I must be doing something right -- she loves Bowie

I must be doing something right -- she loves Bowie

I must be doing something right as a parent: My 16-year-old daughter KERSTIN posted the lyrics to the DAVID BOWIE classic "LIFE ON MARS" while praising it on FACEBOOK last night.Although it has played in the background for ages, the song came into focus for her one recent night while the two of us drove home from a school debate tournament in DES MOINES.Kerstin took control of the iPod, and we delved into the music of the 1970s, then the 80s.We alternated playing each others favorite songs by artists including Queen, Roxy Music, Bowie, Culture Club, Propaganda and Terence Trent D'Arby.
Enveloped by darkness and with an empty road ahead of us, we could intently listen to the songs' various elements -- their lyrical touches and musical arrangements.
I explained that while I can never make sense of "Life on Mars" -- "see the mice in their million hordes from Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads" -- Bowie sings it with such conviction and emotional intensity that it has become one of my anthems.
Maybe I'll figure out what he's singing about in the future, but I love the song so much it doesn't really matter.
The few minutes of listening must have made an impression on Kerstin. Vacationing this week with our younger daughter ANNIKA with grandparents in RENO, Kerstin posted lyrics to some of her favorite songs last night.
"Life on Mars" was included, so I must be doing something right.