“At least we dig each other…” You know that tune? I do. It is one of my very favorites. I love Incubus and have for a number of years. My brother was listening to this stuff, and it rubbed onto me big time. I’m not sure why, but I’m drawn to music for rhythm and lyrics equally. Sure, I can identify a catchy tune that makes my toe tap void of prompt, and I love the lyrics of a ballad that moves me, but when you combine both, you’ve got my full and undivided attention.
I gravitate towards seeing the full emotional value and virtue in every song that grabs me. I believe it’s the least I can do for a song writer and those who performed the works. In the case of “Dig” by the band Incubus, I fell in love instantly. I learned the lyrics and found what appears to be a simple message contained within…
Have you ever had a weakness? Have you asked forgiveness from someone you’ve wronged? Has someone asked that of you? Did you “dig” through the worst of them to reveal and uncover the best of them? Have you had a sickness that cleverly attaches and multiplies no matter how hard you tried to resist? What about a promise from your spouse, friend, sibling, or another caring person to uncover you when the worst version of yourself shows up?
We all have a weakness
But some of ours are easy to identify.
Look me in the eye
And ask for forgiveness
We’ll make a pact to never speak that word again.
Yes, you are my friend.
We all have something that digs at us
At least we dig each other.
So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you’ll count on the me from yesterday.
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song
Remind me that we’ll always have each other
When everything else is gone.
We all have a sickness
That cleverly attaches and multiplies
No matter how we try.
We all have someone that digs at us
At least we dig each other.
So when sickness turns my ego up
I know you’ll act as a clever medicine.
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song
Remind me that we’ll always have each other
When everything else is gone.
Oh, each other
When everything else is gone
Ohh… Oh, oh, oh, oh
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song
Remind me that we’ll always have each other
When everything else is gone.
Oh, each other
When everything else is gone.
Ohhh, each other
When everything else is gone.
Think on this bit of scripture:
James 2:14-17 – What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
We’re here for simple purposes friends. We really are. Where is the virtue in your faith or mine if we don’t share it? We have friends that we know need the help. Don’t ignore it. Resist the ease of figuring somebody else will tend to those needs, especially when you are staring right at it. Don’t allow yourself to be dulled to the human spirit within us all. Your instincts are precious, so act on them. This is a fantastic passage in James. I love it. Play this video and read the lyrics. They’re saying quite simply we need to “dig” and uncover the best in one another. Provide ‘works’ alongside your faith!
Salt and light… Be salt and light my friends.
This song has always filled me with joy, love, and hope. Very interesting to have found an Incubus song on a Christian site when as a child my father didn’t want me listening to their music. I am a currently facing my childhood issues in therapy with my counselor and this was a wonderful read. Thank you!
Hayley,
Thanks for reading and I’m glad you enjoyed it. I often wonder if this blog is a catalyst for people, or if it gets ignored. It gets quite a few hits, but rarely any comments. I really appreciated you offering your thoughts. How kind of you. Thank you.
On topic though, there are some bands out there that have a really negative influence on others, and that’s their intent. I don’t place Incubus in that category. Are they a tried and true Christian band? Nope. But, like all human beings, they’re as prone to sin as I. So I love them as God instructs me, and look for their redeeming qualities. They’re a talented group of people and I’ve really enjoyed their music. When something strikes me in a certain way, I like to write about it. Keep in mind, I’m just a guy. Flawed, smart, ignorant, insightful, silly, and jovial. 😉
As for your plight, I pray you get what you need. Sometimes that isn’t what you or I may want. Which is where the rub comes… I read something the other day that stuck with me when I was offering my son a Latin lesson. It was basically the alchemical dictum. “In sterquiliniis invenitur” – Latin translation – In filth will be found. I did some reading up on that and found Carl Jung to have used it often in his therapy of patients. He claimed, “What you need most is always to be found where you least wish to look.” He may be right about that. I don’t always like to look deep within myself because I’m sure to find flaws that I’d just as soon leave as is. But… The beauty God has built into us is that of free will. So, I can choose, and do on occasion, to tackle problems, and work to improve, which is what He expects. And, admittedly, when I dig deep and work through a problem, make a correction, or come to peace with something, I sure do think and feel a lot better.
I wish you the very best and I’ll pray for you diligently – that’s a promise. If I can be of help to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
In Christ,
Michael