Ralph,
I found something very cool.
There’s a new band called Florence and the Machine. They have several good songs, but I want to call out “No Light, No Light,” which aligns with the dual theme(s) of this blog.
I’ve posted the lyrics to the song separately (below). Get those ready and then click here for the video.
Important: I strongly suggest reviewing the lyrics as you listen to the YouTube song/ video. Don’t peek at the video because it will ruin it the dual interpretation. At first, just listen to the song and read the lyrics.
Then watch the video.
You're in for a fun ride. The song is seemingly about two lovers, and it is very beautiful, and the lack of light in his "bright blue eyes" indicates that he is not in love with her anymore (there's more to it than that, but that's part of it).
But the video is another thing entirely, working all kinds of oppositions, including Voodoo and Christianity, which some would argue equate to dark and light, respectively (although, in truth all religions use all forms of magic, dark, light, and everything in the middle).
I don't want to say any more. I'll be interested to hear what you have to say. Maybe Shimmons will participate...
DrD
Monday, November 21, 2011
Lyrics to "No Light, No Light" by Florence and the Machine
Florence and The Machine
“No Light No Light”
Ceremonials
You are the hole in my head
You are the space in my bed
You are the silence in between
What I thought and what I said
You are the night-time fear
You are the morning when it's clear
When it's over you're the start
You're my head
You're my heart
No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
(No light)
Tell me what you want me to say
Through the crowded islands
Crying out at me
In your place there were a thousand other faces
I will disappear in plain sight
Heaven help me
I need to make it right
You are the revelation
You want to get right
Well it's a conversation
I just can't have tonight
You want a revelation
Some kind of resolution
You are the revelation
No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
(No light)
Tell me what you want me to say
But would you leave me
If I told you what I've done?
And would you leave me
If I told you what I've become?
'Cause it's so easy
To sing it to a crowd
But it's so hard, my love
To say it to you all alone
No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day,
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
(No light)
Tell me what you want me to say
You are the revelation
You want to get right
But, it's a conversation
I just can't have tonight
You are the revelation
Some kind of resolution.
You are the revelation.
You are the revelation
You are to get it right.
But, it's a conversation,
I just can't have tonight.
You are the revelation
Some kind of resolution
Tell me what you want me to say
“No Light No Light”
Ceremonials
You are the hole in my head
You are the space in my bed
You are the silence in between
What I thought and what I said
You are the night-time fear
You are the morning when it's clear
When it's over you're the start
You're my head
You're my heart
No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
(No light)
Tell me what you want me to say
Through the crowded islands
Crying out at me
In your place there were a thousand other faces
I will disappear in plain sight
Heaven help me
I need to make it right
You are the revelation
You want to get right
Well it's a conversation
I just can't have tonight
You want a revelation
Some kind of resolution
You are the revelation
No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
(No light)
Tell me what you want me to say
But would you leave me
If I told you what I've done?
And would you leave me
If I told you what I've become?
'Cause it's so easy
To sing it to a crowd
But it's so hard, my love
To say it to you all alone
No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day,
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
(No light)
Tell me what you want me to say
You are the revelation
You want to get right
But, it's a conversation
I just can't have tonight
You are the revelation
Some kind of resolution.
You are the revelation.
You are the revelation
You are to get it right.
But, it's a conversation,
I just can't have tonight.
You are the revelation
Some kind of resolution
Tell me what you want me to say
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Jerry West Article in SI
Can't currently find a link to it on-line, but there is a fascinating article in last week's issue of Sports Illustrated on Jerry West. I was a former sports writer before getting into by current technology business writing gig, and still have a fascination (second time using that word) with well-written sports articles. There is a whole Prometheus (not Reggie Theus) comparison to West in this article, but what makes it pertinent to this blog, is how he turned depression into greatness. I guess the Prometheus comparison is apt in this sense.
It it interesting how many people who achieve what we consider to be greatness are driven by darkness, such as depression. I remember half-jokingly having a conversation with one of my friends about this topic. He (who also has kids) uttered something to the effect of, "don't be nice to your kids, they'll never achieve anything that way. You need to make it tough on them," but I think it was a little more off-color than that. Although we were joking, as there often is in humor, there was certainly some truth in there.
