Soul is…
Listen to this articleMaybe soul is just a paper bag filled with air
maybe a little baby, who feels when his mother’s there
a studio apartment that sorely needs new furniture
your body an electric motor, then soul is the armature
Soul is, that’s what soul is…
Soul is so simple like biting an apple or a three chord blues
soul is so complicated like all your unpaid dues
a tired yellow, orange sunflower that autumn opens like a hand
a foreign language sometimes you dream you understand
Soul is, that’s what soul is…
Soul is some sparrows playing in a leafless tree
chirping and chasing, being exactly who they have to be
white steam rising from a sewer grate on a winter’s day
a bill you think you owe but you don’t have to pay,
Soul is, what soul is…
Soul is a prayer flag that high clear mountain wind says for you
a tedious job it turns out you don’t have to do
a black shiny crow flying holes through a pale blue sky
do priests or poets, doctors or lawyers, or you or I, know what
Soul is, what soul is…?
Written By: John Stano Copyright 2009
Acoustic Guitar, rack harmonica, vocals: John Stano
From the album: “Caribou Bar & Grill”
Published by: John Stano and Playing Records 2010
You can buy this song from iTunes here.
The trademark of singer/songwriter John Stano’s individual sound is a distinctive blend of acoustic guitar, harmonica and expressive vocals, developed over many years of performance and study. John plays six-string, 12-string and National steel slide guitar. John intertwines fine rack-style harmonica with adept fingerstyle guitar and vocals to create a full, textured sound. Initially self-taught, John went on to study American fingerstyle guitar at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and harmonica with national blues legend, Jim Liban. ‘Sing Out’ compared John’s music to early Bob Dylan while ‘Dirty Linen’ was reminded of Country Joe McDonald. His style could be described as acoustic folk-blues or Americana as John’s influences also include urban blues, rock and beat poetry. A skillful use of language adds spark to his lyrics. John Stano was a ‘Big Top Chautauqua Songwriter of the Year Finalist for 2010’ and performed his songs under the big top. His song ‘From A Rusty Cadillac’ was recently featured on NPR’s’ Car Talk.’ (Episode #1102) John took first place in the solo/duo category at the ‘Grafton Blues Challenge’ in 2011. As a result he performed at the ‘International Blues Challenge’ in Memphis on historic Beale Street in February, 2012. For more on John Stano, please check out JohnStano.com.
