Corey Balsamo

Singer-songwriter from New York. Just trying to figure it all out.

The Pursuit of Happiness.

I’m really thankful for music. In the span of my “musical life”, which I would define as beginning around the age of ten or so, it has been such a bridge to my feelings and my emotions. A connection to my heart on both the listener and the composer’s end. This is how powerful music is: You can feel a connection with someone (ie: the songwriter) that is so strong, it sends a chill up your spine and goosebumps along your arm. Their voice and lyrics have become something you inhale and respond, “Yes, I identify myself with that. And it means so much to me that you know this feeling, too.” The most amazing part is that you could have never met this person. Depending on their stature in society, if they exist in the realm of “celebrities”, they may have no idea you, individually, exist on this earth. I want to stick Brooklyn-native songwriter Kevin Devine, guitar slinger John Mayer and my friend Ross in my car - and I want to just drive around. (This time of night, too.) I just want to see the conversation that spawns and floats around between our ears and mouths. And although I’ve only met John Mayer briefly and Kevin Devine is someone who I get to brush elbows with every now and then, I just know, deep in my heart, that there would be supremely awesome conversation going on inside that moving vehicle.

Driving is something most people hate. But to me, driving is like therapy. When I’m feeling anxious or worried or I just need to clear my head and get out of the house, I get in my car and just drive. I think the automobile is an incredible tool. It can take you practically anywhere. The reason I think some people hate driving is because they associate it with things they naturally don’t want to do. (ie: driving to work, doing errands, rushing, rushing, rushing…) We’re always rushing in this world. Like there’s some imaginary finish line we need to cross. Sometimes it just helps to get in the car and drive. I hope I never lose that innocence - my love for driving around aimlessly. It seems like it’s something that can fade with age. I hope I’m wrong.

I was talking with an old friend tonight. She told me this: “I just need to move already and get out of my house, I feel like a nobody…I need to be involved and I have nothing to be involved with here." The first thing I did was stop her and say, "Listen, this is not your house’s fault." She also went on to specify that she needs to be involved in a college setting. I don’t believe college is the solution to as much as people think it is. I’m not saying it won’t help you to get where you want to be, if in fact, your career / your goals / your life’s dreams typically entail earning a college degree. But if you’re anything like my friend, you’re obviously unsatisfied with a few things in your life. And I think people often times chalk it up to really plain and simple solutions that don’t necessarily equate in the end. "If I just own this car.” “If I just go to this school.” “If I just own that watch.” “If I just move to this city.” “If I just wear these clothes.” “If I just fit this mold / this image.” “If I just write the songs that will make millions.” “If I just wear my hair the way the fans want me to wear my hair.” “If my band just signs with this record label.” “If I just wasn’t this way.” And, for some reason, the equation is supposed to conclude “happiness”, which still has yet to be proven. This idea of obtaining without ever being satisfied with where you are in the present is widespread and overwhelming in our culture. I’m just not buying into it anymore. 

My friend then said “I think I’m just bored, that’s all.” Well, we all get bored sometimes. I get bored a lot. I spend a lot of time alone these days. But what it comes down to is finding happiness in whatever you’re doing at the time. I know it sounds corny, but it’s true. I’m happy lying here in my bed writing this blog, listening to my “Iron & Wine” vinyl records, driving around, giving guitar lesson, being up on stage, helping others, doing yard work, etc. Even though you may initially refute the idea of having to get up and do things you don’t want to do at the moment, you need to be happy that you CAN do them. Because there is a lot to experience out there, no matter where you are. It’s normal to want a change of scenery and it’s easy for your surroundings to appear stale when you get stuck in the grooves of routine. You can cue boredom right then and there. But, please, try to search for happiness in whatever you’re doing - for all our sakes.

“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.” - Will Smith

  1. coreybalsamo posted this

Ultralite Powered by Tumblr | Designed by:Doinwork