OK, get ready. ‘Cause some superstitious words and references are gonna be comin’ at you (gesundheit). Oops, one slipped in there already.
Yep. Gesundheit and “bless you” can be superstitious words.
Did you know that people, down through the centuries, have believed (and possibly still believe) that a sneeze can cause your soul to escape your body through your nose.
Yikes! If that’s true, what could possibly stop that from happening? I know you’re ahead of me here. And you’re right. Two simple (superstitious) words. “Bless you.” Yeah, those same people, who think your soul can escape through your nose, also believe you can keep the devil from claiming the sneezer’s soul with those eight letters in two words.
Well, they either think that or the total opposite. You read that right. Others believed (and some still believe) that evil spirits use a sneeze to jump into a person’s body.
Wow, those evil spirits must have some really fast reflexes.
And would you believe that other people believe your heart stops during a sneeze? Yeah, those people believe that when you say “bless you,” it’s a way to welcome that person back to life. That seems a little crazy to me. But I see crazy pretty much wherever I look. So, don’t go by my perspective.
My guess is that you say “bless you” just by habit.
Well, that’s if you say it. Maybe you don’t. I don’t. And I don’t even tend to acknowledge when someone says it to me after I sneeze. Because, well, I’m not into superstitious words (knock on wood) and luck.
The main thing (well, the main thing for what I’m talking about right now) is there’s no such thing as luck. Good or bad. So, you can’t do anything to bring on good or bad luck. And you can’t say anything to protect against it. Because, uh, it doesn’t exist. If you believe it does, bless your heart.
Just so you know, if you’re ever around me, and I sneeze, and you say “bless you,” I’m not gonna call you out on the carpet. Because my guess is you’ll just be saying that out of habit. And if you use any other superstitious words like that, I’ll assume you haven’t really considered how they originated. I hope I’m right about that. Until we know for sure, please…
Keep Your Fingers Crossed
Some say we can make the luck we need.
Some say…it’s destiny.
Yeah, some say it’s all in the draw of cards.
Maybe for them, but not for me
I know I will never know it all.
I know I’ve got to see it through.
And I know I’ve only got one chance.
I’ll take that chance, if I can take it with you.
Keep your fingers crossed; I just might find the answer.
Keep your fingers crossed; I just might find a way.
Is it faith that leads me or faith that blinds me?
Either way I’m lost,
Unless you free the heart of me
And keep your fingers crossed.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Some say I should play another part.
Some say give it up; let it go.
How can I explain what’s in my heart?
How can I make them know?
Oh, how can I make them know?
Sometimes I wish I was someone else.
Sometimes, but not for long.
I want you to help me chase this dream.
Oh yeah, it’s you. You keep me strong.
Chorus…inst…repeat chorus
© 1987 & 2020
Stay tuned,
