The Music of my Life
Pete Seeger's music touched my life26 total reviews
Comment from DALLAS01
During the reign of the kings and queens of folk music, I was trapped in a terrible marriage and had two little ones. My only emotional relief came from being able to think I had some connection to the very personal and universal messages that these great artist shared. I no longer had to search for the words, they were handed to me on a silver platter. They touched me far beyond the strumming of an instrument, or musical lyrics, they branded my soul with meaning. Great job of reviving the scene.
Maturity has doused my zealous passion about so many issues. I've never lost my deep convictions, but I'm more likely to write a cheque rather than join a march. Many times over the years I've wondered what happened to me, questioning if the fire that once burned in my belly about injustice has turned to apathy. Have I become part of the establishment that I once scorned?
Maybe we just know we are nearing our final chapters and don't have the energy, but know that someone younger will pick up the baton.
reply by the author on 20-Mar-2014
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During the reign of the kings and queens of folk music, I was trapped in a terrible marriage and had two little ones. My only emotional relief came from being able to think I had some connection to the very personal and universal messages that these great artist shared. I no longer had to search for the words, they were handed to me on a silver platter. They touched me far beyond the strumming of an instrument, or musical lyrics, they branded my soul with meaning. Great job of reviving the scene.
Maturity has doused my zealous passion about so many issues. I've never lost my deep convictions, but I'm more likely to write a cheque rather than join a march. Many times over the years I've wondered what happened to me, questioning if the fire that once burned in my belly about injustice has turned to apathy. Have I become part of the establishment that I once scorned?
Maybe we just know we are nearing our final chapters and don't have the energy, but know that someone younger will pick up the baton.
Comment Written 20-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 20-Mar-2014
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You read this the way I wrote it, and the way e both felt it at the time. Exactly--there were the words, the lyrics and the minor chords that we both understood. Just like you could immediately go back to where you were, the circumstances of the time, I too went into that cocoon while I watched the concert and wrote the words. Yes, really, I was doing both at the same time. thanks for all the stars.
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Isn't it great that we have these pockets of time that we can slip back into, and be comforted? :.)
Comment from comanalbert
I love Springsteen and all 80's music, but Seeger I haven't listened...yet. Seems I've lost a lot and I am indebted to you for this deep insight and tribute that enticed me to listen him.
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2014
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I love Springsteen and all 80's music, but Seeger I haven't listened...yet. Seems I've lost a lot and I am indebted to you for this deep insight and tribute that enticed me to listen him.
Comment Written 17-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2014
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You may likely have heard many songs and not realized who wrote them originally. Thanks for the read and review.
Comment from judiverse
Very interesting tribute to Pete Seeger. Amazing that he lived to 95 years old. I saw just a brief notice about his death on TV but didn't see any special programs about him. Enlightening comments about musical groups and other singers of the time. I didn't recall the division between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones camp. Perhaps there is a time for protest marches, although I doubt that they do much good. Words written and spoken or sung have more impact. You have made this a very thoughtful presentation and stirred some memories. judi
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2014
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Very interesting tribute to Pete Seeger. Amazing that he lived to 95 years old. I saw just a brief notice about his death on TV but didn't see any special programs about him. Enlightening comments about musical groups and other singers of the time. I didn't recall the division between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones camp. Perhaps there is a time for protest marches, although I doubt that they do much good. Words written and spoken or sung have more impact. You have made this a very thoughtful presentation and stirred some memories. judi
Comment Written 17-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2014
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Thanks so much.
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You're so welcome. judi
Comment from Cumbrianlass
Excellent essay, Ingrid. This was all a wee bit before my time, although I grew up with the Beatles music. I couldn't tell you where I was when Kennedy got shot, but I remember exactly where I was and even what I was wearing when I heard about Lennon. And you're right - all those unwritten, beautiful songs that were stolen from us.
You write with true feeling - a respectful reflection on days gone by. You're a real master at this kind of stuff. It's always an easy read, and a true pleasure.
Love how you use song lyrics as part of the telling. Brilliant.
Bravo, my friend. Superb work.
Av
xx
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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Excellent essay, Ingrid. This was all a wee bit before my time, although I grew up with the Beatles music. I couldn't tell you where I was when Kennedy got shot, but I remember exactly where I was and even what I was wearing when I heard about Lennon. And you're right - all those unwritten, beautiful songs that were stolen from us.
You write with true feeling - a respectful reflection on days gone by. You're a real master at this kind of stuff. It's always an easy read, and a true pleasure.
Love how you use song lyrics as part of the telling. Brilliant.
Bravo, my friend. Superb work.
Av
xx
Comment Written 16-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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Maybe because the concert was playing, I wrote down the lyrics as they were being performed then filled in the personal observations during commercials--really, talk about multi tasking. Thanks for all the glitter.
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Really, talk about talent! :)
Comment from ccto12
I like your piece on Pete Seeger. I was unaware of his passing. His music will always be so wonderful. Music and lyrics that stir the collective soul of many. I like the angle you take here - telling of Pete Seeger, his life and death, but also you've done a great job personalizing about what his music meant to you. Who you were as a younger person and who you've evolved into now and how that relates to Pete Seeger. I very much enjoyed reading.
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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I like your piece on Pete Seeger. I was unaware of his passing. His music will always be so wonderful. Music and lyrics that stir the collective soul of many. I like the angle you take here - telling of Pete Seeger, his life and death, but also you've done a great job personalizing about what his music meant to you. Who you were as a younger person and who you've evolved into now and how that relates to Pete Seeger. I very much enjoyed reading.
