I probably won't post tomorrow, so I'll remind you today that Hank Williams died 50 years ago; January 1, 1953. I love his music. And so much of the music I love owes directly and indirectly to this man. To borrow a bit from the man TP, here's one of my favorite Hank Williams songs:

I'LL NEVER GET OUT OF THIS WORLD ALIVE
Recorded by Hank Williams
Written by Hank Williams and Fred Rose
(unattributed photos 'borrowed' from this site)

Now you're lookin' at a man that's gettin' kind-a mad
I had lot's of luck but it's all been bad
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world a-live.

My fishin' pole's broke the creek is full of sand
My woman run away with another man
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive.

A distant uncle passed away and left me quite a batch
And I was livin'g high until that fatal day
A lawyer proved I wasn't born
I was only hatched.

Ev'rything's agin' me and it's got me down
If I jumped in the river I would prob'ly drown
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive.

These shabby shoes I'm wearin' all the time
Are full of holes and nails
And brother if I stepped on a worn out dime
I bet a nickel I could tell you if it was heads or tails.

I'm not gonna worry wrinkles in my brow
'Cause nothin's ever gonna be alright nohow
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive.

I could buy a Sunday suit and it would leave me broke
If it had two pair of pants I would burn the coat
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive.

If it was rainin' gold I wouldn't stand a chance
I wouldn't have a pocket in my patched up pants
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive.


Posted 10:42 AM by Jackson Cooper |

So Long, 2002
This has been a remarkable year for me. Big changes. Big decisions. Big revelations. And lots of great new music. As I said, I'll be ringing in the New Year down at the Galt House with all of my Bluegrass friends. It should be a classy evening with some fantastic music and great friends.

This past year has been one of constant change for me, and I anticipate some very big changes again in this coming year. It may sound ridiculous, but 23 feels old. I feel a rising sense of urgency. Wasted days sit heavy on my shoulders and each one bends my knees a little deeper. Eventually that weight will be too much to bear and I will have to move - slide out from under the burden of misdirected effort and step forward into the next phase of my life.

Thanks to all the people who have read my site. I never set out to make this anything other than a forum for my writing. Nearly a year out of college, I found myself without a good creative outlet and this site served that purpose nicely. It is pleasantly surprising that anyone else might find it interesting. See you in 2003.


Posted 10:23 AM by Jackson Cooper |

Mike, Michelle and I went on a little hike today. If I weren't so exhausted, I'd write all about it now. But being that I am about to pass out, I'll just post this one picture for now and I promise more later. (click the picture for the full-sized version)

Posted 12:29 AM by Jackson Cooper |