my careless contagion

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. (John 1:12) Opinion by Greg Graffin still resonates deeply with me, as does the entire album on which it is found , American Lesion, released in 1997. The album, released in November 23 years ago, was Greg Graffin's first solo release (he has three now). Greg Graffin is most known as the frontman and principal songwriter of Bad Religion, the seminal hardcore band founded in 1979. He's also a doctor, as he has a Ph.D. in zoology. At one time, he was one of two leading index fossil scientists. Index fossils determine the age of the surrounding strata in which they are found, which helps gauge the age of other fossils when carbon dating isn't likely to help. So, he's a scientist. He's also an author and has written many books over the years. His interests are varied, and they all inform each other. This album was written after his div...

Here's another song — The Fault Line — from Greg Graffin's American Lesion. I was trying to think of a song that dovetails with this post, and this was the first one I thought of. Considering Greg Graffin was dealing with the aftermath of a divorce when he wrote these songs, I consider it pertinent. This song is about the lines that reveal blame and fault in a relationship (also, perhaps, geography), which is something we all have to sort through when a relationship ends. Let's face it, there are no divorces where anyone escapes blame. While married, I knew I wasn't faultless, however, after examining my marriage from a distance, I've come to see how truly deserving of blame I was.  It was necessary for me to get some distance before I came to this conclusion. The reason for that is because anyone who lives with someone who is controlling or manipulative is ALWAYS aware of their constant falling short, their failings, their hurtful behavior, etc. There is no w...

From Greg Graffin's (of Bad Religion fame) first solo album, American Lesion, comes this little song about the breakup of a marriage. Maybe She Will reveals the stalwart hope of Graffin, who typically (being a scientist) wouldn't spend much time in emotional turmoil. This album was one of my favorites for years. I listened to it recently and found I had little in common with the words and music, originally released and purchased in 1997.  One of the things I do have in common with this album is the sentiment expressed in this song. It's the act of putting your hope into another human being in a desperate way, hoping against all hope, really, that they will rescue you from your dire situation. As much as I loved this album as long as I did, I cannot believe it no longer resonates with me. This is a track that has come back to haunt me, so to speak, however, as I know this feeling well.  How many times had I wished my former mate would just make good and recognize t...