Here I Go, There I Go
I’ve always loved this Bob Seger song. Written in 1973 it is a mournful elegy to the transitivity of life. Seger reflects upon the day to day experience of being an entertainer. Beneath the glamor, the klieg lights of the big arenas, is the grind, the loneliness inscribed into “the life”. I am reminded of a saying from the Buddhist tradition, “You cannot pick up one end of the stick, without picking up the other.” The demands of moving on to the next gig preclude the existential comforts of settled living.
I love the wailing sax that punctuates the tune at the beginning, and at other points. The note is a human-like cry, a prayer if you will. Another compelling piece for me is the statement, “Here I go, playing star again….” The occupation of Rock Star is a role, talent — yes, hard work — yes. But above all it’s a set of behaviors, a role which does not sum up the human being who plays the part, over and over.
……………What does this tune evoke for you?
