Saturday Slow Down: Mary Chapin Carpenter "John Doe No.24"

I don't think I can love this song more than I already do.

The simplicity and slow, deliberate tempo seems to create for the listener the silent world of "John Doe No.24."

Knowing Mary Chapin Carpenter wrote this based on an actual newspaper clipping she came across makes it all the more poignant.  There's a kind of calm acceptance of life's situation in the way Mary Chapin writes as "John."

I've been affected by the song from the day I heard it.  I've never really known why other than it's clearly theatrical sense of soliloquy.

Listening today I was reminded of growing up without my own mother and a father who, although he loved me, was somewhat absent.  And, as a young child, I was very quiet and happy to be in my own world.

Then I found my "crepe jasmine" - my best friend Carlye - who opened up new senses, colors and confidence in me.  For the first time in my young life, this "orphan shoe" was no longer missing the other.

I guess that's where John Doe and I diverged.  Lucky me.

I hope you like the song.