Once More, Renewable Energy Crusaders Are “Knights in Armor Bent on Chivalry”

As we celebrate Van Morrison’s 72nd birthday, let’s take a look back at a post I wrote five years ago.

By the time I’ve driven my rental car off the Avis lot in any particular city, I’ve usually found a radio station that I think will speak to me.  During the day, it’s normally the local NPR affiliate, but after hours, the choice becomes more interesting.  Last night, it was WXYC, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, whose late-night DJ “Riley” had a sweet and unaffected charm in her presentation of some terrific music.  At her repeated suggestion, I called in a request.  I knew it would make her evening to know that someone was listening, and I could tell by the sound of her voice when she took my call on the first ring that I was right.

I asked for Van Morrison’s “Tupelo Honey,” considering that I was in the south, and that the song’s pure soul would add nicely to what Riley was playing.  But it was only upon reflecting on the lyrics as I sped across the highway from Raleigh to Greensboro that I realized the unintended tie-in to the theme of the day for me: my respect for the people who boldly dedicate themselves to a more sustainable and equitable way of life for all of us.  An excerpt:

You can’t stop us on the road to freedom
You can’t keep us cause our eyes can see
Men with insight, men in granite
Knights in armor bent on chivalry

Here’s the album version.  Normally I can find live versions of songs like these that I prefer, but not here.  Hope you enjoy.