This song was on the original playlist I gave Larry way back in 2010 and I have included the original writeup.
Wildflowers – Two verses really stand out for me with this one. “I have seen no other who compares with you.” And “You belong somewhere close to me far away from your trouble and worry. You belong somewhere you feel free.” I hope the motorcycle does and will allow you to feel that freedom.
So, if I remember correctly the motorcycle, I was referring to was a Honda Rebel, the first bike Larry bought for himself. We bought the kids a dirt bike when they were little but this one was not a dirt bike and it was for Larry not the kids. Larry had been talking about getting a motorcycle for a long time, I think our friend Jon having one made him want one even more. But he held off for as long as he could and did not get one until the kids were older. He started with a smaller bike to not only save money but to teach himself how to ride. He loved it and could not wait for the day he could upgrade. That day came in 2012 when I went back to work full time after being part time plus for almost 18 years (the plus is because I worked all the extra hours I could when it was busy without having the commitment of being full time on mandatory OT). As soon as I knew I was going to be full-time I insisted we upgrade the bike before we got used to the extra income, this way it would be like we never had the money to begin with. It was so important to me to be able to do that, after all Larry had sacrificed and worked so hard for the boys and I (still fucking does to this day). It was a way to let him know how much I appreciated all he did and that it was his time now. Time to ride and reflect. Time away from his troubles and worries.
Larry’s Perspective:
This is a song Shannon gave me oh so long ago. I think we've mentioned that she has Prince, I have Rush and we have Tom Petty. So when she gave this to me and the reason why, it meant and means a lot to me.
To know me personally is not to know me like this blog. I am quiet. I am stoic. I am introverted. I find nothing but joy in being alone. No, I am not lonely.
I love getting on my bike and heading off alone to see new sights and learn new things. I put over 35,000 miles on my first BMW (a 2011 R1200RT) and easily over 30,000 of those miles were solo.
So what Tom really meant to write was:
You belong on a bike on the road instead of You belong in a boat out at sea.
P.S. One of these pictures reflects two special things - the BMW motorcycle Shannon bought me and the BMW car I bought Shannon...
2015-07-24 Solo at Yellowstone2015-07-24 Solo in Lamar Valley with Bison2015-07-24 Solo2015-07-24 Solo at top of Beartooth Pass
Wildflowers Tom Petty
You belong among the wildflowers You belong in a boat out at sea Sail away, kill off the hours You belong somewhere you feel free
Run away, find you a lover Go away somewhere all bright and new I have seen no other Who compares with you
You belong among the wildflowers You belong in a boat out at sea You belong with your love on your arm You belong somewhere you feel free
Run away, go find a lover Run away, let your heart be your guide You deserve the deepest of cover You belong in that home by and by
You belong among the wildflowers You belong somewhere close to me Far away from your trouble and worry You belong somewhere you feel free You belong somewhere you feel free
Ghost of a Chance 