Incredible String Band | October Song

 

One of the women that lived with Manson at Spahn Ranch once told me about the music they listened to, how only certain  artitsts were  accepted based on deep resonance with the music aligning with the groups senses and ideals. The conversation was sparked when she noticed my CD, proclaiming "Incredible String Band!" her face filled with joy in remembering. Everyone associates the group with the Beatles who were very popular with young people then, as for Manson, his taste lied outside the realm of rock 'n' roll as he favored musicians such as Hank Williams, Frankie Lane, Lefty Frizzell and Bing Crosby. Bands that were respected at the ranch as being aligned with the group included the Doors, the Moody Blues, Donovan and Incredible String Band. Here I present to you "October Song", one of their best with extraordinary lyrics that  evoke the season.

I'll sing you this October song

Oh there is no song before it

The words and tune are none of my own

For my joys and sorrows bore it

Beside the sea

The brambly briars

In the still of evening

Birds fly out behind the sun

And with them I'll be leaving

The fallen leaves

That jewel the ground

They know the art of dying

And leave with joy their glad gold hearts

In the scarlet shadows lying

When hunger calls

My footsteps home

The morning follows after

I swim the seas within my mind

And the pine trees laugh green laughter

I used to search for happiness

And I used to follow pleasure

But I found a door behind my mind

And that's the greatest treasure

For rulers like to lay down laws

And rebels like to break them

And the poor priests like to walk in chains

And God likes to forsake them

I met a man

Whose name was Time

And he said I must be going

But just how long ago that was

I have no way of knowing

Sometimes I want

To murder Time

Sometimes when my heart's aching

But mostly I just stroll along

The path that he is taking