Monday, February 8, 2010

The January Man

There's a beautiful song by Bert Jansch that I want to share with you. I often find myself humming it in crisp, sharp, wintry weather like what we're having now. Click here to listen to it on Rhapsody.
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The lyrics are the best part. If you don't have time to listen, then just read the lyrics. It's more of a poem, really.
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Oh, the January man, he walks abroad in woolen coat and boots of leather.
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The February man still wipes the snow from off his hair and blows his hand.
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The man of March, he sees the spring, and wonders what the year will bring, and hopes for better weather.
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Through April rain, the man goes down to watch the birds come in to share the summer.
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The man of May stands very still, watching the children dance away the day.
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In June, the man inside the man is young, and wants to lend a hand, and grins at each newcomer.
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And in July, the man in cotton shirts, he sits and thinks on being idle.
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The August man in thousands take the road and watch the sea and find the sun.
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September man is standing near to saddle up and lead the year, and autumn is his bridle.
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The man of new October takes the reins, and early frost is on his shoulder.
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The poor November man sees fire and wind and mist and rain and winter air.
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December man looks through the snow to let eleven brothers know they're all a little older.
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And the January man comes round again in woolen coat and boots of leather,
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To take another turn and walk along the icy road he knows so well.
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The January man is here for starting each and every year - along the road forever.
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