Christmas at Cheapo

I grew up in a house full of music. Vinyl, Cassette, CD...you name it, we had it. My dad was at the helm of this music addiction and I could tell you a million record-related stories here. But there's one in particular that rises above the rest. One Christmas Day afternoon, my father suggested that we don our jackets and scarves, walk as a family around Lake Calhoun and pay Cheapo Records a visit. We had spent the past day and a half over-stimulated with large dinners, gift opening and non-stop “family time," so the opportunity to get out was an easy sell.

I remember it being a mild Dec. 25th that year, but we were still cold enough after reaching Lake St. that we had to stop in at Cafe Wyrd (now Barbette's) for coffees and cocoas. After a quick thaw, we finally made it to Cheapo. Inside, we broke into our own private hunts. I can't remember what anyone else got, but my selection was Revival by Gillian Welch. I was sold when my dad pointed out that it was she, not Emmylou Harris, who wrote "Orphan Girl."

I remember sitting by stereo that night, playing "Orphan Girl" on repeat. I even remember going back to Emmylou's version for comparison. At the time, I thought first place remained in Emmylou's corner. Now, I'm not so sure. Either way, that Christmas trip remains one of my favorite family memories.

I wonder now why we didn't make it a family tradition. Did nobody suggest we do it again the next year? Did it not cross my mind? Maybe some things are meant to be inspiration and nothing more. Maybe it's best that it belonged only to that year. Or, maybe it will be a generational tradition. My dad handed it down to us, we'll hand it down to ours. So on and so forth, from one generation to the next, from our house to the house of music, forever and ever... or for as long as Cheapo keeps its doors open on Christmas Day, anyway.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with the words to "Orphan Girl."

I am a orphan
on God's highway
But I'll share my troubles
if you go my way

I have no mother
no father no sister
No brother
I am an orphan girl

I have had friendships
pure and golden
But the ties of kinship
I have not known them

I know no mother
no father no sister
No brother
I am an orphan girl

But when he calls me
I will be Able
To meet my family
at God's table

I'll meet my mother
my father my sister
My brother
no more an orphan girl

Blessed savior
make me willing
And walk beside me
until I'm with them

Be my mother
my father my sister
My brother
I am an orphan girl

Be my mother
my father my sister
My brother
I am an orphan girl
I am an orphan girl