The Love Story Of Joan Baez… An Inspiration For All.
Tags: Lovestory, Life, Musicians, Music, Relationships

Speak Of Joan Baez and I am reminded of an angel. It hurts to know, not too many people recognise her and those who do, hardly bother to remember her. So, let’s begin. Who is Joan? Born, Joan Chandos Baez, an American singer, songwriter, musician and activist who began her career as a folk singer. She has been inducted into the ‘Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame’ on April 7, 2017.

When Joan was in love she gave it her all.

She didn't get much in return and for a while, fell into the trap of an on and off relationship with the one she was too much in love with, I guess! Remember the famous Quote, “I wish I knew how to quit you” from BrokeBack Mountain, by Annie Proulx? Not sure if she’s still in love with the man often mentioned as The One in her life. But she finally had to put an end to the cycle. She tried moving on, but never fully could. It must've hurt her for sure! It always hurts if one has loved with all their heart and soul. But she had to let him go to put an end to her pain.

But this isn't what this story is all about. It’s about how she faced all the adversities in love with absolute grace and dignity and turned her love for one, to a greater love for the whole of humanity. Joan has displayed a lifelong commitment to political and social activism, in the fields of non-violence, civil rights, human rights and the environment.

She wrote a song based on the Pakistani army crackdown on unarmed sleeping Bengali students at Dhaka University on March 25, 1971, which ignited the prolonged nine-month Bangladesh Liberation War. “The Song of Bangladesh,” was released in a 1972 album from Chandos Music. Using the power of her music, she stood up for causes dear to her heart.

Like many, when I read about her first, I thought, “Oh! Poor her! Lost Her Love!” But then I saw her. And then I heard her voice… Ah! It touched me so deep, it shook me to the core. And I was forced to think, “Oh! Poor Him! Lost Her!” Friends, please don’t jump the gun. I'm not judging anyone else here but simply talking about Joan Baez and all that affected her life. I wished to share her story as an inspiration for those who love and fall and end up badly hurting themselves.

In love, people often tend to lose themselves. Love is not losing yourself in another, but to find yourself in another. That way, you win both ways. Even if that another chooses to leave you out in the cold, you still have found yourself for company, so you can rise and shine again! Joan never shied away from speaking her mind.

No more of my ramblings here. Let her speak and as they say, pictures speak a thousand words, so let them…

What She Wrote:

Lyrics

Well I’ll be damned

Here comes your ghost again

But that’s not unusual

It’s just that the moon is full

And you happened to call

And here I sit

Hand on the telephone

Hearing a voice I’d known

A couple of light years ago

Heading straight for a fall

As I remember your eyes

Were bluer than robin’s eggs

My poetry was lousy you said

Where are you calling from?

A booth in the Midwest

Ten years ago

I bought you some cuff links

You brought me something

We both know what memories can bring

They bring diamonds and rust

Well you burst on the scene

Already a legend

The unwashed phenomenon

The original vagabond

You strayed into my arms

And there you stayed

Temporarily lost at sea

The Madonna was yours for free

Yes the girl on the half-shell

Would keep you unharmed

Now I see you standing

With brown leaves falling around

And snow in your hair

Now you’re smiling out the window

Of that crummy hotel

Over Washington Square

Our breath comes out white clouds

Mingles and hangs in the air

Speaking strictly for me

We both could have died then and there

AND THEN SHE ENDED THE SONG WITH…

Source: MusixmatchSongwriters: BaezDiamonds & Rust lyrics © Chandos Music, Chandos Music Company, CHANDOS, INC.

The song is a classic in its own right, in my little understanding of things.

Why She Wrote :

The Reason. The Cause :

AND FINALLY… JOAN TODAY :

Okay. Isn't she a victor? Hope the pictures truly spoke a thousand words…

Her version of “Forever Young” brings tears to my eyes… her voice often overwhelms me. This is a humble tribute to her life and her angelic voice. — PARIJAT

Photograph Courtesies : Wikipedia, open.spotify.com, web.colu.com, thestar.com, whosdatedwho.com, njnnetwork.com, cravingmusic.com, kalw.org, telegrah.co.uk