At the center of every album is a musical thesis. As a listener, you bring your own baggage to every album you hear. With the weight of the past pressed upon you, an album reveals itself in slow order. More often than not, your reaction to a collection of songs is unique. I strongly believe no two people hear the same song the same way. For me, this is what makes music so exciting and such a joy to consume. In Nada Surf's "Lucky," I hear a list of wants and needs. These are songs about triumph and what you desire to be whole. No, the songs don't present themselves in bullet point form, rather they present themselves through stories; stories I related to deeply.
One of those desires is to make someone else happy and by doing so find some joy in your own life. This is a foundational concept for a healthy relationship, but not something that is easily learned. Rather, this lesson reveals itself slowly through trial and error. It is a product of time, place, and those you choose to surround yourself. it is also a product of dating, failing, and learning. Like any good lesson, it takes time and patience but once you figure out your joy can be found in making others happy and they choose to do the same, life becomes a wonderful gift.
Another theme that emerged for me while listening to this album was a fear of growing up. That fear focused not on looming responsibilities but rather a loss of youth. With its vibrancy and possibility, the idea of staying young forever is a tempting one. We all know people well into their twenties and thirties who float through life like Peter Pan. As I age, I too long for the boundless opportunities that seemed to be around every corner. I often have to remind myself that sense of wonder still exists. If it went away, it is because I forced it to do so. For it to return, I must fill myself with the same sense of optimism and wonder that I once knew. Those decisions are mine and I have this album to thank for helping me realize that.
Be good to each other,
-Nathan