KASALA lyrics - John Cohen

Whatever it is I am going through Brother

I take it to the Lord

Whatever it is I am going through Sister

I take it to the Lord

Whatever it is I am going through Brother

I take it to the Lord

Whatever it is I am going through Sister

I take it to the Lord

And I go show myself it's my day

Whatever I want I go pray

I go show myself it's my day

Whatever I want nah to pray

I go show myself it's my day

Whatever I want I go pray

I go show myself it's my day

Whatever I want nah to pray

Cos I go cause Kasala

The devil go tire

Whatever the matter

I go call on Jehovah

I go cause Kasala

The devil go tire

Whatever the matter

I go call on Jehovah

I go cause Kasala

The devil go tire

Whatever the matter

I go call on Jehovah

I go cause Kasala

The devil go tire

Whatever the matter

I go call on Jehovah

......

Whatever it is I am going through Brother

I take it to the Lord

Whatever it is I am going through Sister

I take it to the Lord

Whatever it is I am going through Brother

I take it to the Lord

Whatever it is I am going through Sister

I take it to the Lord

And I go show myself it's my day

Whatever I want I go pray

I go show myself it's my day

Whatever I want I go pray

I go show myself it's my day

Whatever I want I go pray

I go show myself it's my day

Whatever I want I go pray

Cos I go cause Kasala

The devil go tire

Whatever the matter

I go call on Jehovah

I go cause Kasala

The devil go tire

Whatever the matter

I go call on Jehovah

I go cause Kasala

The devil go tire

Whatever the matter

I go call on Jehovah

I go cause Kasala

The devil go tire

Whatever the matter

I go call on Jehovah

..........

Cos I go cause Kasala

The devil go tire

Whatever the matter

I go call on Jehovah

I go cause Kasala

The devil go tire

Whatever the matter

I go call on Jehovah

I go cause Kasala

The devil go tire

Whatever the matter

I go call on Jehovah

I go cause Kasala

The devil go tire

Whatever the matter

I go call on Jehovah

End of KASALA lyrics - John Cohen

John Cohen (1932–2019) was a multifaceted American artist renowned for his contributions to folk music, photography, filmmaking, and ethnomusicology. He played a pivotal role in the American folk music revival, and his work spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born in Queens, New York, Cohen spent much of his childhood on Long Island, where he developed an early interest in music, learning to play the guitar and banjo. He attended Yale University, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1957, where he also began organizing folk music events and photographing folk musicians. In 1958, Cohen co-founded the New Lost City Ramblers, a group that played a significant role in reviving and preserving traditional American folk music. The band introduced audiences to the music of rural performers from the 1920s and '30s, influencing generations of musicians.

Photography and Filmmaking

Cohen was also an accomplished photographer and filmmaker. His photographic work captured iconic images of folk figures such as Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, and Jack Kerouac. In 1962, he released The High Lonesome Sound, a documentary film about Kentucky musician Roscoe Holcomb, which is considered one of the first to use the term "high lonesome sound" to describe Appalachian music. His films and photographs documented the lives and music of traditional musicians, preserving their legacy for future generations.

Global Exploration and Legacy

Beyond his work in the United States, Cohen traveled to Peru, where he documented the traditional culture and music of the Q'ero people. His recordings and films from these expeditions contributed to a broader understanding of indigenous music and culture. In 1964, Cohen recorded a Peruvian wedding song that was later included on NASA's Voyager Golden Record. Cohen's contributions to folk music and culture were recognized through various honors. He taught visual arts at SUNY Purchase College for 25 years, influencing a new generation of artists and musicians. His extensive archive was acquired by the Library of Congress in 2011, ensuring the preservation of his life's work.

Final Years and Passing

In his later years, Cohen continued to be active in the folk music community, performing with the Down Hill Strugglers and participating in various cultural projects. He passed away on September 16, 2019, at the age of 87 after a battle with cancer.

Notable Publications and Films

Books:

There Is No Eye: John Cohen Photographs

Young Bob: John Cohen’s Early Photographs of Bob Dylan

Past, Present, Peru

The High & Lonesome Sound: The Legacy of Roscoe Holcomb

Here and Gone: Bob Dylan & Woody Guthrie & the 1960s

Films:

The High Lonesome Sound (1962)

Fifty Miles from Times Square (1970)

The End of an Old Song (1972)

Musical Holdouts (1975)

Q'eros: The Shape of Survival (1979)

Peruvian Weaving: A Continuous Warp (1980)

Sara and Maybelle (1981)

Gypsies Sing Long Ballads (1982)

Mountain Music of Peru (1984)

Dancing with the Incas (1990)

Carnival in Q'eros (1992)

Play on John: A Life in Music (2009)

John Cohen's career as a musician, photographer, and filmmaker left a lasting legacy in preserving and celebrating traditional music and culture. His work continues to inspire and educate, ensuring the voices and stories of folk traditions endure for generations.

KASALA lyrics - John Cohen