photo courtesy of Arnoldius
by Michael Todd
I often don't step outside until well after 5 p.m. My understanding of the world during the week is formed via a 13-inch screen and a cell phone. The blinds are down, and the traffic outside my apartment is the only noise — occasional waves breaking with my keyboard's pitter-pattering like a light rain on its rolling waters.
Sure, I actually am allergic to the sun. When I tell people, they just laugh, and I do, too. It's nothing to be concerned about. I just tend to sneeze when hit with bright light, and I always have. But now my freckles are fading as I sit on my couch, my office. I'm sneezing less often, but these first two weeks as managing editor have been worth the slight agoraphobia.
They've offered a number of ups and downs, successes and mistakes. One day, my dad tells me I'll need to learn to take negative "abuse," his quotation marks. Another, I'm meeting kind-hearted contributors who turn work in early. It's a good job, and I'm fortunate to have it fresh out of college.
Low Horse's "Rings" is encouragement for the lower points of the week, for those making their first steps in the working world. It's humble advice and a rare kind of message from a local song as good as any.
THOUGHTS
I talked with Low Horse's Craig Reier last Thursday after the band's show at The Zoo Bar as part of Lincoln Exposed. As one of the songwriters, he says he wrote the song partly to a younger version of himself as incentive to keep going. That's the takeaway: With age comes the ability to slough off unwarranted criticism. You develop a clarity for analyzing people and their intentions, saving you from pain and "the fear you thought you needed to love."
Simple message, though it's hard to say whether "the more rings in your trunk, you know the harder it is to get cut." It's good advice, and like any, you can take it or leave it. My suggestion? Take it.
CHORDS
Capo on third fret
C
Hey there, kid, I was a lot like you
F C
I felt it all just a little too much
Am F
Chasin’ that rabbit a little too long
C
While all the other dogs left me in the dust behind them
Got a little that I can tell you
F C
Just a little, not a lot
Am F
That hard ground can take a toll on your soul
C
A soft landing helps to see what you’ve got
Hey there, kid, they put a lot on your shoulders
F C
That’s enough to make your knees hit the floor
Am F
Well, stand up, look around you
C
What you keeping this company for?
You’ll be fine without the fear you thought you needed to love
F C
Without those people you were taught to respect
Am F
Just put one foot down in front of its brother
C
And find the places where they tend to object
Am Em C F
‘Cause you could be a tall tree
Am Em C F
Just give yourself a little room for growing
C – F
C – F
C – F
C – F – Am
Em C F Am
You could be a tall, tall tree
Em C F Am
Kid, take it from me
Em C F
The more rings in your trunk
Em C F
You know the harder it is to get cut
C – Em – F – C
C – Em – F – C
C – Em – F – C
C – Em – F – C
C Em F C
Hey there, kid, I was a lot like you
C Em F C
Hey there, kid, I was a lot like you
C Em F C
Hey there, kid, I was a lot like you
C Em F
Hey there, kid, I was a lot like you
Michael Todd is Hear Nebraska's managing editor. He's the size of a fairly small tree, but oddly enough, can perform some great photosynthesis. Reach Michael at michaeltodd@hearnebraska.org.