About this episode Tune in to "The Ballad of Late May" for a unique journey through today's headlines, transformed into a captivating folk ballad. This episode distills the most significant events of late May into a timeless narrative, sung by a seasoned storyteller who reveals the ancient human patterns within modern news. You'll gain a fresh, reflective perspective on current affairs, understanding them not just as fleeting moments, but as echoes of stories told through generations.
0:00 The month of May is drawing closed0:03 In a Manhattan court, a story's posed0:07 A former king on a wooden chair0:10 The whole world stops to watch and stare0:14 For twelve good souls to weigh the truth0:17 Of deals made in his bygone youth0:21 While lawyers weave their final plea0:25 For what the history books will be.0:28 But west, where Iowa's fields are green0:32 A darker, wilder storm was seen0:35 The sky turned gray, the siren cried0:39 Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide0:43 The twister danced a fearsome reel0:46 Made a rich man's problems feel less real0:50 Tore homes to splinters, wood, and wire0:53 Fueled by nature's ancient fire.0:57 Oh, the headlines shout, the tickers run1:01 It's the same old tale beneath the sun1:04 A game of power, a test of might1:08 A struggle for the dark and light1:11 And the traveler just plucks a string1:15 For the same old song the ages sing.1:19 They count the votes and check the polls1:22 It takes a toll on weary souls1:26 The price of bread, the cost of gas1:29 They hope the hardest times will pass1:33 Memorial Day is on its way1:37 To honor debts we still must pay1:40 For forgotten wars and fallen friends1:44 On whom this fragile peace depends.1:47 So tell me what the bards will write1:51 About this long and restless night?1:55 The verdict whispered in the hall?1:58 Or the neighbor who answered duty's call2:02 When the winds had passed and broke the dawn2:05 To help rebuild a shattered lawn?2:09 Oh, the headlines shout, the tickers run2:13 It's the same old tale beneath the sun2:16 A game of power, a test of might2:20 A struggle for the dark and light2:23 And the traveler just plucks a string2:27 For the same old song the ages sing.
