Mark G. Knox Cultural Observation, Quotes

All I really need to know I learned from classic rock

In a follow-up to my earlier post about learning all I need to know from The Eagles, here are some life lessons I’ve picked up from the poets of classic rock. I’m sure there will be further wisdom from the rockers in the future.

[with apologies to Robert Fulgham]

All you need is love. The Beatles. And let your love shine and you’ll know what I mean that’s the reason. The Bellamy Brothers. Don’t have to be ashamed of the car I drive. The Traveling Wilburys. I know it’s only rock and roll, but I like it. The Rolling Stones. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. The Who. Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy. The Eagles. Dream on. Aerosmith. American woman gonna mess your mind. The Guess Who. Gonna buy me a dog, ’cause I need a friend now. The Monkees. It don’t take plans to clap your hands. Neil Diamond. When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school, it’s a wonder I can think at all. Paul Simon. And you, who are on the road, must have a code that you can live by. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. It’s such a fine line that keeps me searching for a heart of gold. Neil Young. He ain’t heavy…he’s my brother. The Hollies. Life’s been good to me so far. Joe Walsh.

[Songwriters – John Lennon/Paul McCartney, Larry E. Williams, Roy Orbison, Rolling Stones, Pete Townshend, Glen Frey/Jackson Browne, Steven Tyler/Steven Victor Tallarico, Burton Cummings/Garry Peterson/Jim Kale/Randy Bachman, Hart/Tommy Boyce, Neil Diamond, Paul Simon, Graham Nash, Neil Young, Bob Russell/Bobby Scott, Joe Walsh.]

Mark G. Knox Cultural Observation, Poetry

All I really need to know I learned from The Eagles

[with apologies to Robert Fulgham]

I’ve been on an Eagles kick lately, especially with the release of their Live from the Forum MMXVIII double album. Even with the loss of founder Glen Frey, they’ve come back strong, adding Glen’s son, Deacon Frey, and Vince Gill to the roster. There’s something that feels right hearing Deacon sing his late dad’s signature songs, Peaceful Easy Feeling or Take It Easy.

So without getting too preachy, I’ve been pulling some pieces of good advice and astute observations from the various lyrics of The Eagles’ catalogue. In the spirit of Robert Fulgham [All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten], here’s my take – All I really need to know I learned from The Eagles.

Sometimes there’s a part of me has to turn from here and go – Seven Bridges Road Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy – Take It Easy You got your demons and you got desires; well, I got a few of my own – One of These Nights It’s so hard to change, can’t seem to settle down – Take It To The Limit I know we can take it if our love is a strong one – The Long Run

You better let somebody love you – Desperado Life in the fast lane surely make you lose your mind – Life in the Fast Lane Everybody wants to touch somebody – Heartache Tonight What you get is not quite what you choose – How Long Ligthten up while you still can – Take it Easy This old world still looks the same – Tequila Sunrise Somewhere out on that horizon, far away from the neon sky, I know there must be something better – In the City

I found out a long time ago what a woman can do to your soul. Aw but she can’t take you any way you don’t already know how to go – Peaceful Easy Feeling Ain’t it funny how your new life didn’t change things? – Lyin’ Eyes Love will keep us alive – Love Will Keep Us Alive Until we learn to love one another, we will never reach the promised land – Hole in the World Wastin’ our time on cheap talk and wine left us so little to give – Best of My Love Son, you better get on one side or the other – On the Border We are all just prisoners here of our own device – Hotel California

Things in this life change very slowly – Sad Cafe You can see the stars and still not see the light – Already Gone And my time went so quickly – Ol’ 55 And maybe someday we will find that it wasn’t really wasted time – Wasted Time

I feel like this last group could almost stand as a paragraph on its own. Things change slowly, but life moves quickly. It’s certainly possible to get so accustomed to life that you miss seeing the light. The evidence for God is all around us. If you see it with eyes of faith, it’s not wasted time. Thank you, Eagles.

Songwriters: Don Henley, Glen Frey, Randy Meisner, Joe Walsh, Bernie Leadon, Don Felder, Stephen T. Young, Jackson Browne, Bob Seger, J.D. Souther, Barry R. De Vorzon, Jack Tempchin, Jim Capaldi, Paul Carrack, Peter Vale, Robert Arnold, Strandlund, Tom Waits