True

Concrete Blonde

As a teen with a new driver’s license, my three favorite things to do were:

(1) Go into SF and see live music.
(2) Go into SF and see an art film.
(3) Go into SF record stores and buy used records.

I knew nothing about this band because it was their first tour and they were opening for the Alarm — both on I.R.S. Johnette Napolitano looked like she was in high school at the time. Probably 25, but I was blown away by her. As much as I loved the Alarm, I don’t remember their set that night, but I still remember Johnette’s confidence, her voice and her bass playing.

I bought their self-titled debut the next day. This song holds up so well — still sounds amazing. And these lyrics remain sassy and meaningful. Stay true to your voice, because it’s hard to find. And only you have it.

And if I had the choice I'd take the voice I got
Cause it was hard to find
You know I've come too far to wind up right back where I started
And they tell me who I should be
I'll never let those monkeys make a mess of me
I give all I am and it's all I can do
But I'm true