OK, a fluff piece that’s been kicking around in my head for awhile, a lyric analysis. No MikeS, not Rush. I’ll do a special lyrical analysis of YYZ
for you since I know you really want it. Here you go
Actually, this is a 4-part piece by the prog metal band Redemption called “The Fullness of Time” from the album of the same title (2005). It’s almost always the music that grabs me first for a particular band or song, but then I do tend to think about the lyrics a bit. Here, the writer (Nick van Dyk – founder, guitarist) is almost certainly writing about his relationships, but it clicks on a broader life level (to me, a mark of good writing) and has elements of Stoicism.
I won’t reproduce all the lyrics here, just bits that interest me with a small comment. As mentioned the song is broken into 4 parts: I Rage, II Despair, III Release, IV Transcendence. Here’s the full piece (21:34 – why didn’t it come out to 21:12?) uninterrupted
I Rage
I believe in death
I believe in disease
I believe in injustice and inhumanity and torture and anger and hate
I believe in pain
I believe in cruelty and every crawling putrid thing, every possible ugliness and corruption
You son of a bitch!
I just love that intro (movie quote I think)! Anyway, here we’re just laying out the background. He feels betrayed by people in his life and is angry and seeking revenge.
Struck down by the persons that I trusted
Robbed of dignity and left for dead
I can feel unmeasurable anger building in me
Emptiness and rage begin to burn inside my head
You claimed that I imagined all the things you’d done to me
You’ll pay for being so destructive
Youll beg for compassion
But I’ve nothing left to give
As mentioned above, he’s talking about personal relationships, perhaps specifically a (series?) of romantic ones. But the ideas here are generalizable; life can – will – throw you trials, tribulations and pain. And even though you start innocent and a good person (“once I was a person without malice, once my heart bled red instead of black”) you can easily become enraged and bitter and seek revenge on life itself.
II Despair
This is a short bit; Basically, he’s laying out his feelings of betrayal, loss of security.
Left now
Alone with your betrayal
There’s no way to feel secure
Broken
Crushed in soul and spirit
With no way to set things right again
My faith and friendship shattered
And my life beyond repair
This is the most specific piece in that it’s clear the writing is relational. In terms of relationships, it’s easy to see all the conflicts and actions as directly personal. But if you look at all the obstacles and trials that life throws at you in general as personal affronts, you will end up in the same place of despair, one that covers the whole of your existence.
III Release
In this part, he’s trying to rise above what he sees as a sinister scheme against him. There’s an element of Stoicism – or fatalism – here.
Just release yourself
Cause they can’t rape the willing
Or take what you have if there’s nothing else
Seems so counter to our nature
Accepting with grace the things we can’t change
But when all’s said and done and you’re wronged and deceived
Then it matters the most what you choose to believe
Should I fight against fate
Or should I just lay down and die?
There’s a visceral revulsion at the second line above and I’m not sure I understand the sentiment – willingness to be violated or have everything taken from you and accepting it is not something that sits well with me and I’m not sure releasing yourself from pain and despair requires it.
The two lines in the next verse sort of encapsulate an element of Stoicism to me. And the writers reaction parallels my thinking; “should I fight against fate” – would the Stoic say no? I would say yes and he does to:
Rise above pain, move past my despair
And put down the cross that I’ve made myself bear
Now I’m still standing
And I’m not gonna crawl
IV Transcendence
This is my favorite part, musically and lyrically.
Now
The smoke finally cleared
And I can see the wreckage of my past that lies about me
He realizes that the rage and despair he feels at the things that have happened to him have made a mess of his life.
I’ve been spending my whole life pursuing those who built this cell
Lamenting all the hateful things that happened to me
Never thought to look at how I might have played a part in who I am
Or what it means to lose the game before it starts
Now I know that I cannot turn back and change the past
And that the only choice to save myself
Is changing what I carry from it
Everything I did to myself
Everything that’s been done to me
I’ll turn my back on that and walk away
To me, this is the core of the song; “Never thought to look at how I might have played a part in who I am” People do bad things in your life, the world/existence doesn’t care about you, positive or negative. How you react to them will define where you end up. Looking back at decisions you’ve made or paths you haven’t taken and lamenting them is of no value – you cannot change the past, the only thing you can do is learn a lesson and understand that maybe you made the mistake, not the rest of the world.
I’m a better person for having known the pain
A better person having overcome the pain
This seems to be one of those strange quandaries of life. It’s almost axiomatic that it would be better not suffer in life, but empirically it seems that everyone who is interesting or lead what is thought of as an interesting life has suffered. Or maybe everyone suffers, is betrayed in some way, and experiences pain but many people stay in Part II – Despair. Those that live some semblance of a contented life transcend and “change what they carry from [the pain]”.
Stoic music: A new frontier for Glibs Fridays?
