the best songs ever

[Eric the Green]

Back to 1975 for this one, my favorite Doobie. It's their tightest and most thrilling composition. But it also appeals to "the days where I spent my youth," because I can see the hills above Santa Cruz and Loma Prieta from my house. In fact, in 1971 (or so) the Doobie Brothers lived on the same block as I did, and I could hear them practicing their early song which I heard as "Peanut Butter." (actually Feeling Farther Down). But I only had heard this "Santa Cruz" song once or twice when I put it on my top 400 in 1977. After a while I wasn't even sure it existed and I was about to take it off when I found it on you tube. I did not even know the title; I just assumed it was "the Hills Above Santa Cruz." But it's "Neal's Fandango", which refers not only to the lively hispanic dance, but to Neal Cassidy and the inspiring, freewheeling ways of the beatniks and the young hippies who admired him. Obviously it also reminds me of those days of my youth too. It may still be under-rated on my list, as it certainly is among Doobie tunes.





Doobie Brothers – Neal's Fandango Lyrics
Well, a travelin' man's affliction makes it hard to settle down
But I'm stuck here in the flatlands while my heart is homeward bound
Goin' back, I'm too tired to roam, Loma Prieta my mountain home
On the hills above Santa Cruz, in the place where I spent my youth
Well it was Neal Cassady that started me to travelin'
All the stories that were told, I believed them every one
And it's a windin' road I'm on you understand
And no time to worry 'bout tomorrow when you're followin' the sun

Papa don't you worry now and mama don't you cry
Sweet woman don't forsake me, I'll be comin' by and by

Goin' back, I'm too tired to roam, Loma Prieta my mountain home
On the hills above Santa Cruz, in the place where I spent my youth
Songwriters: SIMMONS, PAT
Neal's Fandango lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.