Every week, we’ll be posting a new illustration by David Lester. The Mecca Normal guitarist is visually documenting people, places and events from his band’s 40-year run, with text by vocalist Jean Smith.
When I wrote these lyrics in the late ’80s, it seemed like many social issues and perspectives our band grappled with were more distinct than they are now. Having since experienced the weirdness of a close friend following his heart into conspiracy-theory territory altered my long-held belief that simply articulating facts one-on-one would result in some sort of reconsideration, especially if information was delivered without scorn or malice. But no. Cultish overtones made me a much-hated enemy where before there was friendship based on music. For the better part of 30 years, I had no idea that his folksy lack of interest in current events, history and politics would be exploited in this way.
“I Know A Little Bit” from Calico Kills The Cat (K, 1988) (download):
