Screaming Issue

Just about anyone who knows me knows that Loudon Wainwright III is one of my favorite songwriters of all time. In honor of my brother Jim's birthday, I'm posting one of Loudon's songs that is apropos in several ways. First, of course is the birth date Jim and Lucy (Loudon's daughter by Suzzy Roche) share; secondly, we also had a grandfather who lived in Manhattan; and thirdly, if there's a screamer in the family, it would be Jim.

It's one of Loudon's quirkier songs as melodies go, but I still love it. In fact, that's one of the reasons.

Happy Birthday, Beak!

Screaming Issue

By Loudon Wainwright III

You and Ludwig van Beethoven
And your Manhattan grandfather
Born on the 16th of December
Ludwig, grandfather and you

In Poland tanks were rolling
On Hudson street it was snowing
Taxi ride to the hospital
Laboring by centimeters

Lucy, when I hear you crying I don't know what I can do
You're so miserable lying next to me I can't help you

Who were you in your last life?
How come you came at Christmas?
If you had waited longer
You might have been Lady Di's baby

Lucy when I hear you crying I don't know what I can do
You're so miserable lying next to me I can't help you

It's New Year's Day your first one
What is your resolution?
It's raining, grey beginning
Here's to Ludwig, grandfather and

You and Ludwig van Beethoven
And your Manhattan grandfather
Born on the 16th of December
Ludwig, grandfather and you