student: I heard you used to be famous. teacher: I still am… with Mastercard.
student: Is that a joke?
teacher: Obviously not.
student: I mean they said you won a Juno and were in a band my parents liked.
teacher: That’s about right. student: I’d like to get famous too. teacher: Ok.
Student: Can I ask you for advice? teacher: On how to get famous?
student: Yeah.
teacher: From music?
student: Yeah.
teacher: I have no idea.student: Well how did you do it?
teacher: People liked our band, word of mouth spread, the shows got bigger and bigger, then a manager, then a record company.
student: You think it still works that way?
teacher: More or less, yes. Can I ask you why you want to be famous?
student: I just always thought it would make my life easier.
teacher: It might, it might not, but if it doesn’t happen it is no big deal.
student: Seriously?
teacher: If you become famous that doesn’t necessarily mean you are financially independent or have things easy.
student: Are you sure?
teacher: Scouts honour.
student: Shit.teacher: You write songs student: Yes.
teacher: And you want to make your life easier?
student: Yes.
teacher: You already have the magic beans, you’re just not seeing it right.
student: You mean if you write a hit?
teacher: No, I mean writing itself can heal emotionally, can solve problems. Sometimes you write a song and it’s like you climbed to the top of a mountain or laid an egg and your life will be easier for having done it.
student: With all due respect I think you’re wrong.
teacher: You don’t think songwriting does that?
student: I think being famous does do the things you said it doesn’t.
teacher: I guess I’ll ask for your autograph one day.
student: I guess so.
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I keep forgetting you’re famous, and wondering how I came across your blog to start with. Fame can’t be all it’s cracked up to be: sparkles and wealth. I mean, life is life. But it must feel good to write a great song. And of course singing and playing are as much fun as dancing.
-Kate
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Writing definitely heals. Thanks for writing this. I can’t remember how I came across your blog either, but I enjoy reading it.
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A story for your students.
A long time ago, a guy called Bob wrote a song.
About Union Carbide. About a distant evil.
Another guy heard this song. It did not get heavy rotation.
The occasion was a small, one man concert.
This other guy didn’t really know Bob’s band stuff.
But, this other guy was compelled to do something by one song.
Well, a media guerilla action. Even less likely to make you famous.
No rotation.
Still, marked a turn. Changed how I am.
Bob changed a life with a song. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
Not bad.