Satisfied by simple things, like breathing in and breathing out

As the academic year comes to a close, it is time to take stock and look forward. If, like me, you often walk between the twin shadows of despair and defiance, perhaps a little musical validation is in order. Herewith Natalie Merchant, Not in This Life, on Motherland (2001):

Not in This Life

• Lately I've been walking all alone
• Through the wind and through the rain
• Been walking through the streets
• Finding sweet relief in knowing that it won't be long


• Lately it's occurred to me
• That I've had enough of that
• And lately I've been satisfied by simple things
• Like breathing in and breathing out


• Never again, not in this life
• Will I be taken twice
• Never again, not on your life
• Will I make that same mistake
• I can't make it twice


• Lately it's occurred to me
• Exactly what went wrong
• I realized I compromised, I sacrificed
• Far too much for far too long


• Never again, not in this life
• Will I be taken twice
• Never again, not on your life
• Will I make that same mistake
• I can't make it twice


• Starting out from here today
• Swear I'm gonna change my ways
• Once mistaken in this life
• But never twice


• Never again, not in this life
• Will I be taken twice
• Never again, not on your life
• Will I make that same mistake
• Never again, not on your life
• Will I make that same mistake
• Can't make it twice


• Starting out from here today . . . .