Music is such a powerful medium and probably one reason why I enjoy being a musician. I don't have any problem at all if someone were to use a song I have written to convey their message. As a matter of fact, I would be flattered. Of course, I am not a gagillionaire with a hit record and in need of protecting my revenue stream (topic for another blog). For instance, this young fellow today mentioned that he had been thinking about one particular thing the "540 Song" was alluding to. The song is metaphorical, but also matter-of-factual. Dual or even multiple meanings. The lyrics are this for those that have not heard it:
The 540 Song
(v1) The northbound traffic is slow in the morning
The southbound traffic is a bear in the afternoon.
So I think I'll change my direction.
I think I'll change my tune.
In the morning they flow to the Mothership.
In the afternoon the all go home.
If the Mothership ever should falter,
We would all be lost, we would all be doomed.
(chorus) Break your chains, break away
It's not too late to change your ways
Find a way to make yourself happy.
Dig a little deeper to find your soul
The other road might take it's toll.
Be whatever it is that you should be. Yeah...
(v2) Mapping out your life away from the doldrums
Can be trying and taxing from the start
The reward for finding the right direction
Will be happiness for your body and your heart.
(chorus)
I don't mind...a little misdirection
I will find... a little bit of heaven
Take your time...you will be happy at the end of the road.
As you can see... not a complicated song. It all sort of starts by that morning commute between Fayetteville, Arkansas and Bentonville, Arkansas, For those of you that don't know, it is nearly bumper to bumper for the 20 mile stretch between the two towns in the early morning as folks drive towards the home offices of the world's largest retailer. By the end of the workday, it is the same in reverse. That's where the thought started. But it just seems that is the way we all are in our own fashion. Not necessarily work-related, but maybe in our own personal relationships. It doesn't have to be all negative, but routine can be a doldrum in and of itself. Sometimes we just keep doing what we do because that's what we do. No heavy meaning, but just an observation. It's hard to break away from that comfort zone and find your way to the things that you may really need, want, or that really matter. Yes, it could be an epic act of selfishness, but sometimes if we do the right thing for ourselves, those around us that might be affected might ultimately benefit from our newfound happiness.
One particular observer appears young, but had already realized that he needs to find what makes him happy now rather than finding himself in a doldrum. Then realizing it's too late to save your soul. I have a great deal of respect for his early realization. In an older person's experience... as we plow through life, we become a gravitational force that collects people and things around us. If the realization comes late that your soul needs saving, then it radiates throughout the collective if you act on it. Because you personally map out your own way towards happiness doesn't mean those around you will understand or not be affected by it. Good or bad. And sometimes it's that very notion that keeps many of us from breaking away. I am sure experts have some fancy term for this. I think I will call it "collateral damage" for now.
Not necessarily in the military sense, but nobody wants to hurt others intentionally just because we seek our way. Just as I typed that, I thought of a few people that do... So... maybe collateral damage is appropriate. I don't personally identify with that, but it always seems that each time we try to do something for ourselves, others have their say. Others will be hurt. Others may even be happy, but most often, they will be hurt because it might not be what they want. We can't all have our way so we all need some of us to sacrifice what we want so that others may be happy.
Ultimately, the "540 Song" is just a song. "It is what it is" gets tossed around by my boss nearly every day. My wife used to always use that term, too. And it has sort of become the mantra of our current society. I hate that term, so maybe the "540 Song" addresses just that. If “is” is not what works for you then make it what you want it to be. No props to Bill Clinton here, but there might be some coincidences when this laissez fair attitude all started. A little intervention might be required…
Thanks for listening and have a great week.
Stephen
p.s…. if you want to listen to a clip of the I-540 Song, you can find the full version on the Oreo Blue Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oreo-Blue/92655034226 at the music player on the lower left or a clip on CDBaby at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oreoblue7.
