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One of my favorite musicians is a man who doesn’t always get the credit he deserves for being a top-notch songwriter. Many of his songs are upbeat with lots of instruments, and I suppose he’s a goofy guy. But I heard one of his songs yesterday (though not for the first time) and I knew I had to blog about it. Let me state it this way: Have you noticed how many songs there are about broken families? It seems like there are a lot of them. Or maybe I gravitate toward them. In either case, a man I appreciate whom I have met, Jason Mraz, wrote a song called, “Love For A Child” on his 2008 release. Divorce is the theme, but he does it subtly in parts, so that you’re not driven away. He writes poignantly,

When the house was left in shambles
Who was there to handle all the broken bits of glass?
Was it mom who put my dad out on his ass, or the other way around?
Well, I’m far too old to care about that now.

[Me talking] The thing is, though, we never are too old to care. It’s even possible that we weren’t there or aware when it took place. Still, it affects us, it hurts us deeply. Jason Mraz knows this, and he’s letting us into that awareness. I don’t know if it’s autobiographical or not, but it could be. He continues in the chorus,

What about takin’ this empty cup
And fillin’ it up
With a little bit more of innocence?
I haven’t had enough, it’s probably because
When you’re young, it’s OK to be easily ignored
I’d like to believe it was all about
Love for a child.

[Me] A song well worth your time and reflection.

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