UNSPEAKABLE: The Collected Lyrics of Joe Henry, 1985–2020

 Dear all, 

I don't know whether I'd call it exciting news, wonderful news, great,... . I find it definitely not 'just' news. I'll go for beautiful news. 

Joe has announced the release of a book collecting 182 of his Lyrics.

Unspeakable: The Collected Lyrics of Joe Henry, 1985–2020, is a compilation of lyrics that, when “raised by the waters of melody,” created a body of work that established the American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer as an American creative force. The volume features lyrics to 182 songs from Henry’s fifteen albums produced between 1985 and 2020, and nineteen additional songs written for, and with, other artists, such as Roseanne Cash, Mose Allison, and Billy Bragg. The volume also includes 18 black-and-white photographs made by the artist during this same time period. (source)

 

Beautiful news in terms of poetry, life's work, human-being, life, art, and so much more. Joe himself explains :

I found it surprisingly emotional to gather these songs ––to consider them now as a unified body of work. Every one of them, after all, and for a time in my life, was my all-consuming occupation, carrying within it not only my aspirations for it as a singular incantation, but standing each to represent a pilgrim’s progress: the state of my so-called artistry, for better and worse, richer and poorer. Until the next one came along.

The most startling thing for me to witness now from this vantage point is how uniformly these songs all grapple with the things I am still speaking to: our shared humanity as it is thrown into relief by both hope and suffering, and the redemptive power of love over every aspect of our lives. (Joe Henry via the official website) 

Besides the 'standard' version you can also purchase a limited edition (250 copies, signed and numbered) in a custom cloth slipcase. 
pre-order it at nazraeli press . At the same webpage you'll find also some more previewed pages. 

 

Everyone who has been following Joe's work over the years, knows that lyrics are only a portion of his creative writing. Besides wonderful interviews, written conversations there are wonderful essays, poems, and so much more. 

I, for one,  am pleased that his writing is getting the deserved spotlight, and I'm looking forward to more possible future publications. 

Much Love,
Stefan