February, Taxes and the Death of Authenticity

Is it interesting to learn of a songwriter’s back story in the creation of a particular song?  Is it disappointing when you do?

I came across a piece of paper in the rattan basket by my bed titled:

“February, Taxes and the Death of Authenticity”

In rereading, I remembered it was something I typed up at a former place of employment having returned from a three-day bereavement period after the unexpected passing of my father. You get three days to grieve and stuff according to state law. So physically, I’d punched the time clock, mentally the clock punched me. I did have the sense to fake it though…a flurry of rat-a-tap-tapping fingernail to keyboard.

“I will just write free of form and see what comes…”

And as I read through, the plot line was confirmed.  Did I really write this? I don’t remember. But it was me. And proof, the last line typed:

“Were I to be a scrapper, a street fighter, even a boy hustler for a day, perhaps I could learn how to speak, punch the words out, strike for want of taste of blood, dirt and sweat.”

The uncarved beginning to the Grimm Generation song, “Kennedy Curse”. There, clear as day. It’s a surprise to me that someone asked about the back story to that song. And I wouldn’t have even thought about it were it not for that inquiry.

I wouldn’t have retained the foggiest notion.

The last line on the white, classroom loose-leafed paper is this:

“I can’t hear. I am off balance. I feel my mortality. I am numb in my arms and hands…”

Interestingly enough, I am not disappointed.