Today in Appropriate Song Lyrics

Isn't it wonderful how a certain song can trigger a memory, or a thought? There are many for me that evoke a particular place and time, or sometimes - a person. Perhaps you remember the first time you heard that song, and who you were with. I can't listen to Hit Me With your Best Shot without remembering a beautiful sunny December 26, 1980, riding with the top down in Robbie Corly's triumph, drinking beer and listening to the 8 track, fresh from the store that morning.

Sometimes, I have no particular memory of the song itself, but it's lyrics caress my thoughts into remembering a certain person. For as long as I can remember, Same Old Lang Syne has been one of those songs. Perhaps the reason I love this song so much is because I can't hear it without thinking of one particular, very special person.



Xena, as she will be known here, was a high school sweetheart of Brave Sir Robin. She was in my life at that delicious time of discovery, naivety, and confusion known as being 16. Not quite lovers, but so much more than boyfriend and girlfriend. She was the first woman in my life that was my best friend at the same time that she was my girlfriend. What a difference from being just the girl you went to the movies with, then went over to a buddy's house to talk about anything but the girl. It was the beginning of my understanding that women are more than just accouterments, to be paraded about and enjoyed. She was confidant, friend, and participant in some of the most legendary make out sessions our band busses had ever seen.

As High School romances are want to do - ours slipped away. The reasons are lost in the murky fog of a 30 year old memory. It hardly matters why - but a connection had been made. It is telling to note that of all the women I've dated in my life, she was the first, (and in truth - the only) one who remained my very close Friend after we parted. She was not only the smartest person I knew (Valedictorian), she was funny - (more importantly, she thought I was funny), beautiful, musical, and quite simply, the kind of person that everyone loved. I knew she was special, and I never felt like I was quite up to her level. Although I was saddened to lose our intimacy - she was still my friend, and there was never a time that I wasn't thrilled to be in her presence.

Of course, as High School became college, and college became life, we lost contact. Yet every time Dan Fogelberg sang Same Old Lang Syne, it was her face I'd see, and I could always just imagine running into her at the grocery store around Christmas time. I never did.

About three weeks ago. we found each other on facebook. It's better than any song lyric I've ever heard. She is still the warm, beautiful person she always was, she still has her infectious giggle, and her wickedly sharp sense of humor.

Brave Sir Robin is excited, eager, and thrilled to face the new day. When was the last time you heard that from me? Xena is my friend, and I never dared to dream she would some day be in my life again. Those of you who have been with me for the last two and a half years aren't used to an optimistic, self assured Brave Sir Robin. The numbness of the last few years parted like a veil last night.

Prepare to be amazed.

Xena, I know you're reading this - so considering our marathon conversation last night. (Gentle Reader, Brave Sir Robin was on the phone until the sun rose) This song is for you.