Singled Out: “Scars We Keep” by Ordinary Elephant
Who: Ordinary Elephant
Song: “Scars We Keep”
Latest Record: Before I Go
“I was born to be a bigot, but that don’t mean I’m one.” The intensity, the sincerity of “Scars We Keep” builds and builds to this line. It’s a compelling and needed reflection on the prejudices we inherit and those we have to exorcise from our hearts. Ordinary Elephant is playing Club Passim on Thursday, August 9 and we’re so happy to share this incredible song here on Red Line Roots.
“I always feel like a conduit in some way when writing songs, but not to the degree I did with this one. It came quick, which is atypical for me, and it felt done before I ever brought it to Pete to help with lyrical editing and revisions like I normally do. The narrator of this song needed his story told, and we needed the hope that came with it.
We are grateful for every person that shares with us how this song resonates with them. Hours after our performance at the Kerrville Folk Festival this year, a man made his way to us in the campground that night, and with tears in his eyes said “I want to thank you for that song you did on main stage tonight.” Quoting this song, he said, “You changed my point of view.” Things like this remind us why we do what we do. Songs speak, and they can heal”
A-men. Catch this incredible duo with The Honey Dewdrops at Passim on Thursday night!
Photo Credit: Jeff Fasano