My Life in a Playlist

Day 5: Rush - Red Barchetta

I'm not sure exactly why this hits me as hard as it does when I hear it, and the fact that it sends me through such a range of emotions is why it's on my list. When it first comes up, I am pumped up by the introduction, and oh man, I wish I could hit the skins like Neil Peart. Unfortunately, even though I wanted to study drums, my parents bought a clarinet. I was horrified. Thanks folks, because being the new kid in middle school wasn't hard enough. I do believe I would have stayed in band if I'd bought drumsticks. I tried later in life, but just ended up as the vocalist. I can't sing like Geddy Lee, either.

Then, next, I think back to the concert. It was simply amazing. I was with a special girl, we had rushed the stage (No pun intended.), and standing right in front of the band we got the full experience. Certainly a memory that makes me smile that I'll never forge.

Then finally, the realization comes. I'm not the kid in that song. I used to be. Not that I was chased in a sports car by futuristic machines, but I would have... I loved taking chances and breaking rules. That changed when I was married and had kids. I wouldn't trade them for the world. I only hope I've shown them the fun there is in life like that older uncle is doing. Because yes, I am the old guy now, and that makes me a bit sad.