galway is a city on the west coast of ireland, and (according to wikipedia) in 2007 was named one of the 8 sexiest cities in the world. now that’s a goddamn list! i don’t know how whomever came up with it (or if steve earle moonlighted for uk travel mag), and i’ve never been anywhere near the salthill prom, but by golly what an introduction!

&, facing down this blue-eyed young lady in one of the 8 sexiest cities in the world, on this soft fine day (i-ay!), all agency is lost. so often helplessness and surrender are the things of despair and struggle, but this song is a vivid counter of how they can also be circumstances of joy and wonder. i’m mean, c’mon. what’s a feller to do?