Music for a Funk

on Friday, February 05, 2010

I am feeling a little down. My wife is away, traveling and I miss her. I got the flu. Work is piling up and so are the bills. And, there is conflict at work. I don't do conflict well. I guess you can say that I am in a funk. I had no idea what to post tonight but I went over The Walking Man's blog and something happened as I read his poem, TIRED OF BEING WET AND COLD?

The poem somehow reminded me of the lyrics of a song that was a particular favorite of mine when I went through my depression period. This 1969 song was sung by the singularly talented Peggy Lee and was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The song was inspired by the story "Disillusionment" by Thomas Mann, written in 1896. You know that you are depressed when even the greatest joys, greatest excitements and the greatest loss leaves you with nothing but a numb, empty feeling.

So in line with my current gloomy mood and my philosophy of "why should I suffer alone?", I would like to share this dark song which is ideal for stewing in a funk. For those of you who mistakenly thought that I was going to play funky music, you can leave now. It's music for a funk and not funky music.


20 comments:

Sincerity said...

Mr. LGS: I'm sorry you're having a difficult time. :( Life can be that way. Not fun. But know that your " funk" will pass, your wife will return, the turmoil at work will end, and your health will improve.

But until then... drink lots of water, tea, use a heating pad on your neck or take a hot shower and try to rest as much as you can. It sounds to me like you're under stress and that can become a serious issue. So... take care of yourself! I'll be praying for you. :)

ivan@creativewriting.ca said...

I have met Peggy Lee.

At the end of her performance of "Is That All There is, she winked, and said, "Yeah. Yeah. That's all there is...heh."
But she had to keep on working, to be up and on for every performance.
Life for her was certainly no dream. A worker. Life goes on.

Mindful Merchant said...

Thank you for the song "Is that all there is?" Perfect for my funk - I'm tired of winter and being cold too. I hope you feel better and everything turns out well...soon!

molly said...

So sorry you've got the blues and the flus and the missing yous! Hope the sunshines for you again real soon!

Joyce's Ramblings said...

Blue Funks for the Grey Squirrel not good. This is the time for blue funks and I am sorry your in one but know this you have company. Hope your wife comes home soon and work will resolve and you will get healthy.

the walking man said...

maybe you need "A Night on Bare Mountain" by Mussorgsky if that won't add to the circus atmosphere of a blue funk then nothing will.

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

Ms. Sincerity,
Thanks for the advice. I agree that stress can be a serious issue and one that sometimes sneaks in under our radar. Thanks for reminding me.

ivan,
I am obviously envious. Peggy Lee is a musical icon for me. I thought many of her songs to be peculiarly innovative and unique. Life for a star does seem to be a lot more hard work than it appears to be today. Or perhaps the returns are just better today.

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

The Mindful Merchant,
I realise that you are still in the grips of winter. It's actually pretty warm where i am but they say misery loves company so despite being in opposite parts of the world, it is comforting to share the funk with you. However, may I wish for both of us, sunny days and blue skies up ahead.

Molly,
"The blues, the flus and the missing yous". That is so clever, it actually brightened my gloom a bit. Thanks.

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

Joyce,
Thanks for the good wishes.
May Spring spring soon,
and the flowers bloom.
May the snow and ice begone,
and the sunbeams warm,
May the year be good to you
and to all your loved ones too.

Mark,
Thanks for the tip. Will give it a listen. This is new to me.

lady macleod said...

Alas funks do occur, but remember things can always get worse, so they can also..

A nice cup of tea washed down with an excellent single malt is never a bad idea :-)

Kathryn said...

I'm sorry you're in a funk. Kind of there myself. Hope you are feeling better soon.

I'd never heard the song before. I don't remember any of Peggy Lee's stuff. Honestly, i think the song would put me in a funk sooner than other stuff! But that is me.

We've a grey, dreary day here & i've so much to do that i'm not making myself do.

But spring will come. ;)

On a limb with Claudia said...

The song seems kind of inspirational to me. And I'm sorry you're in a funk. It's winder here - cold and dark - so funks are fairly common. I hope you climb out of yours very soon!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Being a grey squirrel lover I just had to read your blog.
Sorry all is not well at the moment
there seems to be much of it around at the moment.
I enjoyed reading your blog and listening to Peggy Lee.
Take care and keep warm/
Yvonne.

Marja said...

My kids used up the broadband, so the song cann't be played, but as I tend towards the same mood as you at the moment I more prefer some cheering up The poem you referred to did indeed an excellent job. So I send you lots of hugs and some good vibes and hope everything will be well for you soon. The good thing is when my husband returned from a long trip I appreciated him fully again

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

Lady Macleod,
The squirrel is honored by your visit and comments, O Lady Macleod of the Texas Macleods. Sorry, you have dropped in on my funk. Please visit again when I am my nuttier self.

Kathryn,
indeed, spring is almost there. Hang in there. This being "my year" (see my 22 Jan post), I have arranged that some of your snow got dumped on Washington D.C. instead.

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

Claudia,
Well, sometimes one can feel very cosy in a funk, but I have already climbed out of it. But the forecasts is for another tropical depression in mid-week.

Yvonne,
Thank you for visiting and commenting. Do come by when the Realm here is not under the influence of a tropical depression.

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

Marja,
Enjoy your husband. I have to wait another 5 days before my wife returns.

Anonymous said...

Concentrate on how much fun it will be reuniting with your wife! That should help the time pass quickly

geewits said...

I know something that will cheer you up - guaranteed. Go to youtube and find "kitty is a very bad mystic" by klaatu42. It's the funniest thing ever.
"Mouse."

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

XUP,
Top notch suggestion!

Geewits,
Quite convincing. "Mouse" Heh heh. Thanks for pointing me in that direction.

Related Posts Widget for Blogs by LinkWithin