Having been recently grilled in a spicy milieu by the barbecue master Tony Single, many of his questions put me in a reflective mood. Tony is a master of the art of the interview, by the way, and I was honored to be put in the hot seat by him. He and Cassy are awesome!
One question in particular made me quite contemplative.
I’m paraphrasing here, but he asked what song I would want played at my funeral. Having thought I might bite the big one on more than one occasion in my life, seriously, I had actually thought about this question before. I’ve never feared death and hope when that day comes knocking, you’ll remember this song and hum the tune (or sing at the top of your lungs) to celebrate life and my next fantastic journey.
In case you’re not familiar with the song I named for Tony (one of them, anyway), I thought I’d post the lyrics along side a You Tube video for weekend chillaxing.
The first time I really listened to the lyrics, I swear the Earth stopped spinning, for just a microsecond.
This sums it up, baby cakes. Thank you everyone for your time, thoughtful comments, and attention while I basked in Trottersville this week. And, thank you Mr. Single, for just being you. Have a magnificent weekend!
Watch the video via You Tube (click here if you’re viewing via RSS). The video is 5 min. 46 sec. in length and is supposedly the first network appearance of the Indigo Girls back in 1989. Their performance revs up right at the beginning. I love their conviction.
“Closer To Fine”
Songwriters: Keith Hunter & Emily Ann Saliers
I’m trying to tell you something about my life
Maybe give me insight between black and white
The best thing you’ve ever done for me
Is to help me take my life less seriously, it’s only life after all
Well darkness has a hunger that’s insatiable
And lightness has a call that’s hard to hear
I wrap my fear around me like a blanket
I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it, I’m crawling on your shore.
I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountain
There’s more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in crooked line
The less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.
I went to see the doctor of philosophy
With a poster of Rasputin and a beard down to his knee
He never did marry or see a B-grade movie
He graded my performance, he said he could see through me
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind, got my paper
And I was free.
I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountain
There’s more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in crooked line
The less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.
I stopped by the bar at 3 a.m.
To seek solace in a bottle or possibly a friend
I woke up with a headache like my head against a board
Twice as cloudy as I’d been the night before
I went in seeking clarity.
I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountain
There’s more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in crooked line
The less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.
I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountain
There’s more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in crooked line
The less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.
We go to the bible, we go through the workout
We read up on revival and we stand up for the lookout
There’s more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in a crooked line
The less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine
The closer I am to fine
The closer I am to fine
Have a beautiful weekend, everyone! Keep spreading the love! ~xo
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One word. Moved.
What a fabulous song. I wish I could write poetry half as good as that. Thanks so much for sharing that with us, Lori.
If I seem a bit lost for words, then that’s because I am. And in a good way.
Hi Mr. T,
Here’s the thing, Tony, YOU DO WRITE POETRY AS GOOD AS THIS! TWICE AS GOOD!
Sorry for the all caps, but I wanted to make sure you were listening. I’m very serious.
You. Have. A. Gift. Believe it!
Thanks for being here today and for all you do to encourage others. I appreciate you!
~xo (Give that lovely Cassy a smooch for me.)
That’s awesome. Thanks for sharing it.
umm, but you can’t die, cause you’re invincible.
Jay Schryer´s last [type] ..Love- Me
Hi Jay,
I might be invincible — I think you’re right. But, guess who I learned that from, mister.
YES! That’s right! You, Mr. Hero Man.
~xo
Cool. Lori, I think we should buy that girl a pair of pants! Talk soon, Simon.
Simon Hay´s last [type] ..This Guy is Amazing- the Introduction
Hi Simon,
I used to have pants just like those back in the 80s (what were we thinking?). So, yes, you can count on me. I’m in! ~xo
Hi Lori,
That interview with Tony was awesome! And he really is also an artist in the interrogation process (just kidding)
The more things we get to know about you the more we appreciate you, I thing you are becoming immortal (I should make a post about that concept)
Great song! But please don’t ask me to sing because when I do dogs cry; but seriously, that’s a great song; I guess is a nice idea to find a song that would reflect us when just the body remain and the mind took off
Raul
Alien Ghost´s last [type] ..Master of Your Own Universe
Hi Raul,
Ha ha, you have me laughing this morning — Tony the interrogator — with a ginger beer. And your singing making dogs cry, too funny!
What a cool thing to say, that I’m becoming immortal. I’d love to hear (read) a post about what you’re thinking there. Actually, since I never had children of my own, I sometimes wonder if my traces of being here will disappear faster than most. Not that I dwell on it, only occasional thoughts.
I always love having you here, Raul. Keep up the great writing over at your blog.
Amazing lyrics.
Singers and songwriters are the new poets, and those lyrics clearly illustrate that.
Joshua Noerr´s last [type] ..Change Your Oil Regularly
Hi Joshua,
Awesome to see you here — I enjoy your presence.
I’m stoked to see you can appreciate the lyrics, too. They really speak to me on so many levels. It’s like they’re singing about moi. Pretty amazing.
