Death Of A Hero by Michael Salyers

		Author Name: msalyers1	1 Comments
		Date Added: July 08, 2012 01:07:48	Average Score: (Needs 2)
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Type: Short Story

Category: Grieving & Loss

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Death Of A Hero

Kris Kristofferson is my greatest influence as a writer and was the second songwriter to prove to me that songwriting was not just something to do but an art form. He was prolific , defiant, at times erotic without degrading his art by being vulgar like most modern pop singers and songwriters, a master of double meaning and the king of being lyrically stiring to the point that one did not notice just how simle his melodies were and was one of a very few that understood it was the strength of his material and not his singing or style and skill of playing a musical instrument. He was not the greatest singer or guitarist and certainly not the best harmonica player but he was in my opinion the greatest songwriter whom ever lived. He was a mentor, an inspiration to all songwriters well read enough to know his work, a father to many he never met including myself. Kristofferson was passionate and deep and at times playful in his songs but was always one who communicated well and on a level many could not and noone else can. He was defiant and political and was forced into obscurity on many levels because of his beleifs that he made well and clearly known and for the punishment he grew only more defiant and stronger for his causes.

It has come to my attention and I am saddened to report that my mentor as a songwriter and one of my greatest influences has passed away. The music industry will never be as rich now that he is gone and can not share his wonerful gift anymore. I will miss Kristofferson sorrily miss the gifts he had as an activist, a songwriter and an actor. He was confident and defiant and wrote more hits and standards tha any other folk/country songwriter and his shining intellect likely had many more gifts to yield but now we will never know.

An oxford scholar, a former helicopter piolet and army Captain who turned down a job at West Point to follow a dream, a loving father, a good friend, an actor and activist and the greatest songwriter whom ever lived. As many may, I will close my accilades to this multi-talented genius by quoting Willie Nelson and say "Everything the man writes becomes a standard.... and the rest of us will just have to learn to live with that."

This song is for Mr. Kristofferson....

                                 Just My Stereo And Me
                               (Ode To The Road Warrior)

Cool your engines and chase your dreams.
Until all you can do is fly.
And give this world everything you have.
Until it's time we have to say goodbye.
Finding a freedom that's to rich to lose.
As a life well lived passes by.
Drawing in a moment of forever.
This old road was worth the try.
   Who the Hell has as much to lose?
   When cut closer to the bone.
   Another angel enters into the hall.
   With a candle that stands alone.
   Feeling good was easy Lord.
   Even when he sang the blues.
   Feeling good was good enough for me.
   Now it's just my stereo and me.
Let the devil pay the dues.
As you somewhat shake his hand.
Under the gun and beyond the stars.
Where only the losers still hold the land.
Standing in the circle.
With another name of a fallen friend.
That we should have payed a little more attention to.
Now that the road will never end.
   Who the Hell has as much to lose?
   When cut closer to the bone.
   Another angel enters into the hall.
   With a candle that stands alone.
   Feeling good was easy Lord.
   Even when he sang the blues.
   Feeling good was good enough for me.
   Now it's just my stereo and me.
A border lord stand at the end.
Of a border in Galilee.
Brother Kris has been called home.
Another lost piece of history.
Once he had a future full.
Of money love and dreams.
God still laughs at his dirty jokes.
He lived them all and told us through eternity.
   Who the Hell has as much to lose?
   When cut closer to the bone.
   Another angel enters into the hall.
   With a candle that stands alone.
   Feeling good was easy Lord.
   Even when he sang the blues.
   Feeling good was good enough for me.
   Now it's just my stereo and me.

(( The chorus is a parody of the chorus from "Me and Bobby McGee"))

Author's Notes:

Kris Kristofferson's death.

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Comments:

	Comment By: She Whispers on July 8, 2012 08:36:16 AM	Report
	All I can say is this is awesome!! So heart felt... He was really something.... Always ~ She Whispers Respond To This Comment