One of the great things about having this Facebook page is the opportunity to share with followers some thoughts, and in this case, some of the sources of inspiration that I have experienced as a songwriter. Often the inspiration comes from those that came before.
If you have never heard of the song "A Salty Dog" by Procol Harum, I urge you to give it a listen via the link below. Most rock aficionados are familiar with their song "A Whiter Shade of Pale," another masterpiece, but in my book " Salty Dog" is not only their greatest accomplishment, but one of the greatest performances of all times in rock. The orchestration is unbelievable, the vocal performance tortured and moving, the lyrics are poetry and the end result is so beautiful it nearly brings tears to my eyes even after 40 years.
And that is the thing about this song; it is just so beautiful. Every lyric, note and sound. If you do not know this tune, I am pleased to do this favor for you.
Here is a live performance featuring a choir and an orchestra and an audience that may have been sedated!
Here is the studio version of the music with the lyrics: