8 Classic Tracks from Folk Troubadour John Gorka

With his rich, warm baritone, blend of whimsical and poignant lyrics, and insights into the lives of everyday people, singer/songwriter John Gorka has created a rich tapestry of songs throughout his 36-year recording career. Way back in 1991, Rolling Stone magazine declared him to be “the preeminent male singer/songwriter of what has been dubbed the New Folk Movement.” While he is certainly well-known in American folk circles, Gorka should be appreciated on a wider mainstream level. The following list is a good introduction to his musical world.

“I Saw a Stranger with Your Hair” from I Know (1988)

After romantic heartbreak, one can see signs of a former lover everywhere, and Gorka taps into that surreal feeling with lines I saw a stranger with your hair / Tried to make her give it back and I heard a stranger with your voice / It took me by surprise. It’s a beautifully rendered ballad with gently twangy undercurrents. Gorka’s debut featured vocal harmonies from notable names like Lucy Kaplansky, Christine Lavin, and Shawn Colvin. He rerecorded this for his next album, but without the female backing vocals.

“Land of the Bottom Line” from Land of the Bottom Line (1990)

This is a classic early Gorka tune from his sophomore album, expressing somberness at assuming adult responsibilities while holding on to youthful idealism. Predominately driven by Gorka’s voice and acoustic guitar, there are other elements gently gliding underneath, including bass, electric guitar, and congas, which was a better choice than doing a straightforward band number.

All I ever wanted
Was to be a kid and play
Fighting every change along the way
I don’t like work
But I don’t like waste
And I don’t like waiting for a taste

Freedom for freedom
Call that an even scheme
Give me time to wonder and to dream
I need the money
They’ll take the time
Down to the land of the bottom line
To the bottom line

“Mean Streak” from Land of the Bottom Line (1990)

Here’s a rollicking folk tune for anyone who’s been cash-strapped and frustrated, but who also won’t be taken advantage of. As with many of his songs, Gorka inhabits a character here, and in the album notes he states, “’Mean Streak’ is dedicated to Cliff Eberhardt and his bad attitude.” Gorka and Eberhardt would soon work together on the first On a Winter’s Night quartet folk tour that started up in the winter of 1990 and has continued on, with the duo returning in last year’s lineup.

“Italia Girls” from Land of the Bottom Line (1990)

Showcasing his deft ability to find humor within sadness, Gorka delivers a personal tale of his fascination with the Italian women whose beauty inside and out captivated his younger self. He loved those espresso mornings and lasagna nights. But being the unassuming nice guy, and despite being part Italian, he found himself sitting outside of their romantic sphere.

The longer names, the darker hair
They made me weak, they made me stare
I couldn’t say a word to them
Their figures so full of vitamins

“Treasure Islands” from Jack’s Crows (1991)

One of the most propulsive tunes on one of Gorka’s seminal albums, “Treasure Islands” is a compassionate call to recognize the potential in all of us, from chasing love to chasing dreams. Whether singing of the loneliness of the long distance artist or a friend who attempted suicide, he acknowledges the emotional struggles and pain that many outsiders feel along their life’s journey. Colvin and Kaplansky provide backing vocals, and Michael Manring injects some sweet bass sounds.

“I’m from New Jersey” from Jack’s Crows (1991)

I’m from New Jersey / I don’t expect too much / if the world ended today / I would adjust. Gorka has always represented the underdogs and misunderstood, and he imbues this gentle tune with a brilliant mix of compassion and longing, along with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor that lets you know he indeed can adjust to life’s challenges. It’s one of his signature tunes.

“You’re on Your Way” from Jack’s Crows (1991)

A gorgeous, subdued ballad that is both hopeful and haunting, “You’re On Your Way” makes the perfect motivator for a young person seeking to escape their town and explore the world. This is one of those gentle Gorka songs that touches your heart with a quiet emotional intensity that makes the hairs on your neck stand up a little.

But you’re on your way
You don’t need anyone here
It’s safe to say
We all will disappear

Your suitcase is packed full of promise
And your attitude is packed full of light
So let them play the clouds
You play the stars in the night

“Good Noise” from Out of the Valley (1994)

This upbeat, country-influenced anthem takes on the negativity of people who complain about the state of the world and their life without seeing the good that’s out there. Assisting him in this call for embracing positivity are Grammy Award-winning pianist Matt Rollings, Grammy-nominated guitarist/producer John Jennings, and Fairport Convention drummer Dave Mattacks.

Now you’ve got every right and reason
To be down in the dumps today
Aren’t you just adding to the problem
If you’ve got nothing good to say
Sure there are wars, disease, injustice
Rich men walking on your hands
But tell me how can you ever take a breath of hope
Talking down your fellow man

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