Friday, March 23, 2007

Thank you, Warren...

When Allison first introduced me to Warren Zevon's music some years ago, I remember her saying that it had gotten her through some of the hardest times in her life. I think I just sort of smiled and nodded and took the cassette, not realizing how important it was going to be to me.

Today I drove down the road with the windows down, playing that Warren Zevon mix tape quietly so I wouldn't wake the baby in the back seat, breathing in the spring and thinking that yes, I could definitely go on another day. There's something about Warren's music that's just so raw, so cynical, and yet it still makes you smile and shake your head and think that yeah, life's like that. Rotten things happen, and you can feel like the unluckiest person in the world, but damned if you can't make a great song out of it. "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" is on repeat in my head, and so is "Looking for the Next Best Thing". I listen to this music over and over, and it just drains away so much of the hurt and the anger and the hopelessness I feel... I can sing my lungs out, and no one is hurt.

I'm a single mom. I'm estranged from my family, and I'm in the middle of a nasty separation. I get depressed about this, often. But you know what- I have my daughter, I have friends who love me, and I have Warren. And now I'm looking for the next best thing.

6 comments:

Vladflow said...

Right on. I didn't know Warren Zevon did this for people? May be I need to listen to the music. I borrowed some CD's from a friend and Zevon's was in it but I skipped it 'cause I didnt know him. Thanks to you Warren Zevon should write a song and name it.

Hush Momma Don't Wake My Baby On Board

On that note. Stay positive and good luck!

Bill said...

People don't really understand when I say that "Weird Al" Yankovic has gotten me through the most depressing periods of my life. In ways, he saved me.

Why listen to songs about love, heartbreak and death when you can listen to songs about the biggest ball of twine, ducks, or boogers? I guess what I'm trying to say is, I can now get through live without having to take it so f'ing seriously.

Phantom Scribbler said...

I once had a therapist ask me what I was doing to help myself cope, like was I self-medicating with drugs or alcohol or something. And I was all like, "Uh... I listen to music?"

What can I say? It works.

Thinking of you and wishing you the best!

Anonymous said...

Writing again..an out-of-shell experience!

Duamuteffe said...

You know, sweetie, if I'd known you were blogging again I'd have posted ages ago. #smiles#

As it is, yes, he's gotten me through some tough times and I'm glad I was able to share that. Please feel free to snag my CD's when you're at the apartment, if you haven't already. They're semi-alphabetical (I have like 300; it's the only way I can find anything :) so he's on the bottom shelf.

Unknown said...

3 thumbs up for Mr. Zevon. For more than once has his music helped in a depressing drive. If I can find that damn Whiskey, I'd toast him.... #coffee held high# To Mr. Zevon, May he enjoy his sleep.