The year was 1977. Some of you reading this were old enough at that time to have some memories of what life was like. Many of you weren't born. I started to list some of the highlights, but it turns out 1977 was filled with so many monumental events I couldn't bear the thought of trying to select only a few to share. (Just for fun though, check this list out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977)
One of the things I most appreciate about music is its timelessness. I recently heard "Vienna" again by Billy Joel. Until then, it was probably 20 years since I had heard it. With life being so different than it was a couple of decades ago, I was able to hear the lyrics from a different perspective.
Life has certainly been moving at a slower pace in some ways, with staying home and major events and travel canceled. But, as we enter into a new school year, we've seen things pick up and it seems that some people may be looking to ramp up to that fast pace they once lived.
When asked about this song, Billy Joel says it is a reminder to, "Slow down, look around you, and have some gratitude for the good things in your life." This resonated with me. Our minds are being filled with so much anxiety and negativity, but if we took the time to slow down and reflect on the good things, to truly appreciate them, I think the world would be in a better place. Certainly, we would each be healthier and happier.
I hope you'll take a listen and see if this speaks to you a little bit differently now. If you've never heard it, it's considered a classic by a legend. That's true, whether you're a Billy Joel fan or not. Sometimes you have to show respect, even when it's not your style.
Our health can be impacted very suddenly - what a great reminder of that when he sings about kicking off before we're even halfway through. Slow down, enjoy life and the lives of those near you. Choose thoughts of gratitude.
A couple of my favorite lines:
You can't be everything you want to be before your time
Slow down you crazy child
Take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while
It's alright, you can afford to lose a day or two (oooh)
When will you realize... Vienna waits for you?
