Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More
I ain't wastin' time no more 'Cause time goes by like pouring rain, and much faster things.
After hearing of the death of music legend Gregg Allman, I spent a lot of time over the weekend listening to songs of the Allman Brothers Band. They have an extensive catalog and after a couple of hours I came across the tune that's title of the blog post. I became somewhat introspective and started thinking...always a scary proposition...but in this case, it was fine.
Gregg wrote this song after the death of his brother. Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 24. TWENTY-FOUR YEARS OLD! At that point in his life, he was already an accomplished guitarist and considered one of the best in his field. But when someone leaves us so young, you can't help but wonder how much more they had left to give. Unfulfilled potential.
Quite a difference between the two Allman Brothers. One is gone in his mid 20's while the other leads a full life dying at 69...still not making it to real person's life expectancy but for a rock musician who had dependency problems and seven marriages a truly great run.
I don't think there's any question that Gregg Allman did not waste his time here. It would have been easy for him to shut down the band after his brother's death, but he took over the leadership and plugged on more than forty years. Through many personnel changes, The Allman Brothers Band put out many albums and performed thousands of concerts.
We can all learn something from the life of Gregg Allman and this classic song. No..I'm not telling anyone they should be married seven times and engage in the behavior that shortened his life although there is something to say about the redemption of overcoming his demons. But I am saying that you have to realize that life is short and it goes faster than you think. Everyone has things they want to do; goals that they want to accomplish. Bucket list items sounds simplistic but it's true.
Figure out what you want to do and go for it. Figure out what you NEED to do and go for it.
It may be as simple as going to a place you've always wanted to see. It could be as complex as trying to mend a broken relationship. You need to decide what's important to you and get there before it's too late.
You might be twenty-four or you could be sixty-nine, but no one knows for sure when their time is coming to an end. Don't waste what little you have.
You don't need no gypsy to tell you why You can't let one precious day slip by. Look inside yourself, and if you don't see what you want, Maybe sometimes then you don't, But leave your mind alone
This post is a gallery of the Allman Brothers career and music during their final performances.
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