je ne regrette rien

User generated content is not a new phenomenon. The expression has recently gained traction in the media as ordinary people start to publish their own content in prominent places. The Internet has made us all capable of transmitting our innermost thoughts to a world wide audience. Exhibit A: Live Journal! But the creative impulse has existed in our collective imagination long before YouTube. In the 80’s, a cable channel decided to sponsor a contest called Make My Video, in which contestants were encouraged to send in their own video versions. I have a vivid memory of this special event on MTV. The artist was Madonna, and the track was True Blue. Disclaimer: This was probably my least favorite Madge single! For 24 hours, the VJ’s presented a virtual smörgåsbord of video cliches. Any idiot with a dream and a camcorder could have their work broadcast on the music network that day. The actual winner was no big deal. In retrospect, the chaste teen love scenario depicted suited the twee nature of this pop song. So my expectations were low when it was announced that Robbie Williams would be updating this promotional trick for the millennium. Imagine my surprise when the official pick turned out to be an awesome representation of this song. And to bring everything full circle, the soundtrack is provided by his melancholy autobiographical rap The 80’s. I have always been a sucker for a song that tells a good story. The lyrics create a memorable montage from his past indiscretions. It is no secret that I am still haunted by the glorious results of my own misspent youth. But I don’t regret the foolish behavior I engaged in. I’m actually thankful that I was not a natural born control freak! The current version of me would never take the risks that my former self engaged in. For example, spending the rent money on a pair of designer shoes sounds glamorous, but you always live to regret it! And skipping down Broadway in a pair of neon hot shorts is not the action of a sane sensible adult person. However, the crazy choices resulted in the unforgettable situations I found myself in. It frequently lead to pain and suffering, but I think that’s part of the process of growing up. So I won’t bore you with a HRC-style “If I knew then, what I know now” declaration of remorse. If every event from your past adds to your current identity, than how can you subtract the unpleasant parts and still maintain your unique composition? Am I getting too metaphysical for you? In any case, this obscure album track mesmerized me when I first heard it. And now the poetry is set in motion! And keeping with the circle jerk of self-expression, I publish this post.