Willie Nelson and the 4th of July

Seeing Willie Nelson on 4th of July weekend is at once a glorious and provocative way to celebrate the Birthday of the U.S.A. Willie sings about wanderers, contrarians, two-timers, and lonely drinkers as though their stories are the stories of the world. Born restless, he quickly eschewed any sense of "normal American life," and what he became -- a batch of honky-tonk and hippie sensibilities in the shape of a prankish, rough-looking gypsy king -- is a revered aspect of the American character. Tax evasion and pot busts will never mar him. To love Willie is to love America -- the hybridity we cherish, and the untamedness. 

Reviews of recent shows prior to the one I saw at Starplex in Dallas lament decline; there was much worry that age had finally caught up to Willie. But he was excellent for several thousand fans at Starplex; his voice was strong and his playing beautiful. Each of the critics that found previous shows messy and odd were also quick to mention Willie's special hospitality toward his audience -- the reaching out of his music to engage our care where he cares. A Willie Nelson show has never been about mathematical accuracy or exegencies of stage craft. Willie's mode is stand, deliver, and smile. What he often delivers is a spiritual experience. His way of truth-seeking through song describes the perseverance, openness, and grace intrinsic in the created being. He carries a message and speaks for all of us. 

Photo: Willie Nelson at Starplex, July 4th weekend, 2017.