The Bread Business

Musician Paul Thorn said in an interview, "If you're loved by everybody, you're not saying too much."

There's a lot of truth in that.

He was speaking about writing songs, particularly from his Pimps and Preachers album. But I think it's applicable to many kinds of writing and other kinds of speech.

I've been mulling over a blog post for awhile titled, "Honesty comes with a price." Over the years I've had multiple instances of paying a price with friends and acquaintances for honesty. Mostly because I share my thoughts and feelings - largely unedited - in this forum.

I don't say anything here I wouldn't say face to face, but - sadly - there are few situations in real life where one talks about their honest, deep feelings. So, my words here on occasion seem to shock people. And people do what is natural when they're shocked, they back up.

In the midst of working on this post, I ran across this quote by Spanish writer, Miguel de Unamuno, "My aim is to agitate and disturb people. I'm not selling bread, I'm selling yeast."

It's never my intention to agitate or disturb people, but I seem to do it regularly nonetheless. If only I could use this power for good in the world.

But I'm not in the bread business either.

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You can listen to Paul Thorn on YouTube. I've never seen him in person but he plays regularly around the country. I'm sure it would be a fabulous show.


Just from this album, I encourage the following:
The melody in "Ray Ann's Shoes" is hauntingly beautiful.
"You Might be Wrong" should be required listening for anyone offering their opinion about anything.
"That's Life" is a tribute to his mother.
"Tequila is good for the heart" is something anyone who's had a broken heart can relate to.
The title track tells its own story.