Nostalgic Music Month Day 25

Jackson Browne by Jon Hilton

Jackson Browne has been an icon for several generations of people. In my life, he has provided comfort in times when things didn’t go so well. But also his songs remind me of the way we live life in the United States. Much of what we have is unprecedented in the history of mankind. We are tremendously fortunate to live the way we do, but we seem unaware of our good luck.  People spend time separating themselves from others, rather than enjoying all we have together.  Jackson Browne reminds me of times in my life where I have had experiences with people who were caring, real and helped me out for no reason other than their own innate goodness.  All people are capable of great goodness and also great evil. We choose where we fall, and the music of Jackson Browne will make sure you fall on the side of goodness.

1. The Pretender–  There is a dream that we were all taught from a young age. Go to school, get an education, get a good job, be a responsible consumer, retire and wait to die. This is the life of a pretender I think. In my life, I didn’t fit into that plan too well.  Although I tried, it still didn’t fit. Like I was playing a part. Just pretending. There is a calling in all of us to do something bigger than ourselves. I envy all people who understand immediately what that calling is for them. I am still trying to figure this all out for myself.  We are all pretenders to some degree, playing roles throughout life. If we try hard enough we might not even see that they are not who we are.   I want to know what became of the changes, We waited for love to bring. Were they only the fitful dreams. Of some greater awakening? I’ve been aware of the time going by They say in the end it’s the wink of an eye. When the morning light comes streaming in, You’ll get up and do it again Amen.
2. Running on Empty– Who hasn’t felt like this. Life can take a lot out of you. There are times when you have all you can do to put your feet on the floor every morning. The tank is low and you are just hoping that you can make it to the next chance to get filled up. We are filled up with the love and kindness of other people. Then things change, a new job, a new relationship, or some other circumstance comes to you and life moves easier.  But you should never forget the times you were running on empty and the lessons born from those moments. Hopefully, one time is enough to learn all you need to know.  For anyone who is running on empty today, it will get better. Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels. I don’t know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
   Look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through
   Looking into their eyes I see them running too.
3. Doctor My Eyes– Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. This simple phrase from Friday Night Lights says all you need to know about life. This song seems to express the desire I have had about looking at life. We all choose to see the world in a certain way. Some choose to see it as a world full of danger and fear. This leads to a heart that is not so full, because you are always trying to protect what you have, rather than share it with others.  I see the world as an opportunity to find happiness and to become a better version of myself. The good news is that you don’t need a doctor to clear up your vision of the world, just the ability to make different choices. How you look at things determines much of what you see.  Doctor, my eyes have seen the years, And the slow parade of fears without crying, Now I want to understand. I have done all that I could. To see the evil and the good without hiding. You must help me if you can.
4. These Days– All that we have is the time that we are given. It could all be over in a second. As a young person, I never thought about how soon it could be over. You just take this life for granted and assume that it will get better on its own. It won’t. If you don’t take responsibility for your part and take action toward what you desire, nothing will happen. These days we all are living the life our choices has created over the years. The circumstances may be out of our control, but our reactions and actions are all ours. We are 100% in control of the choices we make in every moment. If we are of sound mind, then there is no reason to blame anything or anyone from our past. You are responsible for you! Today is up to you. That is what Jackson Browne taught me in this song. Things are bound to be improving these days. One of these days. These days I sit on cornerstones. And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend. Don’t confront me with my failures. I have not forgotten them.
5. Your Bright Baby Blues– There have been people I have known who have helped me in my journey. Some do not know how much they have assisted me. They may have only been in my life for a short time, but it was a vital short time. It is amazing that people don’t know the positive effect they can have on another in their journey. My path has taken me on many roads, and on each, I have learned something of value, even though the experience hasn’t always been pleasant. There have always been pleasant things and people sent my way to assist me along the way. This song reminds me of all of those who have helped me survive the difficult times of change and loss. Hopefully, I have been there for those who need me in their times of challenge and change.  I am grateful to the bright baby blues that pulled me through.  ‘Cause I’ve been up and down this highway
   Far as my eyes can see. No matter how fast I run. I can never seem to get away from me. No matter where I am. I can’t help thinkin’ I’m just a day away From where I want to be. Now I’m running home baby. Like a river to the sea. 

Don McLean by Mike Martin

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth is going splendidly. I must admit that it is incredibly challenging to produce some kind of nostalgic music feeling and put it to words daily during the month of October.

I’ve had some successful productions, some so-so productions, and one complete failure when I failed to save my Day 22 submission (a big thank you to U2 for saving my bloody Sunday.)

Today, thanks to my old pal and shipmate, Roger Alston. I am celebrating the West Pac of 86-87 and the “day the music died”

American Pie is a song by American folk-rock singer and songwriter Don McLean. Recorded and released on the American Pie album in 1971, the single was a number-one hit for four weeks in 1972 and refers to the 1959 plane crash which killed three young rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens.

Roger remained me yesterday that we listened to American Pie often on

the USS Jouett CG-29. During my first West Pac, Roger along with our fellow shipmate Audraft Alfonso Young were my tour guides. Roger and Audraft had complete a cruise before I arrived on the Jolly J and each was full of knowledge about how to get the most from visiting the countries of the Pacific.

We had much much fun while on the cruise of 86-87, and I am very thankful for the wisdom shared from my fellow shipmates. But, the most memorable parts (outside of the fortunate car wreck that brought Bill Spillman and I a little extra time on the beach in Australia) are from the

time that we spent “Haze Grey and Underway.”

Without going into great detail, we spent our time painting just about everything we could get our hands on, laughing incessantly at a slew of practical jokes that we played on anyone and everyone, while I grew from a mere “Polly Wog” to a seasoned “Shellback”.

Crossing the equator on naval vessels is a religious experience. For Shellbacks like Rog and Draft, you get to beat your fellow shipmates with a firehose as you direct “Polly Wogs” such as myself through garbage pits and other disgusting and painful exercises.

The highlight of the ceremony is a beauty contest and getting your face shoved into a fat man’s belly. I survived and lived to share the experience with others, but I swear that the 12 hours that we, the Ploy Wogs of the Jolly J during the cruise of 86-87, endured more than I was ever allowed

to inflict on any Polly Wog that I helped initiate.

Don McLean now lives in Rockland, Maine, the town that host the World famous Maine Lobster Festival, which is about an hour from my house. There is controversy around where American Pie was written and what the lyrics represent.

When asked what American Pie meant, McLean jokingly replied, “It means I don’t ever have to work again if I don’t want to.”

Later, Mclean stated, “You will find many interpretations of my lyrics but none of them by me … Sorry to leave you all on your own like this but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence

I am not sure if I really care what kind of statement Maclean was trying to make through the lyrics of America Pie. What I do know is that this song will forever remind me of three people: Roger Alston, my longtime friend and shipmate 2. Adam Peterson, my longtime friend, a bar patron, former roommate, and candlepin bowling teammate. 3. Danny Daigle, my lifelong friend, a childhood neighbor, and former paperboy.

Don McLean- American Pie (with Lyrics)

But February made me shiver
With every paper, I’d deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn’t take one more step

Please, have a great day, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #visitGreenville

#OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville