So, I dug my iPod out of the bottom of a random bag today. I don't know how I've been getting by with almost no music of my own, aside from Pandora occasionally. Life is so much richer with music...even the unimportant shit, like a 10 minute walk to the subway. I really enjoy shuffling my songs, and convince myself that there's meaning in what's played each time I do that (unless, of course, I don't like the outcome). Well, today I got a few interesting ones. For some reason, many important events/memories/feelings in my life have a Tom Petty song attached in my mind. "American Girl" was blasting in my ears when I flew home from Italy for the last time, "Wildflowers" constantly reminds me of where I come from, and "Free Fallin'" accompanies one of the first carefree, drunken high school memories I have with one of my best friends. Today was no exception. This is what came on...even if you know the song, take a minute to read the lyrics again. They sing to me, quite simply.

"Learning to Fly" by Tom Petty

Well I started out down a dirty road
Started out all alone
And the sun went down, as I crossed the hill
And the town lit up, the world got still

I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing

Well the good ol' days may not return
And the rocks might melt & the sea may burn

I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing

Well some say life will beat you down
Break your heart, steal your crown
So I've started out for God knows where
I guess I'll know when I get there

I'm learning to fly around the clouds
But what goes up must come down

I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing

Good stuff. Growing up is weird.

*Note: I realize that posting lyrics can be obnoxious. Deal with it- I've been drinking delicious white wine & reading the sad stories of beagles and great danes on petfinder.com who need to be adopted. Simon the kitty wants a puppy...I told him it could happen when we get a yard.