Currently at work, so I can’t listen, but if Ray Adler is singing, I am interested.
I was disappointed when he replaced Arch for “No Exit”; Listening to Arch/Matheos though, I don’t actually care that much for Arch’s vocals anymore!
I didn’t really like Alder’s vocals on “No Exit”, just passable. But as he got older (think he was 18 for that album) his voice improved. I think it’s perfect for Fates and (was) for Redemption.
No Exit is one of my favorites.
I did not know he was that young, but there are few times on that album where he is overextending himself.
Not sure I get the second line either.
Just because fate can turn against you, accepting that doesn’t mean you are a willing participant.
A think-piece on think-music. I need to think about this
Quiet – I’m thinking.
Go away, thinkin’!
I’m more in a fighting mood.
Still stuck in Richmond?
Yup
One thing I liked about the Richmond airport is that on the way in, you used to go past some of the few remaining Confederate defensive positions (what’s left of some trenches and embankments). I wonder if they are still there.
All reminders of the Democrats’ history will be Memory-Holed.
I didn’t look on the way in this morning. Now I’m curious.
But it is outside the city, so probably still there.
Best thing about Richmond Airport? You get to leave Richmond.
I need to get back on the road and I’m already dreading it.
At least it’s a direct flight.
So, not clicking on the YYZ link, but the second one give me this: “503 Service Unavailable”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llE7wT1BKt8
Uh, yeah, it was super funny! I totally got it.
I can explain it to you if you’d like.
Heh. Touché
Time.
Well time is all about the passage of time.
This is one very long winded, defamatory statement of convoluted bullshit in a an attempt to censor RFK Jr. at a hearing about censorship.
Stacey Plaskett Dedicates Her Opening Statement to Smearing Robert F. Kennedy Jr
This cunte even goes so far to say that allowing alleged bigots to speak means endorsing their speech, among other egregiously and dangerously retarded and dishonest things.
Between her and the USVI lawsuit against JPM over Epstein, I think the islands have completely lost it.
I’ve said for a while that RFK has put plenty of things in writing that could be considered defamation by a number of parties, but nobody wants to sue him. Why is that?
He’s REALLY got good info on the Hillary Clinton.
Because discovery is a beotch.
👆👆👆
I’ve been watching this. The Dems are basically doing three things:
1. Destroy the witnesses
2. Defend the agencies censoring people because they’re patriots doing their best to protect Americans
3) TRUMP!
Dems are not sending us their best. Or maybe they are.
They are. And they’re all vapid cuntes.
What Sean said. If you mean the best at towing the lion for the party, even if it means lying, cheating, and turning yourself into a horrible person, then I do believe they are sending their best.
Stacey Plaskett, I thought you were dead.
Just the brain
I always feel like citing the natives to provide ‘evidence’ against replacement theory is more than a little short sighted.
Off topic, but has anyone been following this LPNH brouhahaha? I’m trying to figure out what’s actually going on. Some people seem to be upset, saying LPNH isn’t representing libertarianism well, and this is the Mises Caucuses fault?
From the general gist that I can see, someone is calling for insulin? to be made “free” and LPNH is calling them out on it. I’m not very good at following Twitter stuff. Does anyone have a better rundown?
https://twitter.com/LPNH
I’m only vaguely aware of it. My perception is that Kaufmann is a bomb thrower and has a tendency to lash out at any criticism.
I will be seeing Tom Woods this weekend, I’ll ask him if he knows anything.
Someone is calling for Insulin to be made free: TANSTAAFL, commie!
LPNH is calling them out: Rightfully so, see statement directly above.
Okay, I see. Seems like most people are decrying the use of the term slavery, because you’re not allowed to call the appropriation of labor that now (not sure what else you’re supposed to call it? I guess theft works too).
I had the best reply ever and then my internet popped off. I hope the PC isn’t starting to kick the bucket.
Theft of property is equal to slavery. In both cases you are forcing a person to work without compensation.
If time allows, I shall don my festive debate sombrero and head to New Hampshire.
Theft of property is equal to slavery.
Gonna have to disagree on this one.
Stealing property is not the same as the total abrogation of a person’s human rights via slavery.
Maybe is a matter of degree, but the difference matters.
Call it incremental slavery, then. If you take say, 35% of someone’s earnings, you made them your slave for 35% of their labor.
Calling robc (I think). Taxation is fractional slaver.
Theft is theft.
Taxation is theft.
Extortion.
“Pay your taxes or we will…”
Tundra’s twitter link (to a video) works for me. But this one leads to a login prompt.
Is twitter locking down again?
It seems random. Must be something to do with how the link is copied.
I don’t think it’s random and it’s related to the lock down. You can follow a link to a single tweet and see only the linked tweet without replies, threads, etc. You also can not link to a user/twitter feed, you’ll be forced to login. At least, that is my current experience.
