My mom used to tell me that the music you listen to has to have a reason... Even though I don't agree with that statement, fully, I think that there are some songs that hit us in a way we can't always explain. It may be the whole song, or just part of it. It may be a good song, and it may not be. This is one of those ify situations. I don't know if this is a great song or not... I can't really make it past these words in the chorus:
I'm just a man
Doin' the best he can
Doin' the best he can
I'm just a man
I might fall short
But I love a unseen hand
Love the unseen hand
Love the unseen hand
Doin' the best he can
Doin' the best he can
I'm just a man
I might fall short
But I love a unseen hand
Love the unseen hand
Love the unseen hand
The song is called The Aviator, by a Canadian Hip Hop artist named K-Os (chaos).
The idea of an unseen hand, however yo interpret that, is a powerful visual to a parent. There are many times where raising kids makes us feel like we've missed being perfect, or we worry that we may have done or will do something to cause them to go to therapy some day. There is hope that the "unseen" hand will still be there to guide them in spite of our shortcomings. As a parent... as a dad, that is comforting, because I know who that "unseen" hand is for me. HE has brought me a wonderful wife and beautiful children. Check out the song. Tell me what you think.
-JB
Great article! I really like how a song lyric can capture a thought or an idea so perfectly. We can write a thousand words, but one turn of phrase, one hook, one beat laid down just right cuts to the heart of the matter. I agree with you - raising kids is all about the unseen hand. As parents, we do all we can to teach right from wrong, provide a moral compass, knowing that we are their example each day. It's a bit daunting at times, but I couldn't agree more with the lyric - "I might fall short, but I love an unseen hand." I want to be that example.
ReplyDeleteOh, and for what's it's worth, I always joke with my kids & tell them they don't have any money for college - it's all in a savings account for group therapy. That way they can gripe about what a lousy father I was, & they can all get loans for college ;)
That's funny. My wife and I plan to give perceived victories to our daughter. Let her think she can't date until 16, but let her "convince us" to let her at 15 (if it comes to this). That way she can feel like we value her input, and we would have to drive her when she wants to go out. ;-). Before 15 just seems like stealing her childhood from her.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for your comment.