Silver Thread

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The Boy In The Bubble - Peter Gabriel

These are the days of miracle and wonder. This is the long distance call.

Paul Simon’s song from Graceland has all the makings of a classic right from the start. He presents his material with a rush of African and Zydeco influence, thought-provoking lyrics, and almost playful delivery. Elements that surely must have tempted Peter Gabriel.

Yet, what we get here is something else. Something stark and simple. Plaintive vocals, nearly wavering on the edge of heartbreak. The lyrics are at the forefront, and this changes the head nod of acknowledgment to the ideas in the song to a head shake of pure amazement. The song, still relevant more than twenty years later, becomes a testament to humanity’s resilience.

Medicine is magical and magical is art. The boy in the bubble and the baby with the baboon heart.

This album came along with me to a lot of hospital visits to see my son. Many of Peter Gabriel’s cover songs hit home in some way, but none spoke to me like this one. Paul Simon returns the favor by covering Gabriel’s “Biko” in a similar manner; simply, beautifully, on acoustic guitar, with little accompaniment. Two great songs, two legends, scratching each other’s backs.