About Like

I don’t know if it was while listening to my iPod or the radio or watching a couple dance their first dance at their wedding reception. Or maybe it was just a random thought in the midst of many thoughts throughout my day. Whatever the reason, I started thinking about songs. Why is it that there are so many songs about love, but no songs about like?

Love and like. In my years, I can honestly say, I have had much more experience with the latter, ridding my life of those who fell short of the mark before it had the chance to develop into the former. And through all the ups and downs of figuring those feelings out, I often used music as a source of coping or hoping. However, there were times where the words weren’t quite right. Declarations of forever. Elaborate phrases evoking visions of birds chirping and flowers blooming. Recollections of dreams coming to fruition. All good and wonderful and beautiful things, but I wasn’t there yet. Where were the words I needed at this very early stage of a path I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay on…yet?

I contemplated what was missing and thought… When will someone sing about nervous anticipation mixed with doubt? Where are the songs about those days, weeks, and months when you are still on the journey to understanding someone – those days before life has handed you some earth-shattering, defining moment? Why are there no lyrics for those critical moments after you realize there is chemistry, but before you know if there is enough for it to be more? Who is speaking to the hearts and minds of those who are walking the line – wanting to go out on a limb and risk it all, but taking a few steps back and keeping their cards close to their chests? What words will speak to those deciding if someone’s communication style is a deal breaker?

Like has its own unique challenges, feelings, and frustrations which are often neglected in music. Maybe it’s because “Always and Forever” will always be a better selling potential then “Today and the Foreseeable Future?” Or that “I Will Always Love You” has more appeal than “I Could Possibly Give this a Try.” But isn’t that what we are thinking? I can only hope that one day I’ll find the lyrics that adequately express my like until I need the ones that will express my love.