There is this song I first heard when I was going to college and it brought tears to my eyes. I still listen to it and it still tugs at my heartstrings. Younger people may never have heard it because it was released in 1989, so, I am putting it here for you to listen to it and also watch its original video to see its relevance. I love everything about this song but most of all I love the words because they speak to every generation. Watch this and see the lyrics there below:
Living Years by Mike + The Mechanics, released in 1989
Every generation
Blames the one before
And all of their frustrations
Come beating on your doorI know that I’m a prisoner
To all my Father held so dear
I know that I’m a hostage
To all his hopes and fears
I just wish I could have told him in the living yearsOh, crumpled bits of paper
Filled with imperfect thoughts
Stilted conversations
I’m afraid that’s all we’ve gotYou say you just don’t see it
He says it’s perfect sense
You just can’t get agreement
In this present tense
We all talk a different language
Talking in defenceSay it loud (say it loud), say it clear (oh say it clear)
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late (it’s too late) when we die (oh when we die)
To admit we don’t see eye to eyeSo we open up a quarrel
Between the present and the past
We only sacrifice the future
It’s the bitterness that lastsSo don’t yield to the fortunes
You sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective
On a different day
And if you don’t give up, and don’t give in
You may just be okaySo say it loud, say it clear (oh say it clear)
You can listen as well as you hear
Because it’s too late, it’s too late (it’s too late) when we die (oh when we die)
To admit we don’t see eye to eyeI wasn’t there that morning
When my Father passed away
I didn’t get to tell him
All the things I had to sayI think I caught his spirit
Later that same year
I’m sure I heard his echo
In my baby’s new born tears
I just wish I could have told him in the living yearsSay it loud, say it clear (oh say it clear)
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late (it’s too late) when we die (it’s too late when we die)
To admit we don’t see eye to eyeSo say it, say it, say it loud (say it loud)
Say it clear (come on say it clear)
The above words are a rallying cry to every generation: To be present in our own lives TODAY and EVERYDAY. Regrets and blame serves no purpose to us or those we deem responsible for our disappointments. Be present to value, make proud and embrace those you love and be sure to let them know. Be present to act on what is possible today. Be present without looking back with regret at missed opportunities. Be present to create and expand opportunities for yourself and others, without giving excuses or looking for somebody to blame. You can do it. GO FOR IT.
