June 14 - You Were Cool

A remarkably simple song that connects in the simplest way to its emotions. I think of this as a cousin to Song for my Stepfather, albeit a cousin in a healthier place. It's also very strongly linked in my head to Amy AKA Spent Gladiator.

It's often odd for me to listen to John's very early material and see how deep he was in allegory, trying to sneak meaning through in deniable ways. And then at some point figuring out that in a lot of cases he could just come out and say what he felt, what was true. There's a place for allegory and imagery, but equally there's a place for the pure and simple power of intention. And sometimes that intention is just that being yourself and passing through the torture of childhood is noble and beautiful.

I don't know what I'd do if someone were to tell me I was cool in secondary school, because I know I wasn't. I was hugely bullyable to the point where at times it was terrifyingly easy to understand my bullies. There are people who I hope genuinely liked me, but the world being what it is I'm unlikely to ever confirm that.