Music and Meaning
As one approaches the end of his ninth decade of life (mine arriving within the next few months), it’s almost impossible not to reflect upon one's legacy. The truth is that when each of us departs from this planet we leave with an empty suitcase. What we do leave behind are the threads we have woven into the tapestry of the lives of those who we have encountered in myriad ways. We cannot predict if what we do, or say, will resonate and find purchase in the halls of the minds of others. I am always surprised when I learn that what I have either done, or said, remains alive in the thoughts and actions of those who I have interacted with during my life, so much of which was lived in a classroom environment.
However, a recent trip to Detroit to attend the opening day for my beloved Tigers introduced me to a talented musician and song writer who has produced an unexpected new thread in my life’s tapestry.
While in Detroit, my wife and I were graced by the hospitality of the Hodges family. Jeff Hodges (John Jeffrey Hodges, in full) and I proved bonded by our shared love object, the Detroit Tigers. Our exchanges transcended baseball and entered other domains. We touched on our experience of time, and I dropped a line that I frequently had employed in my classes when trying to impress upon my students that time is among their most valuable possessions, not to be wasted, killed, or marked. The line I am referring to represents this Bronx boy at the height of his poetic sensibility when I posit that “Time is the currency of love.”
Jeff, who filters his experience through a significant musical artistry, surprised me by employing his many talents to write a musical piece employing my quote as the title of the song. He even credits me with its authorship by inserting my name within the lyrics. The unique experience of hearing my name and a quote I frequently use in this up-beat catchy tune penned by one John Jeffrey Hodges caught me by surprise and touched my heart.
How surprising and wonderful to be the subject of a song and to be entered on the list of those who have been celebrated and immortalized in such a fashion. I am deeply moved and appreciative of his gift, a new thread in the tapestry of my life, and clearly a gift of love. I take this opportunity to provide his work for your listening pleasure.
