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Maxim​ó​n

from Earthly Pursuits by Harley String Band

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about

“Maximón” was inspired by the band’s encounter with a contemporary Mayan deity. The role conflict between being reverent visitors and culture-diving tourists prompted this tribute.

lyrics

Down a drunken alleyway
High above Lake Atitlán
Mayan priests sit on Pepsi crates
And offer smokes to Maximón
Candles light the concrete walls
Flower petals and paper cups
Where Maximón sits silently
A tourist curiosity
Such a hard way for a God to fall
Save a cigarette for Maximón
The Church has left him out there on his own
He’s still attended by a faithful few
Seems even saints need sinners too
Fallen women and their customers
And all who cannot cast a stone
Climb the rocks and cross the lake
To offer gifts for Maximón
A gambler may deal an ace
A dealer may drop a dime
As Maximón waits patiently
For a Pall Mall or a few quetzales
A thousand years across his wooden face
All ye less than perfect ones
Whatever path you walk upon
Set aside a sin or two
And name it for Saint Maximón
An evil deed that’s left undone
A bottle with a few sips left
For Maximon’s proud effigy
To serve an outlaw deity
You don’t know where
redemption might come from
Even saints need sinners too
Even Gods need sinners too

credits

from Earthly Pursuits, released April 1, 2015
11. Maximón
©2009 Stephen R Coffee (ASCAP) & James W Johnson (ASCAP)
Jim Johnson: Guitar, Lead Vocal
Steve Coffee: Mandolin, Vocals
Jim Clark: Irish Bouzouki, Vocals

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tags

about

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Harley String Band Fairfax, Virginia

The Harley String Band is a trio of bold singer-songwriters who just happen to favor banjo, mandolin, and bouzouki in support of their adventurous songscapes. Jim, Jim, and Steve are old enough to remember when folk music was considered important and relevant, and they work to meet that expectation. ... more

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