… Oh mama I saw the world
–Beth Hart
And it was good
And full of kindness
Every few weeks or so, a new song plays on repeat, both in my head and on my stereo system. Currently, Mama This One’s for You, a song written by Beth Hart, is occupying those spaces.
Originally released in 2015, the song is dedicated to her mother after she came to terms with her troubled past. Portions of the lyrics refer to the world being good and full of kindness. I don’t for a minute think that the world is objectively good and full of kindness. It must therefore reflect a time and space in Hart’s personal life. However, it’s a state of worldly existence that is both exceedingly optimistic and indeed desirable.
While Hart’s version is genuinely good, I prefer jazz vocalist Chantal Chamberland’s cover of the song. Chantal has a jazzy, sensuous voice, which is also mature and absolutely perfect for this particular song. That raw emotion translates to goosebumps on my skin whenever I’m listening to the song.
I sincerely think Beth Hart wouldn’t mind that I prefer Chantal’s version.
lenny unencumbered 