Slow-Up.
This is one of those days when I don’t have my own words, so I will borrow Jacob Banks's from his song Slow Up.
I have been thinking about adulthood, the attendant never-ending responsibilities and how overwhelming it can get.
At times like this, finding solace in music helps because, of its ability to carry one when we lose ourselves in our emotions, to uplift, inspire, connect us with shared feelings, and sometimes distract.
I reached for Jacob Bank’s Slow Up( I already told you I’m a tad obsessed with him and he can do no wrong in my book). On the surface, the song it appears to be about a parent telling a child not to grow up too fast. On a deeper level it is also about encouragement for adults (we are all, regardless of our ages, still children of the world) to;
1. Take things slow. Embracing the present and not rushing through life. Appreciating where we are in our journies, and not letting the pressures of responsibility consume their lives entirely.
2. Retain a childlike wonder. Holding on to curiosity, joy, and a sense of wonder that comes so easily to children. Reconnecting with that inner child.
3. Accept life’s struggles: Challenges are almost inescapable as we grow older. We should accept and deal with them with grace and resilience.
4. Continuously seek growth and evolution. While warning against rushing to grow up in the being jaded with life type of growth, there is a subtle suggestion to the importance of constantly evolving without sacrificing the simple things.
Overall, we of the “adulting genre” need to live with more intention, with a healthy balance between maturity and the lightness of youth.
With the commentary out of the way, Ladies and Gentlemen….. Slow-Up by Jacob Banks(you can listen here);
What I've learnt from the ocean
Hard to dance and rejoice in the motion
Let the sun have its moment
The moon will come
What I've learnt from a soldier
Every man is a son to a daughter
And we only remember
When we see the blood
Don't grow up on me
Keep that backstroke in your Afro
Don't you grow up on me
Slow up homie
Don't you grow up on me
Keep it OG sipping slowly
Don't you grow up on me
Slow up homie
Don't you show off on me
Don't you grow up on me
Show off on me
What I've learnt from a traveller
There's no road that can lead to nirvana
There's a world to discover
But home is love
Mhm
What I've learnt from a mirror
Look too hard and you'll find you a stranger
Love is just a decision
The choice is yours
Don't grow up on me
Keep that backstroke in your Afro
Don't you grow up on me
Slow up homie
Don't you grow up on me
Keep it OG sipping slowly
Don't you grow up on me
Slow up homie
Don't you show off on me
Don't you grow up on me
Show off on me.
Keep going,
Ije