J.T.

 

Steve Earle & The Dukes - J.T. [CD] | New West Records

Graham Craycraft

J.T.

I don’t know where I’m going no more

I don’t know and I don’t care


The opening of Steve Earle’s tribute album to his late son begins with the song “I Don’t Care.” Steve begins the album with a song, with a line, and maybe a lie of Justin Townes Earle.  Justin lost his life to accidental overdose on cocaine laced with the deadly fentanyl in late 2020. Steve released this album on January 4th, the birthday of his son. Let us all hope that Justin cared about where he was going in this life and the next.


Steve is no stranger to tribute albums (previously recording “Townes” and “GUY” in honor of Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark). Steve has made it clear that he values good music and good musicians. Once estranged from each other they began to reconcile in the recent years. While I am sure “Townes” and “GUY” were painful and cathartic for Steve to record, there is no doubt that they could even come close to the pain he felt while recording this album. 


In songs like “Lone Pine Hill” you can almost hear Steve break for his son. Justin was a talented artist who through suffering and tribulation carved out his own path in the singer/songwriter genre. Steve chooses his songs carefully; many being about loss, fear, longing, and uncertainty. The “JT original” standout on the album is “The Saint of Lost Causes” where Steve speaks each word with a weight that will bring any listener who understands the price to tears. JT’s words about being pushed to the limits, picked on from all angles, and ultimately praying to the St. of Lost Causes are words that few can fully appreciate, but certainly ones that all can relate to. Who hasn’t had moments that feel utterly hopeless? Turning to St. Jude the Apostle can provide relief if only through acceptance. 


Steve ends the tribute album with an original. A letter to the memory of his son titled “Last Words.” The last words he speaks of are “I love you” to which Justin responds “I love you too.” Steve recounts all the heartache as well as love Justin has given him, but it ends with those beautiful last words. These two have drifted back and forth Justin’s whole life, and we can see Steve’s hope that they will be brought back together one final time. 


Now I don't know what I'd do

        Until the day I followed you

        Through the darkness to the light


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