Brokedown Palace: A Strange, But Fitting Name for a Mental Wellness Site

"Fare you well, fare you well

I love you more than words can tell

Listen to the river sing sweet songs

To rock my soul" -- Grateful Dead (Brokedown Palace)

These poignant lyrics bring a close to "Brokedown Palace", an emotional ballad that first appeared on the Grateful Dead's signature album American Beauty. Like so many Dead songs, the tune that was penned by Robert Hunter is left open to interpretation by the listener, providing the freedom to take away a personal insight or perspective.

Some see it as a song of death. Others see it as a brand new start. Regardless of your vision, it holds great meaning to me as I try to shed one life and move on to the next chapter.

"Going to leave this broke-down palace

On my hands and my knees I will roll, roll, roll

Make myself a bed by the waterside

In my time, in my time, I will roll, roll, roll"

It's going to be hard. Pain is inevitable as I transform leaving the brokedown palace on my hands and knees, a broken man ready to offer himself to God. Making a bed by the waterside signifies peace and comfort, and while I know it will not come easy, I know it will eventually come now that I have made this decision.

"It's a far gone lullaby

Sung many years ago

Mama, mama, many worlds I've come

Since I first left home"

The world has turned for many years, and will turn long after I am gone. Perspective is critical to remembering our scope in the grander cosmic scheme. That's why I love this verse, how the lullaby has been sung for many years, and will continue for many more. The other part of this verse speaks directly to me and my relationship with my mother. I have come so far, yet she remains such a presence. It is still incredible to look back and see just how much ground I have covered. It's too easy to overlook and forget about the progress that has been made.

"Going to plant a weeping willow

On the banks green edge it will grow, grow, grow

Sing a lullaby beside the water

Lovers come and go, the river roll, roll, roll"

This verse speaks to me about our impermanence. The weeping willow tree will thrive by the waterside. It will be there long after we have departed this earth. It knows the longevity of the years and the value of life. Love will come in and out of your life. Sometimes that means the love of others, but sometimes it refers to the love of ourselves. While all that love may be inconsistent, God's love is not. It is constant and forever. Much like the river in our song, it will "roll, roll, roll".

This is the story behind the name of my blog.

Please take care of each other.

Blake

Disclaimer: While music can be a powerful tool for emotional well-being, it is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a qualified therapist or counselor.