“Difference” - a song about despondency
Story Pairing
I was at a show over the weekend and blabbing on the mic as I often do, and something I said has kind of stuck with me (inspiring myself with deep thoughts, get over myself, I know I know).
All I said was that I really am not smart enough to write political songs. I don’t know enough to really get into the meat and potatoes of what’s happening in the world. I do think I can take a crack at writing socially charged songs though. In that sense I just think you have to have a footing of what is right and what is wrong. That can ultimately be subjective and I think that’s what makes the world the beautiful (if often harsh) thing that it is. Difference.
I know I’ve been really in this space lately when it comes to writing songs, and my first reaction is to apologize. I don’t like being a point of division, I really like community and good group dynamics (especially if we are all agreeing with me), but it’s getting a little easier to get over those hang ups with age. It’s like slowly getting fed up that your mechanic keeps taking your car and every time you get it back it’s still not fixed right. My inclination is to try and fix what and when I can so I am not being a pest, but it get’s to a point where the facts are you just want the damn thing fixed.
I guess I feel that with people lately. I just want everyone to shut up and get along and I’m annoyed with myself that I can’t find a way to fix anything.
So this song bubbled up from a crooked corner of annoyance, where I’m looking to my left and right and seeing so much that bothers me, and I can’t figure out a way to make a real difference just yet. I am working on it, maybe it’s with songs, maybe it’s something more tangible. Regardless, it’s the hunt I am currently on, and searching for something can be a pretty inspiring process.
**This is musing #100. A nice little milestone. No fanfare needed as it’s just the same as 33 or 74 or 99, but it’s a nice clean number and I’m proud of myself for keeping after this series. I’m also beyond thankful to the folks in the background helping cover the costs of making these videos and hosting the website. You know who you are and you are a badass!
Song Structure
Capo 2
Intro: G / C / D / C / G
Verse: G / C
Chorus: Am / C
Voice Memos
Notebook Page
July 2025
Lyrics
I’ve been searching for some purpose
I’ve been searching for clean socks
The van outside is running, i have a show at 6 o’clock
Would it really make a difference
If I showed up or not
I’ve been counting up my treasures
I’ve been counting what I owe
Seems the gold all coming in grabs a friends then goes
Would it really make a difference
If they changed the ratio
We’ll fight till all our wheels
Are kicking up bloody dirt
On the older generation
So hungry to convert
While tossing round resources
We really should conserve
For the young ones on the sideline
Watching us all get what we deserve
We never made a difference
I’ve been praying up to heaven
Been praying down below
The first person to answer, any prayer, that’s where I’ll go
Would it really make a difference
Man will never know
I’ve been fasting from my ego
I’ve been fast to hide away
When the clowns up in the office, have anything to say
Would it really make a difference
If I listened anyway
We’ll fight till all our wheels
Are kicking up bloody dirt
On the older generation
So hungry to convert
While tossing round resources
We really should conserve
For the young ones on the sideline
Watching us all get what we deserve
We never made a difference
Never made a difference
We never made a difference
Never made one
We never made a difference
Never made a difference
We never made a difference
Never made one