Gene Parsons is also credited with inventing the B-Bender along with Clarence White and it is often referred to as the Parsons/White B-Bender, a trademarked name, for that reason. His first solo album Kindling was released in 1973, and he also played drums on Elliott Murphy's album Aquashow in 1973.
Gene Parsons appeared on a few solo albums and toured with a later lineup of the Flying Burrito Brothers in the mid-seventies, along with Sneaky Pete Kleinow, Skip Battin and Gib Gilbeau. Essentially, Gene Parsons and Skip Battin had followed earlier members of the Flying Burrito Brothers that they had earlier followed in The Byrds, Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons.
Monument
Gene Parsons Lyrics
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I got a dog at home in the yard and I got a stick to tease him
But we're trying to build a monument to show that we were here
It won't be visible through the air, and there won't be any shade
To cool the monument, to prove that we were here
I got a banjo and a wife and I got songs to please her
I got a little old house of trees and I got the moon and stars to see
But we're trying to build a monument to show that we were here
To cool the monument, to prove that we were here
I got a banjo and a wife and I got songs to please her
I got a little old house of trees and I got the moon and stars to see
The lyrics of Gene Parsons's song Monument speaks of the human desire to leave a lasting legacy or mark on the world. The opening lines depict the mundane and common possessions and activities of a farmer - a pig, corn, and a dog. However, despite the simplicity of these possessions, the singer desires to build a monument that will serve as proof that they were present in the world. The monument referred to in the song, unlike the typical stone structure that stands as a testament to an event or person, will not be seen visually or provide any physical comfort to its observer. Instead, it will only serve as intangible proof of the singer's existence.
The singer acknowledges that the monument's purpose is not to benefit anyone, but rather it is a personal obsession. The song suggests that even with all the things the singer possesses, including a banjo, a wife, songs, and a peaceful abode of trees, he still desires to leave an indelible mark on the world. It is symbolic of human desire to be remembered even after death, and also of the vanity of human existence.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a pig at home in a pen and I got corn to feed him
I have the basic necessities of life, and I am content with what I have.
I got a dog at home in the yard and I got a stick to tease him
I have found joy in simple pleasures.
But we're trying to build a monument to show that we were here
However, as humans, we have a deep desire to leave a lasting legacy of our existence.
It won't be visible through the air, and there won't be any shade
Our monument may not be grand, but its memory will endure beyond our lifetime.
To cool the monument, to prove that we were here
Our monument will symbolize our existence and be discovered by future generations.
I got a banjo and a wife and I got songs to please her
I have found love and happiness in my life.
I got a little old house of trees and I got the moon and stars to see
I have found beauty in nature and the simple things.
But we're trying to build a monument to show that we were here
However, despite all of this happiness, humans crave recognition and desire immortality through a legacy.
It won't be visible through the air, and there won't be any shade
Our monument may not be grand, but it will last beyond our lifetime and be a sign of our existence to future generations.
To cool the monument, to prove that we were here
Our monument will act as evidence of our existence and be discovered by future generations.
Contributed by Madelyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.