"A Day in the Life"

     In my mind, The Beatles are the greatest band to walk the face of the planet, and their best song is, hands down, "A Day in the Life". "A Day in the Life" is a beautiful dramatization of an average day for an average person in the 20th century. Lennon takes his lyrics from newspaper clippings, singing of car accidents, potholes, war, and other such things. The melody takes on a sublime feeling as Lennon discusses the dross of daily life. After an uproarious commotion about two minutes in, we find McCartney singing at a brisk clip about waking up, falling out of bed, and running off to work. Compared to Lennon's slow drawl, McCartney feels refreshing, if not a little too busy. The switchover is quite obvious, and was actually intended that way; this is actually two songs, written separately by Lennon and McCartney, put together in a beautiful transition from hypnotic, to hectic, and back.
     Besides the lyrical and musical genius, I think that "A Day in the Life" brilliantly portrays the common struggle of man, in which he feels powerless to change the world around him. I myself can appreciate the dream-like quality life can take on when one reads the news and views the world around us. Often times it becomes just as surreal as Lennon's vocals, echoing into the air around us, yet never truly making an impact. Yet, in the midst of this tumultuous din of white noise, we also feel exactly like McCartney, rushing to work after slurping down a cup of joe. Life often leaves us panting for breath as we dash to and fro, accomplishing the mundane tasks set before us. This song represents the dichotomy of the chaos in the world that we are seemingly unable to affect due to the hectic schedules we keep. How can one keep his or her head above water long enough to change the fact that the world is drowning itself in violence, greed, jealousy and pride?
     In "The Way of the Heart", Henri Nouwen tells the same story, a tale of our world drowning within itself. We are searching for solid footing, something to get us out of the water, and we find that footing on the island called Golgotha, where our Savior died so long ago. Our hearts must remain content enough to remain in that place, and not to jump right back into the morass of society, no matter what our intentions are for doing so. Once we are satisfied to find our fulfillment in Christ alone, we can go into the world as those who walk on water, keeping our eyes solely on Christ as he guides our hands to do his work. Just as "A Day in the Life" comes to a powerful finish, so our lives can culminate in a resoundingly beautiful climax, but only when we answer the call that Christ puts forth in our lives.

"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." -Matthew 4:19-