The Decemberists. 11.6.08. Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA

You may have had to be there last night.

I've never been at a concert where the whole crowd stood and sang and hope was palpable. The feeling reminded me of the last night at summer camp, when you're already nostalgic for what you haven't yet left behind, and you know that you're poised between past and future. You love everyone in that moment. Add that to the current political climate and you have a victory celebrated in song. I'm not often given to that kind of rally mentality (or at least I haven't been in a long time), but I have to say, my heart was full. This was, perhaps, the finest encore I've ever heard.

Adapted from Sons & Daughters, by The Decemberists

When we arrive, Sons & Daughters,
we'll make our homes on the water.
We'll build our walls with aluminum;
we'll fill our mouths with cinnamon now

These currents pull us 'cross the border.
Steady your boats, Arms to shoulder,
'till tides will pull our hull aground,
making this cold harbour now home.

Take up your arms, Sons & Daughters!
We will arise from the bunkers!
By land, by sea, by dirigible
We'll leave our tracks untraceable, now.

When we arrive, Sons & Daughters,
we'll make our homes on the water.
We'll build our walls with aluminum;
we'll fill our mouths with cinnamon now

Hear all the bombs fade away ...