I have been very excited about the release of the movie Where The Wild Things Are since I saw the first trailer for it months ago. The trailer included Arcade Fire's Wake Up and it was so moving I almost cried watching it. Since then, I have been soaking up everything I can find. Now I wasn't even a fan of the book because I was past childhood when it came out, but the images from the movie were so captivating and so recognizable from the illustrations that I have since become a fan.I bought the soundtrack to the movie last week without even listening to any of the songs. However, I did know that Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs was doing it with Carter Burwell (recently of Twilight score fame) so it wasn't like it'd be a huge mystery. I was blown away from the first listen. Karen O and the Kids have captured youth, wonder, fear, amazement, excitement, and sometimes worry.
After listening for awhile, I started collecting my favorite songs and my favorite is Worried Shoes. It's very subdued and simple with just a piano in the background and Karen O's broken, tender voice that captures the song's theme. After looking up the lyrics, I found this song is actually a cover and was originally recorded by Daniel Johnston. It's a brilliant song.
Lyrics and more after the jump...
WORRIED SHOES
Daniel Johnston
I took my lucky break and I broke it in two
Put on my worried shoes
My worried shoes
And my shoes took me so many miles and they never wore out
My worried shoes
My worried shoes
oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo
My worried shoes
I made a mistake and I never forgot
I tied knots in the laces of
My worried shoes
And with every step that I'd take I'd remember my mistake
As I marched further and further away
In my worried shoes
oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo
My worried shoes
And my shoes took me down a crooked path
Away from all welcome mats
My worried shoes
And then one day I looked around and I found the sun shining down
And I took off my worried shoes
And the feet broke free
I didn't need to wear
Then I knew the difference between worrying and caring
'Cause I've got a lot of walking to do
And I don't want to wear
My worried shoes
Daniel Johnston
I took my lucky break and I broke it in two
Put on my worried shoes
My worried shoes
And my shoes took me so many miles and they never wore out
My worried shoes
My worried shoes
oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo
My worried shoes
I made a mistake and I never forgot
I tied knots in the laces of
My worried shoes
And with every step that I'd take I'd remember my mistake
As I marched further and further away
In my worried shoes
oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo
My worried shoes
And my shoes took me down a crooked path
Away from all welcome mats
My worried shoes
And then one day I looked around and I found the sun shining down
And I took off my worried shoes
And the feet broke free
I didn't need to wear
Then I knew the difference between worrying and caring
'Cause I've got a lot of walking to do
And I don't want to wear
My worried shoes
The theme is so simple, yet profound. I realize I wear my Worried Shoes a lot. There are so many things that I have anxiety over and sometimes I don't know what to do about these things except maybe write them down and see that I really don't have as much to worry about because I am alive, I am healthy, I am young, and I could do so much more than just sit and worry about things.
So, I am going to write the things that worry me down so that I can take off these shoes and walk a new life that doesn't require special footwear because those shoes will only get more tread the farther I walk in them.
So, I am going to write the things that worry me down so that I can take off these shoes and walk a new life that doesn't require special footwear because those shoes will only get more tread the farther I walk in them.
THINGS THAT WORRY ME
I am not a good enough wife
I am not a good friend to those that matter and care too much about those that don't
I may never get pregnant and that may disappoint a lot of people
If I do become a mother, I'll screw it up
My parents
Protecting my sister from any pain I endured
My pets
How will we ever really get back to California
What will I do when I get there
What is my next job
How long will I have to stay doing this one
Will I do anything to leave a legacy once I am gone
How am I impacting the world
Am I doing a good job in life
Death - how will it happen
Will I burn all my bridges and be left alone because I drove people away
Why can't I control my emotions instead of wearing them so visibly on my sleeve
Will I find a passion and not just something I'm good at
Do I have it in me to fulfill my destiny
Why do I care what others think
Is it bad that I compare myself against others
I feel inadequate when I see some people's successes
I am too hard on myself but sometimes run away from the truth because it hurts
I am in denial
Karma - will it be my friend or enemy
Will I ruin every good that happens to me because of a deep seeded fear of success
Am as I happy I could be even if I feel so happy and loved
I am not a good enough wife
I am not a good friend to those that matter and care too much about those that don't
I may never get pregnant and that may disappoint a lot of people
If I do become a mother, I'll screw it up
My parents
Protecting my sister from any pain I endured
My pets
How will we ever really get back to California
What will I do when I get there
What is my next job
How long will I have to stay doing this one
Will I do anything to leave a legacy once I am gone
How am I impacting the world
Am I doing a good job in life
Death - how will it happen
Will I burn all my bridges and be left alone because I drove people away
Why can't I control my emotions instead of wearing them so visibly on my sleeve
Will I find a passion and not just something I'm good at
Do I have it in me to fulfill my destiny
Why do I care what others think
Is it bad that I compare myself against others
I feel inadequate when I see some people's successes
I am too hard on myself but sometimes run away from the truth because it hurts
I am in denial
Karma - will it be my friend or enemy
Will I ruin every good that happens to me because of a deep seeded fear of success
Am as I happy I could be even if I feel so happy and loved
Okay, I think that's enough for one worry journal. The point I wanted to make in this whole thing is that I am human and I can topple myself with all this self doubt. I can be a much happier and whole person if I let all of these insecurities go and just live. I need to put on my Accomplishment Shoes sometimes and see that they never wear out either because I will be successful...I am successful.
In times of self reflection, don't think that I am a miserable self absorbed depressed person. I am not. I just always want to be the best and sometimes that means so many different things that even I get confused along the way and forget that I am best sometimes. I can only be as good as I make myself and if I fall into this self loathing, I will truly succumb to the sadness and abyss that accompanies a walk in those Worried Shoes.
Thanks for listening and go see the movie next week. I know it will be great even though I have not seen it either.
In times of self reflection, don't think that I am a miserable self absorbed depressed person. I am not. I just always want to be the best and sometimes that means so many different things that even I get confused along the way and forget that I am best sometimes. I can only be as good as I make myself and if I fall into this self loathing, I will truly succumb to the sadness and abyss that accompanies a walk in those Worried Shoes.
Thanks for listening and go see the movie next week. I know it will be great even though I have not seen it either.
Worried Shoes - Karen O and the Kids
You've given me a unique idea. Thanks for sharing this story with me.
good post, I wanted to know if I could use this blog post on my website. a problem
Gratulations man, radio sunshine spoke about your blog on 2 pm. Header was your issue I think I've been wearing my Worried Shoes - Mrs. Oshimbo. Great work. bye