Redtree Times

Some humans ain’t human
Some people ain’t kind
They lie through their teeth
With their head up their behind

You open up their hearts
And here’s what you’ll find
Some humans ain’t human
Some people ain’t kind

—John Prine, Some Humans Ain’t Human

I came across the post below from five years ago, in 2020, in February of that year. I had to laugh at the fact that I am basically in the same state of mind now. Some things never change, I guess. Bu tit fit so well with that I felt like saying this morning that it seemed foolish to not rerun it.

From February, 2020:

Maybe it’s just being tired from wrestling with a foot of fallen snow or maybe it’s just being sick of being sick about the state of affairs taking place here in this country. I can’t say for sure but whatever the case, it has made me a little misanthropic as of late.

It bothers me and it’s not something I embrace lightly. I’ve always resolved to follow the Will Rogers maxim of I never met a man I didn’t like, believing that I could always find common ground with anyone I came across, could find something, anything, that we could agree on. And that was generally the case for the better part of my life.

But the last three or so years have put that resolution to the test as so many of my fellow citizens have been suddenly liberated to openly express their prejudices, their hatreds, their conspiracy-based beliefs, their petty spitefulness and a whole litany of stupid behaviors that would crush my spirit completely if I were forced to list them all.

This morning, I just want to give up and embrace my angry misanthropy. Maybe walk to the end of my driveway and give the finger to the first passing car.

That’ll teach ’em, won’t it?

Oh, I know. That won’t happen. I will still try to find whatever good there is in people, still try to find even those small things we have in common. You like pizza? Me, too!

But be warned: my patience ain’t what it used to be.

So, for this Sunday morning music I have selected what I consider a fitting choice for this mood. It’s Some Humans Ain’t Human from John Prine. He wrote it in 2005 as political commentary on George W. Bush‘s decision to put us into the war with Iraq, that one we still can’t seem to shake free from. Prine said he didn’t want to die with people not being sure where he stood on Bush.

It might have been written for that purpose but it fits a multitude of situations. Actually, every situation.

Give a listen and if you want to sing along, go to this link for the lyrics. Then let yourself quietly. I’m telling you right now, do not slam that door.

And if you need me today, you will find me at the end of my driveway.

This post originally ran before John Prine died from Covid a short time later in 2020. I wish he were still around to comment on the world at this moment. The painting at the top, is Soul Boat is from 2019 and currently lives with me here in the studio just to remind me that some humans still ain’t human.