Cheer Up, Folks: It Ain’t So Bad

by Richard Conniff

For all of you who need cheering up in the time of plague (and apologies to those who have lost family or friends and are beyond cheering): I was randomly listening to Spotify when I heard someone named John Craigie singing, and this lyric leapt out, from the song “Dissect the Bird.”

It fits the moment:

So when the candle flickers, when the days get dark

They call them first world problems but they still break your heart

When the universe feels like it’s against you

Just take a minute to realize all it took to make you

Your parents had to meet, as random as that was

And hang out long enough at least, to make some love

And make a baby, and give it your name

And all your ancestors had to do the same

Exponentially backwards to the start of life

So much had to happen just exactly right

Sparks had to catch, oceans had to freeze

Billions of cells had to survive endless disease

Civilizations had to crumble, wars had to be fought

Bad presidents had to get elected, good presidents had to get shot

People had to leave, hearts had to get broken

People had to die so your eyes could open

The universe is not against you

The universe is not against you

It went through a lot just to give you a chance

It must have wanted you pretty bad

No pressure, though

No pressure, though

The universe went through a lot but no pressure, bro

You don’t gotta be perfect

You don’t gotta be a saint

Just don’t waste it

This was not a mistake