Lyrical Roots

Jim Croce comes out of my speakers to share wisdom in lyrics and calm in melodies. He will soon be followed by Seals and Crofts, America, CSN&Y and many more as I digitially copy old albums. What is happening is not simply posterity, but re-positioning me on the solid ground of my growing years. I learned a lot about myself by listening to tunes in my youth--as you likely did, too--and I re-learn and am re-minded (as well as reminded) of who I am in the re-listening.

In "those" days, I would write or muse while listening, and today I write with the perspectives of time past and time remaining. No matter our age, we only have a measurable amount of time remaining, and it seems to be a good thing to spend that time with surety of who you are. The tree does not stand strongly with roots solidly in the ground wondering if it is actually crabgrass.

I am assured of that message while listening to the tunes of my formative years. Sometimes because the lyrics suggest the message, but more so because the lyrics remind me of my thoughts and passions from then...which are the same things as now, though clouded by life's circumstances at times. What I was, I am; what I am, I was. Yet, I change though I remain rooted. Lyrics remind me.

Music of Son and Father

The Living Years--Mike and the Mechanics (birth)
Arms Wide Open--Creed (raising)
Cat's in the Cradle--Harry Chapin (raising)
Younger Generation--Loving Spoonful (raising)
Father and Son--Cat Stevens (about time to move on)
Child's Song--Tom Rush (child leaving)

I listen to these songs to remember growing up and to remember my sons are, too. These explain the cycle about as well as any psychology or parenting book ever could.