West was beaten regularly by his father. He hated him and hated to go home, which is one reason he was constantly practicing basketball. West would then go out of his way to try and find an angle he could use to fuel his anger against opposing players. He knew he played better when pissed off.
This article was written in conjunction with a recent autobiography published by West. In it, he talks about how miserable he was, and even psychotic. In one scene he paints of himself and the way he reacts to a steakhouse's attempts to cook a meal to his liking truly shows he has some issues. Yet, also I've read statements where West says he considers himself the luckiest guy around. Go figure.
Anyhow, West's life seems to be an interesting dichotomy of misery and glory. "From great depths we can assail great heights," or something like that. Similar to the dichotomy of dark and light.
One final thought. Some people have theorized on what made West write such an honest biography when most top notch athletes just mail it in - taking the easy road and discussing their triumphs, while leaving out all the misery that drove them to scale to such great heights. West didn't do that obviously. My theory is that his competitiveness and drive, and perfectionist attitude made him really just want to write a really great book.
It it interesting how many people who achieve what we consider to be greatness are driven by darkness, such as depression. I remember half-jokingly having a conversation with one of my friends about this topic. He (who also has kids) uttered something to the effect of, "don't be nice to your kids, they'll never achieve anything that way. You need to make it tough on them," but I think it was a little more off-color than that. Although we were joking, as there often is in humor, there was certainly some truth in there.
West was beaten regularly by his father. He hated him and hated to go home, which is one reason he was constantly practicing basketball. West would then go out of his way to try and find an angle he could use to fuel his anger against opposing players. He knew he played better when pissed off.
This article was written in conjunction with a recent autobiography published by West. In it, he talks about how miserable he was, and even psychotic. In one scene he paints of himself and the way he reacts to a steakhouse's attempts to cook a meal to his liking truly shows he has some issues. Yet, also I've read statements where West says he considers himself the luckiest guy around. Go figure.
Anyhow, West's life seems to be an interesting dichotomy of misery and glory. "From great depths we can assail great heights," or something like that. Similar to the dichotomy of dark and light.
One final thought. Some people have theorized on what made West write such an honest biography when most top notch athletes just mail it in - taking the easy road and discussing their triumphs, while leaving out all the misery that drove them to scale to such great heights. West didn't do that obviously. My theory is that his competitiveness and drive, and perfectionist attitude made him really just want to write a really great book.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Stephen King to Release Sequel to The Shining
I don't know if you saw this, but Stephen King has annoucned a sequel to his great 1970s novel "The Shining." I am not a huge King fan, but absolutely love The Shining, and got quite a thrill from Pet Cemetary as well. The Shining, however, is definitely in my top 25 books of all-time, probably in the upper half, if I think about it.
Reason it is revelant here is the title of course, which indicates light. Basically, "The Shining," as decribed by Halloran (Morgan Freeman in the movie, I think, but I've only seen the movie once so I'm not that familiar with it) is basically the ability to read other people's thoughts. Dr. D, how does that jive with your perceptions/thoughts on light and life? Thanks man.
Reason it is revelant here is the title of course, which indicates light. Basically, "The Shining," as decribed by Halloran (Morgan Freeman in the movie, I think, but I've only seen the movie once so I'm not that familiar with it) is basically the ability to read other people's thoughts. Dr. D, how does that jive with your perceptions/thoughts on light and life? Thanks man.
Creatures of Light: The Relation of Humans to Light
Creatures of Light: The Relation of Humans to Light
By Mike Downing
September 28, 2011
I have been studying the concept of light for many years and have come to some amazing realizations. Among them, I believe that humans are “creatures of light,” and highly literate in the language of light. We transmit our collective consciousness through fiber optic cables, we interpret the light as it shines through other people’s eyes, and we obviously need sunlight to live and grow, from a biological standpoint. People are said to have auras of light surrounding them. We use light in a variety of ways, often without even being aware of it.
Until now, the study of light has fallen primarily into the realm of the physicist, who describes the physical qualities and behaviors of light. They tell us it is both particle and wave. Light is sometimes emitted by electro-chemical processes and sometimes not. The physicist mostly can tell you what light is not or, more specifically, what is not light.
