Dave Getting Therapy

So, I'm totally obsessed with the version of "Spoon," that features Brandi Carlile, from 6/22/13 in Noblesville, Indiana. It's pretty much the only version I'm listening to these days, and that says a lot coming from an Alanis fan. DMB must love it too, since they picked the track for the Warehouse 10, Volume 2 disc, which figures, since I decided not to renew my membership this year. 

Anyway, something pretty mysterious comes out of Dave's mouth at the very end of that song. He's introducing the next piece to be played, and he lets us know that he normally feels the need to apologize before playing it, but that since he's been to therapy, he now knows that he should just play whatever he wants, because he can. I was dying to know which song he felt guilty about, so I looked it up, and it's "Jimi Thing." That's totally not what I expected. I honestly thought it would be "Crash," (because of it's radio popularity), or "Cornbread," (because of it's sheer abundance in setlists), or even "Satellite," (because...well just because). But "Jimi Thing"? Why would Dave feel guilty about that one? 

And another thing. Even though I know I could never be Dave's therapist, because-let's face it-it would be a total conflict of interest, that doesn't mean I haven't thought about it. But now, knowing that he discusses what to play in his sessions, I am absolutely sure that I could never fill that role ethically! Let's just say there'd be a whole lot of "Granny" going around. No, I'm kidding. I would never manipulate a client like that. Unless it was Dave. Which brings me back to why I could never be his therapist.

In all serious, though,  I think it's awesome that Dave goes, or went, to therapy. Not only because he's helping to erase some of the stigma that still, ridiculously, exists, but also because I think it's something that everyone can benefit from. Especially artists, because creative types are often the most self-critical of all. Sometimes I think it's a pre-requisite to being artsy. 

Still, I'm stuck on why Dave would feel guilty about playing such an awesome song! But the more digging I do, the more I find that I just have no clue. Not only is the meaning of this song hotly contested, (some think it's about drugs and/or sex, while others think it's a Jimi Hendrix reference - and of course Dave didn't help by revealing only that "it's one of two hippie songs,") but it's also one of the 90's favorites that most fans still love to hear. 

And so it is that, only Dave, and his outrageously lucky therapist, know the real truth. I'm just grateful that his worries caught the ear of someone who could assure him that it is his right to play anything that his heart desires. Because when Dave's happy; love, love, love is all around. 

Hayley Bauman, Psy.D.