Poem and Music: In the Line of a Song

In the Line of a Song

The Spinners wrote the song, “Games People Play” (also known as They Just Can’t Stop It) in 1975 and it still resonates today.  It was a crossover success at the time hitting #1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart and #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

There are songs that define certain times in our lives - no matter when we hear them, they take us right back.  In 1975, I had just graduated from Indiana University and was feeling a certain amount of angst about my future.  This song still gets to me every time I hear it - I’m right back to being a 22 year old pondering the great unknowns of life.  Come to think of it, I’m still doing that. 

 In the Line of a Song

There’s a lyrical life

In the line of a song,

It lifts and then floats

Bringing us right along,

Sing me a song

That touches my heart,

Sing me a song

Of a raw, tender sort,

A song about love,

A song about loss,

A song about hope

Or dreams

I might toss,

You know that low feeling

When dreams lose their air,

You can’t find your way,

You start to despair,

So toss them aside,

Start out anew,

Forge a new path,

But what will you do?

Don’t let the memories

Get in the way,

Catch the next train

 Then call it a day,

Let the song lift your soul,

Keep you on track,

Remember the past,

But no turning back.