All Darkness Is Not Depression

Years ago I recognized my kinship with all living things, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on the earth. I said then and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it; while there is a criminal element, I am of it; while there is a soul in prison, I am not free. ~ Eugene V. Debbs

A few days ago I posted the quote above in my Facebook status. I’ve got several files full of various quotes about different  things, and often I’ll throw one out somewhere in public to provoke thought, either in myself or others.

On the day I posted that one, I was in pretty good spirits; things were going well in my life and I seemed to be making progress toward my goals. What better time to remind myself of the true state of the world – there’s still a lot of work yet to be done.

An old friend of mine saw that remark and commented, wondering if I was in a bad mood or if something was wrong in my life. I told her no, things are fine, but it prompted me to think a bit more about how these things are perceived by others and what my motivations for posting such seemingly depressed thoughts are. What came to mind are remarks I once heard by a man I’ve always admired, Johnny Cash.

Mr. Cash, one of America’s greatest songwriters and performers, was notorious for always wearing black in public. I’m not sure if I’m remembering an actual interview or footage from the movie about his life from a few years ago, but either way, the reasons why are very much like my reasons for posting “black” comments and quotes, to remind myself and others that no matter how good life is, others still suffer needlessly.

Johnny Cash wrote a song, “Man In Black” expressing this sentiment far better than I can explain it.

Here’s the lyrics:

Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,
Why you never see bright colors on my back,
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.
Well, there’s a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin’ in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But is there because he’s a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you’d think He’s talking straight to you and me.

Well, we’re doin’ mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin’ cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we’re reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought ‘a be a Man In Black.

I wear it for the sick and lonely old,
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,
I wear the black in mournin’ for the lives that could have been,
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.

And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,
Believen’ that the Lord was on their side,
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,
Believen’ that we all were on their side.

Well, there’s things that never will be right I know,
And things need changin’ everywhere you go,
But ’til we start to make a move to make a few things right,
You’ll never see me wear a suit of white.

Ah, I’d love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything’s OK,
But I’ll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,
‘Till things are brighter, I’m the Man In Black.

“Man In Black” – Johnny Cash