Music Lyric Monday: Do You Remember

Here is your lyrical offering for the day:

Do You Remember

"I wish I could turn back the hands of time
I wish I could go back and rewind
the wrong I've said and done
to hurt you, babe
we all make mistakes
they tend to change the outcome of things

You're always on my mind
I think about you all the time now

Do you remember the days?
When we'd go for walks and play little games?
Remember those times like it was yesterday
I wish things were the same

Do you remember the days?
When we'd sit and talk about everything?
It's not I ever meant to bring you any pain--
I'm sorry, baby

Life's too short
to hold on to grudges
Gotta learn how to let go
to things that's really not important

See, we'll have misunderstandings
and live in the past
but with the wrong that has happened
you've gotta have forgiveness
and with patience
kindness
happiness
life is so worth living
with the love you're giving

And we can make it right
we can start all over
I apologize
for all the tears you've cried

Do you remember the days?
When we'd go for walks and play little games?
Remember those times like it was yesterday
I wish things were the same

Do you remember the days?
When we'd sit and talk about everything?
It's not I ever meant to bring you any pain--
I'm sorry, baby

I'm sorry, mother (I'm sorry, father)
I'm sorry, sister (I'm sorry, brother)
and to my best friend I never meant to hurt you

Can we get back to the way things used to be?
I want to get back to the way things used to be

It used to be--

Can we get back to the way it used to be?

Can we get back?

I'm sorry!
The things that I said
I don't want to say no more!
Forgive me!
The things that I've done
I'm willing to say were wrong!

It's time to change
Sat around hurting for much too long
I miss you
and this is the reason that I sing this song to you!

Do you remember the days?
When we'd go for walks and play little games?
Remember those times like it was yesterday
I wish things were the same

Do you remember the days?
When we'd sit and talk about everything?
It's not I ever meant to bring you any pain--

I'm sorry, baby."


~  lyrics by Kindred the Family Soul
  

 
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Someone who reads this blog said to me the other day, "Wow, you sure have a broad taste in music!" 

Ha.

I can't say that I'm just so worldly that I have all of these swanky travels that helped me to get this way. Nope. But I do think that statement is true. I do have a pretty wide variety of music types that I like.

Here's why.

I like music that speaks to my soul. I like things in general that speak to my soul. Sometimes it's a mandolin crying out from REM or even from The Cicada Ladies. Other times it's an old school rap with a baseline so rumbly that it makes me wrinkle my face and bop my head hard enough to dislocate a cervical vertebra. Many times, though, it's lyrics. Words and poetry that speak to my life and the lives of those around me.

And lots of music can do that. Lots.

I decided that I'll start writing out some lyrics every Monday to a song that has spoken to me at some point in my life. I think stripping the lyrics away from the music, the voices, the all-of-it helps to dissect out the art and the message. Instead of feeling like it's a bunch of rap noise or country and western mumbo-jumbo or fill-in-the-blanks with whatever genre of music you DON'T listen to AT ALL . . . .reading the lyrics or carefully listening to them can change your entire perspective.

This song above was one I listened to many, many times when my brother and I had drifted apart. I would drive down the street and just weep and weep. Those words spoke to my soul in a way that my mouth could never seem to speak to his. Now when I hear those words or read them, I feel so glad inside that this isn't where I am. Now they sound like a testimony and words that perhaps I could share with someone else who is in a similar situation.

That's what I love about having a mental iPod. The music is always with me. The lessons and the messages, too.

I think of this particular song as one for people who can't seem to navigate great divides but should. Family. Really, really important people. Those words scream "truce!" And with family and like-family people, sometimes that's the only way it can happen. Sometimes it's not words. Just actions like a tight hug or a warm response when extended an olive branch.

But all relationships don't warrant this.

Sometimes the season for a relationship has ended. I had two separate people who are close to me struggle with the redefinition of friendships last week. Awkwardness and hurt feelings at where things are now and that stinging realization that the season has come to an end. That fighting for it is now futile.

And no, I'm not talking about someone in a romantic relationship. And I'm also not talking about immediate family members because under most circumstances (unless they abused or neglected you) they are worth fighting for. If the caveat applies however, that's far more complicated than the lyrics to a song can help a person sort through.

Anyway.

I thought of this song when I was rereading the post from my mother's birthday the other day. My brother and I are in a very, very good place. We got back to the way things used to be. And I'm so glad.

These words might speak to someone today. Do they?

They will always speak to me.

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