Ball of Wax 49 Songs: Drew Danburry – “Mediocrity . . .”

The full title of this new song from our Utahan barber/songwriter pal Drew Danburry is “Mediocrity, for Denis Villeneuve (who is amazing and not mediocre),” which gives you some idea of the artist’s intentions. The song seems to be about the feelings we all struggle with that we are not good enough, or interesting enough, or whatever-it-is-we’re-trying-to-be enough. (The fact that it’s addressed to the acclaimed director of Arrival and the soon-to-be-released Blade Runner 2049 is a fascinating wrinkle. I guess we all need a musical hug from time to time.) But if the title makes you think you’re in for a rousing pick-me-up of a tune, I should warn you that there are no easy answers here. The music is beautifully arranged and composed, the tune and lyrics heartfelt, and at the end it feels more like an expression of sympathy and solidarity than an answer to anyone’s problems. And sometimes that’s all we really need.