Rock ‘n roll has a bad rap. People say it promotes sex, drugs, and violence, which, ok, sometimes it DOES. BUT, I don’t think that view really gives you the whole picture. I’ve learned a lot of valuable things from some of my favorite songs, and I thought I would share the wisdom with you. So, here we go:
1. “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you need.” – The Rolling Stones. If and when I ever get my own classroom, I’m going to put this on a big banner and put it over my chalkboard as a reminder to my students (and myself!).
2. “Life is too short, so love the one ya got, cuz ya might get run over or ya might get shot.” – Sublime. I can’t put it more succinctly than that.
3. “Hold on loosely, but don’t let go. If you cling too tightly, you’re gonna lose control.” – .38 Special.
4. “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” – Semisonic.
5. “All you need is love. Love is all you need!” – The Beatles.
6. “When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom – Let it be.” – The Beatles.
7. “Don’t stop believin’!” – Journey. I’m not sure what the guys of Journey had in mind when they wrote this song – my guess would be love, but I don’t really know. Loss of faith in whatever you believe in is a tragedy. Everyone has to believe in SOMETHING, right?
8. “You should make amends with you, if only for better health. But if you really want to live, why not try and make yourself?” – Incubus.
This whole song is pretty good advice, but I think this is the main gist of its message.
9. “The day you were born, you were born free. That is your privilege.” – Incubus. More a friendly reminder than a piece of advice, but all the same, I think it’s a good thing to keep in mind.
10. “Hold on to 16 as long as you can. Changes come around real soon, make us women and men.” – John Mellencamp
Bonus Songs!
1. “Politically Correct” by SR-71. If I were going to run for a public office, this would be my theme song.
2. “Simple Kind of Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. A whole song full of nothing but excellent advice.
What have YOU learned from the wise folks of the music world?
Miscellaneous Sheepery 