The Silver Jews’ “Tennessee” is, without question, the perfect postmodern country song.
One second, David Berman’s poke-along baritone drawl is the most heartfelt you’ve ever heard. The next minute he’s borrowing Johnny Cash’s larynx, his lyrics boldly staring you in the face. Pretty soon his cynical side shows through. And then suddenly, he knocks you down in hilarity with a line like this one:
“Punk Rock died when the first kid said, “Punk’s not dead… Punk’s not… dead.”
“Tennessee” combines equal parts sincerity, cynicism, and bone dry deadpan wit with a voice that Johnny Cash’s family must be collecting royalties on.
“Marry me, leave Kentucky, and come to Tennessee,” sings Berman, “’cause you’re the only ‘ten’ I see.” To which his girlfriend, Cassie Marrett, sings back, “I’ve looked through offices and honkytonks for a man man enough to be Mr. ‘Mrs. Tennessee.’”
This track’s lyrics, its instrumentation, and, of course, Berman’s voice helped it quickly rise to the top of a recent roadtrip playlist of music on my iPod I hadn’t listened to much, but the song is so unique and interesting in its style, I just had to share it with you.
Yes, you. The person behind the keyboard on the other side of this screen.
Help me. I’m stuck in here.
Tap, tap.
Tap.