A Hymn for Paris: “J’irai La Voir Un Jour”

Below, Patty Griffin sings the French hymn, “J’irai La Voir Un Jour,” a lullaby her grandmother sang to her when Griffin was a child. In light of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, a hymn of comfort seems appropriate as we send good wishes and hopes to the people of France.

“J’irai La Voir” was written by Father Pierre Janin, who was born on November 30, 1824 in Montluel, France. The opening line that provides the source of the title, “J’irai la voir un jour” translates into “I’ll see her one day.” It is a song about Mary and of going “away from earth/ To the heart of my mother / To rest with no return.”

“J’irai La Voir Un Jour” is a sad song but a song of hope, about joy and love. Regardless of one’s beliefs, in trying to process the inexplainable horrors of life, one could do worse than seeking a few moments of comfort in a hymn that also works as a children’s lullaby.

Patty Griffin’s version of “J’irai la voir” appears in a live version on the album Live from the Artists Den (2008). Also, a snippet of the song appears in her version of “Top of the World” that appears on the album Silver Bell (2013).

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    Jennifer Nettles Covers Springsteen: “I’m On Fire”

    Nettles I'm on Fire
    Jennifer Nettles, who rose to fame as lead singer of the country band Sugarland, has been touring as a solo artist following the release of her solo debut album That Girl (2014). Recently, while in Melbourne, Florida on her Playing With Fire Tour, Nettles covered Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire,” a song from his Born in the USA (1984) album.

    Check out Nettles performing “I’m On Fire” live. Afterwards, she sang “You Can’t Go Home,” which she had recorded as a duet with Bon Jovi on the country version of the official release. 2025 Update: While that Florida performance is no longer on Youtube, below is Nettles performing “I’m on Fire” in New Hampshire.

    At the same October 26, 2015 concert, Nettles also covered Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” with some help from Brandy Clark.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    When We First Learned How to Get to Sesame Street

    In November 1969, one of the most popular children’s programs, “Sesame Street,” debuted on television.

    Big Bird

    On November 10, 1969, the show Sesame Street, set on a fictional New York street, made its debut on television. Conceptualized by Joan Ganz Cooney as an entertaining and educational show to help underprivileged kids between the ages of three and five, the show became one of the most popular children’s shows of all time, eventually airing in 120 countries.

    Below, you may watch the debut episode of Sesame Street. The show wasted no time, introducing us to classic characters like Big Bird, Bert, and Ernie in the first five minutes. Check it out.


    What is your favorite episode of Sesame Street? Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    Chris Stapleton & Justin Timberlake: “Tennessee Whiskey”

    Timberlake Stapleton

    The Country Music Association Awards this year featured an unexpected duet showstopper with Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake joining forces.  The two performed “Tennessee Whiskey” and Timberlake’s “Drink You Away.” Stapleton also surprised many by winning Male Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year awards.

    The breakout appearance on the CMA Awards is making Stapleton a new household name as he only recently released his debut album Traveller (2015).  But he has been around a while. Although he was born and raised in Kentucky, the 37-year-old singer-songwriter moved in 2001 to Nashville, where he has written best-selling songs for other artists like George Strait. Notably, he co-wrote Josh Turner’s hit song “Your Man.”

    Stapleton has been performing for awhile too.  And from 2008 to 2010, he was the lead singer in the bluegrass band the SteelDrivers. After starting a Southern rock band called The Jompson Brothers, Stapleton went on his own in 2013.

    But Stapleton’s work this week with another artist, Justin Timberlake, may help make him more of a household name. Stapleton and Timberlake have been friends for awhile.  And the two talked of performing together even before the CMA show came along.

    Check out Stapleton and Timberlake giving a soulful CMA performance of “Tennessee Whiskey,” a song from Stapleton’s Traveller album.

    “Tennessee Whiskey,” written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove, became popular in the early 1980s in versions by George Jones and David Allan Coe.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    Dylan’s Barking Dogs on “Every Grain of Sand”

    sand chimesfreedom

    One of Bob Dylan’s greatest songs is “Every Grain of Sand.” There are several wonderful versions of the song.  But one unique aspect of the version that appeared on The Bootleg Series, Vols. 1-3 : Rare And Unreleased, 1961-1991 is that you get to hear Dylan’s dogs barking in the background.

    So give a listen to this version of “Every Grain of Sand.” If you are interested in the dogs’ part, pay special attention starting around the 2:14 mark.  Also, listen at around the 3:09 mark.

    Check it out.

    “Every Grain of Sand,” which Dylan first released on Shot Of Love (1981), was listed by Rolling Stone as one of the ten best Dylan songs of the 1980s.  It comes in at number three.

    Photo by Chimesfreedom. What is your favorite version of “Every Grain of Sand”? Leave your two cents in the comments.

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