Across The Generational Divide

This song will always have a special place in my heart and soul, because it was included on one of my Dad's mix tapes. Now, mind you, these were 8-track tapes. Anyone familiar with that archaic device will recall that you could make tapes from songs off the radio. Of course, that required you to be quick on the draw or else you'd catch the song already underway. Or, if you were asleep at the wheel, you'd end up with a bit of the DJ banter after the song was over.

My Dad liked to make these tapes, and I suppose that fueled my own love for mix tapes later on. The funny thing about "Fire Lake" was that it was really the only rock song that my Dad included on that particular tape. His musical heyday was the late 50's, early 60's period when rock'n'roll was first exploding. He also loved doo-wop, including his personal favorite "In The Still Of The Night". But at that time in his life, he tended more toward easy listening like Neil Diamond or crooner-types like Gene Pitney. I don't know what attracted him to that particular song.

I never got around to asking him, because he passed away just two years later. I often try to surmise now what it was about "Fire Lake" that he loved. Maybe it was the backing vocals, done by members of The Eagles, that spoke to his love of harmony. Maybe it was the lyrics about being drawn to a place even thoughyou should know better. Who knows?

Whatever it was, it means something to me that I love the song as well. And it's a nice feeling every time I hear it, no longer sad, just nice. And I can't put my finger on why I love it either.