Bascomb believed, as Cocteau once said, that the writing of poetry was the exploitation of a substratum of memory that was imperfectly understood. — John Cheever, The World of Apples

Was his memory failing or had he so disciplined it in the repression of unpleasant facts that he had damaged his sense of the truth? — John Cheever, The Swimmer

Memory is often more appealing than fact… — John Cheever, The Summer Farmer

She wandered up and down behind the crowd that was ranged along the foul line. She seemed to have no date, no particular companion but to be known to everyone. Everyone called her name, everyone was happy to see her, and, as she stopped to speak with friends, one man put his hand flat on the small of her back, and at this touch (in spite of the fine weather and the green of the playing field) a dark and thoughtful look came over his face, as if he felt immortal longings. — John Cheever, A Miscellany of Characters That Will Not Appear

Life is one big cosmic dance
Some things here are left for chance
It’s all part of the design
Do I ever cross your mind?
I see your face so wild and free
Are you reaching out for me?
It’s funny but this longing makes me smile
Just to feel your presence now
— Mac Gayden, Cross Your Mind

‘Cross Your Mind’ appears on the recently released Mac Gayden album, Come Along. You’ve probably encountered Mac, or his music, somewhere along the line. He was a member of Area Code 615 and Barefoot Jerry, and as a session musician played on an enormous number of Nashville recordings. Mac’s distinctive slide wah is heard on J.J. Cale’s ‘Crazy Mama.’ At least ten people think his 1976 album, Skyboat, is the greatest album ever recorded. Here’s ‘Morning Glory,’ from Skyboat…

Mac Gayden is best known as the co-writer, with Buzz Cason, of ‘Everlasting Love.’ A truly timeless song, ‘Everlasting Love’ was a US hit for Robert Knight (#13, 1967), Carl Carlton (#6, 1974), Rex Smith and Rachel Sweet (#32, 1981), and Gloria Estefan (#27 in 1995). In 1968, Love Affair’s version reached #1 on the UK charts.

Mac Gayden’s music is available on Spotify and Apple Music. And be sure to follow Mac Gayden on Facebook.