Just Around The Riverbend

I have seen Disney's Pocahontas when I was a kid. Though Pocahontas is not my favorite princess, if she is one, I still liked the first movie. I have listened and sung along with some of its songs growing up, too. Colors of the Wind and Just Around the Riverbend are my favorites!

When my teacher asked if I'm okay with JATR, without hesitation, I said yes. We studied the song and tried to apply some techniques. She asked me to memorize one of the five songs she picked for me and I chose this one. I originally wanted Someone Like You (from Jekyll and Hyde) but I thought I might give this a try first. I find it easier to sing as well. I have an exam at the end of the month and as along as I am not completely confident with my techniques, I think it's best that I should stay in the safe side first before becoming "adventurous".

I have tried singing and listening to the song again and again but I only tried to understand its meaning this morning. Funny how I have been singing it without actually looking deeper into it. After scrutinizing the song, I appreciated it better and found it amazing because I can actually relate to it!

Pocahontas' father wanted her to marry Kocoum. He wanted the safe road for her. I don't remember the story so much but I think Kocoum can make Pocahontas' life better. He is strong, respects tradition, and loves Pocahontas. Pocahontas, however, did not want to be bound to a guy whom she does not love. She would much rather be adventurous on her own because she knows she would be happy in that case.

Pocahontas' father likened marriage to a river. It is steady and calm. Pocahontas thought differently. A river for her is constantly changing. It flows and a lot of unexpected things come out of it. Pocahontas and her father are both correct. Some rivers are steady while some rivers are pretty wild. If you are a mature person, the option of having a sturdy, steady life is something good. However, given the forked river, Pocahontas chose the path less traveled. This does not mean she is not mature. She realized what she has to give up to be happy and that made all the difference. She still hoped that something amazing is waiting for her around the riverbend. She would rather take risks than be steady. Not a lot will choose that, but she did. Not a lot saw what kind of life there is around the riverbend, but she did.

In life, there will always be a constant struggle of doing things that get you through the night and doing things that will make your dreams take flight. There is joy and pain in both sides. I say why not do both? Find something that makes you calm yet always make time for things that thrill you. I think it's better to know and try the what could have been than to just think about it. Don't just be safe. Don't just lose the chance of ever knowing what's around the riverbend.

(And yes, I did the simple graphics.)