What may be the first in a series of inspirational posts is a look back at where we came from: a time where things for simpler, entertainment was more wholesome and the only major war being fought was one that didn’t really involve troops (Cold War).

It was also a time that could have made or broken careers (in this case, mostly broken, but I digress).

Getting back on point, today’s inspiration is similar to the one presented in mid-August about Staring Through Your Rearview — using music lyrics to motivate you into action. When you think about the music today, there isn’t too much that really inspires or lifts us up. More specifically, television theme songs today are either quick and wordless melodies, or they just simply borrow from another popular song that an established artist has recorded. It’s simple, it’s to-the-point, and sadly, it does nothing for family values.

But taking a look back at the 80’s, there were MANY themes that either made you want to get up and do a little jig, or bring you closer to your loved ones as you share a few time slots together over dinner during the week. Da Hustler loves nostalgia, and going back to listen to some of TV’s popular series’ music produced a great surprise: the words actually meant something! The theme to Perfect Strangers is a great example, because when you pay attention to what is said, you almost get the sense that you can do anything:

Sometimes the world looks perfect
Nothin’ to rearrange
Sometimes you just
Get a feelin’ like you need some kind of change
Standin’ tall
On the wings of my dream
Rise and fall
On the wings of my dream
Rain and thunder, the wind and haze
I’m bound for better days
It’s my life
It’s my dream
Nothin’s gonna stop me now

Ok, the words put to music really make it stand out, but you can still get a sense of the power of suggestion.

Da Hustler feels like the change in the presentation of things on TV has also caused a change in the way people relate to each other, approach problems, and overall live out their lives. It’s amazing that a short jingle that lasts no more than a minute and a half has more meaning than the full-blown songs of today that last almost five minutes on average.

Could there be a coincidence between what people watch and the state of America today? Baggy pants on kids, and their unruly behavior? The loss of the small home-town feeling in many cities? Not truly knowing our neighbors? Ignoring car alarms and regarding them as a nuisance? The outbreak of unspeakable violent acts, such as Columbine, the D.C. snipers, and the Barbie Bandits? We have to remember that it’s what we put in that determines what we get out.

In your travels this week, try to be cognizant of the media that you allow into your surroundings. It may just alter your mood positively, and make you even less of a perfect stranger.

Da Hustler also found an more updated version: