Blowin’ in the Wind

by Irwin Lengel
(Florida)

Funny how something that was written so long ago (55 years ago) can be so appropriate in today's times. If we look back in time to 1963 when Bob Dylan released “Blowin’ in the Wind” and think real hard about the lyrics to the song, it is amazing how some of the lyrics fit right in with today's world.

How many roads must a man walk down

Before you call him a man

When does a man become a man? When we graduate high school? College? When we marry? When we become a father? So many questions – who do we look to for answers?

And then there are lines thirteen and fourteen:

Yes and how many times can a man turn his head

And pretend that he just doesn’t see

With all that is going on in the world today, are we truly looking at what is happening, or are we merely looking at what the Television, Newspapers, and Social Media are telling us is happening - accepting life as it is and not for what it truly is and can be?

Lines seventeen and eighteen also reveal that sometimes we must just look beyond our nose:

Yes and how many times must a man look up

Before he can see the sky

Looking closer at what is right in front of us may reveal something more beautiful than what we first thought we saw. Friends and family are what made this country and are what will keep it strong. And even though many of the families today live miles apart from each other, with the high-tech gadgets we have available to us - we are and can be closer than ever.

And then there were lines nineteen and twenty:

Yes, and how many ears must one man have

Before he can hear people cry

Do we truly stop and listen to what others are trying to say to us or are we too wrapped up in our own little world and what might be minor problems when compared to what others might be going through?

Remember, no matter how tough any of us think we have it in today's world, there is always someone that has it much tougher.

Finally, lines 21 and 22 brings everything full circle:

Yes, and how many deaths will it take ‘til he knows

That too many people have died

In conclusion, allow me to end this article with a quote by Amelia Earhart who said:

"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life, and the procedure, the process is its own reward."

We need to open our eyes, listen with our ears, forge forward and make every effort towards making the world a better place.

Now that we are retired, we have all the time in the world to assist in making the world a better place.

It is time!

Comments for Blowin’ in the Wind

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Couldn't agree more Irwin
by: Larry Steward / SC

I enjoyed your take on "Blowing in the Wind".

Your last point especially resonated with me - Now that we are retired, we have all the time in the world to assist in making the world a better place.

I still don't have all the time in the world as I continue to work, however, my work now is all about finding time to help others and make this world a better place in some small way.

Keep your comments and good humor coming - I always look forward to them.

thank you
by: Debbie

Thank you for sharing those thoughts with us. I have always loved that song, and you are right. It is so appropriate for today's world.

Cannot agree with your more
by: Minoru, Japan

Being 77 years old, long a retired and widower, on the other side of the ocean, I cannot agree with you more in what you said in your post.

I often wonder whether the human is going and are heading for better or worse? No one has an answer.

great post
by: Guinn

I really enjoyed your post. I hope a lot of people read it and apply it. Thank you for posting it.

Yes, the answer my friend really is blowing in the wind.

Let us all take a piece of retirement happiness and chew it slowly. Again, thank you for the wonderful post...

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