Blinded by the Light

[DISCLAIMER]

For some reason, the son (“DJ”) of the family with whom I lived in high school popped into my mind today. In specific, I was reminded of how he familiarized me to the song “Blinded by the Light” by Bruce Springsteen, yet DJ introduced me to Manfred Mann’s Earth Band’s version.

A fan of classic rock, the late DJ was eager to learn of my perspective regarding the track. Personally, the cover version by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band far surpassed Springsteen’s original submission. Describing an interpretation of the song’s meaning, one source suggests:

“Blinded by the Light” is a high-energy track that matches the thrill of adolescence. The song is packed with the invincibility of youth, and the hopeful perspective that anything is possible. The lyrics are reminiscent of Springsteen’s early days as a musician with a handful of eccentric characters that he met at venues.

Some silicone sister with a manager mister

Told me I got what it takes

She said “I’ll turn you on, sonny, to something strong

Play the song with the funky break”

However, on the rollercoaster of being a young musician, the “downs” are just as prevalent as the “ups.” The lyrics also hint at the downsides of always being on the move and struggling to make it to the top.

With a boulder on my shoulder, feelin’ kinda older

I tripped the merry-go-round

With this very unpleasin’, sneezin’, and wheezin’

The calliope crashed to the ground!

I like that “Blinded by the Light” has lyrical content that I find thought-provoking, as was apparently the case for DJ. Similar to the description of the song’s meaning, I recently stated in a blogpost entitled The Wisdom of eLZhi, regarding the hip hop track “Over Your Shoulder”:

Appreciate your highs, but lows

Are blessings in disguise

This relatively brief piece of advice could fill an entire blogpost of its own. All too often, I encounter people who chase the highs (i.e., joy, pleasure, etc.) while neglecting to understand that the lows (i.e., fear, anger, sorrow, disgust, etc.) retain value.

Without experiencing the lows, how would one ever come to appreciate the highs? Personally, more lows have manifested throughout life. Yet, my experience with this condition has led to resilience. Therefore, I’m able to remain flexible during the lows until the highs appear again.

At times in my life, living within the darkness of diagnosed major depressive disorder, I’ve been blinded by the light regarding moments of happiness. When thinking of these ups and downs, highs and lows, I’m reminded of a camping trip DJ, his family, and I attended in New Mexico:

Though I was in high school, to me, it seems like the above photo was taken yesterday. I recall a significant level of sorrow in my life with a spattering of suicidal and homicidal ideation. Yet, when on that trip I experienced joy, as DJ played a role in my improved perception at the time.

I wanted little more than to check out of life back then, though meaningful memories of which DJ played a part helped me to remain checked in for years to come. Of course, what goes up inevitably comes down. Such is the matter of an impermanent and uncertain existence.

DJ eventually passed away, as I’ll not again be blinded by the light he shared in this lifetime. Helpfully, I’ve found a way to remix the miserable condition I once endured. I’ve done this through daily practice of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT).

When contemplating this matter further, I’m reminded of the electronic dance music (EDM) remix of “Blinded by the Light” by Michael Mind Project, featuring DJ DLG & RedRoche—one of many remixes of the original song. Something tells me DJ wouldn’t have liked the rejig.

Using the original vocals of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band’s version of the song, the cited remix prompts me to consider how the lows I once experienced remain present. Yet, through devoted practice of REBT, the highs I now experience have almost created a distinct proverbial track.

I retain the same life I’ve always had. However, I’ve been able to remix my existence to where I’m no longer blinded by the light of infrequent moments of joy after having been surrounded by seemingly perpetual darkness. Rather, I spend more time in the light than I do in the dark.

This isn’t to suggest that I live in an everlasting state of bliss, because I definitely do not. Alternatively, my standard for “light” has been remixed to relate to contentedness (the state of feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s own possessions, status, or situation).

In closing, I appreciate having been afforded the opportunity for moments of ups, highs, and light in association with DJ. Likewise, I’m pleased to help you learn more about REBT so that I may perhaps help you to experience a sustainable level of contentment in your own life.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As the world’s foremost EDM-influenced REBT psychotherapist—promoting content related to EDM, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters. 

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

References:

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