Happy Birthday, Jason Macierowski!

I have started to form this habit of writing songs for birthdays. My friend Ben turned 40, and a song emerged. His son had a birthday on March 14, so I wrote about pie.

As soon as I heard that one of my closest friends was throwing himself a birthday bash/concert, inspiration struck. I’m not sure that I’ve ever written a song with so many lyrics!

Jason and I have a ton of history. We met our sophmore year at Cathedral, and have remained friends since. We went to college at WPI together and were briefly roommates. Our first band, Tintern Abbey, gave him the ’tintern’ moniker he has used ever since. All through college, we were the core of jaded.

It’s hard for me to find a way to express just how much I value our friendship. This song tells our story and it is my present to Jason for his fortieth birthday.

Growing Up

We met just a shade before fifteen,
Fast friends hanging out in the science wing.
Our band was Tintern Abbey.
We had no fans, we played so badly.

And we just keep growing up.

I learned to drive long before you.
Took my mom’s caravan to high school.
I remember your escort wagon,
Fearing for my life in the way back.

And we just keep growing up.

We went to a Chili Pepper concert.
Pearl Jam and the pumpkins were a great start.
Almost lost my glasses in the mosh pit,
Long before they had their big hit.

And we just keep growing up.

We went to college and lived together.
Didn’t last much past October.
You were always, “Open the blinds, please!”
as you streaked through the rain in your white briefs.

And we just keep growing up.

Shared a girlfriend, maybe three or four.
Made a tape called, “What happens behind closed doors”.
Back then we were bitter like coffee,
Playing all night at Eleni’s Midnight Cafe.

And we just keep growing up.

I got hitched and you were my best man,
Even though your hair had a skunk tan.
Your toast was absolutely perfect.
We saved that bread! It’s somewhere in the basement.

And we just keep growing up.

And now it’s time to say happy birthday,
Even though you threw your own party.
Happy birthday, Jason Macierowski,
you’re forty years old.

And we just keep growing up.