One of my favorite parts of the Grammys is when younger musicians play a song with one of their idols. This year’s performance by Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs singing Chapman’s 1988 breakout song “Fast Car” had the audience on their feet and was one of the highlights of Grammy news the following day, in part because of Chapman’s rare appearance but also because of Combs’ unabashed awe and adoration of Chapman. It was like watching a child with one of his superheroes.
Combs did a popular cover of Chapman’s “Fast Car” last year. He has shared that he first heard the song on the radio when he was young and riding around with his dad in his pickup truck. A passion was stoked.
I was much older than Combs when “Fast Car” came out, but the song resonated at the same soul level for many of us from small towns eager to get out in the world, to jump in a car and go, go fast. We absolutely knew what Tracy was talking about when she sang, “I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone.” A longing for passion to manifest burned.
The meaning of passion has transformed over the years. Originally it referred to the Passion of Christ and then suffering in general. The religious meaning endures. It was later identified with madness and then with intense desire—often romantic but not necessarily—or enthusiasm.
Before the Grammy’s, and unrelated, I had an email exchange with some friends about passion which caused me to wonder if I might lose mine and if so, how to get it back and how to keep it burning? Passion can get lost or dim in the doing of the day-to-day or in times of sadness, worry, anxiety. It requires attention to prevent it from smoldering out, but it absolutely can and should be revived or ignited.
Passion gives life its zest, informs our purpose, keeps us burning for more. Like the etymology of the word itself, our passions can transform throughout our lives, some being left behind, others growing in intensity. Passion is not ageist. I know several people in their 80s and 90s who have plenty of passion. It’s having none that is untenable and makes for a lackluster life. So, here’s to indulging in, igniting, discovering, or reigniting your passion! And if that means a drive in a fast car with your favorite cruising tune cranked up, give me a shout.
Divine Ready 