“So let on, ease back, brother, and let it slip away.
I’m tired of hanging onto the pains of yesterday.”~Amos Lee
I’ve been listening to Amos Lee since his entrance into the public eye with his glorious self-titled debut album. I’ve picked up all of his albums since then, and recently his music has been taking on new and deeper meaning for me. His lyrics are poignant, his voice is smooth as chocolate, and his guitar strumming mixed with those vocals can be folksy, bluesy, and soulful separately or all at once.
“Ease Back” is one of his lesser known songs, but it is great nonetheless. If you listen to the lyrics, you’ll see that it’s about letting go of past hurts and times gone by. If you’re a fan, you’ll know that most of his music deals with pain, not necessarily just in relationships, but the acceptance that suffering is a part of life. I don’t know the specifics of his life situation or spiritual leaning if any, but whether he is aware of it or not, his overall messages indicate a very buddhist/taoist mentality. This song is about embracing what is, and living this moment to the fullest.
I hope you’ll take the time to listen today. Do it meditatively if you can. Sit back, notice your breath, and listen to his words. See what arises for you. Is there any grudge you’re holding onto big or small? Is there anyone you need to forgive or from whom you need to ask forgiveness?
May you live at ease.
By Terence Stone
Featured art tumbnail by Gilly Marklew
If you enjoyed this article and want to get involved, please subscribe to the blog, like us on facebook, and follow us on twitter or Google+.