Every month, 5AM StoryTalk explores a different song about our struggle to lead good and meaningful lives in a confusing, increasingly grim modern world...
Driving the 1-1/2 hour trip to visit my dad in the hospital just after he was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer, I would listen to this song over and over. It was on a CD made by a friend with a bunch of her favorites (I miss mix tapes in this era of streaming playlists). It still brings tears to my eyes every single time. Thanks for your beautiful reflection on it.
You're very welcome, Julie. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who loves this song and needed it at points in their life. I'm sorry to hear your father has left us, but I'm glad you had that mix tape!
I didn’t know this song at all but it’s message is very timely. All we can hope to do in this world is to impact others in a positive and meaningful way. That is how we live on, and how we find meaning in our own lives. It feels like the world is on fire right now so I believe it is more important than ever to be purposeful in our actions and to find the joy and beauty in the little things.
I actually think I find this easier when I’m feeling low. It’s so easy to take things for granted in normal circumstances but when things are tough, all the little kindnesses really stand out and mean so much more.
I think the imbalance of my life is that "lows" are something I mistakenly try to directly confront, which saps a lot of energy. I need to discipline myself to reapply that energy to positive mental outlets.
the song that always – always – gets me is Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" as it plays over the opening scenes of *Where the Wild Things Are*
it’s not the lyrics, i don’t think i’ve ever listened to the words – it’s the combination of music and imagery that, for reasons i still don’t understand, brings tears to my eyes to every effn time – i have tears right now, dammit
maybe it’s because it makes me, "Remember what it was like when i was a kid ... "
I love this song so much. It reminds us in such a brutally honest - yet also beautiful - way to pull ourselves back and remember what's important in life.
Driving the 1-1/2 hour trip to visit my dad in the hospital just after he was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer, I would listen to this song over and over. It was on a CD made by a friend with a bunch of her favorites (I miss mix tapes in this era of streaming playlists). It still brings tears to my eyes every single time. Thanks for your beautiful reflection on it.
You're very welcome, Julie. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who loves this song and needed it at points in their life. I'm sorry to hear your father has left us, but I'm glad you had that mix tape!
I didn’t know this song at all but it’s message is very timely. All we can hope to do in this world is to impact others in a positive and meaningful way. That is how we live on, and how we find meaning in our own lives. It feels like the world is on fire right now so I believe it is more important than ever to be purposeful in our actions and to find the joy and beauty in the little things.
Let's keep working on that. I know it takes so much effort these days.
I actually think I find this easier when I’m feeling low. It’s so easy to take things for granted in normal circumstances but when things are tough, all the little kindnesses really stand out and mean so much more.
I think the imbalance of my life is that "lows" are something I mistakenly try to directly confront, which saps a lot of energy. I need to discipline myself to reapply that energy to positive mental outlets.
Well written 👏
Thanks, Melyssa.
the song that always – always – gets me is Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" as it plays over the opening scenes of *Where the Wild Things Are*
it’s not the lyrics, i don’t think i’ve ever listened to the words – it’s the combination of music and imagery that, for reasons i still don’t understand, brings tears to my eyes to every effn time – i have tears right now, dammit
maybe it’s because it makes me, "Remember what it was like when i was a kid ... "
I’ll have to give this song a re-listen, Robert. It’s probably been years since I last heard it. Thanks!
I love this song so much. It reminds us in such a brutally honest - yet also beautiful - way to pull ourselves back and remember what's important in life.
I also love Yoshima Battles on the Pink Robot Pt.1 from the same album
Very inspiring! I need to listen to that song more carefully from now on.
Such a great sentiment and so well written. Wasting one’s own life is an unimaginable tragedy. Your post and this great song resonate. Thanks.
I'm glad to hear as much. Thanks for reading!