The description of the two contrasting scenes ends with the observation that “life gives us choice”. While there are many events in our lives that come upon us unexpectedly, the fact that we live in time, that we have a past, present and future gives us choices.
In the first verse a child chooses to find joy in his immediate experience, in the second scene a couple habitually finds fault in life and each other. Some frame this freedom as a choice between fabrication/denial and cynicism/struggle. Yet, one can choose to be enthralled with life without escaping its challenges.
Our sense of personal history and having choices is structured in the fact that we live in a body that exists in time. Only through time do we have a sense of self and are we given a voice to articulate and reflect on our experiences. It is this realm of thoughts and verbal interaction with others that we are given an opportunity for love and intimacy. Yet, love and intimacy are just that, opportunities and choices, and they are not predestined. We are free to hate and feel alienated just as easily as we can love and feel intimate with ourselves, the world and nature.
We can show love
Yet keep high expectations
We can give love
And love being alive
lyrics
Loving Life 12/31/08
I heard a child laugh the other day
His whole body quaked till it gave way
Lying on his back smiling at the sky
I still heard his laugh when he was out of sight
Like after a sumptuous meal
I felt content and sated
So calm and so warm
Moved on silently elated
I heard a couple argue everything
Uttered every word with deadly aim
Neither was trying to understand
Rather to destroy or at least maim
No matter what they said
You could only hear hatred
No matter what one said
It was endlessly debated
Time gives us choice
Looking for a friend
Or seeking confrontation
Support and defend
Or spout forth condemnation
We can show love
Yet keep high expectations
We can give love
Without us and thems
Life gives us a voice
Give each other what we need
Our support and validation
We can befriend
Without choosing sides
We can live love
With calm determination
We can give love
And love being alive
credits
from I'm Just Saying,
released September 5, 2014
Vocals Jim Guido
Backup Vocals Garnell Stuart, Kasa Dawkins, Jim Guido
Saxes Jim Guido
Guitar Jim Guido
Bass Jim Guido
Drums Kasa Dawkins
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