Rest In Peace, Avicii

I watched the official music video for the song 'Wake Me Up' by Avicii. (video and lyrics below)

The video depicts two young ladies--one in her early 20's, the other in early adolescence. They have matching tattoos-- a forward/backward arrow (like play/reverse; also Avicii's logo.) The two trendy-dressed, vibrant and attractive young women walk through a town full of people dressed in drab old-timey garb, apparently working their lives away and all stop to glare.

"The others--they don't like us.  Why?" the younger girl asks.  

The older girl just answers with a little hug.  She later rides a horse into a city, finds Avicii fans (with the same tattoo), and goes to a concert where they all dance freely and everyone is super happy. 

She comes back, tells the younger girl to pack her things. They're going somewhere they belong.  Then the song continues with everyone at the Avicii concert apparently loving life.  

The ending scene shows one girl back in the old-timey town who had earlier stopped and taken a few steps in the same 'direction' as the two main girls.  She pauses to look at the empty house where the two girls lived.  Her countenance turns from somewhat hopeful?, back to sullen and downcast as she turns and walks back in the direction she had been going with her load of whatever it was she was carrying. 

Part of me felt inclined to be inspired by the thoughts expressed in the lyrics: namely, it's important to pursue passion and truly enjoy life.  Trying to hold the world with only my two little hands really is impossible, and dangerous to attempt.  The 'game' of life meant for everyone really is enjoyable, and the prize of LOVE and belonging is truly valuable.  There's something admirable about those who can maintain a youthful perspective and not be afraid to enjoy the exciting parts of life, almost as a child.

On the other hand. . . several values relating to work, delayed gratification, and productive action towards plans, goals, and achievement were overtly assaulted.  Those who are unwilling to abandon 'old ways' and free themselves through the hedonistic rituals performed in the church of Avicii are haters and lost.

Sadly, I have seen that sullen downcast look on the face of too many of my own loved-ones and acquaintances.  Why?  And what's the answer to true happiness?  

Is Avicii right?-- That look is there because we (my generation and I) are pushing pressure and hate upon others?  Are the values of disciplined productive effort towards meaningful goals harmful?  

I can sympathize with a generation seeking a little reprieve from the anxiety of the day.  After all, haven't I myself felt overwhelmed at times by the burdens of even a simple little life--let alone the aspirations for something even grander?

At the same time, Avicii's philosophy of "close your eyes till it's all over" is bleak.  His own suicide seems to be a type of morbid self-sacrifice to the gospel of Nihilism.  His final words, "the shedding of the soul is the last attachment. . ." seem to reflect a perfect denial of life having any real meaning or purpose.  

I don't buy it. Purpose and vision fuel life. The "nothing matters; fun is god" philosophy (and our buying into it) is to blame for the sullen downcast looks--not the answer for them (as the video suggests).

So what is the purpose and meaning of this hard-work life of ours?  What a beautiful question and privilege it is for each of us to ask and answer! And what a joy it is to work to find ways to focus on and find fulfillment in the visions of hope we establish for ourselves in the process.

Thank you, Avicii, for the cautionary tale of a faulty philosophy.  May you and your agitprop rest in peace.

Here is the video:

Here are the lyrics:

Lyrics

… Feeling my way through the darkness
Guided by a beating heart
I can't tell where the journey will end
But I know where to start
They tell me I'm too young to understand
They say I'm caught up in a dream
Well life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes
Well that's fine by me

… So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn't know I was lost

… So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn't know I was lost

… I tried carrying the weight of the world
But I only have two hands
Hope I get the chance to travel the world
But I don't have any plans
Wish that I could stay forever this young
Not afraid to close my eyes
Life's a game made for everyone
And love is a prize

… So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn't know I was lost

… So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
I didn't know I was lost

… I didn't know I was lost
I didn't know I was lost
I didn't know I was lost
I didn't know