Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Happy Birthday, Dave Alvin


Songwriter/singer Dave Alvin is 54 today.

Alvin is one of a great tradition of guys who can rock down the house, and then tear your heart out with his lyrics and a sad song. One of my favorites is "Fourth of July."

She's waiting for me when I get home from work
But things just ain't the same
She turns out the light and cries in the dark
Won't answer when I call her name

Chorus

On the stairs I smoke a cigarette alone
The Mexican kids are shooting fireworks below
Hey, baby, it's the Fourth of July
Hey, baby, it's the Fourth of July

She gives me her cheek when I want her lips
And I don't have the strength to go
On the lost side of town in a dark apartment
We gave up trying so long ago

Repeat Chorus

Whatever happened, I apologize
So dry your tears and baby, walk outside
It's the Fourth of July

Repeat Chorus

By Dave Alvin and Otis Blackwell

Copyright © 1987 Bug Music

Here's "The Fourth of July" from Austin City Limits:



Dave wrote the song "Marie Marie" for the roots rock group, The Blasters, with whom he made his mark in the early 1980s. His brother, Phil, is singing and Dave (with hair) is playing that incredible Fender gee-tar!

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