When in Rome…

Posted by Lisa on: 04.17.2006 /

Let’s start our week with a sensory diversion in the form of great music, shall we?

We all know the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans”
I was listening yesterday to a song by Nickel Creek, called “When in Rome” from their album “Why Should the Fire Die?” I saw Nickel Creek in sold-out concert at the Paramount in Seattle last winter. (Phenomenal talent, master mandolin and vocals).
Go here to listen to a 30 sec. sample of the song (at the site hit your control key and select the headphones) or
Support the musicians and pay a buck for the whole 4 minutes. (It’s worth it!)

Like art, music can be absorbed and reflected differently by each listener.
When you have a moment, lend an ear to this piece and see where you land as an Atheist or Christian. Then, if you like, share with us your final destination and thoughts.

WHEN IN ROME, Nickelcreek

Where can a sick man go
When he can’t choke down the medicine,
The old Doc knows.
A specialist came to town, but he stays at home, saying
No one knows, so I don’t, Honey, when in Rome.

Where can a teacher go?
Wherever she thinks people need the things she knows.
Hey, those books you gave us look good on the shelves at home,
And they’ll burn warm in the fireplace, Teacher, when in Rome.

Grab a blanket, sister, we’ll make smoke signals.
Bring in some new blood (?)
It feels like we’re alone.
Grab a blanket, brother, so we don’t catch cold from one another.
Oh, I wonder if we’re stuck in Rome.

Where can a dead man go?
A question with an answer only dead men know.
But I’m gonna bet they never really feel at home,
If they spend a lifetime learning how to live in Rome.

5 Responses to "When in Rome…"

  • Comment by: Ir

    1 04/17/06 7:23 PM | Comment Link |

    Ok Lisa - here are my final destination and thoughts:

    I’d rather be off-the-map than in Rome. :)

  • Comment by: Lisa

    2 04/17/06 7:27 PM | Comment Link |

    I knew you would be the first and possibly ONLY person to comment on this piece.
    I don’t want to ’spend a lifetime learning how to live in Rome’ either.
    Of course, I’ve never been much of a conformist.

    Thanks for listening, Ir.

  • Comment by: skikid

    3 04/17/06 7:37 PM | Comment Link |

    So as not to leave Ir alone… :)

    It think of the idea of discovering who I am as opposed to who I am told I should be… challenging perceptions and stereotypes and perusing my genuine interests even thought they may not always be what my twenty something culture tells me is cool.

    As it relates to this site… exploring my faith as fearlessly as possible and not letting my religion dictate it to me.

  • Comment by: Lisa

    4 04/17/06 8:16 PM | Comment Link |

    Skikid, I applaud you!

  • Comment by: Peter from Pennsylvania

    5 04/18/06 4:43 AM | Comment Link |

    Skikid! RIGHT ON!

    I am what I would call a pretty orthodox Christian believer, and yet, I’m discovering my faith all the time! I’m still figuring it out as I go! I don’t believe all the same things I believed 10 years ago. I’m a work in progress.

    And I’m telling you, Skikid, that’s what you should be too! (get it… that was humour… telling you… hee hee… oops, I’m the only one who got it… oh well…)