Tell Me Something Good

Grooving with Rufus, Chaka Khan, and Zhuangzi

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, during the seemingly bleak 70s, a funky, uplifting anthem played on repeat in my head—Rufus and Chaka Khan's "Tell Me Something Good." 

This groove, penned by the legendary Stevie Wonder, wasn’t just a song, it was a sonic lifeline. Its syncopated rhythms, the sultry talk box guitar, and Chaka Khan's powerhouse vocals all combined to create a vibe that was both revolutionary and deeply comforting. 

In these uncertain times, I find myself returning to that anthem, seeking its joy and resilience. But this time, I brought along an old friend from ancient China, Zhuangzi, to join the jam session.

"Tell Me Something Good" hit the airwaves in 1974, rocketing to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. It was a breakthrough for Rufus and Chaka Khan, earning them a Grammy and cementing their place in the annals of funk. 

The track’s innovation lay not only in its musicality but also in its spirit—a spirit that resonated deeply with the mood of the 70s, a decade marked by both turmoil and hope. The song's infectious groove and Chaka Khan's commanding voice invited listeners to shake off the blues and embrace the good, no matter how elusive it seemed.

Enter Zhuangzi, the Daoist sage whose philosophy was as radical in his time as "Tell Me Something Good" was in the 70s. Zhuangzi's teachings, wrapped in humor, parables, and poetic musings, challenged the status quo and offered a fresh perspective on life. 

He urged people to embrace spontaneity, to "go with the flow," and to find freedom in the seemingly useless. His concept of wu-wei, or effortless action, resonates with the same effortless cool that Chaka Khan exudes in every note of "Tell Me Something Good."

So, how do these two seemingly disparate worlds merge in a poetic dance? Imagine Zhuangzi at a Rufus concert, nodding along to the beat, seeing in the music a reflection of his own philosophies. 

Just as Rufus broke free from conventional musical constraints, Zhuangzi broke free from conventional thought. "Tell Me Something Good" becomes more than a song. It becomes a mantra for living in harmony with the Tao, the natural way of things. 

Zhuangzi's worldview promotes a naturalistic approach, emphasizing living in harmony with nature and the Tao rather than attempting to control or dominate it. 

This perspective mirrors the essence of funk music—a genre that thrives on natural rhythm, flow, and the seamless blending of different elements. Just as funk's syncopated beats and extended chords create a harmonious groove, Zhuangzi’s teachings encourage us to find our own groove in the natural order of life.

Both "Tell Me Something Good" and Zhuangzi's philosophy champion the idea of finding joy and meaning in the present moment. The song's lyrics, asking for something good to be told, reflect a desire to focus on the positive and uplifting, even when times are tough. 

Zhuangzi, with his emphasis on relativism and the fluidity of perspectives, would likely appreciate this focus on the here and now, encouraging us to find contentment and happiness in the present rather than yearning for an uncertain future.

In a world that often feels dominated by stress, uncertainty, and the relentless pursuit of material success, the combined wisdom of Rufus, Chaka Khan, and Zhuangzi offers a refreshing antidote. Their message is simple yet profound: embrace spontaneity, find your groove, and seek out the positive, even when it seems hidden beneath layers of doubt and despair.

So, next time you feel the weight of the world bearing down, crank up "Tell Me Something Good," and let Chaka Khan's soulful voice lift you up. Imagine Zhuangzi sitting beside you, nodding in approval, reminding you to flow with the rhythm of life. 

Together, they offer a funky, offbeat, and iconoclastic guide to surviving and thriving in these uncertain times. Embrace the groove, find your flow, and let the wisdom of the ages—and the power of funk—carry you forward.

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