Ambulance Blues

Neil Young

Sadly, only one more Neil tune — just not enough December days left for me to mess around. I may never do this again, so I want to leave myself open each day.

If there were more Neil tracks, I’m guessing they’d come from ZUMA, RAGGED GLORY, FREEDOM or SLEEPS WITH ANGELS. Four of the records I played the most. Or even the ambitious, under-rated GREENDALE, which I played to death back in 2003 and still love. It was out the very year we were living in that cabin in the woods. ❤️

I could see a few from LANDING ON WATER showing up — a personal favorite — not as unique as TRANS, but so different than everything else he’s done.

But today? I’m sticking with ON THE BEACH, my favorite Neil Young record. I reach for this one most often because it makes me feel good. And like yesterdays song, this final epic track reminds me of that long gravel road leading to our cabin. The soundtrack to our escape.

Great picking and guitar work and I love that fiddle — and Neil’s baritone feels bold and unusual. And I find it so calming as he dives deep into these poetic memories with obscure references. (I’m not sure who Isabella is, but I sure love the feeling her presence evokes — I love that we don’t know who she is)

Neil continues reminiscing for nine minutes — recounting highs and lows. Victories and betrayals. Reflecting on the past can be so critical for healing. But eventually, it becomes a trap. We must not allow ourselves to get buried there.

An ambulance can only go so fast
It's easy to get buried in the past
When you try to make a good thing last