Howdy Stan,

I do understand what you are saying. However, many people who get involved in abusive relationships establish a sequential pattern of abuse. Sometimes there is a pendulum effect that comes into play where an individual will seek out someone as different as possible from the earlier partner, only to discover similarities later on. thereby reinforcing the victim's perception that they deserved or somehow brought the abuse on by their behavior. It has been shown that children who live in abusive households have a higher expectation of becoming abusers and/or victims themselves. There is nothing in this to indicate that either relationship was a marriage...since many are not and I did not in any manner wish to portray and thereby limit, its relevance to non-marriage relationships. I think the intended audience will understand that there was more than one abusive relationship...because for many of them there will also have been more than one. From the e-mail I have been receiving on this one..those who have experienced this seem to be understanding the sequence ok and feel it needs no further explanation. This may be a case where the only ones who need an explanation are those who have not been there. If this happens to get used at the benefit concert...I have little doubt that many there will already be in the mindset to understand or read into the lyric from their own "portfolio of pain". (Before you grab that phrase, I am already working on a lyric for it.<G> )

Thanks so much for your always-welcome thoughts and insights. Here's to tags that come true.

Bobbie

They'll tell you success in the music biz is all about who you know...but the truth is...it's about who knows you.

Gallup 'n Dawg Music