Every fiftieth Pentecost, according to the ancient Testament, all slaves are set free. The golden year of Jubilee. America is founded on human release, and though our past and future history might suggest otherwise, we measure the self-evident liberties that somehow always need reminding, to those who would bend and break us, and to ourselves, to reaffirm our sense of purpose and clarity.

Our clarion call. The guitar falls to hand, and the notes spring out unbidden, as if they long to be freed of the neck, set loose in the air. The highstepping dance of a country fiddle (thanks Rebecca) and the pealing bell. Slide guitar. C'mon.
--Lenny Kaye

jubilee lyrics  { QuickTime }


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