That was the ending quote for last night’s “Foundation” episode of one of my favorite TV shows – Criminal Minds. And, almost everyday of my life, I have the truth of those words driven home by one or more of those completely involuntary, flashback-induced, full-body shudders. A natural consequence, I suppose, of having a conscience and an ego with a combined mass greater than what my poor head was meant to contain.
But there are other, even harder to live with consequences of being unable (or unwilling) to let go of the past…
The non-stop drumbeat of “Why? Why? Why?!?!” is one.
Remember when the days were long
And rolled beneath a deep blue sky
Didn’t have a care in the world
With mommy and daddy standing by
When “happily ever after” fails
And we’ve been poisoned by these fairy tales
The lawyers dwell on small details
Since daddy had to fly
But I know a place where we can go
That’s still untouched by man
We’ll sit and watch the clouds roll by
And the tall grass wave in the wind
You can lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair fall all around me
Offer up your best defense
But this is the end
This is the end of the innocence
O’ beautiful, for spacious skies
But now those skies are threatening
They’re beating plowshares into swords
For this tired old man that we elected king
Armchair warriors often fail
And we’ve been poisoned by these fairy tales
The lawyers clean up all details
Since daddy had to lie
But I know a place where we can go
And wash away this sin
We’ll sit and watch the clouds roll by
And the tall grass wave in the wind
Just lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair spill all around me
Offer up your best defense
But this is the end
This is the end of the innocence
Who knows how long this will last
Now we’ve come so far, so fast
But, somewhere back there in the dust
That same small town in each of us
I need to remember this
So baby give me just one kiss
And let me take a long last look
Before we say good bye
Just lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair fall all around me
Offer up your best defense
But this is the end
This is the end of the innocence
And the loneliness that results from having no good answers to give is another.
Sleepless hours and dreamless nights and far aways
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Heaven knows and Lord it shows when I’m away
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Same old show in a different town on another day
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Even though you’re far away, you’re on my mind
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
And I’d like to change my life, and you know I would
Just to be with you tonight, baby, if I could
But I’ve got my job to do, and I do it well
Change my life, so I guess that’s how it is
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
On the road it’s a heavy load, but I’ll be by
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Pay the price, make a sacrifice, and still I’ll try
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Ooo ooo ooo, wishing you were here
Great quote. And I identify with your “being unable (or unwilling) to let go of the past…” Our pasts are permanent and unchangeable, and like it or not we’re stuck with them. We hear “let it go” and “move on” all the time, but I’ve never heard anyone explain exactly how to “let go” of the past. I could really use some instructions on that because there are definitely some things I’d like to let go.
Oh you really nailed it there PT! Having to listen to lame advice is one of the things that make talking about my problems so hard to do. And as far as “how-to instructions” are concerned, not even the army of shrinks I’ve seen have provided good advice there! 😀
Well now, I’ve never actually been able to afford the ones that weren’t provided by the V.A. or Social Security, but I’ve flushed enough money down the toilet in my life to know that the relief it buys is temporary at best. Hell, from where I’m sitting these days, the cash would be much better spent on a “fortress of solitude” in the wilderness! 😀
i don’t think it is possible to let go…all you can do is put it in a box and tape it up then shove it in a cupboard…but tiny tendrils will always reach out to you
oh and how did you get those boxes with the text scrolling…i love thos
And thanks, I love those scrollable boxes too. But they’re really just kludged together from stuff I’ve seen elsewhere. Hell, I don’t even understand all the coding they take, but I’ll gladly show you id you’d like. I could also show you how to embed the auto-scrolling widget available where I got the lyrics from.
Omigawd. I almost used the opening quote from the show in my post today. I love Criminal Minds, and last night’s show was one of the best episodes ever. It really got to me.
So true about living in the past, just can’t seem to get in the now. As for the two songs, big ol blasts from the past. “End of the Innocence” remains one of those songs that will never get old, though.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever followed through, but I know I’ve PLANNED several Criminal Minds posts. I even created, and occasionally update, a text file just for quotes from the show. BTW, did you see Thomas Gibson on Tavis Smiley last night? It was so good that I actually paused my DVR recording of last night’s episode to watch it! 😀
These two songs are strongly associated with my struggle against depression. “End of the Innocence” is from the period just before my first breakdown, while “Wishing You Were Here” goes back to when I first went out on my own, filled with a Crusader’s faith that I was destined to change the world…
I’m glad. I try too peek in to see who’s on every night. BTW, I think my family actually blames my mental issues, in part at least, on my entertainment choices – especially the music! 😉
OMG Loon, I certainly got my share of brain damage from those guys! And I haven’t thought of Flip Wilson in so long that I wonder how many people have ever even heard of him? My very favorite bit were those about The Church Of What’s Happening Now, but that’s way too long for here. But he played such an important role in the development of TV comedy:
I guess it’s only natural for family to look to your influences for an explanation of what they perceive as inexplicable behavior. I know I absolutely hated it when my kids started listening to rap music and watching stuff like “Beavis and Butthead” and “South Park.” Of course, I would have loved it if they’d shown something (anything) like a love for reading. I remember getting all excited once when my daughter got me a book that she said she loved – until I discovered it amounted to a treatise on solving my problems with religion. I know she meant well, but I was still stunned that she could know so little about me!
