A songwriter will often sing a nonsensical line to encourage the development of a melody.
In this case the line stuck and the following text message between Steve and John un-folded:
Steve:
Just come up with a song… really catchy melody… with a tag line… ‘You reap what you know not what you sow’. What does it mean? Is there a story in it?
John:
I think it’s a line about “real” understanding. Not just facts and information. It’s tied up with the oracle of Delphi “know thyself”.
If we truly know, then the sowing takes care of itself. Fuck that’s deep for a Sunday lunch:-)
Steve:
Have you heard that line or have I just made it up? As for the oracle of Delphi I bet if she was around she’d take a good selfie!
John:
The ancient Greeks would have loved a good selfie stick. I think you made it up… or maybe you heard it on the block?.... and the texts continued….
lyrics
Reap What You Know
words: John Holton/Steve Lane. music: Steve Lane
I’m not one for philosophy
To quote facts is beyond me
But some words we always hold dear
Like the oracle of delphi
The ultimate selfie
Is not about proving you’re here
You reap what you know not what you show
It’s a shout for understanding
Not just facts I’m demanding
I’ve got me some kind of hunch
If you truly know thyself
The sow takes care of itself
Fuck that’s deep for a Sunday lunch
Cos You reap what you know not what you show
Maybe now
I just made it all up
Either way, somehow
You reap what you know not what you show
If I knew tomorrow
I’d have no use for today
And all of the mysteries it contains
Would I evade sorrow?
Eliminate pain
See only black and white not the grey
credits
from The Revenge Of The Lawn,
released July 7, 2017
words: John Holton/Steve Lane. music: Steve Lane
Recorded by Steve Lane and David Carr at Rangemaster Studio (The Patch, Victoria) and Trouble Waters Studio (Emu Creek, Victoria)
Mixed by David Carr at Rangemaster.
Mastered by Joseph Carra at Crystal Mastering (Thornbury, Victoria)
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