I am putting aside what was ready for today as I have been thinking about Lou Reed’s passing. And I can’t say that I was a fan. I don’t own any of his records and we couldn’t afford the tickets to his concert in Arles’ Antique Theatre a few years back. But I am an admirer. Because I know enough about him to have seen that he was true, to himself and to what he wanted to create. He was…a word that I tend to dance around gingerly these days…authentic.
Let’s see how that word is defined… well, there are actually quite a few options in Merriam-Webster but I’ll choose what suits me: “Authentic: real or genuine, not copied of false. True and accurate. True to one’s own personality, spirit or character.” And interestingly, as related to music: “of a cadence: progressing from the dominant chord to the tonic.” My musicians friends, is that appropriate for his music? Tell me, I am curious.
I am ambling towards a question and feel free to answer or not as it suits you. I know that there is talk in the popular parlance of “living an authentic life” but there seems to be so much space around that idea that I am not sure what to make of it. Or maybe I have put upon it a sticky veneer that is ready to be wiped away. Mr. Reed might have shredded such a feel-good cliché on his guitar while imperceptibly nodding his head in time.
And yet, we all need comfort. Reassurance. So often we look outwards for it but if I can remember, I will tell you along with myself that it is there within, that diamond bright of true. Real or genuine, not copied or false.
What does authenticity mean to you? Does it mean the same thing as “being true”? Is it something that matters in your conscious thoughts or efforts? If I am being honest, really honest, I don’t have an easy answer myself or at least not one that I could explain quickly. But I have a feeling that it is not in the absolute nor in the gigantic. Not all of us can soar through a life but we do, each of us, have our wings.
I am going to read Ben Ratliff’s article on Lou Reed this afternoon. If you would like to join me, you can find the link here.
And I will close by saying that I did wait on Lou Reed once in New York, while he was dining outside on a warm summer evening, leaning in closely to his companion, Laurie Anderson. I am no gossip but I find it worth mentioning that while Lou Reed will remain acclaimed in music history as a “punk poet” the man I saw that evening was every inch a gentleman.
I was living in Arles that summer night he performed, too. No ticket for me either, but I sat in the dark on the stoop of someone's house and just let the music wash over me. I had never heard his music before. I still don't own any of it, but that night was special.
Ah, the passing of Lou Reed. I have to say I was really shocked and a bit embarrassed because I thought he had already passed away, long ago! I am VU fan for sure, but I guess the "where is now?" never interested me as much as his music. He was certainly authentic, managing to capture downtown NYC in the 60s through his music. It must have been a wonderful time to be in New York….
Authentic is as my mom would say: "marching to the beat of your own drum." I love this expression and the visuals it evokes.
Ack – late to the party!! First – the tonic to the dominant: the dominant is the "resting tone", the key that a song is in (think the last note/chord of a song). And the tonic is the 5th ("sol") – when played, it creates a pull back to 1! I don't know his music well enough to say if it is characteristic, but I did hear cadences in the little bit of the clip you posted! I might defer to David who, I'm sure, has more knowledge about him/his music!
As for authenticity, I this word doesn't enter my consciousness so much – I am thinking more about changing my "negative" qualities (ego stuff) and to be more compassionate, letting go of anger – Buddhist stuff!! And I think authentic qualities aren't always positive, but better to feel them than to stuff them – feel them, but don't impose them on others or ruminate – let them go. And maybe the authentic self has to do with the pure self that is at our core, before all of the insecurity, depression, and ego-grasping come in; maybe it's a striving to get back to that!
At any rate, I agree with Suze – your blog post is a representation of authenticity; it reminds us to be mindful and grateful for the beauty that is all around us, but it also shows us what a beautiful soul you have! Hooray!
I do think it is a different place, if not exalted. Because I think too many of us (really, I should only speak for myself) have forgone authenticity to try to fit others' expectations. Just sometimes, at least. And those times were wasted times.
Hello Heather
Your story of meeting Lou Reed brought back a fond memory of my meeting Bobby Orr.
I have given you credit for this.
Many thanks
Helen xx
Hello Heather
I was only lightly familiar with Lou Reed's work but since his death have been researching his life and music. I do feel he was true to his art. This is one area where we can be authentic. (What an interesting face so full of character).
It is also fascinating that you served him in NYC. You were meant to meet
Helen xx
My true (or authentic) self is the best I can be in this world. Discovering what that is (in all its dimensions), and working toward becoming that, is my core life, and certainly lifelong (or many lives long), challenge. Making that challenge particularly difficult: having been raised in a culture, and at a time, in which women were to adopt the code (and mask) of "nice," and having grown up with a family, and their culture, in which adopting a certain mask (and thereby hiding and never knowing one's true self), and accomplishing all by manipulation, was the goal.
I have not come to know Lou Reed's music, but given what I am reading about it now, with his death, I will.
Your wish is fulfilled although it brought tears aplenty. I am like that these days and so take in your affirmation with the greatest respect. But I will hold onto your words, a strong rope when needed.
I am still waiting to hear from my Sister and her companion (a true punk poet if ever there was one) about the music issue… I bet there is something interesting there…
You are quite someone, my dear friend Suze.
What does it mean to progress from the dominant chord to the tonic, I wonder? That sentence snagged my imagination.
As for the diamond within you, Heather Robinson, I can see across an ocean how true you are. You are strong and good and light-filled. That is something that cannot be faked and can be perceived at any distance. May these words affirm you, as that is my wish.
This isn't exactly the song to post in response but it'll do…
http://youtu.be/upuHPq6lDwg
Admiringly as Ever and with my Gratitude for the laugh(s),
Heather