3.08.2010

Fifty Miles Of Elbow Room

I think this song is what first truly alienated me from my metal-head friends. They just couldn't get it why I would like a song so much that was about going to heaven. They sneered at the "three great chords" progression typical of the Carter Family tunes, and I just gave up explaining it. It's not supposed to be difficult to play; it's supposed to be fun to play. And that tune is kind of a doozy to sing, for all it's no "Oh Danny Boy."

One hundred miles its length and breadth
The four-square city stands
With gems its walls of jasper shine
Not made with human hands
One hundred miles the gates are wide
Abundant entrance there
With fifty miles of elbow room
On either side to spare

For the gates are wide on the other side
Just beyond the sunset sea
There'll be room to spare as we enter there
Room for you and room for me
For the gates are wide on the other side
Where the flowers ever bloom
On the right hand, on the left hand
Fifty miles of elbow room

Sometimes I'm cramped and crowded here
And long for elbow room
I want to reach for altitude
Where fair flowers bloom
It won't be long til I shall fade
Into that city fair
With fifty miles of elbow room
On either side to spare.

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