Literally written on the spot, yet the poem was written a few months prior on my last SA tour in January.
lyrics
Constant contrast,
In the Eastern Cape.
Sun-soaked beaches,
Pina colada’s within reach.
I’m not interested in preaching,
Finding something, finding nothing.
It doesn’t matter, it’s all in the exploring.
Implying you’re a wanderer,
Hanging inland in Makhanda.
Met an ex-con, turned security guard.
He was on his guard, as I was off guard.
God knows how tired I am.
An 8-hour drive through the Promised Land.
I was almost late for the show,
Yet I always find a place to go.
And, in this moment this is home.
Solid walls or flimsy polyester tents.
It doesn’t matter, today,
I have no reason to vent.
Ventilation, we can’t find any frequencies,
Which would enable us to tune into radio stations.
It doesn’t matter because we’ll listen to the sound of birds singing instead.
Fighting off eternal dread.
There is no need for any of those ill feelings here.
Today and now is all we need,
Ride off into the sunset on a,
Metaphorical: trusty steed.
Horses, or cows,
Trackers are ready to plough…
This is, farming country,
Pineapples growing abundantly.
I’ve never seen such a giant prickly structure,
Bathurst strangely calms my soul.
Today, I have nowhere else to go, go go.
Stay!
Yet that’s okay…
credits
from All Aboard The Pineapple Express,
released June 2, 2022
All music and lyrics by Matt Vend, recorded by Victor Challis in a secret studio in Bathurst, South Africa.
A DIY, for the love recording label. Which serves as a platform to archive Matt Vend's creative process. This bandcamp page
also includes a few artists whose music he happened to produce. And some of his old bands including Sibling Rivalry, The Accidentals and The Tubby Wilson's. Many of these releases are also available at We Did This Records. All music up for donation. X...more
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