Songs I Like - What Am I Living For? (Mark-Almond Band)

"I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind."
Ecclesiastes 1:14

The Mark-Almond Band is easy to confuse with another popular musician from the time: Mark Allman from the Allman brothers. But while the Allman Brothers are southern rockers, Mark -Almond is jazz, the kind of smooth sexy jazz that lulls you to contented relaxation like swinging in a hammock on a summer day in the shade. Mark-Almond was very influential in their music and style, but is largely unknown in the US. Their European sales were better, but they never were a huge stadium-filling act.

What Am I Living For is a song that asks the most basic question of human existence. What is my purpose, why am I here, why am I even alive? To what end to I live, where do I go from here, and why? It's the question adults ask when they are mature enough to face life alone, put down the toys, and think about what they are doing. This is a frightening question, and the song does not give the answers. It examines various options and leaves us with the singer sitting alone and wonder why and what. It's too easy in our culture to avoid this question by a whirl of entertainment and amusements; leaving us prey to those who would manipulate and lead us around.

What are you living for?

Well I said to my best friend, can't you see what a mess I'm in?
My daddy he taught me to drink whisky
But my momma she died from a-drinkin' gin

My brother, he works in a coal mine, works so hard to get his pay
My sister, she believes in sweet lord Jesus
And she's waitin' for redemption day

What am I livin' for?
Why am I living, why am I giving all my life
To bring up a family, children, and wife
Tell me my friend hasn't that been done before?

I remember my first job, I was singin' with a band
Every payday came around
I'd take my money from the man

He said "Now spend it wisely, boy, or save it while you have the time"
But I got drunk on a stand
And I blew the band
Now I'm standing in the unemployment line

What am I livin' for?
Why am I living, why am I giving all my life
To bring up a family, children, and wife
Tell me my friend hasn't that been done before?

I had me a sweet woman, mine until the sun don't shine
I came home one morning, early
And I found her with a friend of mine

It's not so much I needed her
But oh, God, how to stay away
I packed my bags, and I hit the road
And I've never seen her to this day

What am I livin' for?
Why am I living, why am I giving all my life
To bring up a family, children, and wife
Listen my friend, its been done before

Music