As we stride ever onward, now into a summer that promises to be one like we have never experienced before, we continue to take a moment each day with music. Throughout these next few months, look for some more offbeat choices, many more of your own community selections and comments, and as ever, a little injection of faith, hope, and love into your day.
Got a song you just love? Email musicwppc@gmail.com to tell Jeff about it!
Read...
It’s been quite a long time since I went on a Billy Joel binge. Choosing “The River of Dreams” for worship yesterday set me off again, as happens every few years. I remembered a lesser-known single of his that might kick off this week healthily. In the mid-80s, Joel released a 2-volume greatest hits compilation, and (probably to incentivize purchasers) also released a brand new pair of radio singles that would only be included on the compilation. While it didn’t turn out to be a huge hit, I think it’s pretty fun!
“You’re Only Human (Second Wind)” is a highly energetic dose of sympathetic encouragement, perfect to fire up a new week. It’s a friend lifting up a friend in a time of strife, a pretty common trope in music - “Lean On Me,” “I’ll Stand By You”…the list goes on. But what most of them have in common is a sort of grounded seriousness. The music understands the gravity of the situation as well as the lyrics do. With this one, Billy Joel takes a different approach. Maybe what this friend needs is not a gentle hand to hold but someone to grab their hand and drag them to the dance floor, get them to loosen up, laugh a little. This song bounces like Flubber and places its bets on smile therapy. Even though the words are at the same level of gravity as those slower, more grounded songs, this song tosses them to lively backup vocalists and boing-y synthesizers and a constant, unrelenting hi-hat symbol, and then the chorus winds all over the chordal scale, a surprising but confident jolt for the listener. I hope that you can giggle to this song along with me, especially if you’re needing a little extra energy in your body and spirit.
You're having a hard time and lately you don't feel so good
You're getting a bad reputation in your neighborhood
It's alright
It's alright
Sometimes that's what it takes
You're only human
You're allowed to make your share of mistakes
You better believe there will be times in your life
When you'll be feeling like a stumbling fool
So take it from me you'll learn more from your accidents
Than anything that you could ever learn at school
Don't forget your second wind
Sooner or' later you'll get your second wind
It's not always easy to be living in this world of pain
You're gonna be crashing into stone walls again and again
It's alright
It's alright
Though you feel your heart break
You're only human
You're gonna have to deal with heartache
Just like a boxer in a title fight
You got to walk in that ring all alone
You're not the only one who's made mistakes
But they're the only thing that you can truly call your own
Don't forget your second wind
Wait in that corner until that breeze blows in
You've been keeping to yourself these days
'Cause you're thinking everything's gone wrong
Sometimes you just want to lay down and die
That emotion can be so strong
But hold on
Till that old second wind comes along
You probably don't want to hear advice from someone else
But I wouldn't be telling you if I hadn't been there myself
It's alright
It's alright
Sometimes that's all it takes
We're only human
We're supposed to make mistakes
But I survived all those long lonely days
When it seemed I did not have a friend
'Cause all I needed was a little faith
So I could catch my breath and face the world again
Don't forget your second wind
Sooner or later you'll feel that momentum kick in
Listen...
Pray...
Holy Joy, Invade my troubles today with your surprising energy.
We also lift up the following prayers shared during last Sunday's worship service:
For the women and children in Afghanistan. Such turmoil right now.
For Jane's friend Craig is healing from cancer.
Even in our separation, God, help us to feel the deep delight of your love for all. Amen.