Inspired by Seasick Steve. (2008). Started out with nothin'. On I started out with nothin and i still got most of it left [Audio album]. Warner Records.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

What are the things which concern you most in life? In a society where we have much, much of our energy and time is spent maintaining what we have. Yet the lyrics of this week’s song suggest a very different approach.

The song is a reminder that life itself is not dependent on our possessions or positions. The chorus provides an easily remembered mantra; ‘cause I started out with nothing and I still got most of it left. We are born into the world with nothing and will depart with nothing. Whatever possessions we have in between are transitory. The song expounds this ideology.

First, we can’t lose or have taken from us the things we don’t have. When our focus shifts on to our real and most valuable possession not being a material possession we begin to realise this is something that can’t be taken by others and can’t be mistakenly lost. We will always be ourselves, although there are times when we might forget this, and just how valuable being ourselves is.

In our society we tend to spend a lot of time, money and effort on protecting our possessions. It’s not that this is wholly wrong but it’s just that our material possessions are not the most important thing we possess, and when we do become focused on this, much of the focus of our life becomes misplaced. This leads to a significant conclusion in the song, that our happiness and wellbeing doesn’t depend on other people or things. We can learn to become sufficient in validating ourselves knowing we are uniquely ourselves, not dependent on the praise of others or the valuing of self through material wealth.

This leads to a second point, that when we are down, we can choose to get back up. It’s not that this perspective will mean we will never face challenges again. It’s simply that a perspective which focuses on the real value of human life isn’t dependent on external motivators to help us be resilient.

The reality in most situations we face is perfectly presented in Seasick Steve’s attitude toward food and shelter. Rather than worrying, grasping and protecting, it is an attitude which speaks of hope, adventure and welcoming the uncertainty of the future with a security that we will always find provision for our most essential needs.

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