In the late '60s and early '70s, Baez came into her songwriting own, penning many songs (most notably "Diamonds & Rust," a nostalgic piece about her ill-fated romance with Bob Dylan, and "Sweet Sir Galahad," a song about sister Mimi Fariña's ( of Richard & Mimi Fariña fame) second marriage, and continued to meld her songcraft with topical issues. She was outspoken in her disapproval of the Vietnam war and later the CIA-backed coups in many Latin American countries.
She was also instrumental in the Civil Rights movement, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King on many occassions and being jailed for her beliefs. In 1963, her performance of "We Shall Overcome" at the Lincoln Memorial just prior to Dr. King's famous "I Have A Dream..." speech helped confirm the song as the Civil Rights anthem.
In December 1972, she traveled to Hanoi, North Vietnam, and was caught in that country's "Christmas Campaign," in which the U.S. bombed the city more times than any other during the entire war. While pregnant with her only son, Gabriel, she performed a handful of songs in the middle of the night on day one of the 1969 Woodstock festival. She is considered the "Queen of Folk" for being at the forefront of the 1960s folk revival and inspiring generations of female folksingers that followed. On July 28, 2019, following dates across Europe, Baez performed her final concert at Madrid's Teatro Real. In January 2021, Baez received a 2020 Kennedy Center Honor.
One Day At A Time
Joan Baez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I live one day at a time
I dream one dream at a time
Yesterday's dead, and tomorrow is blind
And I live one day at a time.
Bet you're surprised to see me back at home,
You don't know how I miss you when you're gone
It never crossed my mind
'cause I live one day at a time.
I live one day at a time
I dream one dream at a time
Yesterday's dead, and tomorrow is blind
And I live one day at a time.
There's a swallow flyin' across a cloudy sky
Searchin' for a patch of sun so high
Don't ask how long I have to follow him,
Perhaps I won't in time
But I live one day at a time.
I live one day at a time
I dream one dream at a time
Yesterday's dead, and tomorrow is blind
And I live one day at a time.
And I live one day at a time.
The song "One Day at a Time" by Joan Baez and Jeffrey Shurtleff is about living life in the present moment, without being preoccupied with past or future stresses. The lyrics reflect a sense of liberation that comes with embracing the moment by focusing on one day at a time. The song is a reminder to be mindful and present instead of worrying about things that are beyond our control.
The opening lines, "I live one day at a time, I dream one dream at a time," sets the tone for the song. The singer acknowledges that yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is unknown. The line "Yesterday's dead, and tomorrow is blind" is a powerful statement that highlights the fleeting nature of time. The song suggests that the only way to truly live is by living in the present, and enjoying the moment, instead of holding onto memories or being anxious about what's to come.
The song's message is about living in the present moment and making the most of it. Life is unpredictable, and we cannot control everything that happens to us or around us. Rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we need to focus on living one day at a time. This song promotes mindfulness, and it is a beautiful reminder to appreciate every moment we are given.
Line by Line Meaning
I live one day at a time
I focus only on the present day, taking each moment as it comes without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
I dream one dream at a time
I have one goal or aspiration at a time, working towards it with determination and focusing my energy on achieving it.
Yesterday's dead, and tomorrow is blind
The past is gone and cannot be changed, and the future is uncertain and cannot be predicted, so I choose to live in the present and make the most of each day.
And I live one day at a time.
This is my philosophy for living my life - to take each moment as it comes, and live fully in the present without worrying about the past or future.
Bet you're surprised to see me back at home,
You might not have expected me to return so soon, but I'm here now and happy to be with you again.
You don't know how I miss you when you're gone
Being apart from you is difficult for me, and I feel a deep sense of longing for your presence when you're not here.
Don't ask how long I plan to stay
I haven't made any specific plans about how long I'll be here, as I'm letting the future unfold naturally and one day at a time.
It never crossed my mind
I haven't given the question of how long I'll stay any thought or consideration, as I'm taking each day as it comes.
There's a swallow flyin' across a cloudy sky
I see a bird flying through the sky, searching for something through the clouds and darkness.
Searchin' for a patch of sun so high
The bird is looking for a small area of sunlight amidst the clouds, symbolizing the hope and optimism that can be found even in difficult circumstances.
Don't ask how long I have to follow him,
I don't know how long it will take for the bird to find its patch of sunlight, and therefore I don't know how long I'll have to wait before I find my own source of hope and optimism.
Perhaps I won't in time
There's no guarantee that the bird will find its patch of sunlight, just as there's no guarantee that I'll find my own source of hope and optimism as I live my life one day at a time.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Willie Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Larry Tate
one of the most beautiful performances from Woodstock
BrokenWolf1990
I have loved this woman for about 12 years. Songs like this, combined with her voice, are exactly why.
John S. Evans
Many thanks for sharing this delight, Ms. Joan and Mr. Jeffrey were perfect together! He went on to do excellent work for people, a fine and real person! Just great to hear them together, from way back then!
Fernando Anselmo
Adoro essa apresentação... :)
Scott Martin
First time listening to this song still has a Message for today’s Troubles
Lynda Shurtleff
Thank you for sharing the Joan Baez Jeffrey Shurtleff recordings. I love to listen to them
Seth Fryslie
Jeffrey shirtlift is my grandma's cousin. I play guitar too and I'm so proud of him. I can honestly say that I have a relative who played in Woodstock. 😃👍
djbarryiii
Jeff was an RA in my freshman college dorm. I don't think he did much if any more professional singing.
Red1111
I was there for this performance as a fifteen year-old and it was and remains one of my best memories of Woodstock.
Jaon mary McCormack
Hahahaaaaaa shirtlift.