CRITICAL Take any of the songs that we explored today (Patti Smith and/or The Doors) and discuss how the song embodies a Blakean insight into human experience that is still relevant today.
“So throw off your stupid cloak
Embrace all that you fear
For joy shall conquer all despair in my Blakean year”
This is a line taken from Patti Smith’s performance of her song “My Blakean Year” in New York 2007. Inspired by William Blake and his philosophies, Smith wrote this song to pay tribute to him as well as sending out a positive message about each individual’s journey of discovery. A mission in front of is not always clear, and the road we confidently walk on might not be the right path. Each of us experience fear and uncertainty within our own travel, even tempted by fallacies and forces unknown. The pilgrim mentioned in the song refers to us, the travelers, and the Blakean words that “binds the pilgrim’s sack” are the inspiring Blakean philosophy that comforts those who choose to listen to it. These Blakean words are the light that makes the road become clearer. Therefore, Smith encourages listeners to throw off their cloaks and let these words in to warm our souls and guide us. Instead of shying away from things we fear, embrace them and face them head on. There are no room for insecurities in the sack of a pilgrim. Instead, make room for the happiness and joy that will expose all despair and help us stay on the right track to our goals.
The lyrics in full:
In my Blakean year
I was so disposed
Toward a mission yet unclear
Advancing pole by pole
Fortune breathed into my ear
Mouthed a simple ode
One road is paved in gold
One road is just a road
In my Blakean year
Such a woeful schism
The pain of our existence
Was not as I envisioned
Boots that trudged from track to track
Worn down to the sole
One road is paved in gold
One road is just a road
Boots that tread from track to track
Worn down to the sole
One road is paved in gold
One road is just a road
In my Blakean year
Temptation but a hiss
Just a shallow spear
Robed in cowardice
Brace yourself for bitter flack
For a life sublime
A labyrinth of riches
Never shall unwind
The threads that bind the pilgrim’s sack
Are stitched into the Blakean back
So throw off your stupid cloak
Embrace all that you fear
For joy will conquer all despair
In my Blakean year
Written by Patti Smith
© 2004 Druse Music (ASCAP)
Jamie 
That is a great entry Jamie- it just needs an image to bring out the impact more fully (what about Patti Smith?). ALSO- MOST IMPORTANT- you don’t have any categories set up for Visionary Imagination, so I was unable to find these blogs without digging around. You MUST get this sorted out by week 12 or you will not do well in this component. Sorry.
Editing Needed (and some workshop follow-ups- see Purdue Owl for help: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/
*A mission in front of is not always clear, =??? Do you mean : A mission in front of US is not always clear, [ ?? ]
*There are no room for insecurities= There IS no room for insecurities [Agreement of Subject and Verb. Plural nouns need plural verbs and singular nouns need singular verbs. What should this be? http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/595/01/%5D
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