But why should the study of light be restricted to physicists? My intention is to open the conversation beyond the limitations of hard science. It’s time for other disciplines to chime in on the nature and qualities of light. As you might imagine, there are thousands of references to light that fall outside the realm of hard science. How are those interpretations constructed? What do they have to say about this very important topic?
The second part of my project, as a professor of literature, is to map out the ubiquitous references to light in the worlds of literature, music, and movies and to invite others to extend this project beyond the scope of my abilities. What does the mathematician have to say about light? What about the theologian? What about the biologist, the astronomer, the artist? I would love to hear from all of these disciplines.
Now, when I tell people that I believe humans are “creatures of light,” the reaction is always the same: They wrinkle their eyebrows, study me for a moment, and ask me to repeat myself.
Did you say light…as in sunlight and moonlight?
Yes, that kind of light.
Then, after a second or two, the reaction is always the same. Always. They begin summoning their own personal examples to support my assertion.
They talk about pregnant women being “radiant” or “glowing.” They talk about being “enlightened” vs. being “in the dark.”
They point to the evil Lord Voldemort, who says to the beloved Harry Potter, "Don't you turn your back to me, Harry Potter! I want you to look at me when I kill you! I want to see the light leave your eyes!" (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire).
It doesn’t matter whether they are particularly religious or not. Conservative or liberal. Young or old. Male or female. They all begin offering examples, based on their experiences.
A devout Catholic said, “We supposedly to go toward the light when we die.”
A photographer friend said, “Photography is all about capturing the light, both inside and out.”
To be certain, my thesis is nothing new. I’m just trying to articulate it in plain language and point to the thousands of references that support it. I believe that if you open yourself to the possibility that human beings are literate in the language of light—and that human consciousness is actually light-based—then the light itself will make the rest of the connections.
In other words, you will see the light.
It makes perfect sense. Astronomers tell us that all matter, including light, comes from stars and our local star, the sun, has coaxed life from a planet that is amenable to supporting myriad forms of life. Therefore, if we conclude that our physical bodies emerge from the dust of the Earth (which is, itself, composed of star dust), then it’s not such a stretch to believe that our consciousness comes from the stars—more specifically the sun—directly in the form of light.
We certainly can’t live without it. We are like little batteries, resting at night when there is no daylight, and active during the day when light is plentiful. This is true for all humans at all times.
Furthermore, we bend light to our purposes all the time. Fiber optic cables are transmitting light at this moment, creating the digital pages that we call the Internet (which is actually nothing more than varying degrees of color and contrast on a monitor). We peer into the light of one another’s eyes to try to understand what dwells within. Light is used in movies all the time to signify intelligence or understanding.
None of this is accidental. It represents our collective intention to represent and connect with other forms of light.
Now, as far as I can tell, the light that drives human consciousness has several essential purposes. The first is animation. Light energy promotes growth. This is as true for photosynthesis in trees and plants as it is for human health and well-being.
In my view, the spirit, animated by light energy, wants to take advantage of its connection to the physical realm (through us) and wants to learn and experience as much as possible before it has to surrender the physical body to its natural death.
Second, light wants to find itself and connect. That’s part of the reason why human beings want and need to interact. That’s why we use light to send messages to one another all day long through our computers. The same is true for eye contact, which is simply light finding itself through the vehicle of the eyes.
The Internet is an amazing example of light—as consciousness—finding itself. If you think about it, the whole of human consciousness is currently available on the Internet. How did that happen? Did someone coordinate the event? Hardly. Instead, it’s a case of individual consciousness uniting in order to participate in collective consciousness carried on packets of light.
Think about all of the people who are peering at monitors right now, talking and texting, and you’ll see how compelling light can be when it comes to finding itself. We strive to find the light in one another. It’s irresistible. (We also strive to create heart-based connections with one another, but that’s another essay altogether).
Since I’m an English professor, I’ve long noted how the worlds of literature, music, and movies are filled with references connecting human consciousness to light. Movies, in particular, are filled with light. It signals hope, because it signals life, because it signals consciousness.
The references are so abundant that I’ve had to break my study into categories: Prose, poetry, music, drama, and movies. The references are everywhere, and once you tune into the references, you’ll chuckle at how ubiquitous they are.
Some examples from the world of literature:
“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.”
~Kahlil Gibran
“When you possess light within, you see it externally.”
