R.I.P. Vic Chesnutt

HANK ALTOGETHER:

After rumors and comas, the NY Times confirms that a few hours ago Vic Chesnutt has died. Growing out of the Athens, GA music scene, Chesnutt was a widely regarded musician of the early 90s. At 18, Chesnutt was severely injured in a car accident and lived the rest of his life as a paraplegic. Undaunted, Chesnutt's music became more focused and raw. Listening to him is like hitting a frightened raw nerve inside yourself over and over. He released two albums this year At the Cut and Skitter on Take-Off. The prior held the song "Flirted with You all My Life," where Chesnutt frankly and almost apologetically broke up with Death. In a career where Chesnutt never shied away from the negative, "Flirted with You all My Life" was a playful, heartfelt ode, which seemed to push the singer away from of his own destructive impulses. On the occasion of his death, today, I'll reprint the lyrics for you and post the song.

"Flirted with You all My Life"

I am a man

I am self-aware

And everywhere I go

You're always right there with me

I've flirted with you all my life

Even kissed you once or twice

And to this day I swear it was nice

But clearly I was not ready

When you touched a friend of mine

I thought I would lose my mind

But I found out with time that

really I was was not ready, no no

Oh, Death

Oh, Death

Oh, Death

Really, I'm not ready

Oh, Death you hector me

Decimate those dear to me

Tease me with your sweet release

You are cruel and you are constant

When my mom was cancer sick

She fought but then succumb to it

But you made her beg for it

Lord Jesus, please I'm ready.

Oh, Death

Oh, Death

Oh, Death

Really, I'm not ready (repeat)

RIP Vic. All you others, we hope you have a great Christmas.