I felt obliged to mention the passing of a great, but little-known musician. In addition to one of the greatest songs ever recorded, the Goodbye Jumbo album contains a musical prayer entitled “Sweet Soul Dream.” Unlike the Rich Young Ruler of Matthew 19:16-26, the singer/songwriter/virtual-one-man-band Karl Wallinger says that he would give up every treasure on earth in order to obtain heaven:

I give you all my money Abandon that beautiful girl Take my books My choicest looks And burn them all today

I got rare ’61 Beatles I got a film of my dreams But I’d lose them all Burn ’em all Go along without all of it Give up the chances I see

If you’d take me up Raise me up Let me know the heart of it Give me your sweet soul dream Give me your sweet soul dream

Listen to Sweet Soul Dream here.