I've waited years for someone to share this on youtube. I first heard this particular rendition of this song around 1970-71.
I asked around in the late 80's if anyone knew the name of the artist and the song but all I could remember were some of the lyrics, particularly the last line.
No one knew. Then in 1994 or 5 I heard it on the Public listener supported radio station, KVMR FM, Nevada City/Grass Valley, which isn't too far from here. Called and talked to the guest Dj for that afternoon and learned all about
Ramblin' Jack Elliot ...and his original tune....
912 Greens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufKIsZqhc4I
It's a piece of poetry like prose put to a style of guitar playing that creates an imagery in the mind. It's a tune very endearing to me. There's other recordings of R.J.E. doing this tune, but, this one is "special", as for the way he stutters on the word "Banana" and also the line that follows... and there's one line that has been the topic of many a discussion and even has been in the curriculum of a few college philosophy courses as it describes a girl...
"that used to be an ex-ballet dancer".
If you think about it, you can't help but begin to wonder....
...just what did He mean by that?
