Nora McCarthy: Music

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My Tribute To Jimmy Scott, written in 2005.

Jimmy Scott is an inspiration to me. Because of his tenacity, spirit and gift, I have kept my own faith in the
music. I'm hoping that his message will be passed on to other singers and
bring hope to them through this song. My old friend and mentor, also an old friend of
Jimmy's...pianst, Ace Carter (now deceased), told me
years ago when I first began singing professionally that, "It's not where you
start, but where you finish." I think Jimmy's lifesong embodies the essence of those words, a lifesong I can relate to firsthand. This
project for me was a return to my roots, my roots being Cleveland, Ohio and the
love and nurturing I received from the great musicians I had the privilege of
playing with then. I wanted to pay homage to the main man Jimmy Scott -
because he is our claim to fame and the last of the real deals. Mere words cannot express his invaluable contribution to the music we call jazz - Jimmy is a timeless treaure to be embraced and honored.

FAITH IN TIME
(For Jimmy Scott)
Words & Music: Nora McCarthy ©2005
VERSE

Your life was a struggle
with many ups & downs,
happiness one day,
lost then found.
Just when you felt
like a motherless child,
things changed,
blessings came.
.
Marriages, break-ups
living the life in jazz clubs,
fading away in dead-end jobs -
all but forgotten.
30 years came and went,
when a twist of fate
came heaven sent.
Divine Intervention.

You gave the world,
a special gift,
your life, your song,
your fragile strength, and
Faith In Time.

CHORUS

And Jimmy said…..
“Believe in the beat,
never worry cause it’s there,
just let the music take you
to a thousand different places
that you’ve never been, before.
Stay open.
The fact is,
everything in life is timing -
trust and timing,
have faith and then,
live in the moment for a lifetime.
Stay truthful and you can get through anything.
The universe takes you under wing,
and fills you with hopeful healing,
so you can live your dreams.”

Your mournful sound
and laid-back phrase,
will take its place
among the greats
Of All Times.

A cozy cottage by the lake,
been all around the world.
Living the jazz life for what it’s worth,
famous and successful.
Poetic irony,
love is on time and it’s Spring.
Truth enduring.

POEM – [TAG]:

Jimmy Scott,
symbol of style and measure,
a musical treasure,
interpreter, messenger…
a maestro, muse and a storyteller,
the eloquent master of song and verse.

You sang from your experience,
you sang from your soul,
you sang from a heart
that was bigger than your whole –
(living and loving with an artful flair.)

Larger than life,
persevering against the odds,
you kept the faith and belief in the dream alive.

Blessed, like the child that finally got his own,
your sound will go down in history known
for your contribution to jazz singing
you’re the missing link,
the circle
completing,
a happy ending
to a mournful refrain.
Jimmy, you are the keeper of the flame,
burning brightly, new beginning,
your legacy is like a blossom unfolding
again and again.

You gave us, Faith In Time.