Remembering Rhythm & Blues: Contemplating Resolutions With Otis Redding

Contemplating Resolutions With Otis Redding

If you're reading this blog, then there's a good chance that you already know what to expect when you hear the music of Otis Redding. In 1989, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame said his name was "synonymous with the term soul, music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of funky, secular testifying" and years later, this statement still holds true. So today, I was driving to work, listening to Otis and Carla's 1967 duet, New Year's Resolution, and I'm thinking about how this year gives me another chance to get it together. Like Carla says, Oh, I'm a woman and women makes mistakes too, but will you, will you forget the changes that I put you through. So I'm thinking - what issues/quirks can I work on to make my relationships with others better? At first, I can't really think of anything as my ego is hell bent on not acknowledging that I could ever be in the wrong, yet that quiet little voice pokes my brain with the thought - Stop expecting everyone to think and/or say what you think they should, how can you seek your own freedom when you're dictating to others? Hmmmmmmm. There's definitely some truth to that. That's why my little mantra lately has been, "If you're not under 5 years old, then don't expect me to babysit your every move or tell you exactly what you need to do". 2008 is all about new beginnings hence why I'm starting this year off right, with complete honesty and hard truths.

Shoot, Redding's music can do that to you. Make you want to search down deep within your soul for true purpose and meaning. Take his hit song, (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay. There's so much self-reflection with it's mellow groove and honest lyrics - I'm just sittin on the dock of the bay, wastin time.... Yes indeed, Redding inspired me to create a simple list of New Years' Resolutions:
1. Strive for patience
2. Strive for freedom
3. Strive for adventure
4. And above else, to thine own self, be true....