"Waif with an Attitude"

“Waif with an Attitude” - written by David W. Johnson © 1995 Dave Johnson

Dave used to play at open mic nights in Exeter, NH (see the “Tired Man” notes). He was always so warm and congenial, and we loved his songs and performances. One time, Naked, the first all original band I started with my brother Will, played one of these open mics and Dave went on after us, dedicating his performance of Buddy Holly's “Rave On” to us, which was sweet. Dave isn’t out doing music so much these days but is an accomplished writer. His books The Life and Music of Booker "Bukka" White Recalling the Blues and Lonesome Melodies The Lives and Music of the Stanley Brothers are both available through the University Press of Mississippi (as well as most booksellers).

Dave’s original version is folk. I view reggae as a type of folk music within its mother culture. At this point in the album process, I had been listening to live Bob Marley, and I frequently listen to The Police. The drum intro intentionally has a vibe echoing Steve Goulding’s intro to Elvis Costello's "Watching the Detectives” and the approach gradually becomes more Stewart Copeland-esque as the tune progresses. My overall vision was that of a large stage band, like The Wailers or the expanded lineup of Talking Heads circa Remain in Light. One of my imaginary keyboardists is usually “bubbling” on a Hammond organ and piano, while the other guy leans more toward electric piano, clavinet, and synthesizers. The horns were super fun to arrange. People with big ears will hear lots of other songs quoted throughout, and I tried to incorporate references to as many female artists as I could (because… the waif…). The ending was inspired by an article Dave had written on the Carter Family, selected for Da Capo’s Best American Music Writing 2004. Their song “Little Darling, Pal of Mine” was the blueprint.