Positive Songs For Negative Times #54: Generator

That's when you realise you have to get out.

When your every waking thought is about THAT PLACE.

When you go for a walk in the woods with your family and THAT PLACE haunts every step.

When you're reading with your son at bedtime and THAT PLACE THAT PLACE THAT PLACE.

When you see lambs gambolling in the field on a sunny morning and you can't enjoy the moment because THAT PLACE.

Still, I had a haircut yesterday, and that made me feel a little better. And I stumbled across a face carved into the rocks when we were out on Sunday, and for a good few moments I didn't think about THAT PLACE.

Then, driving home last night, a song came on I've heard a hundred times before. I like it enough to have put it on one of Sam's CDs, but I've never really heard the words beyond the chorus. Last night, I heard it completely anew... and it was like it had been written for me. In this moment.

I don't live in poverty, 

I got a little bit of money and I've got a healthy body

I'm not going to let stuff get me upset, 

And I won't let all the little things get me depressed.

When I was a young boy

I got a stereo and I taped all the songs straight off the radio

The sounds that the bands made, and the melodies 

Is all I need to make me feel free.

Sometimes you get so low, you don't know why, or a little upset all inside.

May I remind you that you don't live in poverty, 

You've got your youth, and you got food in your belly.

I can get a record player, and a generator.

Generate the music that makes you feel better.

OK, so maybe the bit about still having your youth is a stretch. But the music... that still makes me feel better. It's about all that does these days.