A couple of months ago I ran across a video of Seasick Steve. One of the songs was "It's a Long Long Way". He gave such a powerful performance. He is a giver. I have watched his videos since then. Bought a few of his CD's. He is one of those performers who is better live. He is a showman that engages the audience not just with the feeling his words produce. His actions on stage bring the best out of people.
His lyrics and actions make me reflect on my life and how I treat people. The little things he does that warm hearts. I watch for opportunities to make the people I pass in life feel good for having met me. When Steve performs his song "Walking Man" he shows how to make someone feel good for having met him. We can all do this in our own lives. Everyone has a cross they must bear. What can I do to make that cross easier to carry. Somedays it is holding a door. Somedays it is buying them a meal. Somedays it is listening to them. The opportunities are endless. I have people come back to me 15 years later and tell me the little bit of time I spent with them meant so much to them.
I grab these chances to bring these moments to others, for these four reasons.
- I know how much it meant.
- I am repaying the debt I owe.
- I enjoy doing it.
- I know that by so do this, I am ensuring that when needed again, someone will be there for me.
Reflecting on death has given me an outlook on life, that I cherish. I believe that the only thing you take with you when you leave this life is what you have given away. I have never given what will happen at my funeral service any thought. I always thought whoever is left will do what comforts them. Until now, Seasick Steve sings the song "It's a Long Long Way". When I heard the song, I thought that is going to be played at my funeral service.
This is the version that I want played.
It's a Long Long Way
Seasick Steve
'Cause I've been there before
It's a long, long way
And I've been there before
I never took none myself, you see
It's just when you get older
You'd like to pass some on but nobody's listening
'Cause I've been there before
It's a long, long way
And I've been there before
Year after year, tear after tear?
Just when we've learned a lesson or two
It's the time when our life's almost through
'Cause I've been there before
It's a long, long way
And I've been there before
Shoot I ain't even often right
But I'm still here fightin' that good ol' fight
So the only thing I'll say
Don't give up on your dreams
Or they will give up on you
'Cause I've been there before
It's a long, long way
And I've been there before
Your time is a valuable thing
And I ain't tryin' to preach, I'm only passin' by
And I hope you like the song that I sing
'Cause I've been there before
It's a long, long way
And I've been there before
'Cause I've been there before
And I don't think I'm goin' there no more
Comments
Steve is amazing. This guy shows me how to have fun in all the things I do, with adding a little strut in my step.
It's a great song, thanks for sharing. You have inspired me through the years to give more and take less. Giving will always bring a better life, I hope one day my first impulse will be to give rather than take.