ʟᴏᴠᴇ & ᴍᴇʀᴄʏ ✞ ꜱʜɪᴛᴘᴏꜱᴛɪɴɢ

The Upside of Goodbye (Nesmith)

I know I'm late, but better late than never.

I'm in utter shock. I'm heartbroken, and it's going to take me a long time to get over this. A month ago Monday, the world lost Michael Nesmith. He was an innovator, a musician, and so much more. His music provided so many with a source of comfort whether it was his solo work or work with the first national band or the Monkees. And I'm one of those people. I've only ever found 4-5 artists who've helped manage my anxiety and random bouts of sadness that'll just pop out of nowhere and Mike is one of those. His songs provide a sense of melancholy in the lyrics yet seem to be paired with an upbeat acoustic and steel guitar. And all of his works seem as though they stem from personal experience.

On The Monkees' farewell tour, Mike shared a story that I thought was so meaningful and heartwarming, as sad as it was. He explained why he wrote "While I Cry," saying that as a child he lived in poverty with his mother Bette and his records were about his only friend. And he had said that their manager had said something along the lines of "Nobody wants to hear that, when you think of the Monkees you think happy tunes" and he said "oh hold on just a minute there buddy. Everyone needs to cry. It's not a bad thing to do."

And I like that. I like that he was an advocate for conveying emotion. He seemed to have most if not all the ideals that I like to go by. I was told earlier this week "You're female Nesmith. You have the same curtain bang, personality, ideals." And I'm flattered by it, I really am. I couldn't think of a better compliment, being told I seem like one of my idols.

So for now, farewell Cosmic Cowboy. We miss you. So much.

Here's some of my favorite Papa Nez photos for you to enjoy and my favorite song he sings in the Monkees and solo to listen to as you go through. I'm sorry if I made you cry, I really am still in shock that he's no longer around. I guess that's what you get when your idol was a part of a 60s sitcom.

I Don't Think You Know Me - The Monkees: https://open.spotify.com/track/6nv5EoSIYaCTEOwxyfqu16?si=2147152576fe4f4a

Tomorrow and Me - Michael Nesmith, Red Rhodes:  https://open.spotify.com/track/2WdBmsK3O69NafB323jxya?si=678ed234e82044bc