SONG OF DEVASTATION No. 22

My husband forwarded me a beautiful letter from Jennifer from Vancouver with a suggestion for a Song of Devastation. My husband and I have long loved this song, and he says to tell you that he is a great friend and admirer of Mary Margaret—that he sees too rarely. Love, Susie x

 

Dear Nick,

Are you and Susie still posting Songs of Devastation?
There is a very special artist whose songs would be a fitting and exquisite addition to your devastation list.
The way you and also Warren speak about your beloved Nina is how I felt about this unique and utterly mesmerizing singer songwriter the heartbreakingly delicate beautiful and otherworldly Mary Margaret O’Hara. Mary rarely performs anymore, the last time I saw her was at your conversations show in Toronto we stood outside the venue post show both of us still high from the magical transporting evening you brought to our city that night.

Perhaps her most devastating song is ‘Help Me Lift You Up.’ I used to go see her play at a bar in my hometown in the 80’s where I worked as a door girl, she played 3 sets a night for 7 days and I would go every night. Standing at the front near the stage on my nights off I could hardly breathe when she sang Help Me Lift You Up. I think it would be a gorgeous albeit crushing addition to the songs of devastation playlist.

Oh and as a side note fun fact or maybe rumour, it was said at the time that Mary used to redo her elaborate bun side-swept long bangs and ringlets between sets in her room above the venue. From Elvis to Dolly I do so love an artist with a great do!!

Hope you are loving your recent return to concert venues I imagine it must be heavenly for all.

Love Jennifer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOlXMxc2vYQ

 

Help Me Lift You Up 

I don't have to tell you that you're all alone
Hear what we will, not go home
You'll have to be with your own kind
I'll have to stay with my own kind
Help me lift you up

So sorry if I can't stop pretending
So sorry if I don't let you go
Like this, but not like this is ending
I think you know
I think you know
Help me lift you up
Help me lift you up

Oh, I have a dream
It's very clear
You're all around
But never near

I have a dream
It's very clear
You're all around
But never near

Oh, help me lift you up

Mary Margaret O’Hara