While They’re Alive, While We’re Alive

“So, you live from day to day, and you dream about tomorrow
And the hours go by like minutes, and the shadows come to stay
So you take a little something to make them go away

And I could have done so many things, baby
If I could only stop my mind
From wonderin’ what I left behind
And from worrying ’bout this wasted time”

– Lyric from “Wasted Time” by Glenn Frey and Don Henley / Eagles

In a life compelled by music, Eagles was a band that has been a major piece of who I am, musically, philosophically and, to a certain degree, spiritually.  Sure, they recorded almost every song in a key I could sing in, making my days as a cover-band front man at least bearable for the audiences.  But they also wrote about, sang about and delved into topics, feelings and experiences that were — are — important to me.

Thank God I saw them live, because Glenn is gone, and thus so is Eagles.  (It’s not “The” Eagles — and, Bob Lefsetz points out that it always drove Glenn nuts when people added the “The.”)

David Bowie is gone, too.  I never saw him perform live, but his music was also a strong influencer for my generation.  BB King passed recently.  Thankfully I saw him a half dozen times, because “the thrill is gone.”

We never know about tomorrow.  Heck, we’re not even sure about later today.  So we ought not to worry about wasted time, and instead stop wasting time.  See the artists that move you, while they’re alive, while we’re alive.  Have coffee with the people that inspire you, while they’re alive, while we’re alive. Call someone who will have their day changed for the better because you called — while they’re alive, while we’re alive.

Glenn Frey.  David Bowie.  BB King.  Dad.  Mom.  The list is long, and growing.  That’s part of being 54.  But the wasting time worrying, missing and wondering “woulda, coulda, shoulda” doesn’t have to be.  Now, I gotta go pick buy some Cowboy Mouth tickets, make a few phone calls and buy a round of coffee.  While they’re alive.  While I’m alive.