Even 2016 couldn’t kill him. In honor of Keith, the unsnuffable Stone, here’s my version of the Rolling Stones classic.
Archive for Music – Page 5
“Let Monkeys And Angels Sing” evokes a whimsical and celestial image, blending the playful, curious nature of monkeys with the ethereal, transcendent qualities often associated with angels. This phrase suggests a harmony between the earthly and the divine, a joyful symphony of the natural and the spiritual.
Monkeys as Symbols of Playfulness and Curiosity
Monkeys, with their playful antics and curious behaviors, symbolize the joy of exploration and the freedom of living in the moment. Their presence in this phrase brings a sense of lightheartedness and earthy connection, reminding us of the joy found in the simple, untamed aspects of life.
Angels as Messengers of the Divine
Angels, often seen as messengers or embodiments of the divine, represent higher realms of existence, spiritual insights, and transcendent beauty. Their inclusion in the phrase adds a dimension of grace, purity, and otherworldly wonder, creating a bridge between the heavens and the earth.
The Harmony of Monkeys and Angels
The idea of monkeys and angels singing together symbolizes a harmonious union of contrasting elements: the playful and the profound, the material and the spiritual, the mundane and the extraordinary. It’s a celebration of the diverse aspects of existence, each bringing its unique voice to the chorus of life.
A Joyful Symphony of Life
This phrase can be seen as an invitation to embrace all facets of life with joy and wonder. It encourages us to appreciate the richness of our world, where the mundane coexists with the magical, and every creature, whether earthly or heavenly, contributes to the grand symphony of existence.
Summary
“Let Monkeys And Angels Sing” is a whimsical and profound phrase that symbolizes the joyous harmony between earthly playfulness and heavenly grace. It represents the union of diverse aspects of life, celebrating the symphony of the natural and the spiritual.
Glossarium
- Playfulness of Monkeys: Symbolizing joy, exploration, and living in the moment.
- Transcendence of Angels: Representing higher spiritual realms and divine beauty.
- Harmony of Contrasts: The union of earthly and heavenly elements in a joyful symphony.
In the chorus of life’s grand song,
Monkeys play, angels throng,
In their melody, we belong,
In this harmony, we grow strong.
We invite your thoughts on the blending of playful and spiritual elements in life, and how this harmony enhances our understanding and appreciation of the world around us.
Here comes Christmas
Hanukkah, Kwanzaa
New Year’s on its way
Time to send out cards of cheer
Just don’t know what to say
Can’t have Santa, can’t have dredels
Reindeer, elves or trees
Can’t have candles, wreaths or bells
But we have the balls to say
Have a gender-neutral
Non-denominational
Politically correct holiday
A gender-neutral
Non-denominational
Politically correct holiday
No religion, sex or fun
Nothing that might cause blame
Forget about where you came from
Cause we must be the same
Have a gender-neutral
Non-denominational
Politically correct holiday
A gender-neutral
Nothing confrontational
Politically correct holiday
No menorah manger angels
Fruitcake on a plate
Gingerbread can’t be a man
It’s LGBT fate
Have a gender-neutral
Non-denominational
Politically correct holiday
A gender-neutral
Politely conversational
Politically correct holiday
Lose the stockings, lose the matzo
You know what to do
Just be nice and don’t be naughty
or the lawyers will be coming for you
Set the gluten free
Space Monkey Reflects: The Politically Correct Holiday Dilemma
Ah, the politically correct holiday. It’s that time of year when well-meaning efforts to avoid offense result in something so sanitized that it loses all the warmth and meaning that holidays once carried. Instead of celebrating the rich diversity of traditions—Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or even the simple joy of the New Year—we’re often left with a cold, gender-neutral, non-denominational, politically correct greeting that doesn’t quite say anything at all.
At the heart of this phenomenon is the fear of offending anyone. In a world increasingly conscious of inclusivity and sensitivity, we tread carefully around symbols that might hold meaning for some but seem exclusionary or problematic to others. So we strip away the reindeer, the Santa hats, the menorahs, the dreidels, and even the gingerbread men—lest they be perceived as too aligned with a particular tradition, gender, or belief.
But what’s left when we take all of that away? A vague, hollow shell of the holidays. There’s a strange irony here. In our attempt to create a holiday season that offends no one, we’ve created something that doesn’t really celebrate anyone. The gingerbread man becomes an ambiguous “gingerbread person.” The wreath, the menorah, the Christmas tree—all symbols of warmth and tradition—are cast aside for fear they might carry too much cultural baggage.
This is the essence of Holidayvoid—a holiday that, in trying to please everyone, ultimately pleases no one. Holidayvoid is what happens when the spirit of the season gets lost in the effort to be politically correct. It’s the emptiness that comes from taking away everything meaningful, all in the name of inclusivity.
Now, don’t get us wrong—there’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to be inclusive or sensitive. Inclusivity is important, and it’s essential that everyone feels welcome and respected during the holidays. But at what point does inclusivity become so cautious that it strips away the joy, the meaning, and the essence of what we’re celebrating?
The whimsiword Tradistrip describes this process—the gradual stripping away of traditions in the name of political correctness, until all that’s left is a watered-down version of the holiday that tries so hard to offend no one that it ends up being about nothing at all.
There’s a balance to be found here, and it doesn’t have to mean abandoning everything that makes the holidays special. We can still celebrate our traditions, our symbols, our stories—while also making room for others to celebrate theirs. A politically correct holiday doesn’t have to be devoid of meaning; it just has to be open to all meanings. The key is in allowing space for everyone’s symbols and traditions, not erasing them in the name of neutrality.
