In the mid-1990s I spent a lot of time flying down Atlanta’s freeways. I learned that this was the home of the veterans of the Drivin’ N Cryin’ tour. Every trip to this metropolis found me packing my car with all the Kevn Kinney-inspired D n C stuff I owned. The music can really hook you if you’re open to the attitude of these southern kids.
An interview with Ted Nugent on WRIF-Detroit first brought me to D n C. Kevn Kinney called into Ted’s show and they talked about life on the road, guitars, and the opening riff of the legendary song Stranglehold. As Kevn closed the interview, he advised Ted, “Turn it up or turn it down, Ted!” I remember thinking this guy had the attitude to tell the Motor City Madman to turn up the volume. Ted is the king of high volume assault. He claims that he once made “cow udders bulge” from 18 miles away during a late ’70s outdoor concert in Kansas City. From that moment on, I loved Kevin Kinney.
On one of my many trips to Atlanta, I really connected with the song “Scarred But Smarter.” I played it over and over and over. The lyrics and their infinite meaning caught my attention like no other song had before. As I reviewed the adversities in my life over the past few years, I applied each experience to the song. Word for word, Kevn Kinney wrapped me in a blanket of comfort with her carefully chosen words of truth.
I am jobless, hopeless. I spoke of what should become of you, Good times for the undeserving and bad times for those who work, Poor, rich, blind, dead, They expected more than everyone had planned. At that time they suffered a severe blow when the real world cut the line they had. Nobody said it would be fair, they warned you before you left. a new world, a new life, scarred but smarter.” Many times I have prayed for a fresh start in life. Screaming at all the injustices in our world, work environments or relationships. The deepest pain is when God takes away one of our precious loved ones. Right now I have “waited longer than everyone had anticipated.” Praying and begging for the miracle of life to return was reflected, “at that time they suffered a severe blow when the real world cut the line they had.” Excruciating pain rips through my body as the unthinkable is a paralyzing reality. Totally in shock, I vaguely hear my parents assuring me that “no one said it would be fair.” So true is that statement! When I think about my parents’ advice many times during my childhood, I realize that “they warned you before you left”. On my knees I passionately prayed to God without getting an answer. As time heals life’s crushing blows, the song’s final line brings strength and hope: “There is always a chance to restart in a new world, a new life, scarred but smarter.” .
Everyone deserves a fresh start in life, especially if we learn perspective and gratitude through our pain. With lots of support and love, I have thrived in the midst of adversity and have truly become “scarred but smarter.”