“Lance, This song, ‘Time and Space’ is getting me so emotional. I have gone through three of the most emotional days I’ve been through in a long time…and when the song started playing it F’in spoke exactly…EXACTLY to what I am going through. It’s incredible that you could write the words and create the mood that is exactly what I’m experiencing. The Harps, the ethereal feeling create a feeling of Vastness… a feeling that there is more beyond this situation. That there’s hope and possibility of a better future…”

As I have said before, if I were to die tomorrow (not to sound morbid), I would want to be remembered by my music and specifically my debut album Time and Space. I know that in today’s age, most artists are ultimately concerned with reaching platinum status or creating that next, “hit,” but moments and messages like these are the moments I strive for. Yes, Of COURSE I want my album to sell well and be received in the highest way, but the REASON I started this album was because of all that I had experienced that COULD RELATE to the majority of people around my age. And more specifically, whenever a tough, daunting, or difficult experience took over, what helped me get through it was MY REFUGE, MY MUSIC. And I wanted to share that refuge with everyone out there who may need one. I wanted to connect to all those who may feel the way that I felt when I sat at the piano to produce the song or discussed the feelings and emotions with my co-writer, or sang just to sing to make myself feel better than I felt. All of these emotions are in this album, high’s and low’s just like life and I promise you, you will relate. I would be lying if I said I did not want a grammy or a platinum record, but to be able to connect with someone to the core through my music is just as valuable and will ultimately allow for great success. Whenever you need a second to breathe or need a place to relate, “time and space” will be here for you.

The story of the album: It is about the transition from one relationship to the next and the baggage we may bring with us from the first relationship into the next. The concerns, the fears, the love, the pain — every emotion (good or bad) can represent “baggage.” Also, specifically to the song, “Time and Space” the transition does not have to pertain specifically to a relationship, but also an uncomfortable situation, work space, career, friendship.

1. When was Eric Roberson born? and where is he from?
2. What University did Eric Roberson attend?
3. What was the name of Eric Roberson’s first album? (released)

So by my definition a “good” guy is one who genuinely wants to get to know the woman he is dealing with. He will take her out on dates, treat her like a lady, and sincerely learn about her. He is not the “wham bam thank you ma’am” kind of guy. He is also not the “Holla, Holla, holla” *(said in my Dave Chapelle voice) kind of guy. And he would prefer not to deal with a woman that he can not get to know or does not have a connection with. Because to him, dating/sex without a connection is like a cone without ice cream, What’s the point? *NOTE: This connection IS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM — but we’ll get to that. He is consistent with his effort to hang out and have a good time. Because it is not like he is the only one having a good time, She is enjoying herself too. The catch is, he does not want a relationship. The closest he would come to a relationship is an “open relationship.” But due to his age, career, and/or dating history he feels that he needs to be single. If we get a little deeper –he may have commitment issues, just came out of a difficult and tiring relationship, or may just want to live his life, but he knows HONESTLY that getting into a relationship is not the best thing for him or the woman he is seeing.

So what makes it so difficult for Mr.”Good” guy? I’ll tell ya. The women he dates, EVEN if THEY are not looking for a relationship, will open up to the idea of a relationship with him, which as we know is not on his mind. And due to his consistency, in-date behavior (acts like a gentleman), and genuine interest in the woman, a “connection” is usually built which causes said woman to shut the entire interaction down. And rightfully so, because once she realizes he doesn’t want a relationship then she is thinking, “yeah, I like him, but I don’t want to get too attached and not get a relationship out of this or waste my time.”

