Or, how we created a cultural artifact by burning.

The algos suggested I check out “Let It Burn” by Shaboozey.

This video is the intersection of many cool things.

I’ve listened to it too many times already. But from the very first listen, it reminded me of something my old team built more than a decade ago.

We had been going through a series of unpleasantness that left the team in a generally sour disposition. Everybody was still working but the pallor was palpable. Someone recognized that we had to do something to reclaim the vibes, get our mojo back and move on.

So, we lit a fire.

On a random Tuesday, we were called into a meeting and asked to write on strips of paper, things that we were aggrieved about. Dutifully, we complied, and when done, we went outside, lit a small fire in a Crix tin and dropped in our jottings.

#NoToteTuesday was created.

We all agreed that we would let those feelings dissipate in the smoke and especially on Tuesdays try to ensure that whatever was bothering us would be resolved or at least set aside so we could build free, and code hard.

Shaboozey’s lyrics perfectly match what we tried to accomplish.

Let It Burn

[Intro]
I know he hurt you bad but you won’t come clean
They say time heals all but the pain runs way too deep
Lied to yourself so much that you started to believe
That love doesn’t last cause that’s all you’ve ever seen

[Chorus]
Grab the matches
Start a fire
Throw the memories in the flames its behind us
See the gold in the red new horizons
Let it burn
Let it burn

[Verse 1]
So run for the hills baby don’t look back when you leave
There’s a train headed wеst move along you got somewherе to be
Watch your step
Coming off of the life that you left
Break the rules, cross a line, make a mess
This could be the only chance that you get

[Chorus]
Grab the matches
Start a fire
Throw the memories in the flames its behind us
See the gold in the red new horizons
Let it burn
Let it burn