Sunday, April 1, 2007

For Charlie (For Baby (For Bobbie), John Denver)

I was so busy composing reviews last month, I never got around to penning any parodies. Now that the fervor is over, I thought I'd break my unintended fast with a subject I've been meaning to write on for a month and a half: Desmond David Hume, the wild-eyed, suddenly psychic Scot who's become such an intriguing part of LOST's third season. It's set to Peter Paul and Mary's version of John Denver's For Baby (For Bobbie); the song has been running through my head since I listened to it yesterday, and I figure the gentle tone is exactly what's needed for such a grim moment, when Desmond comes clean to Charlie about his disturbing psychic flashes.

Gotta feel bad for the guy; he tries to distance himself from everyone, yet he's bound to Charlie through this strange ability that makes him the only one who can serve as his protector. He cares about Charlie whether he wants to or not, and though he doesn't believe he can avert calamity for long, he knocks himself out trying to prolong the pipsqueak's life as long as possible. Good ol' Dez...

For Charlie

I witnessed the rain when you died.
I saw you lie lifeless upon the sand.
I know it will bring you pain to understand
The universe has made you a marked man.

And so, brother, you have my sympathy.
Destiny has doomed you in your prime.
Despite what I do, you're gonna die.
You're running out of time.

I saved Claire so you wouldn't drown.
These misty visions sear my mind's eye.
I care for you, so my sorrow is profound,
But I cannot comfort you without lies.

Do you still think it's wrong that I say "No"
When you ask for what's on my mind?
Despite what I do, you're gonna die.
You're running out of time.

I witnessed the rain when you died.
I saw you lie lifeless upon the sand.
I know it will bring you pain to understand
The universe has made you a marked man.

And so, brother, you have my sympathy.
Destiny has doomed you in your prime.
Despite what I do, you're gonna die.
You're running out of time.


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