New Years Resolution Blues

Written by: Kyle Thompson

“I made a new years resolution

And I just opened it up today

I made a new years resolution

And I just opened it up today

Well now listen, listen carefully baby

To every word I say”. - “Lil” Son Jackson

2022 has come and gone, leaving behind a range of complex emotions. Throughout our loss, triumph, and success, these experiences have molded us into individuals who have weathered storms of uncertainty and confusion as we attempt to navigate through life. In the wake of these overwhelming changes, I personally take solace in engaging with things that ground me- traditions that were passed down from my parents and grandparents. Food traditions like eating collard greens and black-eyed peas for good luck and monetary success. Or listening to music with family and talking about shared experiences with departed family members. In a deeper aspect of this tradition, there is a resilience to this mentality, a spirit that is found in the Blues and other cultural expressions in the Black community. The idea is that these actions and practices nourish our cultural spirit, which craves to be elevated beyond the practicalities of facing day-to-day life. In doing so, I can begin another cycle of our planetary orbit that comes once again.

In essence, this means going beyond our superficial tendencies during this time of year. I refer to Lil Son Jackson, who sings: 

“You know I promised I would quit drinking

And staying out late at night

Now don’t worry little baby

Everything will be alright-

I made a New Year’s Resolution” - “Lil” Son Jackson

He acknowledges the things he does that are wrong with his behavior. Even the broken promises he made to his significant other- to quit drinking and staying out late. Yet he believes that by simply making a New Year’s Resolution, he opens himself up to the promise of a better tomorrow. What I am trying to get at in this analysis is that many of us take part in this similar behavior, and we forget that growth must come from understanding our past and our traditions to inform our future. This refers not just to understanding how our bad habits influence us but also to understanding culturally the historical problems that negatively impact the Black community. In the Blues, there is a vital human element of connecting to audiences that resonate with the lyric uttered by a Bluesman, and the songs that have become staples in the genre reflect a mood and mentality that can be seen and felt today. Similarly, in the Black tradition, we see that our actions of reflecting and waiting for a new year only bring so much- we have to do much more to become better to ourselves and our society. Doing so is essential to preserve our folklore for future generations to come.