I'm tired of that same old same
The same old words, the same old lines
The same old tricks and the same old rhymes
Days precious days
Roll in and out like waves
I got boards to bend, I got planks to nail
I got charts to make, I got seas to sail
I'm gonna build me a boat with these two hands
She'll be a fair curve from a noble plan
Let the chips fall where they will
'Cause I got boats to build
—Guy Clark and Verlon Thompson, "Boats To Build"
***
I guess I just thought Jimmy Buffet would go on forever.
That no matter how many years had gone by since that 1980 Red Rocks concert, there'd always be another chance to catch him and the Coral Reefer Band somewhere, some day.
Waking up to the news that "some day" is now "never again" is hitting unexpectedly hard.
Sitting here this morning, it's funny to me that one of "his" songs that stuck with me through the years is one Buffett didn't even write. On its surface, "Boats to Build" isn't a departure from his vast catalogue of music.
But the more I listened to it over time, the more I appreciated it as an allegory for "this one wild and precious life" we've been given.
Sails are just like wings
The wind can make 'em sing
Songs of life, songs of hope
Songs to keep your dreams afloat
Shores distant shores
There's where I'm headed for
I got the stars to guide my way
Sail into the light of day
***
Time to go build a thing today...
