In the midst of trying to
accomplish something in life, I wonder if all of the effort I’m going though is
worth the outcome? Should I give up on
the long-term objective and settle for the short-term goal? Settling into something is not the same as
settling down. The latter implies that
all of the peaks have been passed and you are on the windward side of the
mountain. But what really is settling
down? Is it giving up on goals, hopes,
or dreams? My go to band in the
midst of melancholy is SheDaisy.
I know this sounds odd, but hear me out. I was listening to one of their songs ("5 4 3 2 Run")
the other night and a lyric struck me, “There’s more to life than just takin’
up space.” Wikipedia defines Introspection
as “the self-observation and reporting of conscious inner thoughts, desires and sensations. It is a conscious and purposive process relying on thinking, reasoning, and examining one's own thoughts, feelings, and, in more spiritual cases, one's soul.” This song
has always given me perspective in that life doesn’t always have to be heavy,
and there are moments when it should be fun.
But can I relate to other introspective songs, even though they may be
heavy, and find some sort of resolve in my life without going all emo? The answer is yes, because I get perspective
from the music in my life. Listening to the same selection of songs, or genre,
for me, seems limiting because I can learn from the diverse musical
landscape. I find connections in music
and discover that I’m not as different as somebody else and maybe their situation can
give me perspective. Searching your soul
is a good thing, but remember that you have a physical presence as well, and
it’s about time to go out there and feel the warmth of each other, just not in
a perverted way, unless you have permission of the other party or
parties.
Playlist of Soul SearchingSongs
1. Natalie
Merchant-“Carnival”(1995)
When I moved to Chicago, this was
the song that carried me from academic meandering to city dwelling. It took me several years to discover this
song's importance to my life. At first,
I thought it was transition from an acrimonious existence to chaotic
indifference. It now feels like the
need for exploration, for it's own sake, has a cost that takes away the
innocence of discovery and puts the burden of being self aware upon your
psyche. I've seen two many friends
destroyed by their own revelations and wish for amnesic resolve. A gift I sometimes wish I could
afford.
2. Dixie Chicks–“Wide Open
Spaces”(1998)
Taking that first step out into
the wilderness can be very daunting, but it’s a move that you should make. Life keeps moving forward, even though we
may want the world to stop so that we can catch our breath. Though daunting, new experiences can be
exhilarating and you can discover new things about yourself. I’m not saying that we learn these life
lessons because I see situations repeat themselves.
3. Stacie Orrico – “(There's
Gotta Be) More to Life”(2003)
In the midst of attaining some
sort of success in my life, this song really struck me. I had corporate job and was financially
successful, and yet I still felt empty inside.
I stockpiled material things in the hopes of Keeping up with the
Joneses. When it all crashed down
around me, it was those material things that became a burden and the
maintenance cost was more than I could bear.
I began to wonder, is this all that there is in life? This song made me seek out the answers. I don’t have them yet, but I feel like I’m
upon the path to finding happiness.
4. Chantal
Kreviazuk-“Invincible”(2009)
It’s really easy to get turned
around in this life, but what makes things bearable is to have a partner in
crime. Sometimes you just have to laugh
at the insanity that comes your way, and it’s better when you have a kindred
spirit along for the ride. Taking
solace in someone is sometimes the only solution to an insolvable situation. Perspective and a good sense of humor heals
a suffering soul.
5. Our Lady
Peace-“Innocent”(2002)
Oh how we ponder our problems,
and everyone has them regardless of status or situation. What we have to realize is that difficulties
happen to you, not because of you. I
don’t know how many times that I’ve focused on my life as a failure, instead of
the failures in my life, because when I view it in this light, I also have to
factor in the successes I’ve had as well.
Life is just a ride and there will be high and low points, but you have
to remember that not everything is meant to drag you down. “One day, you’ll stand up on your own,” is a
lyric that I think goes to the heart of the matter.
6. Switchfoot-“The Setting Sun”
(2005)
If I had to come up with a list
of my favorite albums, which would not be easy, a sure selection that would
make the list is this band’s “Nothing Is Sound,” record. The collection of songs, including this one,
has a great wide-open sound that just revels in power cords and larger than
life lyrics. I really feel alive when I
listen to this song. It’s a heavier
album than their previous releases.
7. Green Day-“Good Riddance (Time Of Your
Life)”(1997)
For what it’s worth, this song is
worth a spin. Yes, it’s cliché and has
been played at more commencement parties than I care to think about, but I
think its simple message is profound.
It’s easy to get caught up in the events of the day and we sometimes
forget to stop and smell the roses. I
like this band, they seem to get it, and are more punk than I’m willing to
acknowledge, but there it is anyway.
