Ruth Garbus “I Think I’m Ready Now” • I clearly recall the first time I heard I heard “I Think I’m Ready Now.” Ruth Garbus was opening for Fievel Is Glauque at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, and I was immediately pulled in by the song’s “what the hell did she just sing?” opening line: “When I penetrated that man I felt just like a dog.” • The song is less lurid than you’d expect from that opener. Garbus’ language is vivid and memorable, contrasting vulgar and mundane imagery with a sort of cosmic philosophy. The lyrics are not narrative or didactic, but I think it’s basically a song about shame mixing with pleasure, and indignity as a path to enlightenment. Something like that. • The arrangement is minimal: No percussion, the emphasis placed almost entirely on Garbus’ voice and tastefully strummed guitar. But there’s some subtle bits of accompaniment, like that lovely little organ flourish after the first line of the third verse, and the understated keyboard drone that harmonizes…
No comments yet. Log in to reply on the Fediverse. Comments will appear here.