April 26: Pure Joy and Delight

At MerleFest this year, Sam Bush teared up

when he introduced “Mama Don’t Allow”

as the final all-hands-on-deck jam of his set,

remembering how he always hated that song—

until he played it with the late, great Doc Watson,

who imbued it with such pure joy and delight

that no one could resist its corny charm.

Thanks, Doc, for all the happiness you keep

bringing into this world even after your death.

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