James Carr: The Dark End Of The Street

While walking the crumbling neighborhoods of Detroit I felt a tinge of guilt as I observed the results of decades of failure there.

And a song crept into my head, James Carr's "The Dark End Of The Street."

It's been covered dozens of times, most notably by the Flying Burrito Brothers on their first album.

But as is often the case--there is no topping the original.

Carr, part of the Memphis soul scene of the 1960s, never achieved the stardom he so richly deserved.

At the dark end of the street
That is where we always meet
Hiding in shadows where we don't belong
Living in darkness, to hide alone
You and me, at the dark end of the street.

Perhaps I don't belong in Detroit.