Martin luther king – Something to Ponder About

Clarkson wrote this song about emotional abuse and neglect of a troubled parent/s.when she was 16 years old in less than 25 minutes.

It briefly and pointedly describes about how Clarkson reacted to her parents divorcing when she was 6 years old. The song, she admits, has a depressing tone and yet has become an icon in popular music, as thanks to radio, there wouldn’t be many unfamiliar with the lyrics.

Perhaps it is relatable, touching a cord of sadness and also of hope that things will work out for the best. No one really enjoys conflict, least of all children.

Clarkson revealed the song, itself, was initially rejected by Sony record executive Clive Davis, who berated her when she presented it to him. She elaborates here:

“I cried because he hated it and told me verbatim that I was a ‘sh–ty writer who should be grateful for the gifts that he bestows upon me. He continued on about how the song didn’t rhyme and how I should just shut up and sing. This was devastating coming from a man who I, as a young girl, considered a musical hero and was so honoured to work with.”
Kelly Clarkson

Because of you I never stray too far from the sidewalk.
Because of you I learned to play on the safe side, so I don't get hurt.

Lyrics appear to be critical of her parent, presumably her father as her mother reportedly retreated to swallowing pills as a way to cope with the dysfunction. But there’s more to the song than first appears, as the video depicts a plot that centres on Kelly arguing with her partner as her child watches on. There follows a poignant moment when she realises history is repeating itself.

It is also interesting to note that Clarkson’s family did approve the video, prior to its release.

The video ends on a positive note.

Be it awareness or enlightenment, the lesson or message is that it is possible to break an intergenerational cycle of dysfunction in families.

We must accept finite disappointment,
but never lose infinite hope.”
Martin Luther King Jr.

Proverbs and sayings provide us with wise words from all corners of the world. Best savoured a little at a time, these sayings have been passed down from generation to generation. Each Thursday, I post a saying, or proverb and a quote that I find thought-provoking. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Each Friday, I post a Proverb or Saying and a Quote that I find thought-provoking.

I hope you think so too.

This has been a momentous week in Australian politics. About much debate and anguish, words of love and hatred, legislation has passed the Senate that will allow same-sex couples to marry.

We are perhaps behind much of the world in this respect, however, we have negotiated a long, arduous, divisive, and hate filled campaign in order to reach this point. As the bill was debated in the parliament, a traditionally conservative Senator voiced these words which synchronize with this week’s theme.

“How you love is how God made you. Whom you love is for you to decide and others to respect.” Senator George Brandis –

Australian Senate 28 Nov 2017

Hatred can so often be destructive of relationships, people and things. How can we get past hatred?

Albert Camus has these illuminating words: –

“In the midst of hate, I found there was in me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was within me, an invincible calm. I realized that throughout it all, that…in the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy.

For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.”

-Albert Camus