Early Poetry Friday: That's Right

I'm going to TEXAS!

Yup. I'm off to speak with my editor, Cheryl Klein, at the Austin SCBWI Destination Publication Conference; visit with my Poetry Sister, Liz Scanlon; check out the city of Austin (my first visit ever); and see if Texas barbecue is as yummy as North Carolina's (doubtful.)

And yes, I am packing my boots.

So, of course, today's Poetry Friday offering is from songwriter Lyle Lovett, who assures me that it's okay if my boots are more urban than cowgirl.



That's Right

You say you're not from Texas
Man as if I couldn't tell
You think you pull your boots on right
And wear your hat so well

So pardon me my laughter
'Cause I sure do understand
Even Moses got excited
When he saw the promised land

That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
That's right you're not from Texas
But Texas wants you anyway

Full lyrics here

Here's a video of Lyle playing an early version of the song in Austin. I love it because it's obvious the audience hasn't heard it a million times, and Lyle draws every last ounce of juice from the song, leading them along to the big-hearted chorus.

P.S. It's not too late to leave your comments in my post about Mythbusting the author/editor relationship. Cheryl and I will be having this discussion on Saturday, so share your thoughts and join the conversation.

Poetry Friday is hosted at Picture Book of the Day.

Poetry Friday: If I Had a Boat

I can't believe I've never posted about Lyle Lovett on a Poetry Friday. I love him. And "If I Had a Boat" is one of my favorite "be happy" songs of all time.

Listen to the opening verse; it isn't a song for kids, but it has the perfect circling rhythm of a kids' chant, and the unguarded feel of someone who hasn't yet learned to rein in his wish-making.

If I Had a Boat

If I had a boat
I'd go out on the ocean
And if I had a pony
I'd ride him on my boat
And we could all together
Go out on the ocean
Me upon my pony on my boat

...and then it ends with:

And if I were like lightning
I wouldn't need no sneakers
I'd come and go wherever I would please
And I'd scare 'em by the shade tree
And I'd scare 'em by the light pole
But I would not scare my pony on my boat out on the sea

And if I had a boat
I'd go out on the ocean
And if I had a pony
I'd ride him on my boat
And we could all together
Go out on the ocean
Me upon my pony on my boat

I've often tried to puzzle out why I love this song so. I don't like boats or ponies, at least not enough to own either of them. But Lyle re-opens the door to thinking about what I want, what I'd wish for, if I could remember how it was before I knew there were limits to what I could have. It's a great place from which to write children's fiction.

Listen to Lyle sing it here

Poetry Friday is hosted today by Kate Coombs at Book Aunt