Over the course of the semester, I have had the privilege of reading some of the most influence works in the western world, one of those being Plato’s Republic. The allegory of the cave has been one of the most interesting educational representations that I have ever heard — because of its links to life and spirituality, I am excited by the story in itself. After examining it in my honors seminar, I was reminded of a song by one of my favorite artists. On his first album, this song has had a substantial impact on me, for I have been listening to it for quite some time. It is open for interpretation, but I think it is very clear what he is trying to say here.

Brushfire fairytales

Itsy bitsy diamond wells

Big fat hurricanes

Yellow bellied given names

Well shortcuts can slow you down

And in the end we're bound

To rebound off of we

Well dust off your thinking caps

Solar powered plastic plants

Pretty pictures of things we ate

We are only what we hate

But in the long run we have found

Silent films are full of sound

Inaudibly free

Slow down everyone

You're moving too fast

Frames can't catch you when

You're moving like that

Inaudible melodies

Serve narrational strategies

Unobtrusive tones

Help to notice nothing but the zone

Of visual relevancy

Frame-lines tell me what to see

Chopping like an axe

Or maybe Eisenstein should just relax

Slow down everyone

You're moving too fast

Frames can't catch you when

You're moving like that

Well Plato's cave is full of freaks

Demanding refunds for the things they've seen

I wish they could believe

In all the things that never made the screen

And just slow down everyone

You're moving too fast

Frames can't catch you when

You're moving like that

Slow down everyone

You're moving too fast

Frames can't catch you when

You're moving like that

Moving too....

"Inaudible Melodies" – Jack Johnson

Sometimes we just need to slow down and listen to the silence that is trying to get our attention. Intentional silence is a rare occurrence; the constant buzz of everyday life can become so numbing to the point where we actually perceive it as quiet, when really there is none to be found. As a culture we are hard-pressed to get things done instantly — we rarely make enough time for reflection. I am often stuck in a frame of mind that promotes in-the-moment behavior, and it is hard to get out. It’s hard when deadlines, homework or life in general is looming overhead, with no sign of it drifting away.

I'm reminded every time that I hear this song to challenge myself to go against the grain of modern egocentricity and step back from my own life for a little while, so I can see what is really happening on the screen. When I consider those around me, less often do I find myself struggling to hear the truth in things. Give yourself a break, and listen once in a while, you just see the truth behind the shadows.