Come Original

I was jogging yesterday and a song by John Reuben came on called "Thank You." I've had this song on my iPod for years but for some reason, this time, I listened more intently to the lyrics. This line stood out:


"I really know there's nothing new under the sun, but yet I want to do it like it's never been done."



It started my mind spinning... There are only 4 colors, 7 notes, 10 digits, 3 dimensions, 26 letters... What limitations! As creative people, we are challenged with finding new ways to create within these limitations. How can we "push the envelope" or "think outside the box" when our limits are are so defined? We struggle to find originality within ourselves and so often is the outcome tainted by our knowledge of the already-created. Sometimes I feel like originality is the art of camouflaging someone else's idea; Taking what already exists and twisting it beyond recognition. Is this a form of originality?

Last night's American Idol featured songs from the Lennon-McCartney songbook. These former Beatles are praised so highly for their contribution to music and songwriting. Of course, their songs have lasted decades and will probably continue to stand the test of time. That said, what is it that makes their compositions so steadfast? They were also confined to the "7 notes" limit. (7 notes and 5 semi-tones). That magic combination of wordplay and melodic surprise, conjuring emotion and provoking imagination.

So that's the secret - using the knowledge of our limitations to our advantage. Knowing that we have 7 notes, one language and 3.5 minutes to make a smash hit... 4 colors and a square canvas to make a masterpiece... 10 digits and 26 letters to assign a unique license plate! In all aspects of our daily lives, we are called to be unique; to stand out. Our employers value it in us, and our employees rely on it. For some, it comes naturally. For many others, it's a constant battle. Humans have been making music, painting, creating languages for thousands of years. Will we eventually arrive at a point where it's all been done? Will there ever come a day where originality becomes synonymous with reinvention? I guess the next question is... is that such a bad thing?