But what about him?  Due to his nature and really no fault to his, Mr. “Good” guy is now alone and will continue to stay alone because every woman he dates will eventually start to “like” him or open up to the idea of a relationship, then consequently terminate the interaction because of it. One woman told me, “Yeah, I’m not looking for a relationship, but if a guy who is of the relationship caliber comes knocking on my door, I’m going to open the door, let him in, and see what he is about.”  The Same woman went on to tell me, “I’d rather NOT like the guy, have a few good times, and continue in my singledom.”  So this leaves Mr.”Good” guy with only a few options, he can either :

1. Be Upfront and Honest. - He would inform said woman that he is very interested, she’s a lot of fun and they should go out on more dates and just “chill.” — *(usually defined as the intention to become a cuddle buddy or friend with benefits) –BUT he would also inform her that  he is not looking for a relationship. —- This method usually leads to a lonely night and/or “The Drawing Board.” **NOTE: Unless said woman is on the EXACT same wavelength, in which a “boo” has been found, ending up alone is usually the outcome of this method.  Because although there are women out there who WANT to be “single,” most ARE single and have no intention of staying that way.  But conversely this method avoids any unpromising emotional attachments, breakdowns, or conversations about, “The next level,” “Titles/labels” and the infamous “Where are we going with this?”
2. Continue to date WITHOUT disclosing intentions: Mr.”Good Guy” can also choose to continue forward with said woman.  Dating, courting and “chilling” with her like a “good” guy knows how, BUT NOT inform her of his intentions or reluctancy towards relationships.  This method usually leads to a few great months of fun.  Everything is fine and dandy until THE CONNECTION presents itself.  Once either party recognizes this connection and this idea that their involvement could be more than just dating, Mr. Good Guy is in trouble.  His intentions are soon discovered and not only will he end up alone and back to square one, but someone usually gets hurt.  And yes, he can get hurt too. Don’t get it twisted, HE CAN get caught up too.  And as a result of his currently ill-prepared position on relationships, he will have to forgo all connections to said woman, which is a lot more difficult than he imagined.  But usually this scenario results in said woman thinking Mr. Good Guy is not so good at all.  She thinks, he’s an “A**hole for wasting her time and for leading her on.” Understandably so, but in order for Mr. Good Guy to survive in this single world this was one of his options.  Which leads me to the final option:
3. Death of Mr. Good Guy: After continuous attempts of living as his true Mr. “Good” Guy self and coming up short in this ruthless, confusing, and highly frustrating single world, Mr. Good Guy says, “Fu** it” and becomes Mr. Bad Guy. Like a Hulk Hogan who joined the NWO, a Michael Jackson who became a zombie at the end of Thriller,  an Annikan Skywalker who turned to the dark side, or a group of friendly puppets who are sick and tired of putting up a front, Mr. Good Guy is no more and the single world will now accept Mr.”Bad” Guy.  You’ve seen him, the typical cocky, arrogant, or  ”I don’t give a f***” mentality man who usually rolls with a bunch of guys exactly like him.  Makes very bold, sometimes outlandish, straight to the point statements.  And has no intention of even considering a relationship.  The best way for me to define Mr. “Bad” Guy is a man who just DOES NOT CARE.  He will not allow an emotional attachment from either party and his intentions are simple, “Whatever I want” and “Whatever makes ME happy.”  He does not allow himself to sacrifice, compromise, or negotiate with the other party.  Dating is just a formality that is necessary to get to where he wants to go. Sounds bad right? But this is where living as Mr. Good Guy has gotten him. To an unfamiliar world of apathy.

As sad as it is, this is the case for many guys I know.  And although options One and Three will avoid any confusion, I honestly feel that the end result is feeling incomplete.  Like something and/or someone is missing.  What do you think is better: a few months of happiness only to lead to a difficult separation? Or a long stretch of meaningless flings, dates, jumpoffs, and/or interactions that produce short periods of pleasure, but ironically, deep down inside, still has said good guy searching for more.  The issue with Mr. Good Guy is the same issue everyone has, “who wants to be alone?” The problem is not the question, but the methods of achieving its rhetorical answer.  Whether showing honesty upfront, being deceitful, or just not giving a f***, one way or another we are trying to deal with that issue.  Do the ends truly justify the means here? Or should we all just become iSexual and be with ourselves?  *pauses for obvious response…..and…..EXACTLY…who really wants to be with themselves? Thoughts?

LD

LD

YES YES AND YES!!!!!! She’s back and this song is just what I need on a Sunday morning. Get you a copy! download by clicking the down arrow.
Lauryn Hill – Repercussions by LDMBLOG.COM

LD