Not every story has an ending we expect. Not every Cousin Kanta Corner post comes timely.
After taking a few weeks off from writing to work through some thoughts, decisions, and emotions, I find myself struggling to find the words to get our little corner back up and running… but alas, let’s try:
Goodbyes and moments where we realize our paths with certain people must diverge are tough—but also necessary if we’re all to move forward through this journey we call life, AKA biyag. There are decisions we must make and honest conversations we must share if said journey is to be genuine and authentic—because there is no other way to have it. And to live otherwise is to rob oneself and one’s partner of a truth both deserve.
Life is life, and it goes on. There are no regrets about the time shared, just as there will be none with this decision when we look back one day, walking among the wildflowers of tomorrow.
This Week’s Song:
Wildflowers by Tom Petty (1994)
From one of my personal favorite artists. Which, goes without saying, also my favorite Traveling Wilbury.
What do I like about it?
A deeply held belief I hold sacred is this: there is a Tom Petty song for every situation in life.
Moved to a new place and feeling lonely? The Apartment Song.
Fell out of love? Change of Heart.
Feeling the inflation crunch or recovering from heartbreak? Refugee.
Starting over? Square One.
Isolated overseas? Wake Up Time.
Excited about something you can’t have just yet? The Waiting.
Got an MMA Fight or have to take a cold shower in December? I Won’t Back Down.
Tom Petty, along with his ever-reliable band, the Heartbreakers, were the kings of down-to-earth, straight-ahead, honest-to-the-core rock and roll, and I will fiercely fight and die on the “Tom Petty is awesome” hill any day. Any group that sets aside ego, flash, and glamour in service of what a song truly needs are true heroes.
Wildflowers is one such example of a heartfelt track, stripped down to what is essentially a 3-chord song, backed by a jangly guitar, nuanced piano playing, and light drumkit strokes that all do just enough to fill the sonic space—careful to not take any more than what’s needed. A perfect example of letting a song breathe and giving it room to let its message shine through.
When Wildflowers was written, Petty himself was working through his own marital troubles while contemplating his future musical direction with the Heartbreakers. Later on, he realized that the song’s lyrics, despite being fitting messages to his partner, were, in essence, also reminders to himself.
It’s a beautiful song wrapped in such honest energy and is one of those lyrical gems that hit the spot and ring true for both the person you sing it to—and for yourself.
What mountain memories does it conjure?
Years ago, I sat alone at our old bar’s window one quiet weekday night with a beer in hand while looking out into the equally empty and deserted Nevada Square parking lot. The joint was quiet, apart from this song playing from the speakers. A feeling of calm mixed with a sense of freedom swirled within my spirit with each deep breath. Even amid the life uncertainties I carried in my mind back then, I felt unbound and free.
The cold breeze.
The night sky above.
The invisible energy of your hometown.
This song reminds me of that moment: of how the world felt wide and open, scary and exciting. It was as if it was calling me to take my chances and dive into it amid the lack of proper direction—to set off with new wings and figure it out on the fly (pun intended). And that regardless of the uncertainty, everything will be alright.
Who should you recommend it to?
This may be a nice track to recommend:
- To an old friend, who deserves to hear each line just as much as yourself.
- Everyone else, to be reminded of where we all belong.
Which lyrics deserve a second read-through?
“You belong among the wildflowers.
You belong in a boat out at sea.
You belong with your love on your arm.
You belong somewhere you feel free.
Run away, go find a lover.
Run away, let your heart be your guide.
You deserve deepest of cover.
You belong in that home by and by.”
Thanks Tom. As always, very fitting for life tadta.
And so…
And so, the seventh Cousin’s Kanta Corner entry, and likely the most personal of entries thus far, is complete. I’ve always tried to separate Cousin material from matters of my own life, but these past few entries have been mini-catharses that have helped keep the mental boat steady without tipping it into a full-blown Titanic meltdown.
I realize my voluntary overexertion and schedule overfilling these past few months have been covers to distract myself from facing the fact that some conversations and decisions needed to take place in my life.
My schedule is not as filled now, and I feel much, much lighter.
Announcements and Matters of Cousin Interest:
– I’m working on getting better at cooking so I can serve non-caveman-level food to others and myself.
– I’m working on getting better at cooking because with the price of everything now, I cannot afford to eat out.
Thank you for indulging me and my little dramas this week kakabsat. Continue to take care of yourselves!
Life goes on and we’ll be back to regular programming for the next Kanta Corner entry.
Apir!