Comment Written 16-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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Thank you. the PBS special was terrific.
Comment from Narvik
Well, it's tough to hold back the tears after reading that, Ingrid. There's something special about Pete Seeger and you captured the essence well. The gritty feel for life he had. His dedication that never waned, even when Dylan and the others were selling out.
Loved the interjections of song lyrics. They fit nicely. Also loved the visuals of Pete chopping wood to the very end. Your metaphor about the logs keeping us warm was ingenious.
I heard many people say they hadn't heard that Pete had died until I mentioned it. But when a commercialized pop singer or actor dies, it's all over the news.
You also did a stellar job of weaving your personal thoughts throughout this essay. I've seen you write bits and pieces about your younger years before. It seems you were right in the thick of those magical days, and you speak for a lot of us when you write: "Have I become part of the establishment that I once scorned?"
Super job with this, Ingrid.
We Shall Overcome,
~ Erik
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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Well, it's tough to hold back the tears after reading that, Ingrid. There's something special about Pete Seeger and you captured the essence well. The gritty feel for life he had. His dedication that never waned, even when Dylan and the others were selling out.
Loved the interjections of song lyrics. They fit nicely. Also loved the visuals of Pete chopping wood to the very end. Your metaphor about the logs keeping us warm was ingenious.
I heard many people say they hadn't heard that Pete had died until I mentioned it. But when a commercialized pop singer or actor dies, it's all over the news.
You also did a stellar job of weaving your personal thoughts throughout this essay. I've seen you write bits and pieces about your younger years before. It seems you were right in the thick of those magical days, and you speak for a lot of us when you write: "Have I become part of the establishment that I once scorned?"
Super job with this, Ingrid.
We Shall Overcome,
~ Erik
Comment Written 16-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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If you hadn't posted the essay, I would not have known. There really is a PBS concert of his 90th and I wrote this while the music was playing. It seemed to evoke even more memories than your write, but I felt it all come back to me. Hugs and smushes, thanks so much for the stellar nod of approval. The stars are lighting up my living room.
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Ingrid,
seen I was born in the early sixties, I did know of this very talented man, but flowery words of the folk era didn't really light my fire... but I know the influences he spread over the future activists, such as Dylan, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell and so on... I could just see you there with your cheese cloth tie-dyed, platted hair, strumming on your guitar and singing a big yellow taxi rolled up and took away my old man)))))))))
No matter the things that inspired us to have consciousness of our surrounds and actually have a voice, was the real legacy of artist such as this man... before him it was just all rebel without a cause.
On reflection, I wished I spent my six on the previous multi-talented story, but while I have them, you will be getting one for this... it must be the latent flower child in me... but it doesn't really matter, your command of the pen, or keyboard in this case is exceptional, always a real pleasure to read what your colourful mind constructs.
With our thoughts we create,
conscious thought,
James xx
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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Hi Ingrid,
seen I was born in the early sixties, I did know of this very talented man, but flowery words of the folk era didn't really light my fire... but I know the influences he spread over the future activists, such as Dylan, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell and so on... I could just see you there with your cheese cloth tie-dyed, platted hair, strumming on your guitar and singing a big yellow taxi rolled up and took away my old man)))))))))
No matter the things that inspired us to have consciousness of our surrounds and actually have a voice, was the real legacy of artist such as this man... before him it was just all rebel without a cause.
On reflection, I wished I spent my six on the previous multi-talented story, but while I have them, you will be getting one for this... it must be the latent flower child in me... but it doesn't really matter, your command of the pen, or keyboard in this case is exceptional, always a real pleasure to read what your colourful mind constructs.
With our thoughts we create,
conscious thought,
James xx
Comment Written 16-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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As you are my #1 fan, here is a bit of news. no, maybe I'll tell you in PM. Thanks so much for your continued support. It means a great deal to me to know you're out there.
Comment from GWHARGIS
I like the walk down memory lane. Great descriptions and tone which took me on a slow walk through the once a long time ago. Nice imagery used. Great job. Gretchen
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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I like the walk down memory lane. Great descriptions and tone which took me on a slow walk through the once a long time ago. Nice imagery used. Great job. Gretchen
Comment Written 16-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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There are more people dying these days that were idols...a little creepy.
Comment from Chrisfiore
Hello S.E.
In some ways, you and I are cut from the same cloth. My memories share the same soundtrack as yours, those images you project are magnified and reflected on my screen. This is a great post. You encapsulate much of what was going on during the infancy of our generation and let it open up like little beads of medicine on the next. Much fun for me and very good writing from you. ;) Chrisfiore
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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Hello S.E.
In some ways, you and I are cut from the same cloth. My memories share the same soundtrack as yours, those images you project are magnified and reflected on my screen. This is a great post. You encapsulate much of what was going on during the infancy of our generation and let it open up like little beads of medicine on the next. Much fun for me and very good writing from you. ;) Chrisfiore
Comment Written 16-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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Watching the concert really did me in...so much talent on the stage and a reminder how much music ol Pete created. thanks for all the stars.
Comment from boxergirl
Great job with your commentary about Pete Seeger and the influence of his words to help bring us together. I, could especially connect with you learning your three chords on your guitar. We were all touched by the words of great singers and so, maybe someday our words, too, will make a difference. 8-)
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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Great job with your commentary about Pete Seeger and the influence of his words to help bring us together. I, could especially connect with you learning your three chords on your guitar. We were all touched by the words of great singers and so, maybe someday our words, too, will make a difference. 8-)
Comment Written 16-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2014
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We can only hope...thank you for those wonderful, wonderful stars.
