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Roger Bygott's avatar

Neal's Fandango

Well, a travelin' man's affliction makes it hard to settle down

But I'm stuck here in the flatlands while my heart is homeward bound

Goin' back, I'm too tired to roam, Loma Prieta my mountain home

On the hills above Santa Cruz, in the place where I spent my youth

Well it was Neal Cassady that started me to travelin'

All the stories that were told, I believed them every one

And it's a windin' road I'm on you understand

And no time to worry 'bout tomorrow when you're followin' the sun

Papa don't you worry now and mama don't you cry

Sweet woman don't forsake me, I'll be comin' by and by

Goin' back, I'm too tired to roam, Loma Prieta my mountain home

On the hills above Santa Cruz, in the place where I spent my youth

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Ben Graham's avatar

The Billy Craddock mentioned in this piece was also, of course, the author of the excellent psychedelic novel / memoir 'Be Not Content' and, in my opinion, a notable post-beat writer and character in his own right.

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Simon Warner's avatar

Hi Ben – There seems to be some disagreement about whether this is the same Billy Craddock. You could be right, but others are not certain. Further thoughts certainly invited. Thank you, Simon.

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Ben Graham's avatar

Wikipedia certainly supports it being the same Billy Craddock: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_J._Craddock mentions the author of Be Not Content later running a vintage bike shop with Pat Simmons.

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Simon Warner's avatar

That seems like pretty credible evidence to me! Thanks for pointing it out and chasing the background detail, Ben.

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Tony Frisco's avatar

Direct ct and straightforward- JESUS IS JUST ALL RIGHT WITH ME OOYAAA- I love the Doobies- don’t Bogart that joint ma Fren .pass-it over to me John Allen Cassady and gimme a can of Heineken too

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