Beneath the Paint and Armor

Today's musical inspiration comes as a result of listening to my Ben Folds collection, top to bottom. It's been a long time since I spent time with this music, which has meant so much to me over the years. And it's funny how each song carries with it a specific thought pattern--rarely do we let the storyteller simply tell his stories without superimposing our own experiences upon them--you tend to either turn the lyrics outward onto those you know, or inward upon yourself, and you make the stories your own.

But once in awhile, your own stories or perspective can change. A song that has always held one meaning suddenly holds another. That was true today with "Jane." I've always applied this one outward on an old friend of mine who at one time seemed to be struggling with being at peace with who he is. But today, it was for me.

Jane, be Jane--
You’re better that way
Not when you’re trying
Imitating something you think you saw

So Jane, be Jane--
And though sometimes that might
Drive them away
Let them stay there–you don’t need them anyway

You’re worried there might not be anything at all inside
But that you’re worried should tell you that’s not right
Don’t try to see yourself the way that others do - it’s no use
You’ve had it harder than anyone could know - so hard to let it go.

But it’s your life
And you can decorate it as you like
Beneath the paint and armor,
In your eyes, the truth still shines

Jane, be Jane.

Here’s hoping that even though I don’t often feel like it’s even there, that, indeed, “beneath the paint and armor...the truth still shines.”