It’s been a very emotional few weeks as I’ve wrapped up 18 years at Duke Corporate Education.  I’ve realized, again, that leaving involves people on both sides of the equation:  I needed to say goodbye and process what this next chapter of my work life is going to (could) look like, and all the great people I’ve had the privilege of working with needed to share their sentiments with me, as well.

Today, I just ‘wanna get lost in the rock n’ roll, and drift away’.

Years ago I introduced this idea of Friday songs at work.  Just to have some fun, and most everyone loves music.  We would put on some popular tune on some speakers and sing along, or even get up and dance.  This led to all sorts of laughter and great memories.

Well, today, some colleagues conspired to put together a song list, and we gathered in one of the rooms downstairs, and songs by bands such as Meat Loaf, the Gap Band, George Jones, Springsteen, Billy Joel and others were shared.

We laughed, danced, hugged and may have had a tear or two.  The last song was “Drift Away” by the Doobie Brothers.  One of my favorites, and lyrics, below, capture so many of the sentiments we all have shared.

Goodbye, Duke CE.

Day after day I’m more confused
Yet I look for the light in the pouring rain
You know that’s a game that I hate to lose
I’m feelin’ the strain, ain’t it a shame

Oh, give me the beat boys, and free my soul
I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

Oh, give me the beat boys, and free my soul
I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

Beginning to think that I’m wastin’ time
I don’t understand the things I do
The world outside looks so unkind
So I’m countin’ on you to carry me through

Oh, give me the beat boys, and free my soul
I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

Give me the beat boys, and free my soul
I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

And when my mind is free
You know a melody can move me
And when I’m feelin’ blue
The guitar’s comin’ through to soothe me
Thanks for the joy that you’ve given me
I want you to know I believe in your song
Rhythm and rhyme and harmony
You help me along makin’ me strong

Oh, give me the beat boys, and free my soul
I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

Give me the beat boys, and free my soul
I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

Oh, give me the beat boys, and free my soul
I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

Hey, hey, give me the beat boys, and free my soul
I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

Na na na, won’t ya, won’t ya take me
Oh oh, take me