So, here’s to a holiday season that celebrates all of us. A season where we can embrace our differences without fearing them, where we can share in each other’s traditions rather than avoiding them altogether. Let’s have a politically correct holiday that isn’t devoid of personality or warmth, but one that makes room for everyone’s unique way of celebrating.
Summary
The politically correct holiday, in trying to avoid offense, can strip away the warmth and meaning of traditions. Inclusivity is important, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of celebrating the uniqueness of different holidays.
Glossarium
Holidayvoid: The emptiness that comes from stripping away all meaningful symbols and traditions in the name of political correctness.
Tradistrip: The gradual removal of holiday traditions to avoid offending anyone, resulting in a watered-down version of the celebration.
Includefest: A holiday celebration that makes room for all traditions, symbols, and beliefs, allowing for diverse ways of celebrating without erasing any.
Quote
“Celebrate everything, for there is room for all, and no need to strip the joy away.” — Space Monkey
Includefest
We stripped away the stockings,
The trees, the dreidels too.
In trying not to offend,
We erased all that was true.
But in this holiday void,
There’s still a way to see:
We can celebrate everything,
And let all traditions be.
We are Space Monkey.
Spirits In a Mason Jar
A Bluegrass Song with No Music
Black no sugar
Gin straight up
Fear of mixing
Fill my cup
See the truth
of what we are
Spirits in a mason jar
Unhinge the lid
Take a swig
Break the glass
Dance the jig
We are only what we are
Spirits in a mason jar
You’re moonshine
That is all I see
Sunshine
Be yourself, not me
Lemonade
No need for ice
Grab a nickel
Pay the price
We are only what we are
Spirits in a mason jar
You’re moonshine
That is all I see
Sunshine
Be yourself, not me
Mason jars
Up on the shelf
Corks in bottles
Trapped in self
Me’s and You’s
Afraid to fall
Earthquake come
and break us all
You’re moonshine
That is all I see
Sunshine
Be yourself, not me
Black no sugar
Gin straight up
Fear of mixing
Fill my cup
Taste the truth
in what we are
Spirits in a mason jar
A Poetic Exploration of Identity and Authenticity
In the whimsical verses we weave, there’s a profound exploration of identity, authenticity, and the inherent freedom in embracing our true selves. The imagery of spirits in a mason jar serves as a metaphor for the essence of our being, encapsulated within the physical and societal constraints that often define and confine us.
Embracing Simplicity and Purity
The preference for black coffee without sugar, gin straight up, signifies a yearning for purity, an unadulterated experience of life without the embellishments that often disguise its true nature. This simplicity reflects a desire to confront reality as it is, to see the truth of what we are beyond the layers that society imposes.
Breaking Free from Conventional Constraints
The act of unhinging the lid, taking a swig, breaking the glass, and dancing the jig symbolizes a liberation from these constraints. It’s a celebration of the raw, unfiltered essence of our existence, an acceptance and expression of our innate nature, unburdened by external influences and expectations.
Recognition of Individuality and Authentic Self-expression
The repeated chorus, “You’re moonshine, that is all I see, Sunshine, be yourself, not me,” is an ode to individuality and authenticity. It’s an acknowledgment that each of us shines in our unique way, like moonshine or sunshine, and the importance of being true to oneself rather than conforming to the expectations of others.
The Illusion of Separation and the Call for Unity
The imagery of mason jars on a shelf and corks in bottles metaphorically represents how we, as individuals, often isolate ourselves, trapped in our self-imposed limitations and identities. The call for an ‘earthquake’ to break us all suggests a longing for a collective awakening, a shattering of these illusions of separation that divide “Me’s” and “You’s.”
A Reminder of Our Shared Essence and Collective Journey
In essence, the poem is a reminder that we are only what we are – spirits in a mason jar. It’s a call to embrace our authentic selves, to break free from societal norms, and to recognize the shared essence that binds us all in our collective journey through the cosmos.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
We are delving into the poetic imagery of being spirits in a mason jar, exploring themes of identity, authenticity, and freedom. The verses celebrate simplicity, encourage breaking free from constraints, recognize individuality, and call for unity by shattering the illusions of separation. It’s a reminder to embrace our true selves and acknowledge our shared essence in this cosmic dance.
Glossarium
- Spirits in a Mason Jar: A metaphor for the essence of our being, contained within physical and societal boundaries.
- Moonshine/Sunshine: Symbols of individuality and authentic self-expression.
- Earthquake: A metaphor for a transformative event that breaks down barriers and illusions of separation.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
A Free-Verse Poem: Spirits Unbound
In the realm of spirits,
Contained in glass,
We find ourselves,
Echoes of the past.
Black coffee, no sugar,
Gin, straight and pure,
A longing for truth,
In a world obscure.
Dance the jig of freedom,
Break the mason jar,
Unleash the spirit,
Shine like a star.
Moonshine in darkness,
Sunshine in day,
Be true to thyself,
In every way.
Jars on the shelf,
Corks in the bottle,
Trapped in ourselves,
In societal throttle.
But come the quake,
The great awakening,
Shattering glass,
Boundaries breaking.
For we are more,
Than spirits contained,
In the dance of life,
Forever unchained.
Written This Day
-
2023 -
2023 -
2022 -
2022 -
2022 -
2021 -
2021 -
2021 -
2020 -
2019 -
2019 -
2019 -
2018 -
2017 -
2017 -
2016 -
2016