Man in Black

Known as the man in black Johnny Cash released a song in 1971 called The Man In Black.  It appears to be a protest song about the human condition at the time.  However, it appears to be as relevant today as it was in in during the Vietnam era.  I don't want to make this post about politics or war and this blog is supposed to be about running.

I wear black a lot.  Maybe it is the slimming effect, hah!  More likely it is because I tend to be a bit low key in my dress, not Gothic mind you, but just low key.  I do tend to wear black shorts and a black sleeveless shirt in marathons.  I do this more during cooler marathons to absorb some of the sun for warmth.  When temperatures are in the 40's I also wear black compression sleeves since these can be easily removed.  With black shorts, black socks, black shirt, black sleeves, black hat and off-black running shoes, I am definitely the man in black.

The other day, this song came on my shuffle and I listened intently.  I listen to all kinds of music and I could have everything from Kid Rock and Eminem  to Johnny Cash in the same playlist.  I may even find a time for Andres Segovia's Baroque guitar.  Anyway, the words hit home especially while running for the DRM.  I want to change the last stanza. We need to see the future as bright but recognize the darkness that looms.  It is in the light that we see and can make things bright.  This year I will wear rainbow bright shirts (the light of the world to come)  and black shorts (to recognize the human condition).  



As it's written:

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything's OK,
But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,
'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.

to

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything's OK,
So I'll try to carry off a little brightness on my back,
In Hope and Faith of things brighter,
I'm the Man of Rainbow Bright and Black.

Man in Black by Johnny Cash

Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,

Why you never see bright colors on my back,

And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.

Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,

Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,

I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,

But is there because he's a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who never read,

Or listened to the words that Jesus said,

About the road to happiness through love and charity,

Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.

Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose,

In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes,

But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back,

Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.

I wear it for the sick and lonely old,

For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,

I wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have been,

Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.

And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,

Believen' that the Lord was on their side,

I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,

Believen' that we all were on their side.

Well, there's things that never will be right I know,

And things need changin' everywhere you go,

But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right,

You'll never see me wear a suit of white.

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,

And tell the world that everything's OK,

But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,

'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.

Today Day 22: 5 miles: 2014: 136 miles