I’m not particularly worried about unpleasant memories haunting me. I forgot what I was writing about halfway through the previous sentence. I’m not kidding, I really did! I can’t imagine my memory is gonna improve with age.
Re: Criminal Minds, I’ve tried to get into it and I will watch it if there’s nothing else on, but my tolerance for human depravity has decreased considerably in the last few years. Or maybe I’m just a wuss.
My memory errors usually come from a mistaken belief that I can actually multitask. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen it, but my version of multitasking is exactly like the time Scooby Doo tried to run away in four directions at the same time – with his knotted-together multi-tail keeping him going anywhere! 😯
Oh dear. If that “human depravity” thing is a real turn off for you, you might want to skip tomorrow’s post. Today’s positive feedback gave me enough energy to dig up the bookmarks I stored for possible Criminal Minds posts, and I’ve already started one on the most shocking episode of the series so far! 😈
Wow, adding a little comedy will be a challenge. Hell, Tavis Smiley actually dared Thomas Gibson to smile at the camera last night – just to prove he still could! 😯
Thanks Frank. I’m not sure what pleases me more: The amazing response to this post, or the fact that so many people share my love for Criminal Minds? And to think I didn’t even add a search tag for it, but you can bet I will now to see what happens! 😀
I Want Ice Water! 
I remember “Boys of Summer” by Don Henley, and I like a lot Chicago “If you leave me now.”
LikeLike
And “Hard to say I’m sorry”. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Sabina. Those are all great songs! 😀
LikeLike
Great quote. And I identify with your “being unable (or unwilling) to let go of the past…” Our pasts are permanent and unchangeable, and like it or not we’re stuck with them. We hear “let it go” and “move on” all the time, but I’ve never heard anyone explain exactly how to “let go” of the past. I could really use some instructions on that because there are definitely some things I’d like to let go.
LikeLike
Oh you really nailed it there PT! Having to listen to lame advice is one of the things that make talking about my problems so hard to do. And as far as “how-to instructions” are concerned, not even the army of shrinks I’ve seen have provided good advice there! 😀
LikeLike
Then I guess there’s no point in me paying to see one. ‘Cuz that’s all I want to know, really — how to let go of the bad stuff.
LikeLike
Well now, I’ve never actually been able to afford the ones that weren’t provided by the V.A. or Social Security, but I’ve flushed enough money down the toilet in my life to know that the relief it buys is temporary at best. Hell, from where I’m sitting these days, the cash would be much better spent on a “fortress of solitude” in the wilderness! 😀
LikeLike
Sounds good to me … as long as it’s got electricity and wi fi.
LikeLike
Of course. I may look like the Unabomber, but I have no desire to live like him! 😯
LikeLike
well, can’t say it better than PiedType so will just be quiet and nod my head… 😀
LikeLike
Oh really? Uh huh…
LikeLike
BIG ASS LOL!
LikeLike
I thought that might quicken your pulse! 😀
LikeLike
i don’t think it is possible to let go…all you can do is put it in a box and tape it up then shove it in a cupboard…but tiny tendrils will always reach out to you
oh and how did you get those boxes with the text scrolling…i love thos
LikeLike
Ain’t THAT the truth?!?! 😀
And thanks, I love those scrollable boxes too. But they’re really just kludged together from stuff I’ve seen elsewhere. Hell, I don’t even understand all the coding they take, but I’ll gladly show you id you’d like. I could also show you how to embed the auto-scrolling widget available where I got the lyrics from.
Just let me know… 😀
LikeLike
That sounds like a plan…
🙂
LikeLike
Getting code to show in a comment never works out, so I’ve left the code I actually used here and the code for the embed here. Enjoy! 😀
LikeLike
Omigawd. I almost used the opening quote from the show in my post today. I love Criminal Minds, and last night’s show was one of the best episodes ever. It really got to me.
So true about living in the past, just can’t seem to get in the now. As for the two songs, big ol blasts from the past. “End of the Innocence” remains one of those songs that will never get old, though.
Take care, IM.
