Wasn’t Expecting That

So over this past weekend, I’ve watched something over and over. Not Friends. Or Parks and Recreation. Or The Office. Or Extras. Or The Inbetweeners. None of my usual high-brow television consumption - although I can understand why you'd think that.

I’ve watched this piece of film and I’ve been absolutely transfixed. I've watched it again. And then again. It made me uncomfortable to watch. But I couldn’t help myself. 

And I’ve thought about it. Often. And every time I’ve seen it. I have laughed and sobbed my way through each frame. Every single time. And I’ve been sober. I’d understand why you’d think otherwise though.

And no I’m not pregnant. Although I’d understand why you’d think that too. 

So what is it?

It’s a three and a half minute music video of Jamie Lawson’s single “Wasn’t Expecting That”. And my golly gosh, when I went to listen to the song, well, I wasn’t expecting that.

I didn't expect to be so touched by a video that’s intended to sell music. Or to be so moved by a set of lyrics that tell a story that’s by no means unique. It happens to millions of people all around the world. It’s happened to a couple I know. Hell - I worry it’ll happen to me and my family. It so easily can. 




So knowing this – and putting it all into some kind of rational perspective - I’ve tried to unpack why it is that I’ve fallen to pieces over it. Without booze. Or child-incubating hormones.

I’m not the easiest product of the female human species to work out at the best of times, so I suppose we can chalk up a good percentage of the why - simply to “Sally”. And that’ll cover it.

I think though that why I’m so moved by this has to do with the truth in the title. How real it is. What an accurate metaphor it is for existence. For simply being alive.

Life rarely happens how we expect it to. There are thousands of bumper stickers that speak to this. It's no great revelation. Being completely and utterly blown away by something delightfully unexpected is such an intoxicated feeling. Miracles make us believe that anything is possible. And in this crazy old world, perhaps anything is. We’ve certainly seen enough to prove it so. 

Conversely, a bad shock shakes us to the core. It’s no wonder it’s an actual medical condition. Once the shock subsides, we try to move forward. Vasbyt to get through and do what we can to find balance again. Heal. Find perspective. Resolve to learn and grow from the experience.

Whether you’re an intrepid traveller through life or choose to meander at a more measured pace, we’re all privy to the same carousel of chance and circumstance. No one beats it. Neither the Royals nor the Rothschild’s. No money or power in the world. 

This song pretty much sums up everything that it means to be a human being. Living a life where you love. Give of yourself. Be open. And it’s an incredibly risky endeavour. No question. You can get hurt. For sure. But offsetting the risk, if you take a chance and have faith in the journey, my goodness - well I believe it's exactly what life is all about. My belief in our reason for being.

And just how much this piece of music has made me look at the world a little differently and re-examine what’s important to me – well, I wasn’t expecting that. I’m grateful. For the song. For it’s message. For my life. For all of it.

Watch it for yourself, here. I'm pretty sure you won't be expecting that either.