What’ll I Do
I happened to watch the Garrison Keillor Independence Day performance of Prairie Home Companion on PBS. It was recorded at Tanglewood, which made me homesick. The music was great – all of it – and I really enjoyed all the regular segments. I have a lot of admiration for the pace now that I’ve seen it rather than just listened on the radio.
I don’t think I’ve really listened to the show since my father died. The last time I heard it, a couple of years ago, I cried when Keillor sang “You are My Sunshine.” I don’t know what it is about the show that seems to touch my heart in this odd way. I guess I’ll have to go see the movie now.
I enjoyed all the music, with all its energy and harmonies and sweet sounds.
A few tears slipped out when The Wailin Jennys sang Bring a Little Water Sylvie. I’ve always loved that song, and their rendition was so sweet.
But it was so totally over the top, so completely unfair, for Meryl Streep and Garrison Keillor to sing “What’ll I Do.”
I always bawl like a baby when I hear that song; it’s like my own personal “Danny Boy.”
I was suddenly sobbing, sobbing.
I’m glad I was the only one still awake. It’s been a long time since I had a good cry.
Couldn’t agree more…. PHC has long been a favorite of mine, even if Mr. Keillor’s politics and mine don’t always mix. Let’s face it, Garrison has a face definitely made for radio, but that bass-heavy baritone voice resonates a warm reassurance – just as much a “comfort food” as mac ‘n cheese or peanut butter and jelly. I do regret that I wasn’t recording the presentation for I’d love to play that unadorned but moving version of “What’ll I Do” over again when I’m feeling a bit melancholy – I guess my memory will have to suffice. Positively an outstanding performance.
Bill