Josh Ritter, second from right, performs at Capitol Theatre in York, Pa.
My family and I attended singer-songwriter Josh Ritter’s May 30 concert at the Capitol Theatre in York. It marked the fifth time in as many years that we’ve seen him live, but this show featured more new material than we’ve ever heard.
It reminded me that I haven’t shared any new song titles – not songs, as explained here – in nearly a year.
So with no further ado, for your reading pleasure, here are 10 new song titles and some of the thoughts behind them:
“Hard 90”: I had never heard this term until I read “The Last Best League” about the Cape Cod Baseball League, specifically the 2002 Chatham A’s. Manager John Schiffner expects players to give their all when running the 90 feet from home plate to first base.
“Stupid Pencil”: My sister Lisa had a weird classmate who talked to herself, including blaming a wrong answer on her writing instrument.
“Summer Sours”: A variation on someone’s name, it summons to mind a refreshing beverage or a seasonal setback.
“Halfway to a Habit”: They say it takes 21 days to establish a habit. Bad ones seem to take much less time.
“Tired Nation”: With all of the political squabbling, it sometimes feels that contemporary America lacks the energy to solve real problems.
“Friends as You Remember Them”: It’s the same sentiment that informed this blog post and the sometimes bittersweet realization that people change in ways that you wish they wouldn’t.
“Barney Pemberton (Doesn’t Like the President)”: When I was in journalism school, I worked in the circulation department of the Columbia (Mo.) Daily Tribune. Near my desk, someone pinned a clipping of a haunting black-and-white photo of a curious-looking local boy named Barney Pemberton who said he hated the president. I hope the adult Barney votes.
“Good Morning, Power Line”: Putting a cheerful spin on poor neighborhood design, or how the Wichita Lineman starts each day.
“What the Nation Needs Now”: America might need a reboot (see “Tired Nation” above) from time to time, but she’s a fighter. Here’s an anthem to rally the electorate.
“Left-handed Girl”: In the early 1990s, I was enamored with someone who turned out to be a poor investment of time and emotion. It took a number of years until I met the “right” southpaw, Sara. We celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary this month.
