A Holiday Reminder From The Flaming Lips

In the spirit of the fast approaching holiday, a special song came to my mind this morning. The Flaming Lips, who, in fact, will soon be headed our way, have an affinity with the Christmas season. The song “A Change At Christmas (Say It Isn’t So)” from the Ego Tripping At The Gates Of Hell [EP] gives a real perspective on humanity during the holidays.

Everyone in this world is different from one to the next. Anger, pain and sorrow fester in the smallest crevasses of our minds on a daily basis. But there is something about this time of year that, for the most part, brings the world together under a common banner of peace and love and joy and sharing. But why does it have to only be this time of year when people are in such communion?

“It’s just human nature, and that’s just the way we are… Say it isn’t so…” is Lips singer Wayne Coyne’s answer. There’s no way that we can always be happy all of the time. Through happiness, there is sadness also. You can’t have one without the other. Maybe this is what makes the holiday season so much better. If we were always happy, we would never really know how great it is to be that way. It’s not until you have met the dark that you can really see where the light begins. But it’s a bit sad that we become so much closer and, generally, happier in this time of season, but then “go back to the way we were” before; killing and stealing and lying and cheating.

This song is just a reminder to look at ourselves at this, the end of another year, and realize the beauty of community and happiness, and how during this time of year, “All of mankind reveals it’s true potential.” Happy Holidays from all of us here at SubEx.

MP3: Flaming Lips - A Change At Christmas (Say It Isn’t So)

- Cory Coleman [c]