Looking Back
by Edgar A. GuestI might have been rich if I'd wanted the gold
instead of the friendships I've made.
I might have had fame if I'd sought for renown
in the hours when I purposely played.
Now I'm standing to-day on the far edge of life,
and I'm just looking backward to see
What I've done with the years and the days that were mine,
and all that has happened to me.
I haven't built much of a fortune to leave
to those who shall carry my name,
And nothing I've done shall entitle me now
to a place on the tablets of fame.
But I've loved the great sky and its spaces of blue;
I've lived with the birds and the trees;
I've turned from the splendor of silver and gold
to share in such pleasures as these.
I've given my time to the children who came;
together we've romped and we've played,
And I wouldn't exchange the glad hours spent
with them for the money that I might have made.
I chose to be known and be loved by the few,
and was deaf to the plaudits of men;
And I'd make the same choice should the chance
come to me to live my life over again.
I've lived with my friends and I've shared in their joys,
known sorrow with all of its tears;
I have harvested much from my acres of life,
though some say I've squandered my years.
For much that is fine has been mine to enjoy,
and I think I have lived to my best,
And I have no regret, as I'm nearing the end,
for the gold that I might have possessed.
It’s been a good week in music and we’ve got all the new releases from the hottest stars. Here’s all the details on the new releases. Demi Lovato collaborated with Marshmello on the track “OK Not to Be OK.” “The catchy beat was initially what drew me to this song, but after paying closer attention to the powerful lyrics, I could not stop listening. With lyrics like “Thinking you’ll never get your chance / Feeling like you’ve got no solution / It’s only ’cause you’re human,” if I’m ever feeling down or doubting myself for whatever reason, this is what I plan on listening to to get me out of my funk. Thank you, Demi and Marshmello! I needed this.” — Monica Sisavat, editor, celebrity and entertainment.
“Keep Your Head Up” by Djo: “I had been patiently waiting for Joe Keery, aka Djo, to drop new music since his 2019 debut solo project, Twenty Twenty, and he finally delivered with his latest single, “Keep Your Head Up,” which does not disappoint. The track is a fun fusion of psychedelia, pop, soul, and funk as the 28-year-old singer and musician urges listeners to stay encouraged amid tough times. And just when you think the song can’t get any better, in comes a sonic eruption guided by a sweet saxophone. It really is a masterpiece.” — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment.
“Relación Remix” by Sech, Daddy Yankee, and J Balvin feat. Rosalía and Farruko. “I’m all for the chill September vibes that are all over my playlist this Friday, but the ‘Relación Remix’ gives me every genre I’m looking for in one song. It eases in with some soft crooning, but halfway through, I found myself jumping up from my chair and taking a necessary dance break. Every single reggaeton icon is featured in this remix, including my personal favorite: Rosalía. Her voice is so gorgeous on this track, and the beat is quite literally bumping!” — Charisandra Perez, social media and partnerships coordinator.
Getty Images/WireImage/Dave Simpson
“Found You” by Ludacris and Chance the Rapper. “LUDA! My ears feel so #blessed Ludacris is giving us new music. Ludacris has been around forever and contributed to some of the biggest hits from the past three decades! Maybe it’s the nostalgia of growing up with his music always in the background. but there’s something so good about hearing Ludacris back on the mic. This song is no different, and it feels like 2003/2004 all over again. Take me back! (honorable mention to Chance).” — Zareen Siddiqui, director, audience development.
“Turntables” by Janelle Monáe. “This protest song was written for Amazon Prime’s documentary, All In: The Fight For Democracy, which premieres on Sept. 18. The film will explore issues surrounding voter suppression, so it’s fitting that Monáe’s empowering single inspires others to fight against social injustice. ‘Turntables’ is her first release of original music since 2018’s Dirty Computer, and it’s a triumphant return indeed.” — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment.
“Let’s Love” by David Guetta and Sia. “I love the hopeful message of this song, but it’s Sia’s vocals that really do it for me. Oh, and the beat of this track is definitely giving me some The Weeknd vibes.” — Monica Sisavat, editor, celebrity and entertainment.