My Gen X Playlist: A Campfire Song – 10,000 Maniacs

We’re getting ready for our annual camping trip. We spend four days in the mountains, roughing it in tents. For years, I used my backpacking gear. At the time, it didn’t make sense to buy another set of gear for non-backpacking trips. It wasn’t only because of cost, it was the storage as well. Especially since we only go once a year. The past few years seemed to change my mind.

A few years ago, temperatures dropped to 20 degrees and there was a light snowfall. My sleeping bag only kept warm down to 35 and the zipper had a way of getting stuck. I remember freezing my ass off in my tent, sleeping bag slightly open because the zipper was caught and I was worried that I might not survive the night. Let’s not forget to mention I mistakenly brought an old sleeping pad that sprung a slow leak and I could feel the chill from the ground below. Needless to say, at the end of our trip, I stopped the car and threw both into the dumpster. Now I had no excuse not to buy new gear. I wasn’t going to experience that again.

The next year, I experienced a moment inside my tent. It’s small and compact, good for carrying on your back for multi-day treks. I’m the biggest dude of the group with the smallest tent. As I was lying down, I’m not sure what happened but I suddenly had the feeling like I was in an MRI machine again. I could feel the anxiety swell and I immediately closed my eyes and started my deep breathing exercises. The feeling slowly subsided. That was the first and only time I experienced that panic in my tent. Needless to say, I returned home and picked up a spacious three man tent that I can almost stand up in. It feels like the Taj Mahal compared to my old one.

Now the current dilemma. I currently use a compact sleeping pad underneath my sleeping bag. It does the job and shields me from the cold ground. The rest of the group brings inflatable air mattresses, the kind that use a portable air pump to fill. I’ve been eyeballing how comfortably they must sleep through the night. It kind of feels like glamping. I’ve been on the fence, but at this point, I may just throw in the towel and pick one up. I’m over 50 now and a little comfort would be nice.

It feels like this thing is snowballing on us. Weren’t we supposed to be roughing it? Are we cheating? Who knows what’s next. My buddy said he saw a portable tent heater he’s thinking about getting. Good for those cold nights. At this rate, I’m afraid we’ll lose that camping feel. But on the flip side, whoever said comfort was a bad thing? Maybe I can allow a little bit of give. But I think I’ll draw the line if someone suggests a wide screen TV setup inside an enclosed canopy with a portable generator running an HVAC and keeping our beers cold in a mini frig. On second thought, college football season is right around the corner…

The 10,000 Maniacs’ In My Tribe was one of my favorite albums in college. A Campfire Song didn’t get any airplay in my neck of the woods. Even though I listened to the CD from beginning to end, this is one of few songs on the album that I hadn’t read the liner notes nor the lyrics. I just liked the jangly melody and the duet with Michael Stipe. I knew it wasn’t about camping or a campfire. Reading the lyrics now, I’m learning it’s about exploitation of the land and earth’s resources. It doesn’t quite match the upbeat melody, but oh well.

I will say that since I took up hiking, camping and backpacking almost twenty years ago, I’ve grown a deeper appreciation for Mother Nature. I’ve seen a number of earth’s wonders that make me believe in a higher power and the importance of preservation for generations to come. I know people who are not interested in the outdoors and that’s OK. I would never force it on anyone. I think if they discovered just a hint of the beauty out there, they might be as awestruck as I am. Heck, it’s in their backyard patiently waiting for them to visit and explore. One day I do hope they change their minds. I really believe they are missing out.

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

A lie to say, "O my mountain has coal veins and beds to dig.
500 men with axes and they all dig for me."
A lie to say, "O my river where many fish do swim,
half of the catch is mine when you haul your nets in."
Never will he believe that his greed is a blinding ray.
No devil or redeemer will cheat him.
He'll take his gold to where he's lying cold.

A lie to say, "O my mine gave a diamond as big as a fist."
But with every gem in his pocket, the jewels he has missed.
A lie to say, "O my garden is growing taller by the day."
He only eats the best and tosses the rest away.
Never will he be believe that his greed is a blinding ray.
No devil or redeemer can cheat him.
he'll take his gold to where he's lying cold.
Six deep in the grave.

Something is out of reach
something he wanted
something is out of reach
he's being taunted
something is out of reach
that he can' beg or steal nor can he buy

his oldest pain
and fear in life
there'll not be time
his oldest pain
and fear in life
there'll not be time

A lie to say "O my forest has trees that block the sun
and when I cut them down I don't answer to anyone."
No, no, never will he believe that his greed is a blinding ray
no devil or redeemer can cheat him.
He'll take his gold where he's lying cold.