Stranger in a Strange Land
He was a Stranger in a Strange Land. How many days has it been Since I was born How many days until I die -Leon Russell Apr 02, 1942 – Nov 13, 2016 (age 74) Watch Leon perform “Stranger in a Strange Land.” If the date calculator I used is correct, Leon Russell lived 27,254. That’s a lot of days. 27, 254 days How many days since I was born? How many days until I die? I always liked the music of Leon Russell, especially after seeing him live. In about 1980, Leon, his wife Mary, and band traveled with Willie Nelson. I’ve always tried to attend a Willie Nelson concert when possible. That night we got a double shot. Leon Russell sang with a growl, beat on his keys, and his wife showed her Gospel roots. Willie, as always, put on a fine show. Then Leon joined Willie on stage and they sang and played until late in the night. They sang various styles and looked like they were having a good time. And when a musician/band looks like they’re having fun, the audience will too. It was a night to remember. All of this came back to me with Leon’s death on Sunday. I went through my Leon playlist and was reminded of why I loved his music. If you have Spotify or Pandora, take a listen. You won’t get the full effect until you listen to one of his live albums. On one live song, he promises the audience, “If you put on a show for me, I’ll put on a show for you.” Fair deal if you ask me. I always wondered about Leon’s faith. He loved singing Gospel and lots of his songs had those faith-themes that most Southern writers/songwriters have. (He was born in Oklahoma). Here’s an example: And the baby looks around him And shares his bed of hay With the burro in the palace of the king He’s a stranger in a strange land My favorite song of his was “A Stranger in a Strange Land.” I often played it during my African sojourn. The song (full lyrics are below) spoke to my heart. I truly felt like a stranger in a strange land. My current novel, As the Crow Flies, has a chapter entitled, “Stranger in a Strange Land.” You can read it here. Scroll down to chapter 4. Watch Leon perform “Stranger in a Strange Land.” Rest in peace, Leon. Complete lyrics to Stranger in a Strange Land Stranger in a Strange Land Leon Russell How many days has it been Since I was born How many days until I die Do I know any ways That I can make you laugh Or do I only know how to make you cry When the baby looks around him It’s such a sight to see He shares a simple secret With the wise man He’s a stranger in a strange land Just a stranger in a strange land Tell me why He’s a stranger in a strange land Just a stranger in a strange land How many miles will it take To see the sun And how many years until it’s done Kiss my confusion away in the night Lay by side when the morning comes And the baby looks around him And shares his bed of hay With the burro in the palace of the king He’s a stranger in a strange land Tell me why He’s a stranger in a strange land Just a stranger in a strange land Well, I don’t exactly know What’s going on in the world today Don’t know what there is to say About the way the people are treating Each other, not like brothers Leaders take us far away from ecology With mythology and astrology Has got some words to say About the way we live today Why can’t we learn to love each other It’s time to turn a new face To the whole world wide human race Stop the money chase Lay back, relax Get back on the human track Stop racing toward oblivion Oh, such a sad, sad state we’re in And that’s a thing Do you recognize the bells of truth When you hear them ring Won’t you stop and listen To the children sing Won’t you come on and sing it children He’s a stranger in a strange land Just a stranger in a strange land Songwriters: DON J. PRESTON, LEON RUSSELL © Universal Music Publishing Group For non-commercial use only. Data from: LyricFind Of Thee I Sing Hung up in a Pennsylvania mining town Got down to Boston in time for tea Don’t know exactly just what’s going down Better hang around until I see. She uses beauty like a knife She cuts me even more, she changes Right before my eyes into something ugly and sore. Beauty like a knife She cuts me even more, she changes Right before my eyes into something strange and more. Don’t bomb the inn, I’m on a holiday But Oklahoma’s just a jet away And the blood is on the books in Ohio So badly stained, what can I say?
