The Background Music of our Lives: It will live forever.

"It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you

You better let somebody love you (let somebody love you)

You better let somebody love you before it's too late" 

- 'Desperado', The Eagles

Yet another music icon from the 70's and beyond has died. Death is no stranger to me, and yet when I heard the announcement on my car radio, I uttered, "No, not an another one!". The death of so many great contributors to the music world in the new year seems boggling. I think the most telling words of those in my age group are, "He wasn't that old..." Well, late 60's is on the older end, but High School is a time that seems ageless. And both of these guys were an important part of this portion of our lives.

Their music was like the background music of our life.

As they played back the songs to memorialize Glen Frey, memories came rushing back to my head. Specific and significant events while growing into an adult. Words that reminded us of being young and finding our way:

"Take It easy, take it easy 

Don't let the sound of your own wheels 

drive you crazy 

Lighten up while you still can 

don't even try to understand 

Just find a place to make your stand 

and take it easy "

('Take it Easy' - The Eagles

We found our declaration of independence from heartbreak and unhealthy relationships in these words:

"Well I know it wasn't you who held me down 

Heaven knows it wasn't you who set me free 

So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains 

And we never even know we have the key"

(Already Gone - The Eagles)

We learned about the ephemeral quality of popularity in these words:

"You're walking away and they're talking behind you 

They will never forget you 'til somebody new comes along 

Where you been lately? There's a new kid in town"

(New Kid in Town - The Eagles)

And then came to the conclusion that it might be time to settle down if we wanted to be around for the long run:

"I used to hurry a lot, I used to worry a lot 

I used to stay out till the break of day 

Oh, that didn't get it, 

It was high time I quit it 

I just couldn't carry on that way.."

(In the Long Run - The Eagles)

I could go on and on. Many of the songs went unnoticed, then we got quiet and thought about what was going on. They filled our radios and our bedroom sanctuary. Our dorms and our apartments. And they, unlike their muses, will never die.

Cheers.