#214 / Make Up Your Mind #2

On Saturday, July 25th, The Wall Street Journal ran an article that announced the exciting discovery of a new, posthumously discovered Dr. Seuss book, What Pet Should I Get? The illustration above is from that book. 

I like Dr. Seuss, of course, but the illustration put me in mind of The Lovin' Spoonful, an American rock band that rose to prominence in the 1960's. and about whom I have written before on this Two Worlds blog. 

I realize that by admitting to an admiration for the music of The Lovin' Spoonful I am carbon-dating my origins to a prehistoric musical period now remembered, mainly, by those who lived through it. I am not sure that many, today, would share my enthusiasm. To justify my interest in The Lovin' Spoonful, however, let me point out that the band did make it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so I am not alone in my musical judgment.

My love for The Lovin' Spoonful is mainly centered on one of the songs that appeared on their first album, Do You Believe in Magic. The song with the same name (Do You Believe in Magic) is really quite good, but my heart (and mind) was captured by another one, "Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?" Click the link for a YouTube audio rendition. Click on this link for the full lyrics.

In politics, in government, in land use decision making, and in life, the value of the advice provided by this Lovin' Spoonful song just can't be overrated. So many times, our self-inflicted problems would be reduced, and perhaps even eliminated, if we could just take this lesson to heart, and act accordingly:

Sometimes you really dig a girl the moment you kiss her

And then you get distracted by her older sister

When in walks her father and takes you in line

And says, "Better go home, son, and make up your mind."

Image Credit: 
http://www.wsj.com/articles/traducing-dr-seuss-1437772381