PANDEMIC DIARY

CONTEXT CHANGES EVERYTHING
March 23, 2022

Context provides meaning and clarity to the intended message. In a discussion, the context provides the container within which we are assured that we are all talking about the same thing. If it were a theater production, it would be the stage setting for it ‘sets the stage’ for the communications to follow. Context is vital, establishing a framework, intent, and direction. But, also, context can reveal subtexts and disclose nuances otherwise unrealized. I have experienced these phenomena in business and my personal life. We have all experienced this in sending emails whose intent was mistaken. Maybe you were attempting to be funny or serious yet totally mistaken. And, then sometimes we hear a phrase or refrain and appreciate the content but have no idea of the context until it is explained. And, then the whole experience shifts and it takes on new meaning. Even profound meaning.

The Drifters

Such was the case when a friend of mine sent me this synopsis of the origin of the song “Save The Last Dance (For Me)” made famous in the 1960’s by The Drifters:
The songwriter, Doc Pomus, was crippled, but his wife or girlfriend loved to go out and dance - so he would go with her to the clubs so she could dance. She would dance with other men while he sat on the sidelines and watched. But when it was time for the last dance of the evening, he would go out in his wheelchair and dance the last dance with her. Hence, the song. True story and very touching! That is how this wonderful song was written! Those were the days of good diction and you can actually understand the words!

Now the song has a completely different meaning and affect on me. It brought me to tears. See this version with Anne Murray and let me know what you think. (IMPORTANT:CLICK ON ‘READ IN BROWSER” THEN “WATCH ON YOUTUBE”)