Lee Hazlewood – Requiem for an Almost Lady (1971)

“There were times when being together was fun.  And there were times when being apart was even more fun.  And there was times when there was nothing but time. And that was no fun”.

Interesting lyric? Lee Hazlewood isn’t for everyone.  The above verse from If It’s Monday Morning may be a good litmus test for those considering Hazlewood’s unique outsider perspectives. If those lines make sense or intrigue you, read on.

“Dreams have never been my friends”

‘Requiem for an Almost Lady’ is a strange and beautiful break-up album.  Firstly, it’s sung from a decidedly masculine point-of-view. Maybe it’s not fashionable to point out such distinctions. Nevertheless, I think is important to grasp. Lee is expressive with his feelings but always selfish emotions.  We’re given few clues about the “she” involved in this breakup.

“You know you never really hurt me until the fourth verse of this song”.

The vocal delivery is unusual.  Never emotional or delicate.  The story unfolds as a narration – with a deadpan voice.  It’s not romantic but it’s that lack of sentimentality that expresses something deep – an honesty and loneliness.  And even a touch of humor.  We are never asked to sympathize with the end of this relationship.  Lee gives the impression that he is not at all concerned with the listener’s impressions.  Instead, we’re taken on a bittersweet “travelogue” through the end of his relationship.

“Well, it’s a game, it’s a shame. Sometimes you don’t win”.

Poet, fool or bum?  Lee Hazlewood has a unique voice as songwriter. We’ve heard this same love story told before with pretty, pretentious language that tries to pose as romance.  Hazlewood simply disregards this convenient view.  Requiem exposes his true heartache and humanity.

“You know i, rather be your enemy and
Here you call me friend”

by Shawn Ciavattone