Agreed, Mr. Noerr, about singers and songwriters. Most of the time I don’t spend too much energy listening to lyrics, but every now and then something will hit me like a rock and wake me up, like this song here.
Have a great weekend coming soon, Josh.
Lori,
What a wonderful, beautiful song. I am moved by this, too…by the lyrics, their voice, the instruments…all of it.
And I also find it to be very deep and reflective for me…
And – what Jay said – Lori…you are invincible!! And…just too darn awesome!!!
Lance´s last [type] ..The Moment
Hi Lance,
I swear you and Jay are like my guardian angels. How did you get to be so awesome? Does it come naturally, or do you have to take awesome pills?
Seriously, though, I’m glad you like this song and lyrics. I was thinking you might. Also, thanks for Tweeting this post. You’re such a massive encourager.
Have a great day. ~xo
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Lance, JaneBeNimble. JaneBeNimble said: My idea of goodbye~~> @JaneBeNimble –> Closer to Fine http://bit.ly/aqsuXq [...]
Hi Lori .. thanks for sharing Indigo with us .. and the video – had a good watch and the lyrics are just so evocative.
You and Tony had a good mix going there – could almost feel the rapping going on across the Ocean .. splash, splash .. splash, splash ..
Wonderful and I’m sure there’s more to come .. from the two of you .. three of you – sorry Cassy! You have to get in on the mix ..
That was fun – and I love the title “Closer to Fine” .. so true .. thanks – Hilary
Hilary´s last [type] ..Under Sea Sussex – Tompot Blenny- Piddock- Devonshire Cup Corals and Jewel Anemones
Hi Hilary,
Hey, how are you today? You’re looking great!
Funny, splash, splash, splash, yes, I felt that, too. But, Tony is super easy going and very relaxed, so it was easy to just float and swim the backstroke for awhile.
I love the title, too, Hilary. And for me, the concept of just letting things go a bit and enjoying the moment has been a big one for me lately. (“There’s more than one answer to these questions pointing me in crooked line –
The less I seek my source for some definitive –
The closer I am to fine.”)
Those lines pretty much sum it up!
Thanks for popping by, Hilary, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
~xo
Hi Lori:
Wow, great song and thank you for providing the lyrics! When the Indigo Girls’ first album came out, I was working at Rose Records in Chicago. I’d never heard the band, but my boss played the album constantly. Then they came to our store for an appearance and to sign autographs. I really didn’t have an appreciation for the I.G. until I started playing some of their tunes in a guitar class a few years later. Reading the lyrics also helps me to have a deeper appreciation for them.
BTW, while listening to Jeff Beck’s Blow by Blow and Wired, I’ve thought that the music would be perfect to be played at my funeral. Don’t worry, I don’t think about this often…but I can understand how music could have that effect. Thanks for the post and spreading the love…have a great weekend!
Tim´s last [type] ..The Magic of Diagramming Sentences
Hi Tim,
OK, that’s it. You are now officially the coolest man alive. You worked at a record store?
Seriously?
How cool is that. And, um, oh yeah, the I.G. came to your store for an appearance?? Stop. This is awesome. Tim, you need to start writing these stories down. OK? I’m buyin’!
Thanks for helping to spread the love, Tim. I appreciate your continued support of me and this blog. Thanks so much.
~xo
hey lady
i just wanted to stop by and thank you for being part of Love Bomb. i really appreciate it.
- lauren
Hi Lauren!
Hey, that’s very sweet of you to stop by with your gratitude. I love, love, love what you all are doing with your Love Bombing missions. You’re making a difference in people’s lives and I appreciate you. I’ll always be there with bells on.
(If any of the readers of JBN want to join in on a Love Bomb, please contact me and I’ll put you in touch with Lauren. It’s another way to spread the love with something a simple as a comment to a post.)
Cheers to you, Lauren.
~xo
Love, love, love the Indigo Girls. This song has kind of been like an anthem to me over the last couple of years as I recovered from a brain injury.
I lived in Atlanta in the late 80′s when they were just gaining popularity. So did my gay brother. We actually happened to be at the table next to them at a restaurant one night – my brush with fame.
Before he died from AIDS on New Year’s Eve in 1995, we listened to their acoustic cd in his hospital room. It is truly beautiful and loaded with emotion for me. Always makes me weep but also allows me to feel closer to him and closer to fine.
Hi Debbie,
Wow. Thank you for sharing this with me and the readers here. For one, I have been so inspired by your recovery process (thanks for being one of my soul sisters!) and your strength is amazing.
I have to admit, I got a bit misty eyed reading your comment. I’m at a loss for words, kind of like Tony mentioned above, but in a good way.
This is beautiful. Love you, Debbie.
~xo
Hi Lori luv,
What a wonderful video..and the words just sit on my heart….so beautiful
You are supremely awesome..and yes, me agrees with Jay & Lance..so totally invincible
Love and hugs,
Z~
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last [type] ..5 Fun Quick Fix De-Stress Tips
Hi Zeenat,
Thanks for popping by so say hello. You’re the wind beneath my wings, and make me feel invincible. Much love and many hugs to you, too.
Enjoy and keep up the wonderful work you do.
Love!
