The “hook” chord progression for “Ain’t No Sunshine” and James Taylor’s song, “Another Gray Morning” are the same. A little tid bit that you may not be aware of. A factoid that will make no difference to most peoples lives. It is a chord progression that lends itself to the melancholy melody and depressing lyrics of both songs.

Simple to play on guitar or keys and I sure feel like singing or playing one of those songs right now.

It isn’t that I feel particularly sad, though I watched part of a pretty stupid movie tonight. It’s just that I like feeling sad sometimes. It feels real. I feel authentic, human, alive.

I feel that I need to put in a side-note for any non-musicians: we are weird. Get over it!

Now, since I’m being honest, I will tell you that much of my prayer life “swings” on my happiness. I don’t want to hurt, be sick or poor, or have to struggle so hard. But, I find myself disappointed with perky people. I mean really, who can smile at everything?

Little Much Afraid, from the book, “Hind’s Feet On High Places”, had to take the hands of Sorrow and Suffering. We are called to, “take up our cross, daily.” Even Jesus was called a man of sorrows and “acquainted with grief.” So I guess I’m in good company. And like Him,we have “joy set before us.” Leading us forward, to move on, accepting whatever His will is.

I don’t want to be sad. But I would rather be sad, knowing God’s presence, feeling His touch on my heart, than to go through life filled with smiles and warm, mushy feelings.

Call me crazy, but that just how it is.