John P. Schulz: Find The Living Room

Quotes and Notes #127,March 10

“ ‘Don’t matter if you’re rich or poor,

 Same for a woman or a man.

From the cradle to the crypt is a mighty short trip

So you better get it while you can.”–Steve Goodman (1948-1984) quoted from Carl Martin (1906-1979)

Steve Goodman wrote “The City of New Orleans” and is named by David Allen Coe as the writer of the country classic, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name.” Carl Martin was a noted blues musician. Steve’s song, “Get it While You Can” was written as a tribute to Martin.

Steve Goodman had been fighting leukemia for years and continued the fight for years after writing the song. His wife is quoted in Wikipedia as saying that “at times, Steve fought the disease with willpower alone.”  His life was short, but he definitely made the best of it. His good friend, John Prine, sings a song, “Souvenirs,” and often dedicates it to Goodman. Actually, they wrote it together.

So, “Get it while you can.” Share a smile

Everything is going to be all right.

John P. Schulz