Rainy Days & Fridays
Updated: May 19, 2021
Much of my life is associated with music. Certain songs begin to play and the melody and lyrics seem to bend time and transport me to another location in life. The wafting phrases evoke emotions that do not belong to the present but, most commonly, to the past. When I was a kid, I enjoyed many musical acts. One of those was The Carpenters—yes, I know, kind of sappy and melancholy. Just listen to “Top of the World” and you’ve got to ask yourself who would ever write this stuff. But, sure enough, if you’re not careful, you’ll catch yourself humming or singing along with it. They also wrote some very poignant songs that spoke of the troubled lives they led. Karen eventually died, unable to conquer her severe eating disorder. Everyone has to face and deal with sorrow and suffering, even if you’re on the top of the world.
Why am I reminiscing about a ’70s pop music act? First, my emotions and memories were significantly shaped during that time period, and what occurred then formed a notable part of who I am and how I think today, greatly influencing my perceptions and reactions. The songs that played while my psyche and spirit were being molded serve as markers along that journey. Secondly, much of my emotional substance of that time seems to have been chronicled by the lyrics of the song, “Rainy Days and Mondays.”
Talkin' to myself and feelin' old Sometimes I'd like to quit Nothin' ever seems to fit Hangin' around Nothin' to do but frown Rainy days and Mondays always get me down
What I've got they used to call the blues Nothin' is really wrong Feelin' like I don't belong Walkin' around Some kind of lonely clown Rainy days and Mondays always get me down
Yes, I was a melancholy kid—introspective and introverted—who felt somewhat alone and ostracized by the world, and even felt somewhat separated from my family. Later in life, I realized that most people feel that way to some extent. What I know is that I was lucky (blessed) that somewhere in the midst of that teenaged period of angst and despair, I was able to meet and know someone who accepted me as I was and gave all He had to help me grow and mature, Jesus Christ.
Now, years later as an adult, I am still visited by times of melancholy. Some people might just call it navel-gazing. But, we all have times when we consider our thoughts, purpose, and actions. These days, those times are usually on Fridays. That is the day Robert died.
It’s much better now that I am years removed, but Friday mornings roll over me like a New England fog. I’d prefer to just let it pass by until Saturdays, which I love. Saturdays were the days I got to spend the most time with Robert and his nurses while Juli was teaching. We’d just spend time together. I would read, and he would watch SpongeBob, Spiderman, or Spy Kids a million times. We’d look at each other and just laugh. It just felt like home—no real expectations and no conditions—just home.
Funny, but it seems I always wind up here with you Nice to know somebody loves me
I knew that I was loved unconditionally when I was with Robert. Well, as long as I didn’t interrupt SpongeBob! It was difficult sometimes as he struggled with his medical condition, but he could always muster up a smile that would just break my heart. A smile that said, “I love you, no matter what.”
Well, he is gone now, and I just have to get through Rainy Days and Fridays. I am able to because I have an incredible family that loves me, and a faithful God whom I can trust. I have come to value the grief that Fridays bring because that grief also brings great memories that I never want to lose. I know Him so much more now because He allowed me to know Robert. That treasure far outshines the grief, and brings a smile with the tears. I can still hear his laugh, even in the rain.
Listening Library: Rainy Days and Mondays (The Carpenters)
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. (1 Peter 1:6-8 ESV)
Rainy Days and Mondays
Talkin' to myself and feelin' old Sometimes I'd like to quit Nothin' ever seems to fit Hangin' around Nothin' to do but frown Rainy days and Mondays always get me down
What I've got they used to call the blues Nothin' is really wrong Feelin' like I don't belong Walkin' around Some kind of lonely clown Rainy days and Mondays always get me down
Funny, but it seems I always wind up here with you Nice to know somebody loves me Funny, but it seems that it's the only thing to do Run and find the one who loves me (the one who loves me)
What I feel has come and gone before No need to talk it out (talk it out) We know what it's all about Hangin' around (hangin' around) Nothin' to do but frown Rainy days and Mondays always get me down
Funny, but it seems that it's the only thing to do (only thing to do) Run and find the one who loves me (ooh)
What I feel has come and gone before No need to talk it out (to talk it out) We know what it's all about Hangin' around (hangin' around) Nothin' to do but frown Rainy days and Mondays always get me down Hangin' around (hangin' around) Nothin' to do but frown Rainy days and Mondays always get Me down
Songwriters: Paul H. Williams / Roger S. Nichols
Rainy Days and Mondays lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
