Live Out the String

My honorary Swiss "kleiner schwester", Miriam, was in a bad car accident in Mexico City recently. She wasn't hurt, but she's been scared and sad, and lost a bit of her nerve for adventure in the ensuing trauma.

But it made me think of this great song that Marc Cohn wrote, after surviving a bizarre random shooting with a bullet that stopped in his skin without piercing his skull...

There's a lot to be thankful for, and it's also good to be reminded that we don't know how long we have. It's up to us to live life to the fullest. So here's to you, Miriam - the Lord has spared you, and been with you every step of the way on your adventures... live it out, my girl. Don't be afraid.

And yes, I've messed with the words a smidge, to give God a little more direct credit...

Live Out The String ~ Marc Cohn

Maybe life is curious to see what you would do
with the gift of being left alive
How love
How giving
Spread the higher purpose
and cut through all the shuck and jive

It's only natural,
Maybe superstitious,
to try and find the meaning in beating the odds
'Cause sometimes you just gotta
get down on your knees
Sometimes
Could you get down on your knees?
Sometimes baby
Better get down on your knees
and thank the good Lord in heaven
for letting you

Live out the string a little longer, boy
Raise your voice and make a joyful noise
Ain't no guarantee of anything
But live out the string

Now that a meteorite has fallen in the chair
You just got out of to answer the phone
Will you live every moment
Like it just might be your last
Or will you still just b**** and moan?

Fate is kind
Fate is cruel
Fate is terminally cool
Feels like a random interruption
In the middle of your groove
But sometimes
Could you get down on your knees?
Sometimes
Get down on your knees
Sometimes, baby
Better get down on your knees
And find yourself a deeper groove

Who knows if we had angels on our shoulders
That night with the devil in the street?
Who knows if it means we've got more work to do
But hey baby, don't the air taste sweet?

Get down on your knees
and live out the string
Raise your voice and make a joyful noise
Ain't no guarantee of anything
Just live out the string

Maybe life is curious to see what you would do
With the gift of being left alive