The Green Mill (Chicago 8-19-2004)

We took the redline to Lawrence 
and checked the world at the door 
in the footsteps of all those before 
who found solace in sax and 
draped themselves in neon dreams 

I must confess 
how easily I acquiesced 
to the Gresik groove 
hundreds moved 
as broad shoulders unloaded 
some say this swing-style’s outmoded. 
It don’t mean a thing 

Brother, I felt the pulse 
The heart’s still tickin’ 
after all these years 
And I’m the first to say 
That I’m blown away 

If relics we are, I accept it 
This hurried world, I reject it 
As I go back in my mind 
to a simpler time 
learn a new step and perfect it.