I’ve been a Lucinda Williams fan for years, beginning when I first heard heard “Joy.” Like some of her former much-younger lovers Lucinda describes in this recent interview, I didn’t know how old she was, but I definitely thought of her as a young person.
Last night I saw Lucinda perform in Ann Arbor. It was a great show, perhaps the best of the four I’ve attended. In discussing her new album which, as many have noted, flirts with thoughts of death, she mentioned that she is 63, three years younger than I’ll be in a couple of weeks. She also repeated a version the Bette Davis quote “Old age is no place for sissies.” Double whammy! Lucinda is almost as old as I am. We’re both old. Lucinda has been writing and singing all her life. Her set list includes songs she wrote 30 years ago as well as brand new work. She’s a master of her craft. I can’t even articulate what my craft is, but I hope I’m getting better at it. And I know I’m committed.
I’m fascinated by the whole concept of snake handling. When you read about the Pentecostal snake handlers, what strikes you the most is their commitment.
Lucinda Williams