“My wife’s favorite Guy Clark song is “Like a Coat from the Cold,” written by Guy as a wedding present for his wife, Susanna, because he had no money.”
But Susanna wrote “You’re a Hard Dog to Keep Under the Porch” for him because, well, I guess we can figure it out.
Happy to see all this appreciation for Guy and his music.
Yeah, I guess we can figure that out. And the rest of the lyrics of Like a Coat from the Cold acknowledge that Clark was not an angel. They're still married after - what, about 40 years? - so something worked out.
There's nothing like a Guy Clark concert when he simply walks onto the stage in boots, jeans, a white dress shirt, and a rustic sport coat. His guitar. That silver leonine head of hair and gravely voice. And he just talks to the audience and takes requests. His son plays acoustic (not stand-up) bass on some songs.
That's it. He just sings, says a few choice words.
I'm a big fan of Nanci Griffith too, from my days at the University of Texas listening to her play at the Cactus Cafe.
Their harmonies on Clark's Dublin Blues are particularly nice.
Susanna Clark is a painter, too, isn't she? I think she painted the denim shirt painting hanging behind Guy on the mid-70's album, "Old No. 1."