Call & Response: Patti Smith Issue #32

The legendary singer answers Venus Zine readers’ questions on cover songs and raising kids

By Venus Zine Readers
Published: May 30th, 2007 | 11:58am

What do you think about artists covering your songs? — Christina Armiento
I’m always excited when anyone covers our songs. One of my favorite covers was by an all-female Chinese punk band doing “Rock N Roll Nigger.” Another moving cover was an unknown English fella covering “Piss Factory” — it was a very emotional delivery. I like how he used British swear words to replace my own American slang.

Why covers on your new album, Twelve? — POKE of Verona, Kentucky (myspace.com/thejudges)
I was challenged in 12 unique ways, and I learned quite a bit about myself and my voice. I was able to have the lyrics of other artists speak for me. It’s a traditional method of exploring oneself through the work of other people. Everyone from [Edith] Piaf to Sinatra to Dylan have produced cover records.

The extraordinary thing about your artistic endeavors over the years (poetry, music, photography, motherhood) is how relevant they have managed to remain over time. I have listened to you all of my life and I still marvel every time you take the stage. The passion, the truth, the rage, and the love you emanate are simply incredible, and I cherish the occasions of your performances. What drives you? What is it that makes me always feel positive and elated after the last note has been played, the last word spoken? — Marco Reina of London
I am work-oriented. I’ve been writing poetry, drawing, and expressing myself creatively since I was a teenager. It seems to be my calling. I think it is the nature of an artist to be dissatisfied. And so we have to keep creating, reaffirming our sense of vision. The joyful part of the solitary aspect of creation lies in the process. The joyful part of performance lies in communicating with the people. That sense of community, when truly felt, can be exquisite.

This question seems to pop up among many Patti Smith fans. I'm hoping you will answer it to lay to rest all the speculation surrounding this significant gap in your career. We all know you were raising your children, but there are many other possibilities. It's time for a definitive answer. What were the reasons behind waiting nine years to release Dream of Life (1988) and then another seven for Gone Again (1996)? — Lloyd Roberts
Fred [“Sonic” Smith] and I recorded Dream of Life as an affirmation of friendship and family at a time of deep transition. Many of my friends were dying of AIDS, including my dear friend Robert Mapplethorpe. At the same time I was carrying a second child. We wanted to reflect on these things, as well as the political climate at that time. Fred’s health deteriorated after the recording of Dream of Life. We wanted to record another album, but he wasn’t well enough. So I completed some of the songs and wrote others in homage to him. I recorded them after he died and that is Gone Again. Since Fred and I weren’t career-oriented, there was no real design in these choices. We said what we had to say when it was the time to say it.

I'm a heavily tattooed writer (nine novels, three story collections and counting) and 50-year-old mother of two teenagers, one a 17-year-old girl who listens to your music nonstop with me while we're in the car. I first saw you in 1975, when I was 18, and Horses changed my life. I saw you a number of times back in the day but hadn't caught your act for several decades — until last month, when I drove from rural Maine down to Providence and caught you at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel. Breathtaking show. Here are my questions:
1. What was your favorite fairy tale as a girl?
2. What is the best mom advice you’ve given your kids?
3. If you could have one painting in your bedroom, what would it be?
— Liz Hand
1. I read hundreds of fairy tales as a child. The one that comes to mind first is “The White Snake” by the Brothers Grimm. I also loved Hans Christian Andersen and was especially moved by “The Little Match Girl.”

2. I always tell my kids that if they're worried about measuring up or afraid of failing to just try and do the best they can. If one can say they have given all they can of themselves in any situation, then no fault can be found.

3. As it would be too selfish to want Guernica, I would certainly settle for “Blue Poles” by Jackson Pollock.

Are you tired of being linked to Tom Verlaine even though you dated him for two seconds 25 years ago? What is the nature of your relationship now (since you both obviously are still constantly asked about each other and asked to pose during every post-punk event photo op)? — Jonitha Keymoore of New York
I’m not sure if this question was meant to be cynical. Tom Verlaine and I have shared a deep friendship since 1974. As well as being good friends, we've written songs together, toured, and been supportive of each other’s artistic endeavors. I’m always happy to have my picture taken with Tom because I’m proud to be his friend.

Of all the amazing, creative people and personalities you've met over the years, who impressed or surprised you the most, who disappointed you the most, and why? — Brad Buckner of Portland
The person I most admire and have learned a great deal from is clearly Ralph Nader. He is the most honest man I’ve ever met. He works tirelessly every day to serve the people. Whenever I’ve felt discouraged, just listening to him speak renews my sense of hope. He’s also really funny. As far as being disappointed in someone I’ve met, I try not to have any preconceived expectations of people.