Now - Merle Haggard

Part A: Check out this wall of sunflowers I planted using seeds I bought from the Madison Farmer's Market last year.

Part B: Now, Merle Haggard - I first started to seriously think about becoming a fan only after seeing him open for Dylan in Atlanta a few years back. He was awesome. And, you know, a lot of socially conservative people down South love Merle for his outlaw image and songs like "Okie From Muscogee" and "If You Don't Love It." Most of these people do not realize that (a) Merle is from California and (b) that he also authored songs like "Irma Jackson." (see lyrics below)

Irma Jackson

I'd love to shout my feelings from a mountain high
Tell the world I love her and I will till I die
There's no way the world will understand that love is color blind
That's why Irma Jackson can't be mine

I remember when no one cared about us bein' friends
We were only children and it really didn't matter then
But we grew up too quickly in a world that draws a line
Where they say Irma Jackson can't be mine

If my lovin' Irma Jackson is a sin
Then I don't understand this crazy world we're livin' in
There's a muddy wall between us standin' high
But I'll love Irma Jackson till I die

She tells me she's decided that she'll go away
And I guess it's right but she alone should have the final say
But in spite of her decision forcin' us to say goodbye
I'll still love Irma Jackson till I die

If my lovin' Irma Jackson is a sin
Then I don't understand this crazy world we're livin' in
It's a muddy wall between us standin' high
But I'll love Irma Jackson till I die