How Dan Fogelberg changed my life.

[Pale Blue Dot]

When "Same Old Lang Syne" was released 26 years ago, I was a middle school student with a massive crush on Ms. Shanley, my English teacher. I loved the song, and it was one of the first 45s I ever bought. I was particularly intrigued by the last line of the song, "...and the snow turned into rain." I knew, the first time I heard that line, that it was not about snow or rain but was instead about the main character's feelings turning from something beautiful to something wet, cold, and dreary. I'm sure this seems obvious to everyone now, but at the time it was a revelation to me. It was the first time that I realized that language could be used to convey meanings that were more profound for being not so obvious.

I was thrilled, therefore, when Ms. Shanley brought up the same observation about that line in class one day. I suddenly felt like I was part of an exclusive club; the group of people that "got it." I felt that I had found my special talent.

I would go on to major in English in college and to this day I enjoy listening to music, reading books, and watching movies, looking for the "hidden" meanings and for the beautiful ways language can be used to convey meaning. In addition, after a long, strange trip, I have become an English teacher of students who are at the same age I was back in 1981, when Dan Fogelberg opened up for me a whole new way of looking at the world.

You will be missed, Dan. Thank you. And Ms. Shanley, if you're out there, thank you too.

[SallyMander]

1. What a great story!

Thanks for posting that. :hi:

[Jimbo S]

2. You have a talent some of us don't have. :)

I'm sure this seems obvious to everyone now, but at the time it was a revelation to me.

It's a revelation to me today. I'm just not good at picking up on stuff like this. Thanks for the insight!

[bmbmd]

3. I thought it meant

something frozen and useless thawed into something warmer and more nourishing.

[Swede]

4. Great story Finnfan.

Funny what paths we follow.