Pilot Joan: A Creative Odyssey
Good evening, everyone, and welcome back to day five of "I Ride Alone: The Rough Cuts." Today, we're delving into a particularly fascinating and, dare I say, one of the most creatively challenging songs to write on the album: "Pilot Joan."
Now, to be perfectly honest, my father - a singer, author, and adventurer himself - isn't exactly fond of (or should I say impressed with) the backstory of how this song came to be. Yet, I've always considered it a testament to the boundless creativity one can harness.
The genesis of "Pilot Joan" took place during an evening out with friends. As is often the case, our conversation meandered to music, eventually leading to a playful challenge. Can I as a songwriter craft a narrative about anything, much like a comedian or an improv actor spins a theme or a word into a vivid story right before an audience? Confident in my creative abilities, I eagerly accepted the challenge thrown down by my friends.
The task? To compose a song about a pen—a Pilot pen, to be precise, one of my favored brands at the time. While this may seem somewhat anticlimactic, it's important to remember that the essence of "The Rough Cuts" is to unveil the raw, often unexpected processes behind my music. Not all inspiration comes from grandiose moments; sometimes, it's the mundane that sparks creativity.
After a night of rest, sober and ready, I set out to tackle the challenge. Days passed without a hint of inspiration, until the heat in my house caused a pen to leak, staining my hands with ink as I attempted to write. Frustrated yet inspired by the mess, the opening line emerged as vividly as the ink on my skin: "She fell to her knees... why?" I pondered, "wanting my love, but... my heart's as black as stone!"
This moment of frustration ignited a spark. After cleaning up, I dove into crafting the music, hoping the right melody would help the rest of the lyrics unfold. Channeling my inner Johnny Cash, the song began to take shape, its flow (no pun intended) uninterrupted.
"Pilot Joan" stands as one of my most unique creative endeavors. It's a song born from a seemingly trivial challenge that evolved into a testament to the power of imagination. And though my friends may not have been captivated by the style or delivery of the song, they couldn't deny the creativity and determination it took to meet the challenge head-on.
Without further ado, I am excited to present "Pilot Joan" to you. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories come from the simplest of beginnings. And who knows? By the end of this, you might just find yourself captivated by the tale of a pen.
Oh, and tomorrow we’ll take a look at track number 6, “One.”
Pilot Joan - Elliot Andrew - I Ride Alone
Lyrics
Verse 1
She slipped through my fingers
Down to the floor
(pilot, pilot 2x)
Wanting my love
But my hearts as black as coal
Verse 2
She fell to her knees
Black and blue, who are you
(pilot, pilot 2x)
While I, drove down that
Lonely highway, back home
Chorus
She had dreams of flyin’
Mystifyin’
Come little closer, and
Baby, You’ll be cryin’
Pilot, Pilot, Pilot,
Pilot, Joan
Verse 3
(Baby, I love you, and
I’d do anything for you)
How could you love me, when
You barely know me?
Pilot, Pilot, Pilot,
Pilot, Joan
Chorus 2x
She had dreams of flyin’
Mystifyin’
Come little closer, and
Baby, You’ll be cryin’
Pilot, Pilot, Pilot,
Pilot, Joan