Mr. Martin is truly an American treasure. He's one of the great things this country has ever produced. I feel so fortunate that I have been alive for so much of his career.
This song was written in memory of Martin Short's late wife, Nancy. I just finished reading Martin's autobiography and he mentions this near the end of his book, "I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend". I was moved to tears by his story about how traumatic the loss of Nancy was for him, his children and all of those who loved her. He and Steve Martin have been good friends for many years.
I just listened to that part of the book while driving to work. There were tears almost the whole way. Soon as I got to my desk I searched for the song.
When he performed it on Seth Myers, he wept while introducing the song. I teared up as well. To be loved and remembered that much must fit some description of heaven.
Cleaning Woman!!!! 😅😅😅😅. He's a laugh and inspiration. Since I heard/saw The Great remember and his concert with Edi Brekell , I dearly need a Banjo and I hope my guitar playing(very amateur) will help. It's sad, but a blessing that such, ohh umm loss of comradship, partnership and longing could "(oh lord, what should I say) result in a perfect expression of musicianship and sharing it with the world, us He should be given The Knighthood,,, I mean BobGeldof ahhh
Dear Mr. Steve - Thank you for all the years of joy you have brought me and the world, you silly, silly man! You are so funny, make people happy and you absolutely play the banjo so beautifully! Hugs to you and may God bless you for all your goodness!!
Im like #316 thats good luck. Ill remember now til the end.. Love you Mr Martin thanks for making me see life with irony and feel good when i was a lonely kid..
I wont like this and push it to 317.. its cool I love him too... he really gave of himself in acting and went on to music. The Jerk and The Man With Two Brains rawk. And Lets Get Small!!!
There’s a great rendition of this song performed by Steve where he is out in the countryside with his phone (I think) and records himself just like so many non famous people do.
Very appropriate lead in saying this song is called “let’s keep the minimum wage right where she is“ seeing as this past weekend marked 12 years since the last time there has been a raise in the minimum wage!
Thanks for posting this video, great sound. I just bought Rare Bird Alert purely on the back of this song. For some reason i find this such a lovely tune not only to listen to, but to watch it being played. Sort of hypnotic yet captivating at the same time, i am getting a banjo soon and i can imagine me playing this to my kids as they fall asleep at night. Thanks again.
I bought the book recently, shortly after buying my first banjo and am loving learning this song after hearing Phoebe Sanders doing such a beautiful cover. Maybe one day I’ll play it well, but that days is a while away yet.