A Thin Line

I’ve heard some people turn to ice cream, work, or friends. But I’ve always turned to music during the most difficult times of my life.

One such time came as I was finishing up my degree at the University of Utah. As I juggled my last few classes, a full-time job, and a collapsing marriage, I came across Annie Lennox. I’d heard her music before but hadn’t tuned into the lyrics until I heard “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate” while visiting a Graywhale CD store near campus.  

The backdrop is heavy, but the song is laced with Annie’s understated, elegant voice making it approachable. I like the song, but have avoided listening to it for many years because it dredged up memories during a dark period of my life.

She might be holding something in
That’s really gonna hurt you
One of these fine days

Tonight I was updating my playlist and came across the album, Medusa. I added “Waiting in Vain”; my favorite song on the album. I looked through my list until I found A Thin Line Between Love and Hate. You know, to make sure it was still there.

But a strange thing happened. I didn’t skip over it like I have dozens of times before. Instead, I double clicked on the title, turned up the volume, and kicked back with my headphones and closed my eyes.

And for the first time in many years, I heard the instruments and the rhythm along with that piercing voice – even lyrics, without an ounce of regret.

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