I was reading the most recent O magazine and came across an interview Oprah has with Barbra Streisand. That reminded me that one of Barbra's songs was on my "A** to Chair" Inspiration playlist. WHen writing my dissertation, I had a couple dozen songs that really struck a chord--depending on my mood, stage of writing, etc, these were songs that just served to motivate me and push me to keep going. One of them was Streisand's version of "Putting It Together" from her Broadway Album.
I know in this song she is talking about art. But these words, with just a few adaptations, could just as appropriately been about dissertation writing. And hey--there is quite a bit about dissertation writing that is as much artistic as scholarly.
So anyway, here are the lyrics. This song has served me well, and hopefully it can inspire you, too. (I've bolded a few lines that particularly speak to me.)
[From "Sunday In The Park With George"]
Be nice, girl Don't think about it twice, girl It's time to get to work!Posted by perry032 at September 23, 2006 02:58 PM | TrackBackArt isn't easy.
Even when you're hot.
Advancing art is easy.
Financing it is not
A vision's just a vision if it's only in your head
If no one gets to hear it, it's as good as dead
It has to come to life!Bit by bit, putting it together
Piece by piece, only way to make a work of art
Every moment makes a contribution
Every little detail plays a parts
Having just a vision's no solution
Everything depends on execution
Putting it together, that's what countsOunce by ounce, putting in together
Small amounts, adding up to make a work of art
First of all you need a good foundation
Otherwise it's risky from the start
Takes a little cocktail conversation
But without the proper preparation
Having just a vision's no solution
Everything depends on execution
The art of making art
Is putting it together, bit by bitLink by link, making the connections,
Drink by drink, taking every comment as it comes
Learning how to play the politician
Like you play piano, bass and drums
Otherwise you'll find your composition
Isn't gonna get much exhibitionArt isn't easy
Every minor detail is a major decision
Have to keep things in scale
Have to hold to your vision...
Dot by dot, building up the image
Shot by shot, keeping at a distance doesn't pay
Still if you remember your objective
Not give all your privacy away
A little bit of hype can be effective
As long as you can keep it in perspective
Even when you get some recognition
Everything you do you still auditionArt isn't easy
Overnight you're a trend
You're the right combination
Then the trend's at an end
You're suddenly last year's sensationAll they ever want is repetition
All they really like is what they know
Gotta keep a link with your tradition
Gotta learn to trust your intuition
While you re-establish your position
So that you can be on exhibi--
So that your work can be on exhibition!Be new, girl
They tell you till they're blue, girl
You're new, or else you're through, girl
And even if it's true, girl,
You do what you can do!Bit by bit, Putting it together
Piece by piece, working on the vision night and day
All it takes is time and perseverance
With a little luck along the way
Putting in a personal appearance
Gathering supporters and adherents...Mapping out the songs but in addition
Harmonizing each negotiation
Balancing the part that's all musicians
With the part that's strictly presentation
Balancing the money with the mission
Till you have the perfect orchestration
Even if you do have the suspicion
That it's taking all your concentration
The art of making art
Is putting it together, bit by bitBeat by beat, part by part
Sheet by sheet, chart by chart
Track by track, bit by bit,
Reel by reel, pout by pout
Stack by stack, snit by snit,
meal by meal, shout by shout
Deal by deal, spat by spat
Shpiel by shpiel, doubt by doubt
And that... Is the state of the art!
I heard the news, and I wanted to be the first to congratulate you as I was not able to attend your defense. So, congratulations, Dr. Perry!
(p.s. I looked up your blog on google, and there is a BOOK by the same title published this year. "Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast: The Evolutionary Origins of Belief." Don't know what it's about, but it's sold on Amazon UK!)
Posted by: Johnben Loy at September 25, 2006 05:22 PMOh! I love that album. It has my favorite song ever (which was especially "engineered," including new lyrics for the brige, for this album) - "Send in the Clowns." This song does perfectly describe the work required to put together a work of art, a book, or a dissertation, of course. I think I'll listen to it more often as I try to work on it!
Hi Yvette,
I really enjoyed your presentation today Yvette. My head was so full by the end, I was still processing when the time was up to actually articulate a question. Maybe another time at an "Ass in Chair" Luncheon. We have a year, I understand? Congrats on your post doc! They're lucky to have you! You've been such a contributor to the department in ideas and with an inspiring and challenging spirit. [Your one of the reasons I'm in the FSOS program here. Although I still struggle to find my voice for my final Plan B project.]
Anyway, what an artfully and thoughtfully shared presentation. I looked forward to learning more about the influences of the "because" in the AM lay theories. Very interesting. I learned a lot. You're such a deep yet "grounded" thinker. Thanks for sharing your process along the way. I've silently been on the sidelines learning.
With appreciation,
Stephanie
Thanks Johnben! Won't be long now til it's your turn. And yeah, that's wild about that book--a couple other people pointed it out to me. I think I am actually going to purchase it, as it appears to be very relevant to my dissertation topic! How cool is that?!
And Lilian, I wholeheartedly endorse Bab's "Putting It Together" for your inspiration. Not sure that you should do "Send in the Clowns," tho! Might give your dissertating subconscious the wong message. LOL
Stephanie: You are partly responsible for my research being successful! Your piloting help, insights, and just encouragement over the years has been priceless. Yup--I'll be on campus for at least another year. We will do an A2C meetup soon. Thank you so much for coming Monday and for your kind words.
Posted by: Yvette at September 27, 2006 09:10 AM