At some point in the last few days I took a drive and, as I always do, I was blasting my music with the windows down, only instead of one of my playlists, my iTunes radio station was playing. Most of the songs are, of course, songs I own or have downloaded, but on occasion something different came up… Including this one.
I’m an old soul. Anyone who knows me knows this. My go to for clothing and accessories has always been a variety of vintage styles and my music choices tend to reflect the era I’m feeling on any given day, whether it’s a pinup dress and classic jazz or long locks with a peasant blouse.
I haven’t heard this song in ages but I recognized the intro and didn’t bother to skip it when it started. As soon as it started playing and I started listening to the lyrics I was struck hard in my heart.
I swear I could have written this song only instead of feeling sad listening to the beautiful, ugly truth contained in the lyrics embedded in a peppy, pop song, I found myself smiling sadly but at the same time happily.
I think it’s gonna be all right;
Yeah, the worst is over now;
The mornin’ sun is shinin’ like a red rubber ball.
Paul Simon was truly a poet and he could weave a beautiful sad love song into a happy sounding pop ballad like no other.
Sidebar: I once had a white linen shirt like the one they’re wearing here and I totally wore it with old jeans, sandals, and my hair long and straight. Don’t judge me.
“Red Rubber Ball”
The Cyrkle, Red Rubber Ball, 1966
Songwriter: Paul Simon, Bruce Woodley
I should’ve known you’d bid me farewell;
There’s a lesson to be learned from this, and I learned it very well.
Now I know you’re not the only starfish in the sea:
If I never hear your name again, it’s all the same to me.
And I think it’s gonna be all right;
Yeh, the worst is over now;
The mornin’ sun is shinin’ like a red rubber ball.
You never cared for secrets I’d confide;
To you I’m just an ornament, somethin’ for your pride.
Always runnin’, never carin’, that’s the life you live.
Stolen moments of your time were all you had to give.
And I think it’s gonna be all right;
Yeh, the worst is over now;
The mornin’ sun is shinin’ like a red rubber ball.
The story’s in the past, with nothin’ to recall;
I’ve got my life to live, and I don’t need you at all.
The rollercoaster ride we took is nearly at an end;
I bought my ticket with my tears; that’s all I’m gonna spend.
And I think it’s gonna be all right;
Yeh, the worst is over now;
The mornin’ sun is shinin’ like a red rubber ball.
And I think it’s gonna be all right;
Yeh, the worst is over now;
The mornin’ sun is shinin’ like a red rubber ball.
Whoa, whoa, it’s bouncin’, and it’s shinin’ like a red rubber ball.
the kintsukuroi life 
sooner or later
lover or hater
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