Life is Short Even in its Longest Days

If you didn't catch the CBS Sunday morning Jane Pauley interview with John Mellencamp on July 1st, go back and watch it. Better yet, - here's the link.

John's music has always fascinated me with its rootsy working class sensibilities, so akin to my midwestern, blue collar upbringing. In his interview with Pauley he takes on the subject of aging. John is 66, still smoking (since age 10), writing songs, performing and creating art. The photo that accompanies this post is one of Mellencamp's museum quality paintings called "Man in Cage".

His song, "Life Is Short Even in its Longest Days", makes a great title but it doesn't reflect the optimism and grit reflected in his life and interview. He offered his blueprint for aging.

His plan is to make something every day, learn something every day, and make the most out of the summers he has left. Mellencamp is still making iconic music. In his new album Sad Clowns and Hillbillies, he takes on the extremes of earthly matters about the state of our country in the song, Easy Target to salvation and heavenly matters in the foot stomping gospel tune, "My Souls's Got Wings" with Carlene Carter, daughter of country legends Carl Smith and June Carter, and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash. He says:

"I'm 65 years old and I can see the finish line from here. I only have so many summers left, and I intend not to waste them being old."

Rock on John.