American Inns of Court
The Bencher Magazine - September/October 2011 Issue
By Raymond T. (Tom) Elligett, Jr.
We
should all have a passion—or at least an interest—to relieve us from
work and other things that stress us. For many, music is such a
relief. Seeing John Mellencamp on his “No Better Than This Tour” in
March, provided such an evening away from briefs and conflicts. But
reflecting further on the song list that night—and a few of his
other works—provides some ideas on not letting the practice of law
push us over the edge.
1. “Save Some Time to Dream”
If we really took this song’s advice to heart, it might be the
only tip we needed. The lead-off song from his No Better Than
This album speaks of reserving time to ourselves—not letting it
slip away or be stolen by someone else. It continues with a litany
of things to save time for: those you love, to accept your mistakes,
to think before you speak your mind. Time demands translate into
stress—a trigger for depression or more destructive behavior. So
saving some time for ourselves, our families—and to dream—should be
at the top of our list.
2. “Life Is Short Even in its Longest Days”
“Longest Days,” from John’s Life Death Love and Freedom
album, is another thoughtful song. John credits its refrain to his
grandmother. Not enough hours in the day is a common feeling, and
even after a productive day, one may feel there are not enough days
in the week. So realize tomorrow will be another day—and go home and
enjoy some time.
3. “Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone”
From John’s biggest “hit,” the 1982 song “Jack & Diane.” No doubt
intended in a different vein at the time, reconsidered 30 years on,
as we mature, the “thrill of living” may be reflected in things we
might have ignored or taken for granted when younger: the first
steps and words of a child, the first warmer days of spring, and for
those still focused on work, reading a new opinion that makes your
case.
4. “I fight authority, authority always wins”
The refrain from “The Authority Song,” on the 1983 Uh-Huh
album, expresses a common sentiment, not limited to youth. But
sometimes those representing individuals against
entities—governmental or private—do prevail. And that helps keep the
authorities more responsive (and honest) than they otherwise might
be. That is the incentive for some who would weaken the system of
checks and balances our judicial branch was designed to ensure. But
that is another topic.
5. “Your Life Is Now”
From his 1998 self-titled album, John Mellencamp, the
lyrics speak of seizing the moment, while you have a window in which
you might effect change. The song also talks of taking the high
road, and teaching your children to tell the truth. Thus, it
recognizes a person’s (or generation’s) impact goes beyond what the
individual accomplishes. The practice of law mirrors this—from the
impact a precedent can have on people’s cases, to the lessons a
young lawyer learns from a mentor. People can learn by example to be
civil and ethical—or not.
6. “America, home of the free”
Part of the chorus from “Pink Houses,” another song from
Uh-Huh. In context, the line was likely not intended as a
positive statement on equality. But considered further, things are
nowhere near as desperate as some talking heads on each end of the
spectrum may try to spin them. Our county remains the paradigm
example of individual freedom. These vitriolic windbags would not be
tolerated absent such freedom—if out of step with the “ruling”
party. John Mellencamp appreciates the importance of the First
Amendment, as his
www.1forall.us “free to rock” public service ad shows.
7. “Vacation down at the Gulf of Mexico”
Another verse from “Pink Houses.” Perhaps not intended as advice
when written, we all need time off from work. And you may find a
correlation between the longer you take off, to the more recharged
you come back. So take a vacation. And since traveling to Florida’s
Gulf Coast would support our local economy, it’s good on that level
also.
8. “What Say You”
The only song on this list John did not author, this 2004 duet
with Travis Tritt sings of speaking one’s mind and sharing one’s
point of view, but at the same time not claiming to have all the
answers, always being right, or thinking I’m better than you.
Whether in discussions in our legal world or in the so-called “real”
world, recognizing that there may be more than one legitimate view
can help us advance our client’s cause in the legal world, and help
us avoid the edge in the real world.
9. “Right Behind Me”
From the No Better Than This album, John sings of the
devil whistling in his ear, and the devil thinking”he’s got me.” But
the singer is confident that is not the case. We all face situations
in which we have choices—choices between taking the high road or
not. Behaving professionally is always the right choice: no guilt;
no time spent regretting or repenting; no approaching the edge.
10. “I Need a Lover Who Won’t Drive Me Crazy”
His first chart hit, all the way back in 1979. Self-explanatory.
It applies to women also—Pat Benatar covered it.
Raymond T. (Tom) Elligett, Jr. is a partner at Buell &
Elligett, P.A., in Tampa, Florida. Tom is a Master in the Honorable
Clifford J. Cheatwood AIC and a past president of the Inn.
© 2011 Raymond T. (Tom) Elligett, Esquire. This
article was published in the September/October 2011 issue of The
Bencher, the flagship magazine of the American Inns of Court.
This article, in full or in part, may not be copied, reprinted,
distributed, or stored electronically in any form without the
express written consent of the American
Inns of Court.
