The writer has emotions that are always difficult to express in words and to share intimately with the listener. We all can feel accepted by way of sharing the very worst in ourselves. This does not happen on the page or through the voice. It happens during self examination and our attitude towards the acceptance of our dark side. If the writer wants to guide the listener we must empathize with the listener’s psyche, never passing judgment on them or ourselves. Feeling only comes through unprejudiced objectivity.
This is a quality of humanity. A deep and humbling respect for the fact of what it means that we all suffer, and for the riddle that is life itself. This could be analogous with a religious experience. We identify with the lyrics is our hearts similarly that the deeply religious person senses in everything a divinity. This is truly unprejudiced objectivity. It is a success for the writer not to be repelled by the rot of the world, for we cannot change anything unless we first accept it. Simply condemning the darkness in the world does not remove it from being, it only oppresses it.
This does not mean that the writer must not ever pass judgment when we wish to address the evils of the world. But, we must first accept the world for what it is. However, the writer can only do this when they have already seen for themselves the horrors of the world and accepted them. This may seem simple. But, it is the simplest things in art that are the hardest to achieve. A dark poet could write a shallow love song, sing of wealth and material success, or flatter themselves in their prowess and power – but to do so is to deny themselves and become lowest part of who they are. In such a state, even the grandest of original ideas would be lost before pen ever touches paper.
Editor’s Note: Azy here. Usually I would just slap the author’s name on a piece, hit publish, and go. But I’m feeling really emotional and I wanted to provide a bit of a brief and personal commentary on Jim’s short essay.
Jim sent this to me before the COVID-19 pandemic. And honestly, I forgot all about it until just a bit ago and, while absolutely unintended, what Jim wrote is so relevant to what’s going on right now. and it’s advice for us all on how to let our emotions out right now.
I haven’t been working through my feelings and anxiety right now, I’ve been suppressing them by filling my free time with tasks, keeping myself busy, focusing on what I can do for others rather than myself. And I’m sure I’m not alone in this reaction.
I’ve tried to sit down and write music about all of this, but it’s been a struggle. It’s felt hollow, and shallow. Rereading Jim’s words today made it click, unlocked something for me. I hope this helps some of you out there too.
But who knows, maybe that was the intended response. The purpose of this piece. Jim’s a weird guy, and one of the most insightful and pithy people I know. I wouldn’t have put it past him to see things before the rest of us.
Anyway.. stay safe out there, and find comfort in making genuine and gut-wrenching dark art.