~Anaïs Nin
“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”
~Maya Angelou
“It seems only yesterday I used to believe there was nothing under my skin but light. If you cut me I could shine”
~Billy Collins
“The light that lies
In a woman’s eyes,
Has been my heart’s undoing.”
~Thomas Moore
He was a burning and a shining light.
~John 5:35
“I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.”
~Abraham Lincoln
“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
~Dylan Thomas
“God’s first creature, which was Light.”
~Francis Bacon, New Atlantis (1626)
“Someday perhaps the inner light will shine forth from us, and then we'll need no other light.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“It’s no fun being married to an electric light.”
~Joe DiMaggio (on being married to Marilyn Monroe)
These quotes barely scratch the surface. There are literally hundreds—thousands—of references to support the premise that human consciousness is light-based…that light dwells within us. I visited Washington, DC not long ago and saw how Thomas Jefferson, drawing on Enlightenment philosophy, spoke regularly about the importance of light. The references are everywhere.
Now, one misconception that I’d like to address before I close is the viewpoint that these literary references to light are “simply” metaphor. First, let’s be clear about the nature of metaphor. Metaphor asserts that two things are the same (whereas analogy implies difference). Therefore, the very use of metaphor indicates that thousands of human authors in a range of genres across time are all actively trying to link human consciousness to light. To dismiss these connections as “cheap” metaphor—some trick of language—is to deny the artistic representations that we claim to value so much.
In addition, all language is metaphor because language refers to things that are not, themselves, those actual things. That’s why we can say flora, fleur, fiore, flower. None of these words is the actual flower and none is the “correct” reference to the physical manifestation. Words, themselves, are metaphors. Therefore, for the physicist to say that literary, language-based, representations of light are metaphor while scientific, language-based, representations are somehow “the truth” is illusory. We must, therefore, take literary references to light into serious consideration and not dismiss them, out-of-hand, as somehow less valid than scientific evidence.
I am merely scratching the surface in this essay. I call upon others from other disciplines to carry forward this work and shine additional light on this subject. Also, as you return to your day, be sensitive to references to light in literature, music, movies and you will begin to see how the topic of light permeates the world around us.
-30-
By Mike Downing
September 28, 2011
I have been studying the concept of light for many years and have come to some amazing realizations. Among them, I believe that humans are “creatures of light,” and highly literate in the language of light. We transmit our collective consciousness through fiber optic cables, we interpret the light as it shines through other people’s eyes, and we obviously need sunlight to live and grow, from a biological standpoint. People are said to have auras of light surrounding them. We use light in a variety of ways, often without even being aware of it.
Until now, the study of light has fallen primarily into the realm of the physicist, who describes the physical qualities and behaviors of light. They tell us it is both particle and wave. Light is sometimes emitted by electro-chemical processes and sometimes not. The physicist mostly can tell you what light is not or, more specifically, what is not light.
But why should the study of light be restricted to physicists? My intention is to open the conversation beyond the limitations of hard science. It’s time for other disciplines to chime in on the nature and qualities of light. As you might imagine, there are thousands of references to light that fall outside the realm of hard science. How are those interpretations constructed? What do they have to say about this very important topic?
The second part of my project, as a professor of literature, is to map out the ubiquitous references to light in the worlds of literature, music, and movies and to invite others to extend this project beyond the scope of my abilities. What does the mathematician have to say about light? What about the theologian? What about the biologist, the astronomer, the artist? I would love to hear from all of these disciplines.
Now, when I tell people that I believe humans are “creatures of light,” the reaction is always the same: They wrinkle their eyebrows, study me for a moment, and ask me to repeat myself.
Did you say light…as in sunlight and moonlight?
Yes, that kind of light.
Then, after a second or two, the reaction is always the same. Always. They begin summoning their own personal examples to support my assertion.
They talk about pregnant women being “radiant” or “glowing.” They talk about being “enlightened” vs. being “in the dark.”
They point to the evil Lord Voldemort, who says to the beloved Harry Potter, "Don't you turn your back to me, Harry Potter! I want you to look at me when I kill you! I want to see the light leave your eyes!" (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire).
It doesn’t matter whether they are particularly religious or not. Conservative or liberal. Young or old. Male or female. They all begin offering examples, based on their experiences.
