“You Get What You Give” – A Groovy Guide to Daoist Reciprocity

Riding the airwaves with a zesty mix of optimism and cynicism, “You Get What You Give” by the New Radicals became a mantra for the disenfranchised youth of the late 90s. This track didn’t just climb the charts; it soared into the hearts of anyone ever caught between the pulsating desire to dream big and the crushing weight of societal challenges. But beyond its catchy hooks and radio-friendly riffs, this tune carries a sage-like wisdom akin to the ancient principles of Daoism.

We live, after all, in a universe of cause and effect, a fundamental notion that Daoism embraces through the concept of ‘De’ (德) or virtuous conduct. Let’s slide our way through the electric guitar strums and unraveled life lessons tucked in the folds of Gregg Alexander and Rick Nowels’ cult classic, merging Eastern philosophy with 90s pop sage advice.

Hold Tight to Your Inner Music

“You’ve got the music in you, don’t let go, you’ve got the music in you.”

Daoism teaches us about ‘Ziran’, the art of living in accordance with nature and our inherent path or ‘Dao’. The “music” within us is like the ‘Qi’ (vital energy) that flows through all things. It is the unique rhythm of our lives, our personal calling – that thing that makes us come alive. In Daoism, neglecting the ‘Qi’ results in disharmony with the ‘Dao’, akin to disregarding the music within us. Embrace the twists, turns, and dance to the beat of your own drum, for that is the way to harmonious living.

The Dreamers Disease and The Dao

“Wake up, kids, we got the dreamers disease, age fourteen, they got you down on your knees.”

Here, the New Radicals echo the Daoist idea of the world imposing its will upon us, dictating how we should be. According to Daoist thought, societal norms often detach us from our natural state, causing ‘dis-ease.’ To cure ourselves, we should practice ‘Wu Wei’ – effortless action in tune with the natural world. We need to resist succumbing to pressures that stifle our true natures and instead follow the path of least resistance, the Daoist way, to health and fulfillment.

The Circle of Giving

“Can’t forget, we only get what we give.”

Through the lens of Daoism, this lyric mirrors the concept of ‘Bao Ying’ – the karmic response of the universe to our actions. Think of it as cosmic reciprocity; what we put out into the world eventually circles back to us. The Dao is a well-trodden path of balance, where actions and intentions flow like water, yielding experiences that return to their source. Cultivate good deeds, and like echoes in a canyon, they reverberate back.

Bend, Don’t Break

“You feel your tree is breaking, just bend.”

In the face of adversity, the Dao encourages suppleness and adaptability, much like the willow that bends in the storm yet doesn’t break. This is ‘Rou’, which underscores the strength in softness. The New Radicals aren’t just preaching resilience; they’re serenading us with ancient Daoist philosophy. When life’s pressures mount, it’s not about snapping back with force but swaying with the rhythm of circumstance.

Dance Like the Whole World’s Watching

“One dance left, this world is gonna pull through.”

Finally, Daoism teaches us to embrace the moment, for it is all that we have. The idea of having “one dance left” is a modern take on ‘Carpe Diem’, seizing the day, an idea fondly held in Daoist practice where the present moment is the only thing we truly possess. It’s in this dance, in the here and now, that we find the key to longevity and joy.

So there you have it, the Daoist rhythms pulsing through a 90s classic. The New Radicals may have resonated with our flannel-shirt wearing, dial-up internet using selves back in the day, but their message rings agelessly true – a harmony of Daoist philosophy and pop culture, reminding us that whether we’re up against societal pressures or internal turmoil, staying true to our inner music and the cyclical nature of giving is a verse worth repeating. Don’t let go, after all, the best dances are always a little freestyle.