EPISODE · Mar 17, 2022 · 3 MIN

3- Things I Often Ponder

from #StoriesAboutSongs · host RedefineHipHop

​​The transition from “So Far I… (On Safari) to “The Things I Often Ponder” is one of the most jarring on the record. That’s intentional, trying to capture how those moments feel in real life. Although I’m committed to this journey, know what I need to do, and have a solid plan of how to go about it, there’s no denying that it is difficult to stay focused and to continue to move forward, especially with so many obstacles. For the lyrics I wanted to be as direct as possible, leaving nothing to be figured out, for the most part. This song is about all the various things taking place in the world, the way that humanity is evolving, or devolving as I propose, and the effect it has on my (our) mind state. Or, as I put in the song, “The internet has my peace under siege…”. I originally wrote and recorded this to a Curtis Knight (featuring Jimi Hendrix) loop, but wind up not fully liking how it was working, and almost removed this song from the album completely. For about 20 years, I lived in Minneapolis. As a result Lori Barbero and I would cross paths occasionally, including DJing at least one gig together at the Varsity Theater. Before we met, I became familiar with Babes In Toyland from who Iwas dating at the time, Tina, who was a Punk Rock/Riot Grrrl fan. And, while that’s how I first remember hearing Babes In Toyland, it wasn’t until last year that I decided to listen to the full Babes In Toyland catalog, and it was an EXCELLENT experience. I love the raw sound and emotion of their songs. In general, the sound of a lot of Punk Rock, in the vein of Babes In Toyland, matches the emotion of the music I want to make. The primary difference is their songs are generally more uptempo, and I want things way slower, which is what I did to “You’re Right” here. So, a song I was going to remove is now one of my favorites, at least in some ways. I love when that happens. LYRICS: If you’ve been under a rock, well, here’s a news flash We’re in a time where every moment’s like a car crash Though that’s a figure of speech, I wouldn’t call it a reach The internet has my peace under siege We’re each free to choose what we believe But also face the consequences of our deeds We have the right to fight for our needs Or work a job for our wants until our soul bleeds The choice is yours, stay the course or venture off it Succumb to demonssssss, or search for prophets And it may seem like I’m drifting topics But there’s a common thread within the semiotics I usually leave to it interpretation, but from this hurt I’m facing I feel the need for some explanation The way the world is going I expect damnation So, I’ll take a revolution or just a revelation Those are prime components to capture moments And if I make a mistake, I try to own it Strive to hone it, seek atonement, make it a positive Because leaning from your flaws is the way to live That’s just basic humanity, sans the vanity IE the fragility of sanity I ain’t trying to live trifle, or sit by idle Distort the Bible to justify what I do And if you’re paying attention, these things I mention Are the roots to the problems of this failing system Hence the tension, and apprehension We’re in the time of a lack of comprehension Critical thought is scarce, it's all untruths and dares While politicians just exploit our fears I need to shed some tears I think it’s been some years But I bet if I reflect, closer than it appears And I don’t cling to the past, I am He who remains Every moment in time, it still flows thru my veins I keep past aligned with my present So my future plans stay incandescent It’s my North Star, I push thru the worst parts So I excel, my first car And, as the world turns, I watch these racists Get so bold, I have to fight for my place in it And, I’ll admit I need to get more than physically fit And I sure can’t win the war with just the use of my wits I think the is problem is we’re devolving Dulled endorphins These are the things that I ponder often