LikeLike
I’m not sure if I’ve ever followed through, but I know I’ve PLANNED several Criminal Minds posts. I even created, and occasionally update, a text file just for quotes from the show. BTW, did you see Thomas Gibson on Tavis Smiley last night? It was so good that I actually paused my DVR recording of last night’s episode to watch it! 😀
These two songs are strongly associated with my struggle against depression. “End of the Innocence” is from the period just before my first breakdown, while “Wishing You Were Here” goes back to when I first went out on my own, filled with a Crusader’s faith that I was destined to change the world…
LikeLike
I did not see it, but I’ll follow the link. Thanks.
LikeLike
You’re so welcome! They have a video of the entire interview there. 😀
LikeLike
Watched it. Love him. Thanks for the hook up.
P.S. I hear you on associating songs with depression. Do it all the time.
LikeLike
I’m glad. I try too peek in to see who’s on every night. BTW, I think my family actually blames my mental issues, in part at least, on my entertainment choices – especially the music! 😉
LikeLike
My family too IzaakMak and they are probably right.
LikeLike
OMG Loon, I certainly got my share of brain damage from those guys! And I haven’t thought of Flip Wilson in so long that I wonder how many people have ever even heard of him? My very favorite bit were those about The Church Of What’s Happening Now, but that’s way too long for here. But he played such an important role in the development of TV comedy:
LikeLike
Flip Wilson was great!
LikeLike
Yes he was! I wonder if there’s a DVD collection somewhere you can buy?
LikeLike
Wait…there’s more …remember the Gong Show starring ….Chuck Barris…he claimed he worked for the CIA!!!
LikeLike
Oh noooo, not Chuck Barris! Make it stop, PLEASE make it STOOOOPPPPP! 😯
LikeLike
Hate to be the confirmer of bad news here, but the older you get the more the quotation fits. Sorry. Sorry.
LikeLike
Ain’t that the truth. 😦
LikeLike
OMG Jim, that’s as good as the quote from the show. You and PT must buy your hammers from the same store! 😀
LikeLike
More’n likely, Izaak. Also, totally agree on Criminal Minds, everyone. Nothing like a good serial killer fix once in a while!! Heh, heh.
LikeLike
So true Jim. Also, having my face rubbed in it by shows like that has really helped keep the budding mass murderer inside me in check! 😉
LikeLike
I’m with you on the crim minds front:)
LikeLike
Wow, that’s cool. I knew the show was very popular here in the U.S., but knowing how the world beyond feels is a different matter! 😀
LikeLike
My family thinks that what I watch and read play a big par in my psyche, especially my nightmares.
Flip Wilson, ooooh. Now that’s a real blast from the past.
LikeLike
I guess it’s only natural for family to look to your influences for an explanation of what they perceive as inexplicable behavior. I know I absolutely hated it when my kids started listening to rap music and watching stuff like “Beavis and Butthead” and “South Park.” Of course, I would have loved it if they’d shown something (anything) like a love for reading. I remember getting all excited once when my daughter got me a book that she said she loved – until I discovered it amounted to a treatise on solving my problems with religion. I know she meant well, but I was still stunned that she could know so little about me!
LikeLike
I’m not particularly worried about unpleasant memories haunting me. I forgot what I was writing about halfway through the previous sentence. I’m not kidding, I really did! I can’t imagine my memory is gonna improve with age.
Re: Criminal Minds, I’ve tried to get into it and I will watch it if there’s nothing else on, but my tolerance for human depravity has decreased considerably in the last few years. Or maybe I’m just a wuss.
LikeLike
My memory errors usually come from a mistaken belief that I can actually multitask. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen it, but my version of multitasking is exactly like the time Scooby Doo tried to run away in four directions at the same time – with his knotted-together multi-tail keeping him going anywhere! 😯
Oh dear. If that “human depravity” thing is a real turn off for you, you might want to skip tomorrow’s post. Today’s positive feedback gave me enough energy to dig up the bookmarks I stored for possible Criminal Minds posts, and I’ve already started one on the most shocking episode of the series so far! 😈
LikeLike
Well, now I have to look! Long as you throw in the odd bit of choice black comedy, I’ll probably be fine.
LikeLike
Wow, adding a little comedy will be a challenge. Hell, Tavis Smiley actually dared Thomas Gibson to smile at the camera last night – just to prove he still could! 😯
LikeLike
Good quote and music … plus Criminal Minds is awesome.
LikeLike
Thanks Frank. I’m not sure what pleases me more: The amazing response to this post, or the fact that so many people share my love for Criminal Minds? And to think I didn’t even add a search tag for it, but you can bet I will now to see what happens! 😀
LikeLike
Religion has created far more problems than it ever solved!
LikeLike
I couldn’t agree more my friend, which is why the only “higher power” I look to is the vision of what I could, and should, be!
LikeLike
Ah, I remember “If you leave me now” by Chicago.Great songs mate.Btw awesome comments! 😀
LikeLike
Thank my friend. The response has been most surprising. That’s another great Chicago song, and I could have easily used it instead! 😀
LikeLike