About the song
Joan Baez’s “Here’s to You, Nicola and Bart”: A Timeless Ballad of Justice and Sacrifice
Joan Baez, a name synonymous with folk music and activism, has gifted us with a profound and haunting composition titled “Here’s to You, Nicola and Bart.” This poignant ballad, released in 1971 as part of the soundtrack for the film Sacco and Vanzetti, is a testament to the enduring power of music to commemorate injustice and honor those who have sacrificed for a greater cause.
The song’s title, “Here’s to You, Nicola and Bart,” refers to the two Italian-American anarchists, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, who were wrongfully convicted of murder and executed in 1927. Their case became a cause célèbre, sparking widespread outrage and debate about the American justice system. Baez’s song serves as a powerful elegy, paying tribute to Sacco and Vanzetti while also serving as a broader commentary on the struggle for justice and human rights.
What makes “Here’s to You” so compelling is its simplicity and its depth. The lyrics, written by Baez herself, are sparse yet evocative. Over and over, she repeats the lines: “Never in our full life we could have hoped to do such work for tolerance, for justice, for man’s understanding of man as we now do by accident. Our words—our lives—our pains—nothing! The taking of our lives—lives of a good shoemaker and a poor fish peddler—all! That last moment belongs to us—that agony is our triumph.” These words, delivered in Baez’s distinctive, clear voice, carry immense emotional weight. They suggest that even in the face of tragedy, there is a certain nobility in standing up for what one believes in.
The song’s musical arrangement, composed by Ennio Morricone, is equally striking. The haunting melody, combined with the sparse instrumentation, creates a somber and reflective atmosphere that perfectly complements the lyrics. Morricone’s score has become as iconic as Baez’s vocals, and the two elements together create a timeless masterpiece.
“Here’s to You” has resonated with listeners for decades, and its message remains as relevant today as it was when it was first released. The song’s themes of injustice, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit continue to inspire and challenge us. Whether you are a longtime fan of Joan Baez or are simply looking for a powerful and moving song, “Here’s to You, Nicola and Bart” is a must-listen.
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Lyrics
Here’s to you Nicola and Bart
Rest forever here in our hearts
The last and final moment is yours
That agony is your triumph
Here’s to you Nicola and Bart
Rest forever here in our hearts
The last and final moment is yours
That agony is your triumph
Here’s to you Nicola and Bart
Rest forever here in our hearts
The last and final moment is yours
That agony is your triumph
Here’s to you Nicola and Bart
Rest forever here in our hearts
The last and final moment is yours
That agony is your triumph
Here’s to you Nicola and Bart
Rest forever here in our hearts
The last and final moment is yours
That agony is your triumph
Here’s to you Nicola and Bart
Rest forever here in our hearts
The last and final moment is yours
That agony is your triumph
Here’s to you Nicola and Bart
Rest forever here in our hearts
The last and final moment is yours
That agony is your triumph
Here’s to you Nicola and Bart
Rest forever here in our hearts
The last and final moment is yours
That agony is your triumph
Here’s to you Nicola and Bart
Rest forever here in our hearts
The last and final moment is yours
That agony is your triumph
Here’s to you Nicola and Bart
Rest forever here in our hearts
The last and final moment is yours
That agony is your triumph
Here’s to you Nicola and Bart
Rest forever here in our hearts
The last and final moment is yours
That agony is your triumph