Tear-Stained Eye – Son Volt
Missouri is one of the few states where the official state song is competitive, thanks to a nice Johnny Cash version of “Missouri Waltz.” Still, it was never going to beat out one of my all-time favorite songs: this gem from Jay Farrar about the Mississippi overflowing its banks and threatening the little town of St. Genevieve, Missouri.
It’s a song about the march of time, the power of memory, and the conviction that allows us to keep putting one foot in front of the other. St. Genevieve is only mentioned in the chorus, but its presence leaves traces all through the song. After all, the modern day St. Genevieve no longer inhabits its original location, which had to be abandoned after the great flood of 1785 washed away the entire settlement. But the settlers were undaunted by this catastrophe. They simply moved back off the floodplain and started over.
St. Genevieve is defined by the river. The great Mississippi, which brings trade and commerce, which ties them together with the world outside. It’s the lifeblood of the community, but also a constant threat. And so they strive to hold back the water, praying for salvation. All to aware that salvation often comes only after everything has been flattened. When, against all odds, we find a way to pick up the pieces and start over once again.