12-Bar Blues Block
You can be one of the cool kids, even if it takes 40 years

It was the 70’s and all that that entails. I had taken a leap and landed in a place far from home. Shy, practically petrified and somehow, for the first time, I was hanging out with all of the cool kids.
One night, we sat in a circle, passing wine, passing pot. What I remember is overwhelming youth, optimism, beauty and brains— scruffy guys with guitars and sly grins, pretty girls with silver rings and easy laughter.
The music slid from an acoustic version of “Whippin’ Post” to a 12-bar blues riff. Someone suggested that we take turns contributing a verse to the riff, round-robin style. One by one, personal laments came effortlessly. Then it was my turn — blank, nada. Eventually — could it have been an hour? — Janet came to my rescue and took up the baton.
I can feel the flop sweat to this day.
Now, here I am 40 years later, finally taking my penultimate (God, I love using that word, I secretly always think of it as “the ultimate”) course for my bachelor’s degree: American Popular Music.
Music is my religion, so I am completely confident — cocky — about acing this baby. Until I take a look at this week’s homework assignment …
Write four choruses of a 12-bar blues lyric
ShitDamnPiss!!! Is it true that life keeps giving you lessons until you learn?

One thing I have learned — You have to know it to sing it.
Here it is. My breakthrough blues.
SUNDAY MORNIN’ BLUES
by Flop Fezz Farley
Woke up Sunday mornin’, sun shinin’ through the blinds
Woke up Sunday mornin’, sun shinin’ through the blinds
The kitchen sink was dirty with last night’s coffee grinds
Turned my motor over, walker in the back
Turned my motor over, walker in the back
On my way to Wegman’s, gotta keep on track
Home to hungry children, eggs are on the stove
Home to hungry children, eggs are on the stove
Wishin’ for the Sunday, when all I did was rove
Another Sunday morning, sun shinin’ through the blinds
Another Sunday morning, sun shinin’ through the blinds
Now come on Sunday evenin’, bring me my peace of mind

FractaLife welcomes contributions from anyone interested in our mission. See Writing for FractaLife for instructions.

