The first song I heard by Dar Williams was a transcendent version of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” that my late wife played for me.
“Listen to this,” she said, “It’s awesome.”
It was.
Spare, moody, reflective: Dar’s version highlights the powerful lyrics of the song.
My recent conversation with Dar showed me that her cover was the tip of the iceberg. Williams sings; writes poems, songs, and books; and gives talks that brings people together.
She’s been releasing music since her first album in 1990 and turned to prose with 2012’s publication of the children’s book Amalee. Among other topics, we discussed her 2017 book What I Found in a Thousand Towns, which explores the concept of ‘positive proximity’ in rebuilding communities. Through examples like Phoenixville’s transformation with Blob Fest, she described how social connections can revitalize towns. Williams also shared insights on songwriting from her latest book How to Write a Song That Matters, which she views as How to Write a Song That Matters To You.
Her songs do. Check her out.
Dar Williams will be in town on November 8 with Six String Concerts
