Jack Nitzsche – “The Lonely Surfer”

Track down this little tune any way you possibly can – it’s tremendous. It’s like the soundtrack to the best non-existent television series of all time. I can see it all in my head; the show would also be called ‘The Lonely Surfer’, and it would be about a surfer who continually travels the coastlines of the world, chasing the elusive big wave. He would have a furrowed brow, a fine ’70s moustache and big, sad eyes. Every week he would arrive at a new location and help people out, solve problems and dispense gentle yet heartfelt wisdom to those in need of it. But he’d also be lonely; he’d never be able to stick around long enough to make friends or to feel at home – he’d always have to move on to the next beach, the next wave.

At the heart of the show would be three essential concerns; melancholy, human dignity.. and surfing. All of these are perfectly encapsulated by Jack Nitzsche’s beautifully evocative composition.

When I listen to it, I am The Lonely Surfer.

You are too.

For in our own way, we are ALL The Lonely Surfer.

(Drawings of the Lonely Surfer, plot ideas etc. are all welcomed at the usual address.)