Leslie Ball

Blue Violets

When she trimmed them and pinned them upon me
my mother said "Darling, wear these violets fondly
They are a sign a young lady is looking for love
A sign for the angels to guide from above"

I wear blue violets when I rush out to meet you
Blue violets light my eyes when I greet you
Blue violets I crush when i lean on your shoulder
Blue violets I press when this evening is over

My mother pressed blue violets into my veil
She whispered to me "Darling blue violets won't fail
They keep your love healthy, hearty and strong
Remember to wear them and sing this song"

I wear blue violets when I go out to meet you
Blue violets light my eyes when I greet you
Blue violets I crush when I lean on your shoulder
Blue violets I press when this evening is over

Now Im wearing blue violets on last day
I won't wear them again now that you've gone away
They were the symbol of our happy years
I'll bury them, and bury you
and bury my tears

I wore blue violets when I rushed out to meet you
Blue violets lit my eyes when I would greet you
Blue violets I crushed when I leaned on your shoulder
Blue violets I ll press when this great day is over

Leslie Ball is one of the coolest next door neighbors you could hope to have. Not only do we trade stories across from each other while we're hanging out our laundry out behind the old Victorian we and a few others share on Nicollet Island (found on the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis), but as fellow artists, we get to hear each other rehearsing on either side of the wall from each other too. Sometimes its a band rehearsal at my place bleeding into her side of the house, sometimes its her voice I can hear singing from the other. One day, as I was writing Blue Violets, I realized Leslie needed to be the one to sing it. She has a great sense of story, emotion, and a breathy flavor to her voice that is captivating. She marched over one early August 2009 morning and spent an hour recording this with me. I think you will love how she brings the lyrics of the talented Mr. Tibbets to life. And she makes a mean friendship bread, too!

*Come see the weekly offerings of one of Minneapolis' longest running midnight cabarets, Balls at Midnight, every Saturday night at midnight (of course), at the Southern Theater, 7 Corners district, Minneapolis, MN. It's hosted by the lovely Leslie Ball!