A devout Catholic said, “We supposedly to go toward the light when we die.”
A photographer friend said, “Photography is all about capturing the light, both inside and out.”
To be certain, my thesis is nothing new. I’m just trying to articulate it in plain language and point to the thousands of references that support it. I believe that if you open yourself to the possibility that human beings are literate in the language of light—and that human consciousness is actually light-based—then the light itself will make the rest of the connections.
In other words, you will see the light.
It makes perfect sense. Astronomers tell us that all matter, including light, comes from stars and our local star, the sun, has coaxed life from a planet that is amenable to supporting myriad forms of life. Therefore, if we conclude that our physical bodies emerge from the dust of the Earth (which is, itself, composed of star dust), then it’s not such a stretch to believe that our consciousness comes from the stars—more specifically the sun—directly in the form of light.
We certainly can’t live without it. We are like little batteries, resting at night when there is no daylight, and active during the day when light is plentiful. This is true for all humans at all times.
Furthermore, we bend light to our purposes all the time. Fiber optic cables are transmitting light at this moment, creating the digital pages that we call the Internet (which is actually nothing more than varying degrees of color and contrast on a monitor). We peer into the light of one another’s eyes to try to understand what dwells within. Light is used in movies all the time to signify intelligence or understanding.
None of this is accidental. It represents our collective intention to represent and connect with other forms of light.
Now, as far as I can tell, the light that drives human consciousness has several essential purposes. The first is animation. Light energy promotes growth. This is as true for photosynthesis in trees and plants as it is for human health and well-being.
In my view, the spirit, animated by light energy, wants to take advantage of its connection to the physical realm (through us) and wants to learn and experience as much as possible before it has to surrender the physical body to its natural death.
Second, light wants to find itself and connect. That’s part of the reason why human beings want and need to interact. That’s why we use light to send messages to one another all day long through our computers. The same is true for eye contact, which is simply light finding itself through the vehicle of the eyes.
The Internet is an amazing example of light—as consciousness—finding itself. If you think about it, the whole of human consciousness is currently available on the Internet. How did that happen? Did someone coordinate the event? Hardly. Instead, it’s a case of individual consciousness uniting in order to participate in collective consciousness carried on packets of light.
Think about all of the people who are peering at monitors right now, talking and texting, and you’ll see how compelling light can be when it comes to finding itself. We strive to find the light in one another. It’s irresistible. (We also strive to create heart-based connections with one another, but that’s another essay altogether).
Since I’m an English professor, I’ve long noted how the worlds of literature, music, and movies are filled with references connecting human consciousness to light. Movies, in particular, are filled with light. It signals hope, because it signals life, because it signals consciousness.
The references are so abundant that I’ve had to break my study into categories: Prose, poetry, music, drama, and movies. The references are everywhere, and once you tune into the references, you’ll chuckle at how ubiquitous they are.
Some examples from the world of literature:
“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.”
~Kahlil Gibran
“When you possess light within, you see it externally.”
~Anaïs Nin
“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”
~Maya Angelou
“It seems only yesterday I used to believe there was nothing under my skin but light. If you cut me I could shine”
~Billy Collins
“The light that lies
In a woman’s eyes,
Has been my heart’s undoing.”
~Thomas Moore
He was a burning and a shining light.
~John 5:35
“I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.”
~Abraham Lincoln
“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
~Dylan Thomas
“God’s first creature, which was Light.”
~Francis Bacon, New Atlantis (1626)
“Someday perhaps the inner light will shine forth from us, and then we'll need no other light.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“It’s no fun being married to an electric light.”
~Joe DiMaggio (on being married to Marilyn Monroe)
These quotes barely scratch the surface. There are literally hundreds—thousands—of references to support the premise that human consciousness is light-based…that light dwells within us. I visited Washington, DC not long ago and saw how Thomas Jefferson, drawing on Enlightenment philosophy, spoke regularly about the importance of light. The references are everywhere.
Now, one misconception that I’d like to address before I close is the viewpoint that these literary references to light are “simply” metaphor. First, let’s be clear about the nature of metaphor. Metaphor asserts that two things are the same (whereas analogy implies difference). Therefore, the very use of metaphor indicates that thousands of human authors in a range of genres across time are all actively trying to link human consciousness to light. To dismiss these connections as “cheap” metaphor—some trick of language—is to deny the artistic representations that we claim to value so much.
