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IN DUBIOUS BATTLE
James Michael Taylor
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…after reading John Steinbeck’s IN DUBIOUS BATTLE and watching the John Ford movie of GRAPES OF WRATH. The opening and closing statements are quotes from the Preacher in the movie.
A friend said he wanted to do a video of this track. I thought, “Isn’t it already a video?” I saw it as I listened to it.
IN DUBIOUS BATTLE
Put a penny on a railroad track.
And you know you never get it back.
It’ll never be worth a copper
Everything you own in a gunny sack
“Put your hands behind your back.”
“Step back from the car.”
“There’s a bunch of them down by the river.”
…….
“I own this damn orchard.”
“This is my town, kid.”
“We need a doctor over here.”
Lady in the camp gonna have a baby.
Gotta boil some water and I don’t mean maybe.
Gotta be back on her feet tomorrow.
Is one dead baby worth all this sorrow?
Gotta get it up.
…..
Gotta get outta bed if you’re gonna make history.
…..
I hear a siren and I pull it over.
Look in the mirror, can’t believe I’m sober.
“Going 55 in a 55, officer.”
“What’s it gonna cost for me to get outta here?”
Here we are again in a dubious battle.
Gettin’ tired of being herded like cattle.
Hit me in the head til my brains will rattle
“Gimmie two steps and I’ll scadaddle.”
Here I am again in a dubious battle…
“You can run, kid, but you can’t hide.”
“You will do what I say, because I’m the boss.”
Here we are again in a dubious battle.
Up a creek without a paddle.
“That’s why I can’t be a preacher any more.
A preacher’s gotta know. I gotta ask.” Preacher/Grapes of Wrath.
(C) 2008 Royal T music
James Michael Taylor
said
Tony Desmuke I still think "In Dubious Battle" is one of the best songs that you wrote. If nothing else, the production was incredible. We still listen to it occasionally.
Guest
said
No doubt you my friend are genius. Ghost dance.
James Michael Taylor
said
Gwyn Henry The Stienbeck excerpt: Especially the 2nd paragraph. My Gawd! I had forgotten how that man could write!!! I had forgotten why he is an icon among American writers,. Touched by the gods. As is your song, In Dubious Battle. It is an opus. imhop. If you had never written another song, just leaving this one would earn you a place in the echelons!! (OK, I'll calm down now.) These two pieces in combination have moved me greatly for their Truth. And so totally relevant today.
Guest
said
LOVE this! Love all that's going on dramaticaly in the sound track. Love the use of text from the book. Love the driving rat-a-tat rhythm. Very creative. Almost like a movie! :)
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