I Believe In You

I had already recognized the singer on the radio as Sinead O'Connor, but it took a minute longer before I paid enough attention to what song it was. It was one of Bob Dylan's better odes to God, a song I was not aware that O'Connor had recorded. I think back to years ago when she blew herself out of the water with the public when she tore up the photo of the Pope on Saturday Night Live. I had always liked her and the Pope was never any very great entertainment to me, so I was sorry that it had happened. I felt like the general public never realizes that the truth is that one of us can't really hurt (unless we shoot!) someone as big as the Pope or Jesus or the President of the Kiwanis Club!

Nonetheless, it all happened, and I suppose she's had a thorn in her hoof ever since. The Pope is dead and she's not, but there's another one already. He didn't die from any barb or disrespect of hers, and that's good. But the woman can sing very well indeed, and I hate censors of any kind, so I'm in favor of whatever recovery she's been able to make in her career.

I don't know if her choice of songs here is indicative of a change of heart or just an appreciation of a well-written song. I wasn't a Bible Beater when I originally liked Dylan's version of the song many years ago, so I don't mind if she's being very ironic or is Reborn herself. I'm tolerant, I congratulate myself. I hope she is, too. If The Public weren't such a senseless beast, I'd wish they were as well, but I think I'd be pushing my luck. Let's see, who was it nailed Christ to the cross? Was it the Romans or The Public? The Romans may have done it, but it was The Public who insisted. That's my story, and I'm stickin to it!

In any case, it brought this atheist's attention back to some very good song lyrics. Attaboy, Jewboy Bob! Manipulate us again!

I Believe In You
by Bob Dylan

They ask me how I feel
And if my love is real
And how I know I'll make it through.
And they, they look at me and frown,
They'd like to drive me from this town,
They don't want me around
'Cause I believe in you.

They show me to the door,
They say don't come back no more
'Cause I don't be like they'd like me to,
And I walk out on my own
A thousand miles from home
But I don't feel alone
'Cause I believe in you.

I believe in you even through the tears and the laughter,
I believe in you even though we be apart.
I believe in you even on the morning after.
Oh, when the dawn is nearing
Oh, when the night is disappearing
Oh, this feeling is still here in my heart.

Don't let me drift too far,
Keep me where you are
Where I will always be renewed.
And that which you've given me today
Is worth more than I could pay
And no matter what they say
I believe in you.

I believe in you when winter turn to summer,
I believe in you when white turn to black,
I believe in you even though I be outnumbered.
Oh, though the earth may shake me
Oh, though my friends forsake me
Oh, even that couldn't make me go back.

Don't let me change my heart,
Keep me set apart
From all the plans they do pursue.
And I, I don't mind the pain
Don't mind the driving rain
I know I will sustain
'Cause I believe in you.


Copyright © 1979 Special Rider Music

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