The Black Journal Filled With Rough Lines From 1979–1981, Including Unused Lyrics For “Insider”

April 1, 2025

In the summer of 1979, a young artist named Tom found himself sitting on the porch of his small workshop, bathed in the warm light of the evening sun. He had just moved to a sleepy town, hoping to find inspiration after a chaotic few years in the big city. With a black journal resting on his knee, Tom picked up his guitar and began to strum softly. It had been a tough journey, filled with ups and downs, but he felt an undeniable urge to create something magical. The pages of the journal were filled with rough lines, scrawled lyrics, and fleeting thoughts that raced through his mind like fireflies on a summer night.

During those vibrant years from 1979 to 1981, Tom poured his heart into writing. Each line was a piece of his soul, exploring everything from love and loss to dreams and disappointments. Among the tangled notes, he began to craft a song that would later be known as “Insider.” But unlike the polished versions that came later, the lyrics in the black journal were raw and unfiltered, echoing his struggles to understand the world around him. They were filled with metaphors that hinted at deep emotions, capturing moments of joy and sorrow in a way that only he could express. As he wrote, Tom felt his passion for music igniting a fire within him, a flame that refused to be extinguished.

Yet, amidst the creative process, Tom faced hurdles that made him question his path. Critics were harsh, and the music industry was unforgiving. He often felt like giving up, staring at the blank pages of the journal in frustration. But instead of succumbing to despair, he pushed himself to write more, to dig deeper into his experiences. The black journal became his refuge, a place where he could be vulnerable and honest. He often recalled the moments when the world felt heavy on his shoulders, and he transformed that weight into powerful lyrics that resonated with others.

As the years rolled on, Tom’s dedication bore fruit. In 1981, he finally recorded the song “Insider,” marking a significant turning point in his career. The raw emotion from that black journal translated beautifully into the melody, captivating audiences everywhere. The song became a hit, resonating with fans who related to the struggles and triumphs he sang about. Tom’s resilience redefined his journey, not just as a musician but as a storyteller who could weave his pain into art. The black journal, filled with those rough lines, had become the foundation of his success.

Looking back, Tom understood that each stroke of his pen in that journal had led him to where he was now. Those years of uncertainty had shaped him, teaching him the importance of perseverance and the power of vulnerability. He often shared stories of his early struggles with young aspiring musicians, reminding them that even the roughest beginnings could lead to something extraordinary. The black journal was not just a collection of lyrics; it was a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, a narrative of hope that inspired countless others to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles. As the sun set on that same porch where it all began, Tom smiled, knowing that music would always be his greatest ally in a world full of challenges.