This was the first ever ‘Subway Story’ for me. I bought Coltrane’s last concert called The Olatunji Concert: The Last Live Recording. Coltrane died within about 2 months of this recording. I bought the album from a shop down on St. Mark’s…and listened to it on the way home on the 6 Train. The album is very much of his free period – but it is still stunning…and moving. Buy this music…and bring it with you on the subway. It will make sense when you do.
In my own opinion, this is the best thing I’ve ever written
God’s Last Gasp.
Wailing in pain
Knowing the last breath
Is nigh.
Willing the rain
Seeing his own breath
Was shy.
Bare light in the corner
No shade from the end
3 months till savior.
Hear the wind blow and whistle
Bear witness to the sane
But only God’s last gasp
Can sound like raising cane.
I can hear him dying
Dying on the tape
All the world’s been crying
Blues taken shape.
There are no words
Better off without them
Life seen thru pain
Not the moon not the stars
Nor the sun nor the earth.
Coltrane.
Fear and Segregation
Power and subjugation
All felt that day
All walked away
With God’s last gasp.
No one else did or could
Pain nearing its end
Blowing in the wind
Blowing in the sand.
Only sane men knew
Of what he speaks
Insanity could not co-exist.
Pushed away all his tears
God’s last gasp hears its own
Knowing the end is near.
God’s last gasp.
Sly and lie
Suit and tie
Wears he.
Only good knowing his fate.
If you want to stare life and death
Straight into the face
Look no further than
God’s last Gasp.