Turning 30

I had a birthday this month. I turned the big Three O. Everybody has one age that really bothered them. For me this was the one. I can't explain it. It's not that I'm old it's just...30. I got pretty depressed. It was a combination of many things. The Spoonful of Blues gig didn't go exactly the way I hoped. I have been having some health issues. I played with a friends band and I realized I'm not where I want to be as a musician. I had heat stoke. Car problems. Work has been crazy. Fighting with the wife, fighting with the kids, fighting with the folks, fighting with my sister, ect...
Overall I'd been feeling run down and then...30.
I asked for my birthday to be low key. I didn't want to face the world. Then my birthday was low key and that bothered me too. I had a big fight with my best friend (who named this tune) for over looking my birthday. I was nothing short of a miserable bastard. Bless my wife who putting up with me. My birthday was in the middle of the month. I quit drinking beer, coffee, whiskey, cigars, sugar, red meat and most of all music.
When we got to the end of the month I had no song and the stink of turning 30 was still all over me. I wrote this drab tune about birthday cake and death (even though I quit music.) I wrote and recorded it on the last Tuesday of July. I sent it over to Jay and wasn't very receptive. I couldn't understand why. I thought it was the most truthful song ever...Everything does die.
When I went to work on the last Saturday of the month (two weeks after my birthday) I was at an all time low. Jack and Ronnie where both leaving early for different reasons. I was pissed. perfect end to a perfect month. Working late waiting for Sam to get a haircut. The only joy I could find was knowing Sam will be 30 in three weeks. Misery loves company. I was going to go grab a taco on the way home but my wife said she made Sam and lunch and we should come home. I'm now livid. Long terrible month and I can't even have a taco. I was mean to her on the phone, hung up on her and headed home.
When I pulled up to the house there was cars everywhere. I thought the neighbors where having a party. As I pulled in I saw EVERYBODY in the drive way. Everyone I'd been an A-hole to all month. The feeling was overwhelming. A surprise party for Sam and I. There was forty people in my drive way whipping water balloons at us. An incredible weight was lifted. I must be the most loved son of a bitch on the planet. It takes thirty years to build relationships so strong they can put up with you turning 30. I can't thank everybody enough. I had some beer, I had some whiskey and some coffee. I smoked a cigar. I ate some cake, had a burger and finally played guitar. Imagine my wife's grace as I was unbearable as she planned this surprise. Imagine Jay playing harmonica on this song while ordering food and decorations for my party. I love the song now because I never want to forget what I was like before I pulled in that driveway. I can honestly say one of the best things that ever happened to me was turning 30.

This song is for Sam... Happy Birthday Brother.

Turning 30