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The Music of Pennywise

My packing is coming along well (glad I started a week in advance) and I've prepped my resignation letter for delivery Monday morning. I've chilled out, and am dubbing my videos on VHS to DVD. It's a small thing, however it'll save a little weight and space in storage. Plus, who owns a VCR anymore?

The first video I popped in was a collection of concert/interview footage from one of my favorite bands, Pennywise (official site). Fast, aggressive new school punk from Hermosa Beach, California. I bought Unknown Road back in 1994, during the start of my freshman year in college. It was inspired by Robert Frost and Thoreau (or was it Emerson?), and mostly written by their late bass player, Jason Thirsk.

Their music has given me some of the strength I'm drawing upon to take this backpacking trip around the world, and I thought I'd share some of my favorite lyrics…

From Living For Today:

you look around what do you see?
I'll tell you what I see is a world belonging to me
take time to find what you may dream
it's all right there within your grasp
just beyond what you can see
we're the ones, the only ones, strong ones, proud ones
we're living for today
those for the past and tomorrow they'll have hell to pay
and if your life is going by to fast
it's time for you to slow down
time for you to make it last
before you trip and slip and you will miss this happy little stepping stone
just before eternal bliss your life goes by before you know
you gotta take time to slow down
better take time to veer off the road enjoy the sights
while you are here there's nothing to fear but fear itself
who knows when the end is near
don't make plans with your hands tied
you'll never know you're missing out
repeatedly on the things that help you grow
you've got to own your soul
you've got to take control
find a one day plan young man get this straight
live for today

From Every Single Day:

I got time on my side twenty four hours in my life
Can't hang on to what's in my past
Full speed ahead hard and fast

From Unknown Road:

“…two roads diverged in a wood, and i – i took the one less traveled by, and
that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost

So you're currently content with your surroundings
You possess a vague sense of accomplishment
Did you give all you had to give or did you
give conservative
Do you think that all the years that passed you
by we're all well spent
Pictures of everyday life spark memories
And certain things pull triggers in your mind
What would be different now if you were
there than here.
What passages, what fantasies lie just
beyond the unknown road

Lyrics to all Pennywise albums.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Dave

Tuesday 30th of October 2007

I use to go to the Warped Tour because that seemed to be the only concerts they played. Eventually I found it to much effort (heat, cost, crowds), and stopped going. Seeing them live at the 9:30 Club on their own tour was priceless for me! They honored a local kid who died in a car accident by letting his/her friends come on stage during their "Bro Hymn" finale.

As a side note, I wrote them a condolence back in '96 (I think) after their bass player killed himself, and was happily surprised to get a handwritten note back from Jim (lead singer) thanking me for the kind words. I kept that letter even though it's just a few words long.

After college, I got into electronic music for a few years, and really fell out of the loop with newer indie/punk bands. Pennywise is one band I'll always enjoy though.

Pet Travel

Monday 29th of October 2007

Pennywise rocks! Date with Destiny is a good song. I was surprised, at Warped Tour, to see nobody stuck around for 'em. I guess they're just for us older guys.

Dave

Monday 29th of October 2007

I use to go to the Warped Tour because that seemed to be the only concerts they played. Eventually I found it to much effort (heat, cost, crowds), and stopped going. Seeing them live at the 9:30 Club on their own tour was priceless for me! They honored a local kid who died in a car accident by letting his/her friends come on stage during their "Bro Hymn" finale.

As a side note, I wrote them a condolence back in '96 (I think) after their bass player killed himself, and was happily surprised to get a handwritten note back from Jim (lead singer) thanking me for the kind words. I kept that letter even though it's just a few words long.

After college, I got into electronic music for a few years, and really fell out of the loop with newer indie/punk bands. Pennywise is one band I'll always enjoy though.

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