Here is some glue-up action that happened this week and last. The thought that these are musical instruments headed through this amazing process of becoming and out into waiting hands to fill the world with music, that is still miraculous to me every time I walk into the shop. The day it’s not I’ll walk back out. I’ll light some incense, sanctify the work to do, wrap up my obligations and know I have spent – and have been spent – to the extent I was able and hopefully that will carry good outward and be good enough. But not yet. I feel genuine joy at getting to do what’s on my list each day, and I feel happy about THAT.
And here are four getting ready to fly. Some need a few more steps than others but I’m all over you like a bad suit…
Roger Daltrey gets it. I listened to a lot of podcasts this week, one of which was an interview with the wise, aging English rock god singer of The Who – and he said (in great sharp-tongued accent) about the artist’s perspective on fans who pay to experience what he does… the ethic of being “all in” as I call it in my book…
“An artist owes it to an audience to BE there for ‘em. AND DELIVER. And if you ever stop doing that you’re taking the piss… fahkoff out the business.”
“Taking the piss” is British street slang for “Putting one over on” or making fun of or otherwise not taking something seriously with respect. And I wrote it in his accent. Read it again. It’s worth it.
“An artist owes it to an audience to BE there for ‘em. AND DELIVER. And if you ever stop doing that you’re taking the piss… fahkoff out the business.”
Go all in or get out. Get on with it or get off. That coming from a wealthy aging rock star whose ripples were permanent and immutable by the 1970s and doesn’t have to feel that way. I couldn’t say it better. If you’re taking a stage, or working a tool, or crafting something – or sweeping a floor, for that matter – at whatever level - never feel lesser than on one end because of what you aren’t, and never feel like giving lesser than on the other just because you could. Your contribution is noble and needed. So give it what you have, give it your all, give the world what you have to offer through it. Put some balls in. Or “oves” – whichever applies… but get your guts into it or find something else to do. Don’t phone it in. I found that very inspiring. We all get tired, we all get worn down. But do what you have to and keep that flame alive and get after it
Nobody expects this guy anymore, he’s well north of 70 years old now. But they expect all he’s got to give – and what’s most important, he expects it from himself.
Roger that, rock on good sir. And all of you as well!
Listening to: Podcasts, not music this week. I’m into words - been writing a lot.