BE THE NAIL AND OTHER LESSONS BEHIND LIFE’S LYRICS

Childhood in New Zealand dished up some formative experiences that seemed inconsequential but had a rudder effect lasting decades. Music class was compulsory up until junior high (or ‘intermediate,’ as it was referred to down there, back then). A full classroom of 10-year olds warbling out “El Condor Pasa” in quavering falsetto, accompanied by tentatively blown recorder and nervously struck . A confluence of discord that came together in some eerie harmony. “I’d rather be a hammer than a nail, yes I would, if I only could, I surely would …”