[Dedicated to the memory of E.J. Gaspard. 1954-2009. Thanks for the good company.] He could see clearly now, and the rain was gone.

I’m not sure it would be fair to call Johnny Nash a reggae singer.

He probably did other stuff, and other songs but known for his massive hit in the early ‘70s.

“I Can See Clearly Now.”

I met my wife up for lunch at Walgreens, and we were sitting in the break room.

She went to get us some bottled water, and I just sat there, looking at the mirror.

And it came on, and stayed in my head for a week.

It was a typical break room, with crackers and cereal and the good old microwave.

And he was clear, and the dark clouds were gone.

Gone for some, but not for others.

Next time you hear it, notice the drummer and the horns.

The drummer kicks in this really wild riff just after the first verse.

It lets you know you’re really in for something.

And you are.

The horns come in on the bridge, and you’d think they’ll go away.

But they don’t.

They just come back stronger, doing a counter melody to what Johnny Nash sings.

And it’s very good, and beautiful. 

My wife got back just as the song ended, unaware I’d been lost in the song.

So thank you Johnny Nash.

Thanks for those two minutes.

And for keeping me good company.