The Ballad of Ron Vidal

For a dear friend who plays a Fender Strat like no other man alive...

There’s a story that begs the telling

but not to the faint of heart

About a man that was called to play

his Signature Stratocaster guitar

Now some said this saint was moved by God

others said he was possessed by the Holy Ghost

Whichever or both, no mortal could tell

only the Lord in heaven knows

 

Now when he opened the case the light would blind

all that dared stand near

And when he reached to pick up that dreadful axe

the angels would start to cheer

He’d look over and grin, his mustache trimmed thin

and life as you knew it was done

And when he’d hook up the strap all the children jumped back

but they knew there was nowhere to run

 

Without mercy it seemed he’d plug in that thing

as his fingers started to twitch

He’d give one more chance as he cast you a glance

then reach over to throw the switch

Now it would take a few seconds for those tubes to warm up

so he’d start out kinda slow

But when his hands found the cords that Blues DeVille would roar

and the church began praising their Lord

 

Soon the drums would join in, the G&L bass free from sin

and that Taylor twelve-string would start to sing

Those old Fender amps would work out the cramps

the sum of all was a beautiful thing

Now there’s more story to tell about Ron Vidal

like when he’d light up with “There’s A Fire Burnin”

And the church truly one all worshipped the Son

when those “Train Bound For Glory” wheels started turnin’

 

Now after a time in the Spirit sublime

 that Strat would cool off a bit

As the saints blessed their God in His love cast abroad

the tempo would slow in the pit

The sweet notes from that guitar could draw folks home from afar

as Ron sang “Sweep Over My Soul” to the Lord

And when the night was far spent back in the case that Strat went

as each spirit in the Holy Ghost soared...

Author's Note

Get well my friend! I love you.

Reviews

[Wicahpi]

I once knew someone like this...
He's gone to the spirit world, years ago, by
his own hands, the same hands that could fly
on those strings. I would hope that your friend
could still play ... with such a gift anything could be.
i hope he makes a full recovery! Great tribute to
someone dear. Just awesome!!

[Carole]

This has a nice ring to it. Could see 'ole Ron pulling out his twelve string electric. There's nothing like great worship! I love to dance before the Lord and it's hard to keep my feet still when reading this.
Great rhythm and rhyme used here. I can almost feel it, and it has me wanting to join in...That's a sign of a well written piece, mind you!

Great job! Smiles, Carole

[shythatway]

It's been a while since I've visited your page. I've never read a ballad about someone playing a stratocaster before. I found it very refreshing. I think this was a sweet tribute to your friend, and the way you describe it I wouldn't have minded being there to see it. *smile* I hope he got well, too. Thanks for sharing.

[SassySays]

Wow...the rhyming scheme was awesome here....I loved the spill of it down the page...

[C]

Very beautfiully written! We have some very different relgious views, however I really like how you were able to add them in. You described everything very well, and I loved the metaphors. Great job!

[rachel D]

i loved this piece. i liked the rhyming flow and could see everything going on in my head as i read. but not only could i see the story i could feel it as well. this was thrilling and very powerFULL. a write well done!
(also, thanks for reviewing panic's sister!)

[Brette Medb]

I liked this alot and the visuals were fantastic... great write!




B.

[Sara Muschweck]

Oh, to be able to hear him as he plays. Talent comes in all forms and when used in the most positive form the light always brightly shines.

[Kelly D. Burris]

Oh, yeah! Now we're talking!
Love it!!!
Kelly