Y Not I

This week I wanted to highlight one of my favorite songs. I love the lyrics which speak of when our overzealousness to serve G-d can end up backfiring on us and actually end up being bad, like accidentally setting off a wildfire. I also love the tune, especially the drums as it has this kind of interesting delayed beat thing going on during the chorus. Just a great rock song. The Swirling Eddies are basically the same as Daniel Amos, just a way that they record what seems to me to be their lighter, more wackier material. This song is from the album “Zoom Daddy.”

I relate very well to the lyrics. I always want to make my Heavenly Father proud, and I know far too often I make mistakes and let him down, in essence putting tacks in the cushion of his mercy chair (being judgmental). The image of summing up a thundercloud, trying to use the great power G-d puts in my hands and find that maybe I am not yet ready to handle that level of power. I also try to remember the idea of of being humble and not thinking it is all about me. The line about not wanting to be a wallflower comes to mind especially as I am doing things in service to G-d while at the front of the congregation and I try to keep my role in context. Anyway, enjoy the song…

And the lyrics:
i never meant to trip the minefield hidden here in paradise
(put stink weed in the bouquet)
i never meant to fire a lethal weapon or to terrorize
(put poison in the buffet)

(if) i played my roll as dipolomat
you knew it wasn’t just an act
i couldn’t stand to stand in back
a faded little wallflower
i’ve maybe taken too much on
naiveté and youth is gone
but at least the juice is still turned on
i’m dancing on a live wire
i’ve summoned up a thunder cloud
but i always meant to do you proud
still certain things are not allowed
like setting off a wildfire
wildfire

yeah yeah yeah yeah … uh huh …

i never meant to cut my tender fingers on your angel hair
(put the sawdust in the gas tank)
i never meant to hide tacks in the cushion of your mercy chair
(make a brother walk the gangplank)

(if) i played my roll as diplomat
you knew it wasn’t just an act
i couldn’t stand to stand in back
a faded little wallflower
i’ve maybe taken too much on
naiveté and youth is gone
but at least the juice is still turned on
i’m dancing on a live wire
i’ve summoned up a thunder cloud
but i always meant to do you proud
still certain things are not allowed
like setting off a wildfire
wildfire

i never meant to do you wrong
(i never meant to trip the minefield hidden here in paradise)
i never meant to cause anybody’s harm
(i never meant to fire a lethal weapon or to terrorize)
i never meant to cause you any pain
(i never meant to cut my tender fingers on your angel hair)
i never meant to bring you any shame
(i never meant to hide tacks in the cushion of your mercy chair)

(if) i played my roll as diplomat
you knew it wasn’t just an act
i couldn’t stand to stand in back
a faded little wallflower
i’ve maybe taken too much on
naiveté and youth is gone
but at least the juice is still turned on
i’m dancing on a live wire
i’ve summoned up a thunder cloud
but i always meant to do you proud
still certain things are not allowed
like setting off a wildfire
wildfire…

Have a great weekend.

B”H