What does the tune imply to you now?
I’m not a nostalgic particular person, however I can inform once I play it for the viewers that they’re. I may do a complete present of hits if I wished to, however I don’t. That’s one purpose I stop enjoying arenas and enjoying open air. It wasn’t about music — it was about being a human jukebox.
What you’re observing and describing in these songs appears to be a decaying thought of America, particularly in “The Eyes of Portland.”
That tune is a real story. I used to be in Portland six or seven years in the past, having lunch at a elaborate restaurant. There was a 25-year-old lady strolling manically forwards and backwards, exterior the restaurant. She informed me that no one wished her again residence, as a result of she was an excessive amount of hassle. I gave her some cash, and she or he stated, “Do I’ve to have intercourse with you for this cash?” I stated no, and she or he took off operating. I don’t know if that lady made it residence, so I wrote a tune about her.
The first tune in your first album was referred to as “American Dream.” For your second album, you wrote “American Son.” Jack and Diane are “two American youngsters,” and the hook to “Pink Houses” is “Ain’t that America.” Is it truthful to say that whatever the period, you’re at all times singing about America?
I’m going to cite Bob Dylan to you. Bob and I had been portray collectively someday, and I requested him how he wrote so many nice songs. In all seriousness, he stated, “John, I’ve written the identical 4 [expletive] songs 1,000,000 times.” I’m going to get in keeping with Bob on that. It’s at all times the identical tune, simply extra mature or with a unique angle.
Why has your singing voice modified a lot?
Because I nonetheless smoke. My grandmother lived to be 100. I’m fairly certain I received’t make it that lengthy, as a result of I began smoking once I was 10. When you begin smoking, you need to wish to. But now it’s the one factor that I do properly, so I don’t mess with it.
Content Source: www.nytimes.com