It thrills me no end to see the threads that revolve around th music of these guys. Each, in their way, a giant talent of the age.

I have a son who is the throes of being 17 and wondering about purpose, hoplessness, misunderstood expression. He plays the metalmusic of his age, SlipKnott, Rammstein, Creed, NIN, et al. Lyrics that to me express a dead end, no hope, and futility. They define no cause to live for and no common cause. Greg was sure i couldn't understand what he felt. I played "I'm Gonna Say It Now" by Phil Ochs and 30 years were transcended by a song. He said, "Thats really cool." and he undestood. I told him it was OK to rage. But don't rage against the machine without a purpose or a solution. Its OK to scream but have a goal. He agreed.

I have more hope for him than I did this morning. I think he has a direction , maybe not a clearly defined one yet, but a direction non the less. Would have been less directed without the war and civil rights to give me purpose? I wonder.

But I am listening again to these songs and remembering what I was and still am and maybe redefining my purpose.

Don