I’m not smart enough to really understand, but something about solving patent abuse would actually solve the problem?
“The two lines in the next verse sort of encapsulate an element of Stoicism to me. And the writers reaction parallels my thinking; “should I fight against fate” – would the Stoic say no? I would say yes and he does to:”
The stoic (in me) would say you shouldn’t fight against fate because it is futile. The only thing you know (with certainly) to be fated is the past. If you can control it, then it’s not fate and is within the realm of your purview.
[…]
“He realizes that the rage and despair he feels at the things that have happened to him have made a mess of his life.”
I think this is the essence of stoicism, you can’t change what happened, and holding onto that will only make a mess of your life. Nice review, now to actually listen to the music
you shouldn’t fight against fate because it is futile
That presupposes a ‘belief’ in fate. Nothing is destined to happen, beyond physical laws. If you’re getting raped or robbed, maybe the best thing in the instant is to ‘accept’ it because you are unable to change it in the moment, but it’s not fate. And seeking revenge may not be ‘stoic’, but I think it’s fully justified. But off course “sleep with one eye open, knowing that I’m watching you… seek my just revenge” is what got the author into the rage/despair loop! So maybe I just disagree with the concept; or maybe conflating things that are done to you vs done to yourself confuses the concept, especially when generalizing something written about personal relationships – where ‘blame’ might be a lot more ambiguous – to a more general situation.
We all fight fate.
The difference is how we accept the outcome when it goes against us.
I try not to waste energy raging at the battles I have lost and focus on the ones I still am in.
‘That presupposes a ‘belief’ in fate. ‘
I mean, I am just using the lyrics in the song/what you wrote. I actually don’t believe in fate in the least, unless one is going to extend that to physical phenomena like when it rains outside or something.
I was fixing my garage up this weekend (remove cruddy popcorn ceiling, painting it) and all my stuff was outside. It was fated to rain that day, but (most of) my stuff didn’t get wet because I have a huge tarp and covered everything when I heard the thunder. Was I fighting ‘fate’ or just taking actions within my control? If it had been a tornado instead, what then?
‘If you’re getting raped or robbed, maybe the best thing in the instant is to ‘accept’ it because you are unable to change it in the moment, but it’s not fate. ‘
Probably. I think ‘accepting it in the moment’ is probably pro-level stoicism and I won’t claim to be a master of anything close to that level of self-control. It would probably be the ‘best’ outcome in a crap situation to not beat yourself up over something like that nor allow it to harm you in the future by nursing resentment.
I’ve listened to the song in full now, and it isn’t bad, but does seem somehow amateurish. I am not a particular fan of metal (though I do like some) so maybe I’m just not the target audience.
The Interrupters: Raised by Wolves is about the lead singer’s parents abandoning her as a child and her coming to terms with it to let go of the pain. From the same album there Let ’em Go as well.
Hello Neph,
Catch 22 is playing at local venue on August 18th. Should be a good time.
Nice. The Toasters and Mustard Plug are doing a show here in September, but I’ve got a conflict that day. Don’t know if you saw, but John Cleese is doing a short US tour as well. I believe the girlfriend and I are going to be heading to that when he’s in Akron.
John Cleese? That would be cool. I’ll look into it.
“ This seems to be one of those strange quandaries of life. It’s almost axiomatic that it would be better not suffer in life, but empirically it seems that everyone who is interesting or lead what is thought of as an interesting life has suffered.”
Everyone has suffered at some point. How you deal with this particular issue defines a lot of your philosophical outlook. Hedonists would say the avoidance of suffering is the most important thing, but in mind that’s akin to anti-natalism as those who were never born, never suffer. It’s a dead end philosophy.
I like this guy’s advice:
https://twitter.com/OfAthenry/status/1682029187731972097
That feeling of wanting to take a shower when you agree with somebody.
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder blames NATO, ‘military-industrial-congressional complex’ for Russia-Ukraine conflict
https://www.foxbusiness.com/business-leaders/ben-jerrys-cofounder-blames-nato-military-industrial-congressional-complex-russia-ukraine-conflict
Stopped clock, blind squirrel, etc.
*video blurs, a shadowy figure is centered in the screen*
A big thanks to my fellow TPTB for covering while I was dealing with my Mom passing away. Also, to all of you that contributed posts – I have scheduled all our pending work…we are fairly safe through the first week of August (Ahem…CPRM, you owe me a cartoon for July 26th!!!!).
If you have ideas, please work with the Bad Cop…er, Editor Tonio. After the GlibFest in NY at the end of this month, I will get anything “pending” set and scheduled.
Return to commenting, snarking and such!
**video blurs out and returns to normal*
Again, very sorry about your mom. You all are in my prayers.
My condolences on her passing
I’m sorry about your mom, Swissy.
My condolences about your mom.
