It’s one of those moments when irony steps up and slaps you in the face.  It’s one of those moments when you smirk and say this is absurd.  Every day I make people laugh.   It doesn’t always happen on this blog but it’s pretty consistent in my day-to-day life.  I often say that humour is just acknowledging life to be as it is . . . absurd.  That’s what comedians do.  They point out things in life that are absurd and expose them (at least, I think the good ones do :)).

I’ve been asked many times in my life, “Why do you listen to such depressing music?”  There are some people that have asked me, “How do you keep such a cheerful outlook when things get bad?”  There other who would roll their eyes upon hearing someone ask the last question.  This is because life is not entirely one way or another.  Life only has no surprises if you train yourself to see only the same things. It’s amazing how many fear change, how many fear having to rethink things and . . . even, God forbid, admit you were mistaken.  One of my favourite bumper stickers says, “Oh no!  Not another learning experience!”   Those are the most scary, liberating, challenging and ,unfortunately, uncomfortable moments.  Then again, when we get too comfortable we fall asleep (see The Lotus Eaters section of Homer’s Odyssey).

I find some of the most depressing music liberating.  Do I listen to only depressing music?  No.  I listen to some the silliest, most ridiculous music, too.  I mean, we feel more emotions than anger, depression and joy so why shouldn’t our music reflect the same range?  Why should it be considered to be so tragic to listen depressing or angry music?   On the flip side, why should it be considered so surface and shallow to listen to happier music?  It’s when it’s a put-on that is annoying.  When you’re feeling down, the most annoying person on the planet is the one who says, “Cheer up!  It’s not so bad!”  I feel like it’s so bad right now but I might change that perspective when I get through to the other end but for now, GET OUT OF MY FACE IF YOU HAVE NO BETTER INPUT!  I’ve made a lot of people feel better by just listening to them respectfully and then quietly giving them my angle.  If they’re not buying into it, I let them be.  It’s only temporary.

Genesis P. Orridge (TG and Psychic TV fame) in an interview was once asked about Ian Curtis’ (of Joy Division) suicide.  It turned out that Genesis tried to get a hold of Ian repeatedly but the phone was off the hook.  Earlier that evening Ian left a message on Genesis’ answering machine singing the TG song “Weeping.”  Genesis knew immediately that Ian was going to try to kill himself.  In between attempts to reach Ian, Genesis called everyone he knew that could get there but no one answered.  Genesis said he was so angry at these people until he found out that they were all at the same wedding at the time!

The interviewer asked Genesis, “What would you have said if you were able to speak to Ian?”  His response was: “I would have told him it’s only a moment.”   This means that this outlook will pass and perspective will take over.  Genesis went on to describe a time when he was suicidal and what stopped him.  He told a friend that he wanted to kill himself.  His friend asked him why.  Genesis said, “Because everyone hates me!”  The friend then replied, “Well, just imagine how pissed off they’ll be knowing that you’re still around!”  This cheered him up.  Odd as he is, Genesis is still around making music.  It lends credence to the expression, “Living Well is the Best Revenge.”  (And, no R.E.M. did not coin that phrase lol).