Yesterday, I learned that Jimmy Buffett passed. Apparently, I ruined some friends’ weekend by sharing the news.
When performers die—especially musicians—it seems like a bit of our youth passes, as well. Music, like smell and taste, is so closely tied to our memories. Songs take us back to persons and places—to times in our memories that remain so vivid it is like we have traveled back in time. Jimmy Buffett, for me, is my first weekend in college at WVU, The Touch, my first college friend, Dave, Tuborg beer, and Billy Squire (who also takes me back to that evening). Countless bands and songs take me to times and people. Sometimes, the connection is clear. Many times, the connection is confusing (e.g., the Who’s “Baba O’Reilly” and a friend, Paul, from high school). Some memories are pleasant. Some are less so.
There are songs that just insist that we sing along—“Margaritaville” from Mr. Jimmy Buffett. As a WVU grad, it is John Denver’s Country road. Who among the late Boomers and early GenXers can sit quietly for “Freebird”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “We are the Champions”, “Eye of the Tiger”, etc. We “Fight for Our Right to Party.” We dance in the “Purple Rain” and know that “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” We “turn it up” on command when “Sweet Home Alabama” is played.
Music is such a part of our “well-centered fitness.” It connects us Spiritually, Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially. We sing songs/hymns in worship. We have our workout music. We are challenged with every song to guess the artist and remember the lyrics. Music makes us smile. Music makes us cry. Music takes us where we haven’t been in what seems like forever. Music unites us.
I grew up in an era in which the music is enjoyed by at least three generation. I am sure the music and artists of today are making connections with our youth, but (for the most part) my music is “classic”—classic rock, classic country, etc. Whatever the generation or the genre, music (good or bad) is connecting us. Connections are what we need in today’s society.
Rest in peace in Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!