I’m taking a big risk here.
As age has crept in, it’s become painfully clear certain aspects of life and culture age well, and some do not. Cargo shorts, not especially (to my teenage self’s dismay). But with music, I’ve been a bit more optimistic about it.
I’m taking a risk because one of my favorite songs, and the namesake of this story, is a song so niche that its popularity has been confined to a single generation. Reading the lyrics, they hold up, but the vibe is peak 90s.
Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) felt like a commencement speech turned pop hit. It’s like dad core, but in the warmest, most nostalgic way possible.
Wear sunscreen. It’s a brilliant lyric that trojan horsed itself into the minds of the young. It was an earworm that continuously reminded us to invest in ourselves now.
Can you imagine what your life would look like if you started investing your weekly allowance when you were a kid? Or if you’d made the commitment to learn an instrument?
Conversely, what if you’d never worn sunscreen? At best you might have a cool summer tan year round with a handful of freckles. At worst you could be spending way too much time and money at your dermatologist’s office.
As Baz said—
Don’t be afraid of it or what other people think of it
It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own
The best time to start was 30 years ago. The next best time is right now.
We Didn’t Wear Sunscreen. We Wore Trauma.
In the 40 days leading up to my 40th birthday, I’m sharing 40 lessons I’ve learned over 40 years. One each day. Some are stories. Some are truths. All of them are Letters to my Former Self—and maybe yours too. You can view all stories in this series by tapping here.
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