~xo
have a fun day,
u did well on the interview.
Jingle´s last [type] ..Family Fridays-More Chicago Memories
Awww, thanks, Jingle. Tony made me feel comfortable during the interview, he’s very good at interviewing people. Thanks for saying hello today, it made my day.
~xo
Lori (Surfer Girl) — I love the Indigo Girls and that’s a great song. My favorite of their songs is Galileo. I always loved this one:~)
I agree with the others before me that you did a wonderful job at the interview with Tony. You never know what he’s going to ask:~)
Don’t you love it when a song seems just right for you? I have so many songs floating in my head right now that I don’t I could pick one…I’ll have to think about this.
Thanks for being the special person you are:~)
Sara´s last [type] ..Schindler’s Choice
Hi Sara,
(Huge smiles to you, I’m loving the Surfer Girl reference. You rock.) xx
Thanks for your kind words regarding the interview. Tony is gracious and kind and made it very easy for me to relax. It was wonderful to have you there. {hug}
Would love to hear some of the songs that resonate with you as your farewell. I know that might sound sort of goofy or depressing, but like I said, I embrace life (and the next steps) and find it comforting.
You are quite a woman, Sara, thanks for all you do and for being such a positive force for good and creativity here in the blogosphere.
Love!
~xo
Lori,
You are simply amazing! At first I didn’t know the song you were talking about but then when I began listening I remembered. Decatur GA is very close to my daughter’s home…it’s a funky and fun town. I think one of Jay’s favorites. Hey Jay?
Tess The Bold Life´s last [type] ..Mind Adventures- Rob White
Hi Tess,
Cool, I’ve never been to Decatur, I don’t think. Other places in GA, yes, but not Decatur. I’ll have to ping the Jay Bird about it.
I always love seeing your beautiful avatar here, Tess and enjoyed your recent interview with Rob over at your blog. You are so many shades of awesome!
~xo!
Simply beautiful, Lori.
Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last [type] ..Meaning Mondays- The Smallest Things
Thanks Patty. It’s awesome knowing you. Thanks for bringing so much beauty to my world.
~xo
More than one answer to all the questions, eh? That be truth indeed. We open to many possibilities and are freed from thoughts that bind by considering there are many things we do not know.
It was interesting to hear over at Tony’s you too were married once before, makes me feel a keeper bond of kinship, as I’ve said I Do twice, but the first one for just 3 years and this one 29 years together, almost 18 married!
xo
Jannie Funster´s last [type] ..10 Great Mysteries of The Universe- 3
Whoops, typo — make that 20 years together, and married almost 18!
Jannie Funster´s last [type] ..10 Great Mysteries of The Universe- 3
Hi Jannie,
I’m glad you can relate and it’s cool to know we have more in common. Hey, married 18, that’s very awesome! Yippee! Any yay for being open, too.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by ~ it’s always a pleasure to see you here.
Hey Lori. Better “late” than never, eh? Hehe. No pun intended.
Umm, yeah I did intend it.
Coolio song, girl. Absolutely you, from what I know.
Miss you. Write when you have the chance!
George
George Angus´s last [type] ..The Book Title Book Review
George!! I miss you. Is AK getting any more summery before the cold starts to set in again? I hope so.
I love having you here, it’s like getting an extra helping of mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving (I LOVE MASHED POTATOES!).
I will write. I’ve been thinking a lot about you — let’s dish.
~xo
I’m totally dating myself here, but when that album came out my friends and I used to go cruising and sing our hearts out to it. (This is obviously before we understood anything about fossil fuel being a limited resource.
My sister and I even relived a few of those moments during a road trip a couple of years ago, and I surprised myself by still knowing the alto harmony line by heart.
I always get tears in my eyes on this one and Gallileo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI1keSSwdcI&feature=channel) and Power of two (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj0yVN8pFNw&ob=av2e). Indigo Girls rock. One of the greatest concert moments of my life was seeing them in a small, intimate venue in Atlanta. Even the crowd felt loving and beautiful, like my kind of people, you know?
Having just been to a funeral, I say let’s all listen to the music and dance and sing and celebrate now, while we can. Music is for the living.
Thank you so much, Lori, for your kind and sincere sympathy and encouragement. It means so much to have you come along beside me as I take my time getting back to “normal” (as if I have ever been!) Blessings on you and yours.
Meredith´s last [type] ..a view through thyme
Hi Lovely Meredith,
It’s so kind for you to take time to stop by and say hello, and thanks so much for the links. I’m a huge fan, too, and can remember singing along to Gallileo and Power of two as well. And, girl, don’t worry about dating yourself because I did, too, with this whole post. I’m with you!!
Absolutely, absolutely, music is for the living, I love that you said that. Agreed!
I’m glad I can help share just a bit of the load. That’s what friends are for, sweets. Please let me know if I can help you in any way. I’m happy and blessed to do so.
Love,
~xo
good song! I have a friend,and this is no word of a lie, has it written into his will that at his funeral they have to play the full unedited version of “Today Was A Good Day” by Ice Cube…
Susan Kennedy´s last [type] ..How To Emigrate To Australia