In addition, all language is metaphor because language refers to things that are not, themselves, those actual things. That’s why we can say flora, fleur, fiore, flower. None of these words is the actual flower and none is the “correct” reference to the physical manifestation. Words, themselves, are metaphors. Therefore, for the physicist to say that literary, language-based, representations of light are metaphor while scientific, language-based, representations are somehow “the truth” is illusory. We must, therefore, take literary references to light into serious consideration and not dismiss them, out-of-hand, as somehow less valid than scientific evidence.
I am merely scratching the surface in this essay. I call upon others from other disciplines to carry forward this work and shine additional light on this subject. Also, as you return to your day, be sensitive to references to light in literature, music, movies and you will begin to see how the topic of light permeates the world around us.
-30-
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Lyrics to Pumped Up Kicks
Robert's got a quick hand.
He'll look around the room, he won't tell you his plan.
He's got a rolled cigarette, hanging out his mouth he's a cowboy kid.
Yeah he found a six shooter gun.
In his dads closet hidden in a box of fun things, and I don't even know what.
But he's coming for you, yeah he's coming for you.
[Chorus x2:]
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet.
Daddy works a long day.
He be coming home late, yeah he's coming home late.
And he's bringing me a surprise.
'Cause dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice.
I've waited for a long time.
Yeah the slight of my hand is now a quick pull trigger,
I reason with my cigarette,
And say your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits, yeah.
[Chorus x2:]
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet.
[Whistling]
[Chorus x3:]
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet.
He'll look around the room, he won't tell you his plan.
He's got a rolled cigarette, hanging out his mouth he's a cowboy kid.
Yeah he found a six shooter gun.
In his dads closet hidden in a box of fun things, and I don't even know what.
But he's coming for you, yeah he's coming for you.
[Chorus x2:]
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet.
Daddy works a long day.
He be coming home late, yeah he's coming home late.
And he's bringing me a surprise.
'Cause dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice.
I've waited for a long time.
Yeah the slight of my hand is now a quick pull trigger,
I reason with my cigarette,
And say your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits, yeah.
[Chorus x2:]
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet.
[Whistling]
[Chorus x3:]
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Kick-off of Light and Dark Blog
I'm a big fan of this new Pumped-Up Kicks song by a group called Foster the People. Basically, it's a song about a kid that goes psycho and starts shooting at the "popular" kids at his school. At least that's the way I have interpreted it. Of course, if you watch the video, it's about the members of the band tooling around and having fun. Huh?
To me, this reflects on one of Joyce Carol Oates great quotes about rock 'n roll. I think it came from one of her novels about a Vietnam vet. The line was something like "rock 'n roll is happy songs about sad things," which in my opinion kind of sums up the dichotomy between light and dark we often encounter in mythology.
Basically, the darkness always precedes the light. To apply this to rock 'n roll: after you internalize a tragic/terrible event, to go light (in another context) we'll say it's a hearbreak, you commenorate/celebrate it in some way - like writing a happy sounding song. In other words, you laugh, so you don't cry. You whistle through the graveyard... (I also love cliches, but that maybe another blog.)
Anyhow, just thought I'd kick off this blog with those thoughts and also wonder, to complete the circle, does lightness also succeed dark in mythology? I'd say ask Job, but I hope to have plenty of discussions on these types of topics on this blog.
To me, this reflects on one of Joyce Carol Oates great quotes about rock 'n roll. I think it came from one of her novels about a Vietnam vet. The line was something like "rock 'n roll is happy songs about sad things," which in my opinion kind of sums up the dichotomy between light and dark we often encounter in mythology.
Basically, the darkness always precedes the light. To apply this to rock 'n roll: after you internalize a tragic/terrible event, to go light (in another context) we'll say it's a hearbreak, you commenorate/celebrate it in some way - like writing a happy sounding song. In other words, you laugh, so you don't cry. You whistle through the graveyard... (I also love cliches, but that maybe another blog.)
Anyhow, just thought I'd kick off this blog with those thoughts and also wonder, to complete the circle, does lightness also succeed dark in mythology? I'd say ask Job, but I hope to have plenty of discussions on these types of topics on this blog.
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