Recorded live at Marathon Recorders in Nashville as part of the Music Fog Marathon during the 2011 Americana Music Festival. "The Cape" is a longtime fan favorite and classic story from Guy Clark.
Here because of Jason Kelce. For anyone else who found themselves here for the same reason, go check out John Prine. You're gonna love him. RIP John. Then check out the Avett Brothers. You're really gonna love them!
I clicked on comments because I wanted to say exactly the same thing, but you way beat me to it. Yes, RIP Guy, and I hope wherever he is it's a kitchen table in a well-worn house and there's just folks sitting together singing.
I've heard that God has many mansions. I hope one of them has a kitchen table with lots of chairs for all the friends, and and lots of guitars! Guy still had songs to write and sing!
Can't believe I hadn't heard this song before the Kelce documentary!! This is now my go-to song when the world gets me down. Always brings me back up....
Wrote a final verse in the memory of Guy’s passing. The greatest poet and purveyor of sonic prose that Texas ever birthed: Well he got good weather, He was light as feather, as he jumped into the air. Flying high, Caressed the sky, As he climbed eternal stairs. Well they laid him down, Into the ground, With that old flour sack cape. He passed the test, He flew the best, So we laid that cape to rest.
Little did I know in 1967, at the Old Quarters in Houston that I had the privilege to get to know Guy Clark, listening to his songs and sharing joints.
Eight years old with a floursack cape Tied all around his neck He climbed up on the garage Figurin' what the heck He screwed his courage up so tight The whole thing came unwound He got a runnin' start and bless his heart He headed for the ground He's one of those who knows that life Is just a leap of faith Spread your arms and hold your breath Always trust your cape All grown up with a floursack cape Tied around his dreams He was full of spit and vinegar He was bustin' at the seams He licked his finger and he checked the wind It was gonna be do or die He wasn't scared of nothin' boys And he was pretty sure he could fly He's one of those who knows that life Is just a leap of faith Spread your arms and hold your breath Always trust your cape Old and grey with a floursack cape Tied all around his head He's still jumpin' off the garage Will be till he's dead All these years the people said He's actin' like a kid He did not know he could not fly So he did He's one of those who knows that life Is just a leap of faith Spread your arms and hold your breath Always trust your cape
I am thinking of leaving illinois where I'd worked my whole life; to go to New Mexico (now that I'm retired). This song will be like a prayer to me as I head out on that long journey, alone, in my car. Ya gotta always just trust your cape ...
Yup - exactly - that's the "craft" of being a good story teller. The listener is directly involved in making the picture. It isn't a "recital" it's a dialogue.
Kelce, a name that will go down into history as the greatest brother duo in sports to ever live. With that said, is there really a song more fitting for the Sexy Batman and his Philly green cape.
I met Guy at Swing City Music when I was a kid. He gave me a ten second lesson on how to Travis pick. Said it would change the way I played forever. He was right. Sat down and learned this one today, I had never heard it before last week. He's still teaching. Thanks Guy.
When i was 6 or 7, I tied rope to the corners of a bedsheet that I figured was a parachute. I climbed up in the backyard tree and jumped. I'm still jumpin...
I did too. Then I would ride my hobby horse around the backyard and climb up on the wal and jump off the see if I could fly with my Cape May Guy be at peace in rest.
Thank you for this very meaningful look at life [ Don't tell anybody but I still have my cape and I still trust it ] I'm 48 and still a kid and love It
Tears at the loss of this great one. I haven''t seen this version before. I suspect it's fairly recent. Interesting that he wrote this song so many years ago (1975) and here he is singing it with every bit as much commitment to the truth, as if he'd written it with the life experience he had at the time of this performance.
I got to ask, where did you hear that it was written in 75? I cant find that anywhere. If its true, then Im wondering why did he wait til the 90s to release it
I play this wonderful song to remember a certain day, and an event, regarding my youngest son, who was then age 7. It's a true story, all the way and to this day. (love you, kiddo.) ( yer mom)
When my younger brother was 8, he actually jumped off of the garage with his cape on. I still send this to him every year. He is also dyslexic, so he didn't do so well in school. Life was a leap of faith for him. I got a college degree. He didn't... And is now making twice my salary.
I found Guy Clark in the mid 70s and have held him in my heart forever. I turn on people that I feel would appreciate him. The one that do are so appreciative the ones that dont just need more time. His music is absolutely timeless.
Made me tear up halfway through the first verse and I like to think of myself as pretty hard-nosed. How did he create something that can cut through thick armor like a hot knife through butter. It's a marvel. Thank you!
I'm watching this with tears in my eyes. So simple, sweet, and soulful. I had literally discovered Guy Clark like a month ago. If anything good comes from losing these wonderful musicians, it might be the younger generation learning about them all over again.
What a prolific songwriter !! Guy Clark is my all time favorite ! Never give up on your dreams ! Never give up on hope ! Keep on chasing that dream !! RIP my friend......
I see this and "Die Tryin'" as companion pieces that I try and come back to every so often to try and remind me to take more chances. I've been playing it safe too long.
I've been influenced by Guy for 33 years. Sometimes he gave me enough courage to almost get myself in trouble! He was so fun to hang with. We found out just talking one evening that we lived across the street from each other when we were just little kids in Monahans, TX.
this song always makes my both happy and sad. and the first time i heard it live iwas in tears.it is my very favorite song ,no song ever captured the human condition better.
Thank you for the music Guy and Susanna...as one...amazing...Texas Cooking & Old Number 1's...a double album anyone should own...Any How I Love You...the perfect tribute to your devotion...miss you both together now.........for sure...said best forever when Susanna passed over...Whenever I picture you I see you with your wings...together...love..................
I saw Guy Clark on Austin City Limits in 1989. I was entranced but I never heard him again."Stuff that works" was played on the movie "The Rookie" In 2002. All of his songs are so rich in the things that make life worth living. I have carried his tunes to some of the worst places on earth. Serbia, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. In the Greek and Roman philosophy one could earn immortality through great works. You sir would live forever, thank you Mr. Clark, I love your music.
I turned on to guy late in life, wasnt even listening to him when i lived in texas in the 70`s. But when I did discover him i fell in love with his music, susans accompaniment and his friends steve earle, townes vanzandt, joe ely etc. Thank you for the really good music and your kickass attitude Mr clark! Say goodbye to the landlord for me!
Mr Clark you are an amazing man full of imagination, spirit, love, and life lessons for all of us to learn. You ate timeless and romantic. You are comedic and heart wrenching. You songs float in between all definition. Your songs aren't slow there powerful. Your songs are happy, there rejoycful. I love all that you given us. Thank you, Jimmy O'Riordan.
