The Wisdom of John Farnham

(Before I start, I want to make this clear: this blog has nothing to do with John Farnham's constant state of semi-non-retirement.  There's been plenty of jokes made about that already.  No, this blog is about an aspect of John Farnham's career that I feel is drastically overlooked: the powerful wisdom contained in his lyrics)

I don't know about you, but there are some forms of entertainment that have become synonymous with 'childhood' to me.  Well, not 'childhood' in general, but MY childhood.  The vocal stylings of one John Farnham are a big part of that.

However, it's only now, as an adult (heh), that I can reflect on the messages that John had passed down to me from an early age.  And it's really quite shocking how poignant some of them can be.  So consider this my love letter, to John Farnham.  Prepare to be educated.

Take this gem, for instance.  'Pressure Down'.  It's right there in the title, and it's damn sure there in the chorus.

"Take the pressure down

Cause I can feel it, it's rising like a storm.

Take hold of the wheels, and turn them around

And take the pressure down"

What a moving sentiment.  To me, this represents a manifesto for how to act in stressful situations.  And it's all there in a pop song!

And here we have 'Age Of Reason'

"What about the age of reason".

It would be nice, John.  It would be nice.  If only more people listened to you, maybe we could even have it.  Alas, we're not there yet.  But I'll keep spreading the good word.

What's next?

'Seemed Like A Good Idea (At The Time)'

When a song title has brackets in it, you just know it's gonna be good.  And this is no exception.  Johnny boy preaching the benefits of hindsight.  So wise.  And so handsome.

'Have A Little Faith (In Us)'

Again with the brackets!  I think he knew he was onto a winner there.  And what wisdom does he pass down here?

"For all we know, the best is yet to come"

Such a positive, optimistic statement.  I've used this as the basis of my whole philosophy for humanity.

'Burn For You'

"But I'll burn for you

What am I gonna do"

Making a solid case for arson here.

.....

OK, maybe that was a mis-step.  But we're about to get back on track!

'Thats Freedom'

"All I want is a fast lane to

Where the road across this plain

Won't take you

I want something you understand

To make us stand proud

As nothing else can"

Wow.  Words can barely capture how much that touches me.  So I won't even bother trying.

This penultimate song is probably my favourite, and it's definitely got the strongest message to me personally.

'You're The Voice'

I really believe that we all have a unique voice, and that we have to embrace, accept and share that voice with the world, and with ourselves.  And what I just said there, John's transformed into a beautiful melody.

"You're the voice try and understand it

Make a noise and make it clear

Oh-o-o-o, Whoa-o-o-o!"

And finally, we have....

'Sadie The Cleaning Lady'

And this taught me the value of hard work and dedication.

So I say, in earnest and with utmost sincerity: 

Thank You, John Farnham.  Thank you, on behalf of all of humanity.

With Thanks

(Short post this time: expect something longer next week)

I've spent a lot of this week thinking about (and talking about) how thankful and grateful I am for the opportunities I've had placed in front of me.

And I do sincerely mean it.  I feel so incredibly appreciative for everything that I've experienced over the past year.

But at the same time, I have to keep reminding myself that it isn't just up to chance or fate or random luck.  I've worked hard, and I've earned everything I've received.  It's not often that I have to bolster my ego, but this has been one of those rare times.

Not that it was deflated, or anything like that.  But if it were a helium balloon, it would have only been hovering, rather than soaring.

But it's well and truly inflated now.

So I say, with utter sincerity: Thanks for being awesome Jeffrey.  I'm incredibly grateful to you (me) for all the opportunities you've managed to earn.  Let's keep doing what you're doing.