I had an interesting experience while flying to Northwestern Florida a few weeks ago. The plane I was on had TV monitors installed in the seats, so I decided to spend a little time meandering through the various entertainment options they provided. One of the options was a selection of TED talks. I browsed the various titles and one caught my attention. It was entitled, “Carl Honore: In praise of slowness”. The title was intriguing, so I watched it. And I loved it!
I have embedded it here for your own viewing pleasure:
Yes, I’ll be reading his book.
After watching that TED talk, I decided to switch gears and listen to music. So I navigated to the music section on the plane’s TV system and noticed that there was a new album by Leonard Cohen entitled, “Popular Problems”. I happen to be a fan of Leonard Cohen’s poetry and music, so I chose that album and started listening.
The first song on that album is called, “Slow”. How interesting to find that song after listening to Carl’s talk!
Here are the lyrics to “Slow” by Leonard Cohen:
I’m slowing down the tune
I never liked it fast
You want to get there soon
I want to get there last
It’s not because I’m old
It’s not the life I led
I always liked it slow
That’s what my momma said
I’m lacing up my shoe
But I don’t want to run
I’ll get there when I do
Don’t need no starting gun
It’s not because I’m old
And it’s not what dying does
I always liked it slow
Slow is in my blood
I always liked it slow:
I never liked it fast
With you it’s got to go:
With me it’s got to last
It’s not because I’m old
It’s not because I’m dead
I always liked it slow
That’s what my momma said
All your moves are swift
All your turns are tight
Let me catch my breath
I thought we had all night
I like to take my time
I like to linger as it flies
A weekend on your lips
A lifetime in your eyes
I always liked it slow:
I never liked it fast
With you it’s got to go:
With me it’s got to last
It’s not because I’m old
It’s not the life I led
I always liked it slow
That’s what my momma said
I’m slowing down the tune
I never liked it fast
You want to get there soon
I want to get there last
So baby let me go
You’re wanted back in town
In case they want to know
I’m just trying to slow it down
Yes, I rushed to buy the album after landing in Florida 😉
And here is a snippet from John Lennon’s song, “I’m Only Sleeping”:
“Everybody seems to think I’m lazy
I don’t mind, I think they’re crazy
Running everywhere at such a speed,
Till they find there’s no need”
