Supertramp The Logical Song #6

When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful, a miracle, it was beautiful, magical
And all the birds in the trees, well they'd be singing so happily, joyfully, playfully, watching me
But then they send me away to teach me how to be sensible, logical, responsible, practical
And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable, clinical, intellectual, cynical
There are times when all the world's asleep
The questions run too deep for such a simple man
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd but please tell me who I am
I said now, watch what you say, now we're calling you a radical, a liberal, fanatical, criminal
Won't you sign up your name, we'd like to feel you're acceptable, respectable, presentable, a vegetable
But at night, when all the world's asleep
The questions run so deep for such a simple man
Won't you please (Won't you tell me), (You can tell me what) please tell me what we've learned (Can you hear me?)
I know it sounds absurd, (Won't you help me) please tell me who I am, who I am, who I am, who I am
But I'm thinking so logical
Did you call, one two three four
It's getting unbelievable

I have no plans in dying soon. But, if I did, there is one certain tune that would have to be played at my honorary funeral. None other than "The Logical Song" by Supertramp. As suggested by the name, it is a song about thinking clearly and always being dependable, to others and to yourself. The line "they showed me a world where I could be so dependable, clinical, intellectual," really relates to who my parents brought me up to be. I have always been there for my Lord Hamlet and for numerous others around the castle. It was I who confirmed what Bernardo and Marcellus had seen while standing guard. At first I made it very clear that I did not believe in the whole Ghost affair: "Horatio says 'tis but our fantasy," (1.1.21). However, after I described what I had seen to others, it was immediately considered truth. "Before my God, I might not this believe without the sensible and true avouch of mine own eyes," (1.1.54-56).

"But at night when all the world's asleep the questions run so deep for such a simple man," reminds me of my role with Prince Hamlet. I consider myself a worthy companion of his, one who is always willing to give the necessary advice. When my Lord went a little crazy in the cranium and wanted to go chase after the ghost, it was my first response to inquire if "he waxes desparate with imagination," (1.4.91). After Hamlet went to go talk to the Ghost of his father, he came back and entrusted me with what he had seen. Surely there is something to say in that. He asked me to swear "upon my sword," (1.5.148). A man's word is not enough these days in Denmark I fear, although I do believe my Lord trusts me more than any other man he has ever met.

"When I was young, it seemed life was so wonderful" relates to my general optimistic attitude towards events. However, with the events of recent times, it is wise to take caution. People all around me have been spying, such as dear Polonius, who lost his life for his sins. "I took thee for thy better. Take thy fortune. Thou find'st to be too busy is some danger," (3.4.32-34) said my Lord Hamlet after discovering Polonius. With so much trickery going on around me, I want a song portraying my honesty to be played at my funeral to remind people that logic and good will still exists even in the darkest of times. There is yet another time where the Ghost appears to Hamlet while he is with Gertrude, but Gertrude believes Hamlet is talking to no one and considers him mad. It is I, with all of my logic, that confirms what Hamlet sees to be the truth to all who are looking into our situation in Denmark. Gertrude asks, astonished ,"To whom do you speak this," (3.4.133). I provide the support and testimony necessary for certain events to be given validation, which I take great pride in.

"I said now, watch what you say, now we're calling you a radical, a liberal, fanatical" reminds me of the words that were used to describe my Lord Hamlet after people believed he had actually lost his mind. My Lord Hamlet was too good for that. He knew what he was doing all along. Another person considered to have gone mad through grief recently was dear Ophelia. Her status was that "she is importunate, indeed distract. Her mood will needs be pitied,"(4.5.2-3). No one knew what should be done with the girl, as no one seemed to want to ask her what was wrong, or to try to find out. Troubled by my conscience I pleaded that it was "good she were spoken with, for she may strew dangerous conjectures in ill-breeding minds," (4.5.14-15). In times where few others know the route that should be taken, I pride myself in always being level headed enough to come to a rational solution.

Lastly, the words that I feel describe me from the song best are "sensible, logical, responsible, practical,". When Fortinbras entered the Court Room just the other day to find dead bodies all around, someone needed to be there to tell the tale. And that is the role I am willing to play. "You from the Polack wars, and you from England, are here arrived, give order that these bodies high on a stage be placed to the view, and let me speak to th' yet-unknowing world how these things came about," (5.2.380-384). I can not have my great Hamlet's name die out in vain or have him go down as a villain in the history books. Although it will pain me to speak of the events that have occurred here in Denmark, it is my duty to spread the true word. "Even while men's minds are wild, lest more mischance on plots and error happen," (5.2.398-399). I may currently be troubled like any other mortal being, but it is also my job as a close companion of the Prince to make sure no other horrific things occur in our nation.

This song encompasses all of the traits I truly strive for and have been told that I encompass. I will always remain loyal to my lord and when the going gets tough, as it is now, logic will always win out. Those with clear minds may find a resolution.

With a Heavy Heart,
That Dude Horatio