the concert. We fell in love her songs and her voice. Here is a rendition of “I Wish It Would Rain,” a Nanci Griffith song accompanied by Iris Dement. They both have that country music twang that can pierce your heart and soul or make you laugh depending upon your needs.
Nanci loved the songs of John Prine, who died in 2020 of COVID. He teamed up on duets with both Nanci Griffith as well as Iris Dement. Peg and I have seen three concerts with Nanci Griffith in Seattle. One of our favorite numbers is “The Speed of the Sound of Loneliness” written by John Prine. Here are Nanci Griffith and John Prine (dressed as angels) singing.
It’s a mighty mean and a dreadful sorrow
It’s crossed the evil line today
Well, how can you ask about tomorrow
We ain’t got one word to say
The Speed of the Sound of Loneliness – Written by: John Prine
