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My Gen X Playlist: Winning – Santana

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Daily writing prompt
When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?
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My grandfather didn’t have a college education. At one point, through no fault of his own, he lost everything. Despite the setback, he picked himself up, started over, eventually opening his own business and raised a family of three boys. He wasn’t alone. My grandmother also played a big role in the household. They were a good team.

My grandparents were never rich, but they were able to provide a stable and better life for their kids. I’m sure it wasn’t easy. That generation was pretty amazing. They silently worked hard and did what needed to be done without complaint or fanfare. I’m not sure how I would have fared if I were in their shoes. In many ways life was more difficult back then. In other aspects, it was a simpler and an easier time. Push, pull. I’m not sure which one comes out ahead.

I sometimes complain how difficult life can be. In reality, I only have first world problems. A friend of mine once said complaining was a waste of energy. He’s right. I can’t imagine my grandfather ever complaining. That wasn’t his way. It’s best to use that energy in more productive ways. I have to admit, though, I still need to bitch as an outlet every once in awhile. Maybe an occasional bitch session is OK, as long as I pull up my bootstraps, just like my grandfather, and move forward. If it worked for him, it certainly can work for me.

I was researching songs about success and Santana’s Winning popped up. The title sounded vaguely familiar and I looked it up on YouTube. Oh yeah. . . Winning. That’s one from the archives.

The song “Winning” by Santana speaks about overcoming adversity and finding success after experiencing a period of struggle and defeat. The lyrics touch upon themes of resilience, personal growth, and the transformative power of perseverance.

It embodies the belief that setbacks can be transformative experiences if one chooses to persevere and maintain a positive outlook.

– SongTell

Winning was released way back in 1981. Santana has this old school rock look and feel. A perfect match to my old school grandfather.

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

One day I was on the ground
When I needed a hand
And it couldn't be found
I was so far down
That I couldn't get up
You know and
One day I was one of life's losers
Even my friends were my ac-cus-ers
And in my head
Lost before I'd begun

I had a dream
But it turned to dust
What I thought was love
That must have been lust
I was living in style
When the walls fell in
When I played my hand
I looked like a joker
Turn around
Fate must have woke her
'Cause lady luck she was
Waiting outside the door

[Chorus:]

I'm winning
I'm winning
I'm winning
And I don't intend on losing again

Too bad it belonged to me
It was the wrong time
And not meant to be
It took a long time
And I knew for now
I can see the day
That I breath for
Friends agree there's a need
To play the game
And to win again

[Chorus:]
[repeat first line 5x's]
[repeat last line 4x's]

[Repeat Verse II]

[Chorus:]
[repeat first line 5x's]

15 thoughts on “My Gen X Playlist: Winning – Santana”

  1. I love this! I am just now writing about my Dad in reply to this prompt. It sounds like he was from the same hard-working generation as your Grandpa. They probably never considered themselves a success. They just did what needed to be done to support their families.
    Hey, love the song too! I didn’t recognize it at first, but when I listened to it I remembered it. It’s a good one.

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  2. A big shout out to your grandparents! I feel like my grandpa worked hard to feed 9 kids. Yes, 9 kids and my mom added me to the family (got divorced and lived with her parents) , so he had to feed 10 kids. 😂

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  3. Yea, my grandparents were pretty amazing for pushing through with eleven children in a one bedroom shack through the Great Depression. Several of the children passed away from malnutrition and my grandmother died at my age from a double impacted bowel and a collapsed lung. Something I think would have been caught much earlier if she were in modern times. My mom once told me a story about how she found some money on the street and got a cup of ice cream for the very first time. She ate it up super fast and then, just as quickly, threw it all up. I can’t imagine that kind of life… not even close. I’m very thankful to be where and when I am.

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    1. The older generation had to endure so much. I can’t imagine the day to day hardships. I keep reminding myself, we’ve got it pretty good in comparison. Thanks for sharing about your family.

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  5. Our grandparents generation amazes me. It’s ironic because they lived in a time when one didn’t go in insurmountable debt to make a good life for their family.

    Today, a college education not only always enough to guarantee a “good life”.

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