Several weeks ago, Judy Greenberg asked the question, “Just singing a song: can it change the world?” My answer is that Neil Young sang songs that changed my world.
I’ve been a fan of Neil since first seeing him October 16, 1978, at the Dane County Coliseum in Madison, WI, on the Rust Never Sleeps tour. I remember looking around the stage during the solo set for the other musicians. I didn’t believe all that beautiful sound was coming from one man. For now, I’ll simply say that it is still the best concert I’ve ever attended and leave it at that. I’ve had the fortune to see Neil in concert on average every couple of years over the last four decades.
During the summer of 2003, my partner was diagnosed with dementia. It was devastating news, but Roseann dealt with it with the grace and dignity that she had always displayed. I was her primary caregiver as I wanted her to live in our home as long as possible. I’ve done a lot of difficult things in my life, but caregiving is by far the most difficult. God bless all you unheralded heroes out there caring for those you love. There were times when I was so exhausted and down, I felt I couldn’t continue. Neil’s music brought beauty and heart into my life that nourished my soul and refreshed me. I don’t believe I would have made it through without the emotional support of Neil’s music. Roseann passed away on October 21, 2009, spending all but a month at home.
Judy also asked in her first post, “Are there 2 songs that mean a lot to you?” There are many of Neil’s songs that mean a lot to me but there are three songs that will forever summon Roseann in my mind. She was on medication that produced dreams so vivid that she would wake up and I would comfort her by saying, “It’s only a dream,” a line from the song, “It’s A Dream.” The line “Because I’m still in love with you, I want to see you dance again,” from “Harvest Moon,” played in my head for a year after her passing. I wish I would have written the beautiful love song “Such a Woman” for her.
Neil, thanks for all the music, heart, soul, and love you have poured into the world through your art.