By Sonjie Johnson
Everyone says so. The early morning walkers are the friendliest. We say “good morning,” or “have a great day!” Even the guy with ear buds who walks fast and never makes eye contact occasionally throws up a hand in greeting or dismissal. We all have opinions about the latest kiosk addition at the east end of Como Lake. We agree a food truck with coffee and hot chocolate would be a good addition on weekends.
Some of us walk dogs. Some of us push strollers. Some of us get our main socialization on our morning walks. All of us noted the splendid fall and the golden beauty of the falling leaves. Now that winter is suddenly upon us, some of us think of the song, “Passing Through.” I am one of those.
“Passing Through”. A folk song. First recorded by Pete Seeger, written not by a musician, but by an English professor, Dick Blakeslee, who submitted it for publication in The People’s Songs, a Chicago organization for political action. It was 1948.
I saw Adam leave the Garden
with an apple in his hand,
“Now you’re out, what are you gonna do?”
“Plant my crops and pray for rain,
Maybe raise a little Cain.
I’m an orphan now, and I’m only passing through.”
Chorus:
Passing through, passing through.
Sometimes happy, sometimes blue,
Glad that I ran into you.
Tell the people that you saw me passing through.
Dave worries about crime. Anne worries about climate change. Jane worries about her elderly dog. John is a veteran. Ray might get evicted in December. Tattoo Joe’s girlfriend makes pancakes or French toast Sunday. Nils is a church organist. Kathy, Don and Bob go to church on Sundays. Some of us no longer believe in religion, although we often wish we did.
I saw Jesus on that cross
on a hill called Calvary
“Do you hate mankind for what they did to you?”
He said, “Speak of love not hate,
there’s things to do, it’s growing late.
I’ve so little time and I’m only passing through.”
Chorus:
Throughout the 40’s and 50s, ”Passing Through” was performed at union rallies, state fairs and hootenannies. The original verses referenced Adam, Jesus, Washington and Roosevelt. Over the years, a Lincoln verse was added. In the last 50 years, the song has morphed beyond its worker’s rights beginnings and become mainstream, made famous by Leonard Cohen and recorded by The Highway Men, and many others.
I was at Franklin Roosevelt’s side
Just a while before he died,
He said, “One world must come out of World War Two.
Yankee, Russian, white or tan,
Lord, a man is just a man.
We’re all brothers, and we’re only passing through.”
Winter’s snow and ice are not kind to the morning walkers. Some go south for the winter. Others walk at the malls, the ice oval, or the YMCA. Those of us who stay walk faster, or later, or not at all. The north winds demand that we keep moving. The dog walkers remain steadfast, propelled forward by their four-legged pets who are eager to check their pee-mail and leave the world their own messages. “I am here.” they say.
We are here. But we’re only passing through.
Do you know some interesting history about your home, your neighbor or about the Como neighborhood? Anyone is welcome to do an interview, share historic photos or do a write up for the Know Your Como segment of our newsletter! For more information on how to submit go to our Know Your Como page.