Music of the Day, 9 February 2024
O ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only the tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth!
Today I’m making an exception to my policy of avoiding politics1 in this space. It’s the anniversary of the birth2 of the father of the American Revolution and the only Founding Father I fully admire.
I first encountered Thomas Paine’s work in a high-school English class; we were required to memorize and recite the introduction to his influential 1776 pamphlet, The American Crisis. While most of the boys in my class seemed to be focused on being the most outrageous at enunciating the phrase “Tyranny, like Hell,” I noticed that Paine specifically included women in his audience, but I didn’t give that much thought at the time.
A song led me to explore Tom Paine’s ideas in more depth, many years after high school and the dismal, boring history and government courses required to graduate. Truth be told, I’ve still barely scratched the surface of his life and work, but I aim to remedy that soon. Paine advocated fiercely for both individualism—for all individuals, not just property-owning, wealthy white men—and a strong social structure, including a guaranteed minimum income. He wasn’t afraid of criticizing his friends when he thought they’d failed to uphold the ideals on which the United States were founded; and he swam against the tide of religion, especially Christianity, at a time when that was unthinkable. Perhaps most important, Paine brought the ideas of the Enlightenment to the working people, expressing them simply, clearly, and accurately, and thereby building support for revolution across class lines.3
The song celebrates Thomas Paine’s tireless work and many challenges, while also acknowledging that at the time of his death, his contributions to both French and American independence were largely ignored.
Dick Gaughan’s cover of “Tom Paine’s Bones,” which was written by English folk singer Graham Moore, is the only version I’ve heard. I honestly don’t think there could be a better interpretation for me. It’s on Gaughan’s 2001 album, Outlaws & Dreamers, a powerful collection of music beautifully performed in his sparse style. I own it and his 1998 album Redwood Cathedral, and while the latter seems more highly regarded, it’s the former I turn to most often, even though it inevitably turns on my waterworks.
Happy birthday and deep thanks to Thomas Paine. Your work hasn’t been forgotten; some of us are still working “to break the chains of political superstition,” which sadly is as needed now as when you were alive.
Yeah, I know: I haven’t kept to it very well
In the Gregorian calendar; according to the Julian calendar, Paine’s birth date was January 29, 1736
If you’re interested in learning more, his Wikipedia page is a good starting point
Paine was one of the most controversial figures of his time- and yet, his work has long outlasted that of those who criticized him.
I had never heard the song and didn't know that Paine actively included women in his vision. Thanks for sharing that!