Anita Brown: Music
Major Nepenthe
"Nepenthe" is not a name. NEPENTHE: noun; Any drug or potion bringing welcome forgetfulness; banishing grief from a person’s mind.
I'm posting these lyrics today, Memorial Day, May 31, 2010, for my new friends, those members of The United States Department of the Navy, a.k.a., Sailors and Marines whom I met in midtown over the weekend including today at the USS Iwo Jima during Fleet Week. (See pix on photo page.) The tune has only been recorded on my not-so-tuned piano as I sing into the air for the digital recorder, without a microphone. I have decided to throw caution to the wind and post a track, although it's a demo. It will soon be arranged for 3 to 5 horns, and maybe even for my jazz orchestra, so when I have another version available I'll update.
If some of my new friends happen to visit this site, don't forget to look for Anita Brown Jazz Orchestra on Facebook, in addition to sending me a personal friend request. Please see aol email address on the contact page of this site. Please visit the photo gallery for pictures and don't forget to sign the guestbook!
Meanwhile, I'll continue to work on getting a reasonable track ready to post.
I should also say that it is my intention to--as soon as possible--record this tune and arrange for a portion of its proceeds to be donated to the USO and "Operation Mend," http://operationmend.ucla.edu/default.cfm, an organization out of LA that assists service men and women in re-entering civilian life following severe disfigurement during the course of their service. Frequently the complexity and cost of this important task renders it financially beyond the scope and resources of military benefits. "Operation Mend" is doing a lot to counter this challenge. This organization was suggested to me by a USMC retired Major. A live link is available on the links page of this site.
Below is the "back story" about the tune's lyrics.
~AB
Composers’ Notes: "Major Nepenthe"
The following offers some insight into some of the specific references in this tune.
While its lyric is somewhat universal to many members of the United States Marine Corps, they were inspired by an accomplished, chivalrous friend and pillar in my community, a Marine who retired as a Major.
As a helicopter pilot he flew a Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion, which, in some USMC photos online are shown to have a white fuselage. Now the driver of a white truck, I jokingly refer to it as his Road Stallion, hence the reference to “White Steed.” I offer this explanation and have chosen to capitalize White Steed so as to avert any confusion or misunderstanding.
Having done extensive and significant research & development in the area of 3-D virtual training environment technology under the aegis of USMC, he has not only flown some very big “toys” but also designed and created additional toys for the safety and betterment of pilots who followed in his footsteps. He continues to surround himself with grand toys including shiny motorcycles and fire trucks.
He remains a self-proclaimed adolescent with regard to his no-apparent-fear-of-death, carpe diem attitude, while proving to be a protector of whoever may be in need of assistance.
nepenthe: noun; Any drug or potion bringing welcome forgetfulness; banishing grief from a person’s mind.
Alpha Librae: One of the primary stars in the constellation of Libra.
Semper Fi: Short for Semper Fidelis; Latin for Always Faithful, The Marine Corps motto.
~Anita
MAJOR NEPENTHE
Words & Music by Anita Brown
It was plain as day to see (though surprisingly) smiles for me
And we laughed through the night, maybe ‘til three.
What he did not see is that it was meant to be
A sparkling fancy naturally.
An unlikely pair, for sure. Fascinatingly, seems so pure.
He was staunch military, such a Marine.
He lives ev’ry moment like he was seventeen,
His fav’rite toys is all he needs.
Release
He is proudly in command of his C-H Fifty Three.
Just complete the mission: please be good to me.
Oh, with his trident of prowess, wit and charm;
Noble “Alpha Librae,” Sempre Fi!
Refrain
Major Nepenthe, won’t you take me away from the pain, Sir?
Not even you can hold it back.
Major Nepenthe, oh please show me the way to your heart, Sir,
Like only you can take me there,
You can take me there, you can take me there.
Verse
And oh, what a friend to have as a champion ‘til the end,
As he lives just to serve, to protect and play,
With a dash of whimsy, frolic and modesty
A boy turned man so valiantly.
Although ev’ry now and then a little amorous, he pretends
To be not really watching carefully.
An unflinching, skillful, spirited, grand, White Steed,
The shining pride of USMC.
(Repeat Release and Refrain)
Anita Brown Publishing, BMI © 2010