Story Behind The Song

Walked out on my porch at 3 a.m. one night and saw this ENORMOUS Big Dipper up in the sky. It just lept out at me and made me feel both small and huge at the same time. Small, because of our relative insignificance in the grand scheme of things; Huge because of the hope and peace that comes from recognizing all that you have, even if it isn't very much relative to others. All that matters is what is in yourself. Also, must call out and give credit for brilliant musician and pedal steel player Doug Hilsinger who took some basic demo ideas I had for that part and some verbal guidance (1971 Jerry Garcia meets 1972 Neil Young) and created a glorious, lush, and immersive pedal steel orchestra. I wanted this part even louder in the mix but our producer opted for the balance you hear. Someday we'll do a remix in surround sound that will blow some minds. :-)

Song Description

Recognizing the enormity of the universe and to be thankful for the little things in life, despite all the awful things that may be going on around us in the world. This song is about hope ultimately.

Lyrics

Big Beautiful Dipper
By Mark Smotroff, Sean Mylett and ing
Copyright (p) (c) 2003 Sonic Gloo Tunes (ASCAP)

Big beautiful dipper hanging out my door
Can you imagine, anything as wonderful
and a mile tall

Huge and conducted, like a worn out snake
Pitted with the evidence of motion and social grace

I know...I know,I know,I know,I know it all
I know nothing
And that's the biggest crime of all.
I know...I know,I know,I know,I know it all
I know nothing
Can't connect the stars at all.

Big beautiful dipper on a burning sky
With guns and bones of butterflies
Flying in the black of night
Useless in the morning light

School of abductions,
Sucking out the heart and soul
And wonderful
Nestled in my backyard