The Brandenburger family just finished our third week of social distancing, telework and homeschool. I feel like I have been on a roller coaster of emotions and I’ve had a hard time articulating my thoughts. Words, especially written words, come easily to me when it comes to expressing how I am feeling. For the past three weeks, I’ve been unable to find the right words until today.
As I finished up my work week this morning, I was listening to one of my favorite music stations on Pandora. This particular music station is comprised of artists from the late 80s and early 90s including punk rock, alternative rock and rap. I don’t know who was in charge at Pandora today but the algorithm was spot on! I found myself bobbing my head, playing air drums and dancing in my chair as song after song sparked memories from a simpler time in my life. As I listened to the music, the lyrics began to speak to me and I started to identify words that expressed how I have been feeling. Maybe the next time you need a little inspiration or pep talk the following song lyrics will speak to you like they did to me today.
When you are feeling like a failure and want to give up. “Try again tomorrow I’m gonna kick tomorrow” Jane Says by Jane’s Addiction
When the kids are driving you crazy. “Well I think I’m losing my mind, this time, this time I’m losing my mind, that’s right” So What’cha Want by Beastie Boys
When you are longing to see your friends and family again. “I’ve been looking so long at these pictures of you that I almost believe that they’re real” Pictures of You by the Cure
When you feel sad. “Said there ain’t no use in crying ’cause it will only, only drive you mad” Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin
When you feel panicky and want to run away from everything but you can’t because well….coronavirus. “Escape is never the safest path” Dissident by Pearl Jam
When your kids don’t understand that you are trying to work at home, cook three meals a day, keep up with laundry, homeschool etc. and you hope that one day they will appreciate all of the sacrifices and they FINALLY give you credit for literally keeping them alive every single day. “What I’ve got you’ve got to give it to your mama, what I’ve got you’ve got to give it to your pappa.” Give it Away by Red Hot Chili Peppers
When you realize how much you really like your coworkers and you begin to appreciate the fact that it’s not just you that is still in their pajamas with unbrushed hair and no makeup while you participate in a Zoom meeting. “Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be” Come as You Are by Nirvana
When you are scared about the future and how life as we know it is changed forever. “Honey, I know, I know, I know times are changing. It’s time we all reach out for something new, that means you too.” Purple Rain by Prince
When you begin to doubt you will make it another two months or longer. “Can I sail through the changin’ ocean tides?” Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
When you need a reminder that social distancing is for the greater good. “You’ve seen the difference and it’s getting better all the time. There’s nothing you and I won’t do.” I Melt with You by Modern English
When you are feeling judged by others after you put your feelings out there on social media. “Now who do you think you are, puttin’ your cheap two cents in? Don’t you got nothin’ to do than worry ’bout my friends? Check it!” None of Your Business by Salt-n-Pepa
When you STILL can’t find hand sanitizer and toilet paper in the grocery store and the cashier asks if you found everything you need. “But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.” I still haven’t found what I’m looking for by U2
When you day dream about what it will be like to be around people (other than your immediate family) again. “I came to get down, I came to get down, so get out your seat and jump around!” Jump Around by House of Pain
And when you think about how this pandemic is reshaping our world and how we interact with one another, you can listen to this classic and know that we will get through this together. “It’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine It’s in the End of the World by REM
I miss all of you!!
chro-NICK-les 