“As Dylan’s first release during his “gospel” period, “Gotta Serve Somebody” was met with divisive reviews;John Lennon famously criticized the song and wrote a parody titled “Serve Yourself” in response. Nevertheless, the single won the Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Male in 1980. … Cash Box said that the “bluesy instrumentals” were the song’s highlight and that “Dylan avoids a preachy tone with humorous asides.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotta_Serve_Somebody
Yesterday’s blog Living In-Between was a difficult message directed at myself. It is something I needed. I shared it with you in case it might be of help to someone you know.
Upon second thought, I realize that some messages are best kept to oneself, at least until you’ve had more time to consider the possible consequences for putting those words out into the world.
Here’s two more thoughts on yesterday’s blog:
Thich Nhat Hanh taught that it’s important to look deeply before speaking lovingly. In his book, For A Future to Be Possible, (c) 1993, Thay’ says, “We only need to choose our words carefully, and we can make other people happy. To use words mindfully, with loving kindness, is to practice generosity.” p. 41
For some reason, my favorite verse of this Dylan song is #5. It always makes me smile 🙂
Poet/lyricist Thomas Campion was born February 12, 1567, and lived until March 1, 1620, dying at the age of 52, most likely of the plague. His poems/songs were known for their “brevity and simple, straightforward delivery.” Considered a “keen observer of human frailty, particularly that brought on by the conflicts of love and sexuality. He is also a moralist.” Campion never married and left a paltry legacy to “his longtime friend and collaborator, Philip Rosseter.”
Campion was also known as a metric poet more interested in syllable count than rhyme. He wrote that rhyme should be “sparingly used, lest it should offend the ear with tedious affectation.” He added that rhyming was a “childish titillation.” These comments did not endear him to his contemporaries, and he was “neglected for almost two hundred years, but in the late 1800s he was rediscovered by A.H. Bullen and was later admired by T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound. In The Use of Poetry and the Use of Criticism (1933) Eliot calls Campion, “except for Shakespeare … the most accomplished master of rhymed lyric of his time.” His lyrics and the songs in which he presented them strongly reflect his period’s style, and Davis finds Campion’s influence in the works of such poets as Pound, W.H. Auden, and Robert Creeley. Campion has been called a poet of the ear, and his careful respect for the nature of the language and its capacities for pleasing intonation was a significant development.” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/thomas-campion
“We are living in a time of unprecedented danger, and the Doomsday clock time reflects that reality. 90 seconds to midnight is the closest the clock has ever been set to midnight, and it’s a decision our experts do not take lightly,” Rachel Bronson, the president and CEO of BAS, said at a news conference on Tuesday (Jan. 24).”
Thank you, Edge of Humanity! Your song recommendation and YouTube link brought back some great memories. I especially enjoyed the current, this century, photos in the music video that corresponded to last century lyrics. I highly second this creative recommendation.
National Ding-A-Ling Day is one of those uniquely American inventions. It’s sort of a two-fer holiday where you touch base (preferably by phone — hence the playful reference to “ding-a-ling”) with friends or family you may have lost track of during the year. You also get a free pass to be just a little bit weird for the day.
(Initiated in 1971) the idea for National Ding-A-Ling Day evolved during a group conversation about people being friendlier and staying connected with loved ones. Somehow the term “ding-a-ling” came up — defined as “one who hears bells in his head.” Soon, millions of people were touching base on December 12 (or “ding-a-linging” because iPhones weren’t invented yet) with contacts they hadn’t spoken to throughout the year.” https://nationaltoday.com/national-ding-a-ling-day/
Here’s a fun variation of the Ding-a-Ling song by Sha Na Na
Fanny Mendelssohn, sketched in 1829 by her husband, Wilhelm Hensel
“Fanny Mendelssohn (14 November 1805 – 14 May 1847) was a German composer and pianist of the early Romantic era who was also known, after her marriage, as Fanny Hensel (as well as Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel). Her compositions include a piano trio, a piano quartet, an orchestral overture, four cantatas, more than 125 pieces for the piano, and over 250 lieder, most of which went unpublished in her lifetime….Due to her family’s reservations, and to social conventions of the time about the roles of women, six of her songs were published under her brother’s name in his Opus 8 and 9 collections.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanny_Mendelssohn
How sad that patriarchy feels threatened by the creativity and talent of their sisters. How fortunate that the United Nations has been celebrating international girls and women’s events to correct the inequities of the past.
Today’s homage haiku: Happy Birthday Fanny Mendelssohn
Dead Guitarist at The Blue Habanero in Richmond, VA – photo taken by author
Today’s haiku: Day of the Dead
Let us remember
loved ones departed – and our
future reunion
“Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated November 2. On this day, it is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit their living family members. Many people celebrate this day by visiting the graves of deceased loved ones and setting up altars with their favorite foods, drink, and photos….The main tradition for Day of the Dead sees families gather to honor and remember their loved ones who are no longer with us. Celebrated as a sacred and joyous occasion, there is plenty of food, lots of flowers, visits with family members and nostalgic stories about those who have died.” https://nationaltoday.com/day-of-the-dead/
Today, I honor my departed ancestors, friends and teachers who have “crossed over” and “continued” to the next phase of their life journey. I’m especially remembering my grandparents, father and younger brother today. I look forward to our reunions.
I respect that your experience may be different from mine. Many cultures honor their ancestors with holidays like the Day of the Dead. For example, see the chart below:
DAY OF THE DEAD AROUND THE WORLD
Country
Holiday
Occasion
Date
China
Ghost Festival
This traditional Buddhist and Taoist festival is part of Ghost Month, during which ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased relatives, come out of the lower realm.
The 15th day of the 7th month of the Lunar calendar, which is normally at some point during August.
Cambodia
Pchum Ben (Ancestors Day)
A religious occasion when the gates of hell are said to open up and the souls walk among the living. People dress in all white and make food offerings.
15th day of the tenth month in the Khmer calendar, which usually falls in September.
North and South Korea
Chuseok
Chuseok is a harvest festival and comparisons are often drawn to Thanksgiving. It’s tradition for Koreans to visit the graves of their ancestors to pay their respects.
Meaning “Autumn Eve” the holiday is celebrated for three days straight, normally in either September or October
Nepal
Gaijatra
Known as the “festival of the cows” Gaijarta is a celebration of death. It’s purpose is to help people accept death as a reality and to help ease the passing of those who have died. Each year cows, or children dressed as cows, walk in a procession throughout towns.
The first day of the dark four night according to the lunar Nepa. This is usually in August or September
“Today, the British Royal Society for the Protection of Birds celebrates Feed the Birds Day. R.S.P.B. advises people to put out food and water for birds regularly. These can be kept in safe environments where the birds can land, rest and replenish themselves. Birds can be in danger of malnutrition during colder months. The weather naturally limits the amount of food the birds get access to in the wild.
WHY RSPB FEED THE BIRDS DAY IS IMPORTANT
It raises awareness – The holiday contributes to the conservation of wild birds. People are made aware of the problems birds encounter and how to help them.
It protects birds – People are more likely to help birds as a result of the holiday. Birds have easier access to food and water, which makes it easier for them to survive.
It helps the environment – Birds play a vital role in the ecology. They aid in the maintenance of a healthy environmental balance. Protecting them contributes to environmental protection.”
Life Matters 