This hits differently when you’ve lived a little. There’s a point in a man’s growth where you realise the real work isn’t about proving anything to the critics — it’s about showing up for your own life with honesty and intention.
The arena shapes you. The mistakes, the sweat, the setbacks… they mature you in ways comfort never will. And over time, you stop fearing failure and start respecting the person you’re becoming through the process.
For me, this is a reminder that healing, purpose, and progress come from being willing to stand in the arena, even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s where strength is built, and where a man learns to move with clarity, conviction, and calm.
Definitely. It's not easy work, but it's so worthwhile. Thanks so much for showing up for yourself and your community in such a strong way! Together we rise!
Thank you so much for reading, responding, and also taking the time to listen to my song! I super appreciate your support! And Isn’t that song so legendary? I love how some songs have the ability to touch us for decades.
It is a truly legendary song and really endures. As you say in your piece, the lyrics are as apt today as they were back upon its release (if not more so), but the whole thing still feels fresh, considering its age.
In terms of lyrics that probably still apply today, maybe Blowin' In The Wind by Bob Dylan, on a completely different theme, I think Brenda's Got A Baby by Tupac still has a message that in many area could be listened too. There's probably many more but I'd have to give it some thought.
In terms of songs actually sounding fresh despite their age, much of The Beatles stuff from Rubber Soul onwards and a great deal of the music coming out of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest of the USA in the 90s, often labelled 'grunge' (my go-to genre), still seems remarkably fresh to me. I still listen to a lot of it and can't believe it's over 30 years old.
This is beautiful and you have a beautiful voice! I lost my first husband in 2012 from cardiac arrest, he was only 27. I relate to this so much, Wish you were here, has been a song close to my heart since I was 9 when I lost my grandfather and after my husband’s passing it was my lifeline. I really enjoyed this piece.
The music of Pink Floyd is close to my head and heart.
You are more than a survivor, you are a warrior. He is still with you, he will always be with you. You still have a heart full of love and many years ahead of you. I doubt he would want you to lock all that love away. You are a gift, a truly precious gift.
I do not know if it is appropriate here or not, for I have never loved someone so deeply as to experience that kind of loss, but Bette Midler’s song “Wind Beneath My Wings” gives meaning to that feeling.
I loved how you expressed yourself here. Not an easy thing to lay your heart out like that. I feel honoured and privileged to have read this and felt it.
The choice between cold comfort and change still burns before it frees... I know that one.
And you’re right, it’s never just personal; we’ve all been taught to stay in our cages and call it safety. Thank you for reminding us what remembering can sound like.
This hits differently when you’ve lived a little. There’s a point in a man’s growth where you realise the real work isn’t about proving anything to the critics — it’s about showing up for your own life with honesty and intention.
The arena shapes you. The mistakes, the sweat, the setbacks… they mature you in ways comfort never will. And over time, you stop fearing failure and start respecting the person you’re becoming through the process.
For me, this is a reminder that healing, purpose, and progress come from being willing to stand in the arena, even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s where strength is built, and where a man learns to move with clarity, conviction, and calm.
Definitely. It's not easy work, but it's so worthwhile. Thanks so much for showing up for yourself and your community in such a strong way! Together we rise!
Thank you so much, Sister.
A great piece looking at a wonderful and legendary Pink Floyd song and using it not only to help heal but also as a call to be answered.
My condolences on your loss.
I really enjoyed your own song too. Much in there that echoes and reinforces the sentiment of your writing, too.
Love Blowin’ in The Wind! And everything Beetles! We’ve got to have music! I have a pillow that says, ‘Where words fail, music speaks.’
Fantastic words on that pillow.
Thank you so much for reading, responding, and also taking the time to listen to my song! I super appreciate your support! And Isn’t that song so legendary? I love how some songs have the ability to touch us for decades.
It is a truly legendary song and really endures. As you say in your piece, the lyrics are as apt today as they were back upon its release (if not more so), but the whole thing still feels fresh, considering its age.
So true. Do you have songs on your short list you feel that way about?
In terms of lyrics that probably still apply today, maybe Blowin' In The Wind by Bob Dylan, on a completely different theme, I think Brenda's Got A Baby by Tupac still has a message that in many area could be listened too. There's probably many more but I'd have to give it some thought.
In terms of songs actually sounding fresh despite their age, much of The Beatles stuff from Rubber Soul onwards and a great deal of the music coming out of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest of the USA in the 90s, often labelled 'grunge' (my go-to genre), still seems remarkably fresh to me. I still listen to a lot of it and can't believe it's over 30 years old.
This is beautiful and you have a beautiful voice! I lost my first husband in 2012 from cardiac arrest, he was only 27. I relate to this so much, Wish you were here, has been a song close to my heart since I was 9 when I lost my grandfather and after my husband’s passing it was my lifeline. I really enjoyed this piece.
Oh wow! I knew I felt an affinity to you! Now I know why. Holy cow, girl! Do you have some writing to do!!!!! OMG You better start now!!!!
The music of Pink Floyd is close to my head and heart.
You are more than a survivor, you are a warrior. He is still with you, he will always be with you. You still have a heart full of love and many years ahead of you. I doubt he would want you to lock all that love away. You are a gift, a truly precious gift.
I do not know if it is appropriate here or not, for I have never loved someone so deeply as to experience that kind of loss, but Bette Midler’s song “Wind Beneath My Wings” gives meaning to that feeling.
I loved how you expressed yourself here. Not an easy thing to lay your heart out like that. I feel honoured and privileged to have read this and felt it.
I felt myself exhale reading this.
The choice between cold comfort and change still burns before it frees... I know that one.
And you’re right, it’s never just personal; we’ve all been taught to stay in our cages and call it safety. Thank you for reminding us what remembering can sound like.