Already Gone

Have you ever listened to a song hundreds of times, and on the umpteenth time, realize there’s a deeper meaning to it?

This happened to me while I was listening to the radio this morning. The Eagles’ song “Already Gone” was playing, and I heard this snippet from one of the later verses:

“So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key.”

I know the tune and chorus of this song very well, but never listened closely to its verses. After hearing this line, I thought: “Whoa, that’s a pretty profound thought nestled within a catchy song. Interesting how it’s stuck at the end of the third verse.”

This tidbit dominated my thoughts for the rest of the morning. While the line is said in the context of ending a relationship, it can be applied to other painful situations. It’s a reminder that the struggles we have can be effectively managed if we change our perspective or take the challenge head on.

However, it doesn’t mean the struggles will disappear entirely. This concept echoes Mark Manson’s thesis in his latest book, “Everything is F*cked“. By choosing our struggles and actively managing pain, we build resilience and in turn, lead more fulfilling lives.

Has an often-played song ever hit you differently years later? If so, what did you learn?