Personally, I believe I ‘grew up’ in the greatest time as far music is concerned.
Our family went to every Buck Owens and the Buckaroos concert that came to Lubbock, Texas. I met Buck backstage, as he signed the latest album Dad bought.
Dad bought a lot of albums.
But there was a thin line of the type of music Dad bought…Country and Western, and Bluegrass.
Rock and Roll…never.
Once in 1963 or maybe 64, I was doing some twist dancing in my bedroom as my big brother and I were enjoying some Rock and Roll over the AM radio from the station KSEL out of Lubbock.
All the sudden Dad was at the door and said to “… turn that down!”
I never once got a spanking from Dad as I recall. He never lifted a hand to me. But by golly, I was sure afraid there might be a first time.
He stood in the doorway to the room and said it was ok to listen to ‘that kind’ of music, and ok to even dance to it, BUT that we were to never let him catch us doing it in public.
Well, I never forgot that mandate, and what I assumed was a threat of some type. I also assumed that the music played over that station must be … naughty… or something like that…
But I still enjoyed my Rock Music…. with caution.
There is a song titled ‘SIGNS’ released in 1970 by a group called 5 Man Electric Band, that holds a special place in my life. It is a rebellious anthem against…’the machine’, ‘the establishment’, or maybe, mandates against rocking and rolling in public.
I find myself saying the lyrics again and again all these years later…
“Signs, signs, everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?”
I have always had an issue with being told what to do.
I guess that is why I have enjoyed this song so much.
And why I have enjoyed this picture…
Notice the Dads running into the frame at the top of the picture? Some ONE did not read the signs.
OH NO!
I am really proud of myself for the restraint I am developing in my later years. I am learning to keep my mouth shut at most opportunities. Well ok, at least MORE than normal…
I can do silent ‘Face Palms’, and gentle ‘SMH’ and not cause a scene, and by doing so, no debates are started, and emotions are not inflamed.
After all, I am supposed to be leading a calm life, and avoiding stress.
In the crazy diet foolish world we live in today, we are told to march to the beat, obey the signs, Count the Calories, Measure the Protein, FEAR THE CARBS.
Why don’t we just nail our left foot to the floor, run around in circles, and complain that we just can’t get anywhere in life?
My diet is simple. Whole food. Plants. Beans. Nuts and Seeds. All just as close to WHOLE as possible.
That simplicity does remove a lot of the drama at the ‘water fountain’ though.
Sorry.
But, on the other hand, Health, Reversed Chronic Diseases, No Meds, do these thing not make for a more pleasant day?
The 60s and 70s offered a large number of songs that raged against the machine. And as I recall, some that were banned in the Conservative area where I grew up.
I find it odd that some of that music is played as ‘elevator’, ‘easy listening’ today.
Times change.
I hope I change.
I had mentioned in one of the first blogs I published that I was considering an end to the Pony Tail I have been growing for many years now. It takes time for Betty to fix, it is a pain to wash, and wearing a good cap is all but impossible…plus it may be pulling the hairline back quicker.
But then there are times when I think I need to keep it because it pisses some folks to see me be different.
“…And the sign said “Long-haired freaky people need not apply”
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why
He said “You look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you’ll do”
So I took off my hat, I said “Imagine that. Huh! Me workin’ for you!”
Imagine that…
Count No Calories, Measure No Protein, FEAR NO CARBS!
oldmanskinandbones.com
right on Brother!