In case you need them pointed out (?), I put a piece into pending yesterday.
Sorry about your Mom. And I never saw Tonio as the Bad Cop. Is there such a thing as Good Cop/Good Cop?
Bad Cop / Worse Cop
I had not heard.
My condolences as well.
Sorry to hear of your loss. God bless and stay strong.
Deepest sympathy, Swissy.
I hadn’t seen anything about another GlibFest. Same venue as last year? Any details in the Forum? Or is it by invitation only?
I am not sure if anything “formal” is occurring. I will have to check.
I have not been in the forums in months.
Open to Glibs, nothing formal – just hanging out, etc. Same town, July 29th is the main day for gathering.
If this becomes a regular thing, I may need to work it into my vacation schedule.
I suspect it may.
Thanks! I regret this year is out for me (financed veterinarian’s vacation instead,) but I do hope it recurs and becomes a beloved tradition! 🙂
Prayers for you to recover from the loss. Your mother is at peace.
My condolences, Swiss. I’m sorry to hear about your Mom.
Really sorry about your mom, Swiss.
Condolences, Swiss.
I’m sorry about your mom Swiss.
So they intend to indict Trump and co. because of a practice that has been utilized since the dawn of the republic.
Although nothing is publicly known about the oncoming law enforcement action, Smith’s questioning of witnesses and grand jury subpoenas hint at what’s to come.
Fake electors
The House Jan. 6 Committee’s extensive investigation and public hearings already documented how Trump was repeatedly told he lost the 2020 election to his rival. As the clock ticked down the 64 days until Congress would certify the electoral college votes, Trump and his advisers secretly engaged in a scheme to assemble “alternate” electors from seven states who would replace authentic electoral college electors already slated to vote for President Joe Biden.
There is nothing fake about them. Alternate electors must vote alongside the electors of the apparent victor in order to possibly count later on when potential election problems have been resolved. Never mind that Dems, according to John Podesta, were plotting to do the same thing in 2020.
Didn’t HIllary do the same shit in 2016?
But that was when Trump colluded with Russia to steal the election!!!!
LGA is definitely better than the last time I came through here
Gilmored
At the very least her surrogates did (plausible deniability and all that).
Roseanne has a comment on that as well.
Roseanne at her spiciest:
https://twitter.com/thereal_SnS/status/1682025533109063680
HA!
She’s savage.
She’s good people.
Google is building an AI tool for journalists
Google is developing an artificial intelligence tool for news publishers that can generate article text and headlines, the company said, highlighting how the technology may soon transform the journalism industry.
We can trust the lap dogs in the industry 99% of the time, but we can force 100% compliance to the message with technology.
botched the link.
you didn’t want to read it.
https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/20/tech/google-ai-tool-journalism/index.html
Since they don’t have any natural intelligence?
New York City agrees to pay Black Lives Matter protesters $13 million in new mass arrests settlement
New York City will give more than $13 million to more than 1,000 protesters arrested or interacting with police during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests following a civil rights lawsuit settlement filed in Manhattan federal court Wednesday.
Experts said the settlement, which allows the city to avoid a trial, would be among the most expensive payouts ever for mass arrests. It still needs to be approved by a judge before it is finalized.
The lawsuit focused on 18 protests that erupted in New York City in the week following George Floyd’s death in May. According to attorneys for the plaintiffs, eligible persons can receive $9,950 in compensation.
1) Go to Riot
2) Get Arrested
3) Sue
4) Profit!
fuck working for a living
Jan. 6 participants would like a word.
Seriously.
“Free room and board for a year ain’t chicken-scratch!”
Welp, you get more of what you reward, so . . . .
Makes it more understandable how the Riot Act came to be. The saying “read the Riot Act” refers to the historical practice of giving a final warning to a mob (the Riot Act was read to the mob, well, probably shouted at the mob) by the soldiers called out to quell the riot. Anyone who didn’t immediately go home was eligible to be killed on the spot.
Idiots in Cars has been MIA as part of the Reddit protests.
So you are going to have to make do with this instead…
https://www.reddit.com/r/therewasanattempt/comments/154khrc/to_do_the_basic_things_of_life/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Dashcam Nation/Idiots in Cars is updating their youtube channel I think. They posted a new one yesterday.
No one is coming for your gas stove (part 2)
A new study has found that gas-powered appliances can increase the levels of the chemical benzene, a known cancer-causing agent found in cigarette smoke, inside the home.
According to the Stanford-led study, which was published in Environmental Science & Technology, “indoor concentrations of benzene formed in the flames of gas stoves can be worse than average concentrations from secondhand smoke,” as a news release about the study explained.
Gas stove cause cancer. OMG!
“ worse than average concentrations from secondhand smoke”
Which is to say, not at all concerning.
Says you!
*puts on paper mask*
But it’s better than thirdhand smoke!