Affirmation

Darren Hayes, as I am always saying, has this way of taking the mundane and turning it into the extraordinary. His song Affirmation, I think, is a prime example. The very moment I heard the first lyric, I thought to myself, "Yup, we're on the same page here." (Sidebar: My mother has always taught me to never go to bed angry, that if that ever happens, things will go from bad to worse. A few weeks ago, I had a fight with someone and I guess they weren't listening to me all that well, coz we were on the phone and they hung up. I hate it when people leave me in the midst of a fight. Well, that was gonna be the end of it, except they had the good sense to send me a reconciliatory message. In theory, the sun did set on that argument, but I'm not that implacable.) I don't agree with every sentiment expressed in this song (the one I have the most trouble with is "I believe that trust is more important than monogamy" - so not true), but overall, I think it's a brave piece of writing. It says so much about the human condition and isn't that what art is supposed to do?

Final thought: Affirmation, Darren Hayes
I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low self-esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone

I believe in karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love till you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality
I believe that trust is more important than monogamy
I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul
I believe that family is worth more than money or gold
I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair
I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires

I believe forgiveness is the key to your unhappiness
I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed
I believe that God does not endorse TV evangelists
I believe in love surviving death into eternity