We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Ask John Steinbeck

from One Night by Jim Ballard

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

John Steinbeck's novels and stories very often dealt with social justice and humans' treatment of other humans. The turtle in the third chapter of The Grapes of Wrath is a metaphor for all of that...

lyrics

Ask John Steinbeck

Turtle. Two lane. Makin' his way
Just tryin' to get where he's goin'
Sun up. Risin'. Start of a day
Red shadows are glowin'..............

Head turns nose up smellin' the air
Tryin' to tell what is comin'
Rumble in the distance far off somewhere
Two engines are gunnin'

One swerves to hit him, one swerves to miss
Ain't that the way that it goes
Pieces of silver all from a kiss
Just ask John Steinbeck. He knows....

Kid down playground little and thin
Just tryin' to get where he's goin'
Head up feet down checkin' the wind
Which way is it blowin'?

Steps off curbside into the street
Cycles on the horizon
Both directions feelin' the heat
Now he's got both his eyes on )

Family walkin' out on the street
Just tryin' to get where they're goin'
No one talking, not much to eat Hard row to be goin'

Move left move right move anywhere
Just never get any nearer
Heads turn eyes look every which way
Ah, but not in the mirror

One turns to help 'em, one turns away
Ain't that the way that it goes
Pieces of silver get in the way
Just ask John Steinbeck. He knows

From Okema to Cannery Row
Just Ask John Steinbeck
He knows
He Knows

©Jim Ballard HandMade Music 2020 All Rights Reserved

credits

from One Night, released December 2, 2020
Jim Ballard Vocals and Guitar
Wes McCraw Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals
Tim Longfellow Piano
Bill Watson Bass
Joe Lang Drums

license

tags

about

Jim Ballard image

Jim Ballard Akron, Ohio

Jim Ballard
A native of NE Ohio, Jim Ballard has been, for many years a part of the recording/performing community. After touring and performing all over the country with artists from 10,000 Maniacs to Gordon Lightfoot,The Mekons to Pete Seeger, he moved into his studio, Skylyne. There, he has recorded and worked with artists from Michael Stanley to Don Dixon and Alex Bevan. ... more

contact / help

Contact Jim Ballard

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Jim Ballard, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring interviews with LA music scene pillar Kamasi Washington, and new London-based duo Mrcy.

listen now