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While I generally like to support local independent talent, this song and particularly the lyrics resonate for me. Its not really a complex message or anything we haven’t heard before, nor is the song particularly new. However when melody and poetry come together in a way that inspires me I like to share it. The song ‘Drive’ by Incubus seems to tell the story about taking control of destiny. For me Drive is about the action of defining my own path but it is also about sustaining the passion and energy for where I want to go.

Do I have my own plan? Or am I just speeding down a road that someone else has defined for me? One thing is for certain I have done the former, its been painful and the hurt still lingers, but for whatever the reasons, its gotten me to this place. Bring on tomorrow, but today can be pretty good too.

Anyways heres the video and lyrics.

Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear
And I can’t help but ask myself how much I let the fear
Take the wheel and steer
It’s driven me before
And it seems to have a vague, haunting mass appeal
But lately I’m beginning to find that I
Should be the one behind the wheel

Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there
With open arms and open eyes yeah

Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there
I’ll be there ahh

So if I decide to waiver my chance to be one of the hive,
Will I choose water over wine and hold my own and drive
It’s driven me before
And it seems to be the way that everyone else gets around
But lately I’m beginning to find that
When I drive myself my light is found

Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there
With open arms and open eyes yeah

Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there
I’ll be there

Would you choose water over wine
Hold the wheel and drive

Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there
With open arms and open eyes yeah

Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there
I’ll be there

One day when I was purchasing some parts at a local vacuum store, I stumbled across a little cafe advertising their Wednesday night open mic. It struck me as an odd location for a music venue. For those of you who live in small towns, you know what mini strip malls on a suburban highway are like; a typical location with a major franchise anchor tenant - in this case Subway - and then a potpourri of local shops. So naturally, when I saw an open mic advertised here, I took a double take. With my interest peaked I decided that I would check it out later that evening.

I packed my drum kit and headed down to the cafe. Surprisingly, it was pretty crowded for a work night. I plopped my snare and hi-hat down. My set-up was tight, basically on the thoroughfare to the washrooms and adjacent to the Breyers ice cream freezer. The house band was friendly and played the classics: Jimmy Buffett, Neil Diamond, Elvis and various Beatles tunes. Throughout the night, musicians of all types popped in including a pair of groovin’ grey beards, both spry at 85 and 69. As we sang and wasted away in Margaritaville, love filled the room (isn’t Jimmy Buffett therapeutic?). It was like kids concert night at your uncle’s place but with real instruments; it sounded good and these were kids in adult bodies. The owners made you feel at home. It was a surprising feeling. I guess I have been jaded by so many coffee shops that I’ve come to expect a generic personality-deficient caffeine experience. I had a great time, good conversations, and a feeling that you only seem to get when you are at home.

So yes, there can be soul in a strip mall. There’s still hope in this world.

Nicoleina’s cafe (named after the owners’ two daughters) is at 2838 St. Johns St in Port Moody, BC

J Peachy

Visual Artist and Creative Catalyst
[email protected]
jpeachy.carbonmade.com

Producer Sound Therapy Radio
CJSF 90.1 FM
soundtherapyradio.com