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My Gen X Playlist: Cigarette – Russian Red

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When you hit your fifties, it’s not uncommon that certain parts of your body begin to feel like they’re falling apart. Even though I’ve managed to work through a few health concerns, at least I can say the wheels haven’t completely fallen off the wagon. Give me a sec while I knock on some wood.

I used to see friends and colleagues who appeared to be in tip top shape and I wondered how I’d fallen behind in comparison. Later through one on one conversations, I slowly was able to piece together the hidden truth that most people have some type of health issue they are working on. Some big, some small. We just don’t know other people’s business. I’ve realized I’m not the only one in this ongoing arm wrestle with staying healthy.

When I lived in Japan, I visited a number of temples. I used to think if you saw one temple, you’ve seen them all. For the most part, this is true. But each seems to have their own something. Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo. Within the temple grounds, there is a large incense burner continuously overflowing with smoke. I remember approaching it for the first time watching people waft smoke to all parts of their bodies.

It is believed that the smoke from the incense burner has a healing effect, so you direct the smoke to the area of the body that you want healed.

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My friend wafted smoke all over his head with hopes to stave off his receding hairline. I was in my twenties and still relatively invincible. I may have wafted smoke here or there, in the general direction of my body. There weren’t any immediate concerns at the time. I guess I was just going through the motions. It’s been awhile since I traveled to Tokyo. The next time I visit Sensoji, I may be a little more intentional with my wafting.

I was searching for songs about smoke and what came up were songs about cigarettes. Cigarettes are probably the complete opposite of being healthy, but I eventually gave in and followed Google’s lead. Cigarettes by Russian Red came to mind. It’s a song I stumbled upon while down a YouTube rabbit hole. I’ve listened to this song many times over the years. The meaning? I’m not quite sure. But as I listen to the lyrics now, I feel a sense of loss. Maybe it’s a loss of time, lost moments or lost chances. Maybe all three wrapped into one. I wonder if a trip to the incense burner at Sensoji could heal this one. It might be worth a try. Some things are all about faith.

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

No tell me what it is, it isn't fair
'Cause I'm wasting time, but it isn't my heart
it isn't my fault.
And every situation understands, well
The anecdote of chasing the location to your door,
Yeah yeah…da da…

'Cause I'm wasting time, now I'm wasting money again
and all the cigarettes that I have never smoked
And all the letters that I have never sent, da da…

And he was sitting by the swimming pool
But he was scared, 'cause it wasn't his time, it wasn't his chance.
Getting older's not been on my plans
But it's never late, it's never late enough for me to stay, da da…

'Cause I'm wasting time, now I'm wasting money again
and all the cigarettes that I have never smoked
And all the letters that I have never sent, da da…

14 thoughts on “My Gen X Playlist: Cigarette – Russian Red”

  1. It’s so weird cause I was thinking about people’s health problems too, just literally seconds before I read this…there’s a gentleman where I work who walks with a limp, I’m not sure if it’s a very mild Cerebral Palsy or what…but I was thinking what it must have been like for him as a kid, if he got teased a lot and stuff…thinking about how I could be diagnosed with a debilitating illness myself that could completely change the trajectory of the rest of my life and how I thought I was going to live it….but then I thought well this guy’s been dealing with his leg his whole life, probably since birth and it seems we all have our own “hard things” to go through in life and barely anyone gets away with living without any health issues over a lifetime.

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    1. When I hear about other people’s challenges, it puts things in perspective first me. I’m not saying my concerns don’t matter, but it’s a reminder that there are others with issues greater than mine. And there are so many “invisible” issues to the naked eye. Just a reminder to be kind to everyone.

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  3. “most people have some type of health issue” so true! As we get up there in age, it starts to be a challenge to NOT talk about your health issues with friends. I like to know just enough, but not too much detail. I get squeamish about medical stuff. My friend Lynn refers to it as “an organ recital” when everyone begins a conversation with an update on their health issues, lol 😂

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  4. The first song I thought of about smoke was Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple. I’ve never been to a temple, but I love burning incense for spiritual purposes.

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  7. I love this thought. Just the other day I felt I don’t have the energy I used to and I should change my lifestyle a bit, sleep early to wake up early. Still a thought, putting it into practice will take some effort 😄.

    I agree, when we hear about others challenges it does put things in perspective and I’m grateful for the health I have.
    Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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    1. I’m late to sleep and early to rise. (Plus coffee – a must). I should try to get more sleep these days, but habits are difficult to change.

      My goal is incremental change for good health. I’m grateful for my health as well.

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