One of my all-time favorite bands is Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. I like the harmonies, the simple melodies and thought provoking lyrics. When I listen to them, it just puts me in a relaxed mood. It takes me back to my childhood. I’m sure most of you could sing the words to the hippie anthem “Teach Your Children” even if you didn’t know who sang it. It almost has a campfire feel to it.
Have you ever just concentrated on what the words actually say? Here’s the first verse:
You Who Are On The Road
Must Have A Code
That You Can Live By
And So Become Yourself
Because The Past
Is Just A Goodbye.Teach Your Children Well
Their Father’s Hell
Will Slowly Go By
And Feed Them On Your Dreams
The One They Picks
The One You’ll Know By.Don’t You Ever Ask Them Why
If They Told You, You Would Cry
So Just Look At Them And Sigh
And Know They Love You.
–Teach Your Children, Graham Nash, CSN, Deja Vu (Released 1970)
Somewhere in Graham Nashes lyrics, came the truth of our lives as parents. Our children learn from our “hell” and from our vocalized “dreams”. We need to have a “code” to live by because they will learn by our example. It is up to us to “teach them well” so that when they get older, they will be able to make the right decisions because ultimately, they are the ones who inherit the world that we are leaving.
Let’s all try to make sure they’re prepared.