What You Do With What You've Got....

Anyone who knows me well will know that I have rather a big soft spot for Eddi Reader. I liked Fairground Attraction, but they only lasted one album, and a whole other album's worth of material, which I joyfully found on an album recorded live in Japan, years later.

I never got to see Fairground Attraction play live. But I have seen Eddi live in concert on about seven or eight occasions, and every time, it has been a joy. The last time was literally just over a year ago, and it was wonderful to go and see her with my girlfriend at the time (now my fiancee).

But one song I have never seen her perform live is "What You Do With What You've Got", a song by Si Kahn. That is a real shame, because I love the song, both musically and lyrically. Have a read of the lyrics....

You must know someone like him,
He was tall and strong and lean,
With a body like a greyhound,
And a mind so sharp and keen.
But his heart, just like a laurel,
Grew twisted round itself,
Till almost every thing he did
Caused pain to someone else.

It's not just what you're born with.
It's what you choose to bear.
It's not how big your share is,
But how much you can share.
And it's not the fights you dreamed of
But those you really fought.
It's not what you've been given,
It's what you do with what you've got.

Now what's the good of two strong legs
If you only run away?
And what's the use of the finest voice
If you've nothing good to say?
And what good is strength and muscle
If you only push and shove?
And what's the use of two good ears
If you can't hear those you love?

Between those who use their neighbours
And those who use a cane
Between those in constant power
And those in constant pain
Between those who run to evil
And those who cannot run
Tell me which ones are the cripples
And which ones touch the sun?

Better still, watch the video here.... (you just have to ignore the adverts for BMW at the start and the end - don't know why they are there...)

The song seems to sum up much of what I believe is important, about using your gifts, your talents and your abilities for positive effect, for the good of others. To serve. To help them reach for and touch the sun. Or even to help them to reach for and touch the Son.....