We Americans are “stuck in a ditch”, “out of gas”, “can’t find the keys.” Use any metaphor that comes to mind to describe an impasse.  The automobile, “the invention” of the 20th century, is the indispensable means of transportation.  How many idioms do we have to express the helpless feeling of being unable to get to work, or pick up the kids, etc. ?

A few of these word-images suggest the intellectual and existential separation between us now.  Separate, colliding world views which have little (if any) common vocabulary and grammar, are more difficult, less likely of solution than your ability to remember where you last placed the ignition key.  How about the inconvenience of waiting for a tow truck?

Earlier today I received a email overture from a friend, a note intended to provoke a “smack-talking” exchange about the political scene.  I briefly replied.  There are other matters that I wish to attend to this morning.  It’s obvious to that the state of society, and by extension the well-being of many is in trouble.  A democracy by definition is a sharing of power.  Sharing?  Not all, — but many of our citizen-legislators sound as if their prior employment was that of a carnival side-show barker…

It’s helpful, salutary to be reminded that life offers opportunities for collaboration, cooperation, for making-common-cause, for durable commitment.  Nothing less will do, if we desire to experience the benefits of a humane society.

This song is a reminder.  The story line is a crystal-like parable of what is possible, of life fulfilled, of how “we” is more, much more than “I” alone.

Enjoy!  Eddie Money’s hit tune, Take Me Home, his tribute to Ronnie Spector!

In 1986, Ronnie Spector experienced a career resurgence when she was featured on Eddie Money’s song “Take Me Home Tonight”…

“He [Money] had a crazy, great sense of humor, and was a real character, with the kind of positive vibe that we don’t see today, but we sure could use more of. Eddie brought joy to a lot [of] people with his music and performing, and he never stopped.”  – Ronnie Spector

Eddie Money,  (March 21, 1949 — September 13, 2019)

Take Me Home Tonight

By Eddie Money

I feel a hunger, it’s a hunger
That tries to keep a man awake at night
Are you the answer? I shouldn’t wonder
When I can feel you whet my appetite
With all the power you’re releasing
It isn’t safe to walk the city streets alone
Anticipation is running through me
Let’s find the keys and turn this engine on

I can feel you breathe
I can feel your heart beat faster (Faster)

Take me home tonight
I don’t want to let you go ’til you see the light
Take me home tonight
Listen, honey, just like Ronnie sang
Be my little baby, oh, ho, oh

I get frightened in all this darkness
I get nightmares I hate to sleep alone
I need some company a guardian angel
To keep me warm when the cold winds blow

I can feel you breathe
I can feel your heart beat faster (Faster)

Take me home tonight
I don’t want to let you go ’til you see the light
Take me home tonight
Listen, honey , just like Ronnie sang
Be my little baby
Be my little baby, uh-huh

Just like Ronnie sang
I said
Just like Ronnie sang
Be my little baby
Baby, my darlin’, uh, uh, oh, oh, oh

I feel a hunger
It’s a hunger

Take me home tonight
I don’t want to let you go ’til you see the light
Take me home tonight
Listen, honey, just like Ronnie sang
Be my little baby, oh, ho, oh

Lyrics by Michael David Leeson, Peter Benson Vale