Music Monday: "The Stars of Track and Field" - Belle and Sebastian

This song is honestly a little hateful. I think that is purposeful though. Or, well, at least it is very honest.

"The Stars of Track and Field" is an imagined description of the lives lead guitarist and vocalist Stuart Murdoch imagines other young people with fit, healthy bodies are leading, specifically young people who excel in track and field, obviously.

Murdoch enjoyed running when he was young, and perhaps a version of the lives he describes in this song match with the future he imagined for himself. Instead Murdoch dropped out of school and spent seven years living in his parents' home as he battled Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or myalgic encephalmyelitis. 

Common symptoms include fever, aching joints, brain fog, dizziness and unrefreshing sleep. And activity will only make these symptoms worse. It can be nearly impossible to find a balance between activity and rest, and there is no known cure, just treatments for the symptoms and time to figure what ways of managing the condition work best for whoever is experiencing the illness.

And remember, Murdoch was going through all of this in the early 90s.

Is it any wonder he dreamed of running again without pain, and that he envied the other young men and women his age who could physically do so, and who would be admired for these accomplishments that he would never be able to even attempt?

I think this song is an honest portrayal of disability, and the bitterness that can come from being denied the kind of connection to one's body, and trust in one's body as well, that is so cherished among athletes and those who care about sports and athletic competitions.