2.10.24

I wish I could say be admired the work of Bill Fay for decades and appreciated him even when his music was nestled in the depths of obscurity. But that’s not the case.

I learned about Fay a few days ago when my oldest son texted me Fay’s cover of Wilco’s classic song, Jesus, Etc. My son knows I’m a huge Wilco fan and was thoughtful enough to share some musical knowledge with his old man.

It’s an incredible cover, and I thought about sharing it tonight. But then I went down a Bill Fay rabbit hole and discovered that he was the originator of a song I’ve heard Wilco cover at a few shows: Be Not So Fearful.

As it turns out, Fay recorded that song and released it in 1970 on his self-titled debut album. It’s a powerful song that inspires comfort and confidence. The sort of some that, when you hear it at a live show, you don’t feel like you’re in the crowd, but rather that you’re part of the crowd.

I expect I’ll be listening to a lot of Bill Fay in the days ahead. I won’t be at all surprised if you do to.

(And because I love it so much, I’m also including Fay’s recording of Jesus, Etc.)

Be not so fearful, be not so pale

Someone watches you, you will not leave the rails

Be not so fearful, be not so pale