I first heard the aqualung album in 1976. I was 14. I had older brothers which meant this would be my journey into rock n roll with groups like led-who-sabbath-uriah heep and many others. So while many of my peers were listening to disco, or to van halen or areosmith, These were my great discoveries, Already at fourteen i was a real problem child, alcohol specifically. After I heard Aqualung I was instantly a big fan, this guy did something to me, what a connection, its hard to describe, and I'm sure Anderson would be clueless, upon listening to my going on, but what an impact. Although I would party for years with my (friends) I was never really part of anything to speak of, and those years were spent in much pain, loneliness, regret, and feeling sorry for myself(and knowing it). While every one else seemed rather happy partying all the time, I was more often then not miserable and confused. I felt like the Aqualung character, this old man who had missed the boat, and I felt I would, and had lived this wasted life. My father was a big alcoholic too. I already knew what I was in for, at age 14. But I had no intention of quitting at that time, most of my world evolved around alcohol.(I know many people will not understand this).This song in particular takes me back to the ninth grade (although I still listen to it) listening to Baker Street Muse, waiting for the painfullest parts, Crash-barrier Waltzer, after the french term referring to some strange dance, and then. I was an angry young (man) and to me, with much sorrow, and with little resources. I always wanted to be more then what I was, and change what I would become, and of course I wanted to live. And I wanted love, find some beautiful, wonderful girl to love. Cold wind to Valhalla, drinking bikers with there loser women, that's what he's talking about, and making ME wonder who the hero's are, and what it means to be a hero. Stoners and bikers and criminals may listen to him, but I think most of it gos right over their heads. I really believe this, and Anderson reveals his observations many a songs. Bungle in the Jungle-Skating Away-Rainbow Blues-Glory Row-Chequered Flag. But one of the best ways to see his observations, or better put his bafflement with people, Listen between songs of his live album from 1978 talking with(too)the audience. But be careful some of its been omitted on the US Cd. Its on the European 2 disc Cd, if you can find it, and on the original LP released in the US.I guess those folk who buy the tickets to the show, or buy the music, buy the tickets to the show and buy the music. You see it doesn't matter what Anderson intentions were or our,and though he may not understand the impact he's made on others or why. I understand for me the impact over all was positive. I could go into this much deeper but won't. It can't be denied Anderson had an ability to evoke feelings, truly (at least mine).Look at Reasons for waiting, that aint some stoner turned rock star. I think personally he probably feels very deeply, and for me that's mostly what I take away from his stuff. Their was a shift in some of his lyrics after they bashed passion play. his cynicism was ever more exaggerated, I believe it affected him, people turning on you, loving you for this, but man you could be yesterdays news in a heart beat.(its not that I'm afraid of losing fans, I'm just trying to understand it) I think he looked around and was more baffled then ever. I'm sure he worked though it all though, it like stages, I doubt he's very cynical today,(guessing) Its like working though emotions, and dare I say feelings.(not all people seem to have these).What does this song mean to me, I could go on for hours. He's my favorite. And I should add clean and sober 1985. Beautiful wife and children, 16 and 14.
I first heard the aqualung album in 1976. I was 14. I had older brothers which meant this would be my journey into rock n roll with groups like led-who-sabbath-uriah heep and many others. So while many of my peers were listening to disco, or to van halen or areosmith, These were my great discoveries, Already at fourteen i was a real problem child, alcohol specifically. After I heard Aqualung I was instantly a big fan, this guy did something to me, what a connection, its hard to describe, and I'm sure Anderson would be clueless, upon listening to my going on, but what an impact. Although I would party for years with my (friends) I was never really part of anything to speak of, and those years were spent in much pain, loneliness, regret, and feeling sorry for myself(and knowing it). While every one else seemed rather happy partying all the time, I was more often then not miserable and confused. I felt like the Aqualung character, this old man who had missed the boat, and I felt I would, and had lived this wasted life. My father was a big alcoholic too. I already knew what I was in for, at age 14. But I had no intention of quitting at that time, most of my world evolved around alcohol.(I know many people will not understand this).This song in particular takes me back to the ninth grade (although I still listen to it) listening to Baker Street Muse, waiting for the painfullest parts, Crash-barrier Waltzer, after the french term referring to some strange dance, and then. I was an angry young (man) and to me, with much sorrow, and with little resources. I always wanted to be more then what I was, and change what I would become, and of course I wanted to live. And I wanted love, find some beautiful, wonderful girl to love. Cold wind to Valhalla, drinking bikers with there loser women, that's what he's talking about, and making ME wonder who the hero's are, and what it means to be a hero. Stoners and bikers and criminals may listen to him, but I think most of it gos right over their heads. I really believe this, and Anderson reveals his observations many a songs. Bungle in the Jungle-Skating Away-Rainbow Blues-Glory Row-Chequered Flag. But one of the best ways to see his observations, or better put his bafflement with people, Listen between songs of his live album from 1978 talking with(too)the audience. But be careful some of its been omitted on the US Cd. Its on the European 2 disc Cd, if you can find it, and on the original LP released in the US.I guess those folk who buy the tickets to the show, or buy the music, buy the tickets to the show and buy the music. You see it doesn't matter what Anderson intentions were or our,and though he may not understand the impact he's made on others or why. I understand for me the impact over all was positive. I could go into this much deeper but won't. It can't be denied Anderson had an ability to evoke feelings, truly (at least mine).Look at Reasons for waiting, that aint some stoner turned rock star. I think personally he probably feels very deeply, and for me that's mostly what I take away from his stuff. Their was a shift in some of his lyrics after they bashed passion play. his cynicism was ever more exaggerated, I believe it affected him, people turning on you, loving you for this, but man you could be yesterdays news in a heart beat.(its not that I'm afraid of losing fans, I'm just trying to understand it) I think he looked around and was more baffled then ever. I'm sure he worked though it all though, it like stages, I doubt he's very cynical today,(guessing) Its like working though emotions, and dare I say feelings.(not all people seem to have these).What does this song mean to me, I could go on for hours. He's my favorite. And I should add clean and sober 1985. Beautiful wife and children, 16 and 14.