My apologies Sir Paul.
I have been accused of maudlin romanticism. Yep, sorry, that’s me. Not sure why. Could be genetic, could be immaturity, could be my naturally melancholic nature, could be I’m just a sap. These traits are generally considered a handicap in our society, but as a writer, they’re a positive boon! Anyway, when I feel blue, I like listening to music, the sappier the better.
On my iPod—no I don’t have an iPhone! Live free or die!—I have a playlist called “Suicide Mix.” The name is an attempt to poke fun of those who accuse me of being a maudlin romantic. There really aren’t too many sad songs on the list, just music that reminds me of days gone by, when life seemed simpler.
Life wasn’t simpler of course, distance only makes it appear that way. If you could really go back in time, you’d see the present you, living in the present now, dealing with present circumstances. That’s what life always is. The past is gone—nothing we can do about it. The future may not come. All there is is now. Which brings me round again to the music. Most of those silly songs break down in to three themes: lost loves, joy in the loved one and/or being in love, and uncertainty of the loved one. Past, present and future respectively. Each reflects our human propensity to pine over the past, celebrate the good that is happening to us now, and worry about the future.
Memories are good; they help us to learn. Celebrating the good in the now, brings joy. Thinking about the future can help us plan prudently. Where we err is in making idols of any of them. We cannot undo what’s been done. Living in the past, leaves us stunted and afraid. The joy of today can vanish in an instant leaving us broken and confused, that is, if we do not cultivate peace in our hearts. And, as our Lord said, tomorrow has cares enough of it’s own.
You are right there, right now, reading this. Take what good you can from it and thank God for it. And remember: your past, present, and future belong to Him and He cares for you!
Here are some silly love songs for you:
