Sportsman of the Year - A Suburban Philosophy

An album, a book and a podcast, Sportsman of the Year is a celebration of life, its foibles and its perfect imperfection, and tells a tale of grit and of never giving up.An album, a book and a podcast, Sportsman of the Year is a celebration of life, its foibles and its perfect imperfection, and tells a tale of grit and of never giving up from award-winning singer and songwriter Jan Hellriegel.I have left the trail that millions before me/have worn right down to the bitter core - "It's My Sin", Jan Hellriegel, 1992.Sportsman of the Year - A Suburban Philosophy is a unique project.It's an album of 12 new songs by award-winning singer and songwriter Jan Hellriegel.But it's also a book that expands and puts flesh on the ideas and experiences captured in the songs.And it's a podcast series, which mixes the words and the music together beautifully.In every format, Sportsman is a celebration of life and its foibles as well as its perfect imperfection. It represents the journey, not the destination, and tells a tale of grit and of never giving up."My career has been nothing short of soul-destroying at times" says Jan. "And even though I have tossed my music aside on more than one occasion, I persevered. Through hardship came the wins, then more hardship, more flops, more lessons, more growth.""Each time I failed, I learned something new and got back up and kept going."Each episode of the podcast represents a song from the album and a chapter from the book. Sometimes it's clear which stories are related to which songs. Other times the meanings are open to interpretation. They can all be digested on their own or go hand-in hand with each other. They're not married, but they are good friends.Sportsman of the Year - A Suburban Philosophy is not always an easy listen and some things might make you squirm. But this is how it happened for Jan. It's supposed to be a little sad, funny, perplexing and occasionally contradictory because every day the view changes while we all try to make the nonsensical comprehensible. "If I have met you or if you have ever listened to a song of mine then you are right here in this podcast, these songs and this book, "says Jan."They are for you."Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In episode one of Sportsman of the Year, Jan Hellriegel argues that some of the worst things in life might just turn out to be the best."Looking back, I realise some of the worst things ever just happened to be some of the best things in disguise. I just didn't know how to read the signs" - Jan Hellriegel 2019.HOUND DOG (IT'S A GOOD LIFE)Shuffling around with my nose to the ground and my eyes all covered in scrimI'm feeling sorry for myself and I don't know why because in truth I have everything.What am I to choose as I fluff along this mortal coil?What am I to lose if the road I choose is a lighter toil?It's a good life if you want it if you let it into you.It's a great life if you call it if you call it into you.But it's a Hound Dog if you let it eat away at you.So come on call it in the good life.Let it in to you.Days and days and hours and hours working for the man.The rents catching up and you're going nowhere but you're doing the best you can.What am I to choose as I fluff along this mortal coil?What am I to lose if the road I choose is a lighter toil?It's a good life if you want it if you let it into you.It's a great life if you call it if you call it into you.But it's a Hound Dog if you let it eat away at you.So go on call it in the good life.Let it in to you.Days and days and hours and hours.You watch your folks become tethered and soured.In and out around the round.There's no respite from the daily grind.La la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la.It's a good life if you want it if you let it into you.It's a great life if you call it if you call it into you.But it's a Hound Dog if you let it eat away at you.So go on call it in the good life.Let it in to you.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Doing something, even if it fails, is better than doing nothing. "Doing something is way better than doing nothing, even if it's hardly doing anything at all." - Jan Hellriegel 2019.LOVE AND CONVICTION I've walked this earth a long time and I've done all kinds of things.Delivered fish to fancy restaurants, sold gold and bling and rings.I've cleaned a lot of hotel rooms, sold beer in dirty bars.Packed records in cold warehouses and polished lots of cars.One thing I'd like to say right here and will say it loudIs that I've loved you with a passion in the here and in the now.Some things I'm really proud of and I don't mind if I share.Other things I've screwed right up, they're whispers in the air.I've met a lot of people I know I won't meet a second time.Some friends have now departed and I know my wrongs from right.One thing I'd like to say right here and I will say it loudIs that I've loved you with a passion in the here and in the now.I say it now to all who'll listenI've loved you long and I've loved you hard.I say it now and with convictionYou have my love.You have my heart.Well there's been some pretty bad times and oh so many good.Sometimes I've been bewildered, other times I've understood.But I've always kept on loving you, never faulted from the path.Sometimes I've been defeated but I knew it wouldn't last.One thing I'd like to say right here and I will say it loudIs that I've loved you with a passion in the here and in the now.I say it now to all who'll listenI've loved you long and I've loved you hard.I say it now and with conviction.You have my love.You have my heart.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

They say knockbacks, rejections and mistakes just make us stronger. The worst gig in the world tested this philosophy. "If everything was super easy and I didn't have to face the odd bump in the road or difficult time, then I guess my resilience muscles wouldn't be in such good shape." - Jan Hellriegel 2019.ON ICE IIIGentle sparkle so serene.This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.And a good friend took me there.All I could do was stop and stare into this place,This space.Oh I, I'm on ice can't move anywhere.And it's so cold here on ice.The rune said you can not move.You're weighted down by forces, which are hidden from view.Take comfort that the time will come.When you will thrash your arms in legs in all directionsAnd all will be forgiven.Oh I, I'm ice can't move anywhereAnd it's so cold here on ice.On ice the ghosts go stalking.They start to rearranging your mind.They get your mindAnd I've seen it and the sound that it makes.Could turn the warmest blood into the coldest of crystalIf you would let it.The hue of the place is suchThat it could break your heart in two if you would let it.But will you?Will you?Go down to the lakeside and search out the meaning.Salvage what left you and start disbelieving.Will you, oh will you go downWith me? Oh I, I'm on ice, can't move anywhere.It's so cold here on ice.On ice.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

They say you should never meet your heroes. But that isn't always true. "I realise that things are pretty good right now and although I know there will always be trials and tribulations which accompany life, today I just say 'phew!'" - Jan Hellriegel, 2019.FOR THE LOVE OF GLORYI have trekked across the TundraAnd wrestled in Japan.Sailed around The HornAnd raced the Isle of Man.And it's all following you.Crossing desert plains on barefootI discovered Noah's Ark.I worked 10,000 hours, left my family cold and dark.And it's all following you.Oh for the love of Glory, she is such an elusive Queen.Oh for the love of Glory, she will lick the damage clean.I have acted out in stadiumsAnd made them beg for more.Humiliated loversSmeared their hearts across the floor.And it's all following you.I have desecrated templesAnd I've told a thousand lies.I've sacked and burned and pillagedAnd I've left good men to die.And it's all following you.Oh for the love of Glory, she is such an elusive Queen.Oh for the love of Glory, she will lick the damage clean.I have lied and stolen, cheatedMade them get down on their knees.Eliminated rivals, left them twisting in a tree.All for the love of you.Oh for the Love of Glory, she is such an elusive Queen.Oh for the love of Glory, she will lick the damage clean.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

How hard is it for a woman to have a career in music?"No matter how uneven the playing field, I resolve to work with what I have on hand today. Because the alternative is to quit and, quite frankly, that is not going to happen." - Jan Hellriegel 2019.NEPTUNE AND MEWash right through me dark blue currents.I belong to the rolling waters.I belong to the bubbling seas.And you.These things are becoming real.The lighthouse keeper has broken the seals.Light's shining through.Who cares at all about the troubles I've seen?They've got enough of their own.Who cares at all about the lessons I learned?They've got enough of their own.Dark blue oceanStormy greys.Swimming in the sea is better that way'Being tossed in the waves till your hair begins to frayWith Neptune.Who cares at all about the troubles I've seen?They've got enough of their own.Who cares at all about the lessons I learned?They've got enough of their own.Who cares at all about how cruel he can be?Who cares at all about the troubles I've seen?Wash right through me dark blue currents.I belong to the rolling waters.I belong to the bubbling seas.And you.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

When you are growing up, life sometimes seems totally random. But at other times it's all like a set of perfect coincidences."If the darkest hour is right before the dawn then hold on and make a cup of tea while you are waiting to greet the new day.This episode is dedicated to those friends and family who have left us far too early." - Jan Hellriegel 2019.ODE TO THE PROMISE OF YOUTHThere it goes the promise of youthOf handsome and might.There it goes faster than light.These are the stories we have told.These are the stories which go round and round till they get old.And I see you.You're in her eyes.She has your way about her.And shows such promise.And so it goes onRound and round.Till the stories get told and they make no sound.And the reasons why and the reasons because.And the reasons go round and round and round.Until they've gone.I remember the drive.We were young and we were so free.And we had things we had to do.Things seemingly so easy.And I see youYou're in her eyes.She has your way about herAnd shows such promise.And so it goes on.Round and round.Till the stories get old and they make no sound.And the reasons why and the reasons because.And the reasons go round and round and roundUntil they've gone.Last thing I said was"Have a great day you,We just live down the road now,It was so good to bump in to you"And the stories get old.They go round and round.And the stories get told 'til they make no sound.And the reasons why and the reasons because.And the reasons go round and round and roundUntil they've gone.They go round and round and round and round until they've gone.Goodbye you xGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Great loves have been the inspiration for a lot of great love songs. And a lot of rubbish, too."So they don't love you anymore? Be grateful; they are standing aside so the right one can see you better." - Jan Hellriegel 2019.HIGH MAINTENANCE MANHot DogMet him in the city, the neon lights weren't shiningBut tea and scones and cake were all around.You know I wasn't lookingHe wasn't lookingFor loversBut that is what we found.He came overWe started talkingHe asked me questionsNever did he talk about himself.I knew it had been a hard oneHe'd known it tough butThe lights still flickered in his eyes.And I was hookedAnd I was stungAnd I was doneHigh Maintenance Man.You're doing what you do to drive me crazyHigh Maintenance ManYou demand every ounce, every part of my willHigh Maintenance Man.It's trueSome things are sent to test usTo show us new and bold waysTo think about the things you've never done.No wayCan you decline itThe interventionDeep down you know it's what you're looking for.And I was hookedAnd I was stungAnd I was doneHigh Maintenance Man.You're doing what you do to drive me crazyHigh Maintenance ManYou demand every ounce, every part of my willHigh Maintenance Man.And the road is a time bombLittered in debris.Caught in the cross fireFake eyelashes mock me.And through all the accoladesBlowouts and comedownsHere I stand with my head held highPoised and ready and reaching highHigh Maintenance Man .Hot DogMet him in the city, the neon lights weren't shiningBut tea and scones and cake were all around.You know I wasn't looking.He wasn't lookingFor loversBut that is what we found.And I was hookedAnd I was stungAnd I was doneAnd all the worldIt made more senseAnd everythingThe Art of War.…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Take one step at a time. Just put one foot in front of the other."There is no denying life can sometimes be very prickly or it can be the sweet sniff of a rose." - Jan Hellriegel 2019.MOTHER AND SONHow did I get caught like this?Tangled up so I can't run.How did I get caught in the cold though I am under the sun?Without the light of a smile of someone I love.How do I feel so alone?In a room full of people I know and they're having such fun.How can I raise the bar when it's so far above?What is the meaning of our nonsensical life?One step at a time my boyOne foot in front of the other.The journey may take some time to unfoldBut you'll get there in the end.How did I fall so far down?Yesterday I was racing for the sky.How do I pick myself up and make it all right?How do I face it now?This wonderful fight.One step at a time my boyOne foot in front of the other.The journey may take some time to unfoldBut you'll get there in the end.And all the things you will discoverWhen you jump on a breezeIt'll comfort and take you there.And know that you're lovedBut some things you must do on your ownAnd I know in my heartYou have all that you need.Oh ah.One step at a time my boyOne foot in front of the other.The journey may take some time I knowBut you'll get there in the end.And all the things you will discoverAnd all the mountains you will climb over time.From up thereYou'll see the world.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

If you could do anything, what would you do?"Of all the hurdles you will face in your life, the hardest will be your self-imposed limitations." - Jan Hellriegel 2019SO HAPPYSome things are indescribableUntil you know just what you want to saySo just relax and rememberEverything is going right todayEverything is so goodEverything is going rightI never knew that ICould feel this wayOh so happyThings are finally on my sideFeeling goodOh so happyIt's true, life can get so hardYou can feel like giving it all awaySo just relax and rememberEverything is conspiring to go your wayEverything is so goodEverything is going rightI never knew that ICould feel this wayOh so happyThings are finally on my sideFeeling goodOh so happyEverything is so goodEverything is going right I never knew that ICould feel this wayOh so happyThings are finally on my sideFeeling goodAnd so happyWords and Music: W.R. Bell and J HellriegelGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Music brings us into the world, travels with us on our journey and then bids us farewell."Songs are like pictures encased in a melodic motif so when we can't talk, or we speak another language, we can still connect through music." - Jan Hellriegel 2019.HOME NOT HOME (MOTHER AND DAUGHTER)So I went home to your homeBut no one was home.It was no homeI called out your name.No replies came.It was no home.I cleaned all the walls at your homeI emptied out the cupboards andPut the stuff in my car.And I took it with me but can't you seeIt don't belong .And in the quiet I recallOnly beauty that you could grow at home.And the longing gaze as you wrangled meTempestuous and wild and not liking frilly thingsAnd I am sorry I never told you in time.How did I not notice?How did I not see?That a daughter of yoursWas always going to end upRunning wild, untameable, contraryBut running free.So I went home to your home.It's the last time I know I'll probably be there.But I'll take you with meAnd I still got that keyTo your home.And in the quiet I recallHow you went into bat for me.When you went down to the school and said"There will be no home economics for she"Because in your eyes I could have been a butcher or a bakerA doctor or a lawyer or anything I wanted to be.You said "You've got this girl and after allYou're more beautiful and intelligent than me"How did I not notice?How did I not see?That a daughter of yours was always going to end upSinging her owns tunes and thanks to youAlways be running free.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Never ever, no matter what, take your eye off the prize until you have won it."I've failed so many times now I've remembered how to win." - Jan Hellriegel 2019.WINNERThe bells are chiming from the corner dairy storeRinging loud and their message is clearIf you give up now then how you going to knowIf tomorrow is one day nearerIf you just hold on a little longerGut and grit will get you throughHow great does this feelHow great does this feelTo be standing here todayHow great does this feelHow great does this feelTo be standing here todayWinner, winner, winner, I'm a winner, winner, winnerI'm a winner, winner, winner, it's trueWinner, winner, winner, I'm a winner, winner, winnerI'm a winner, winner, winner, are you?And the days are calling a night time of fear as the blisters are starting to healAnd you've fallen down and when you've had to get upOn the way you've learned how to kneelIf you just hold on a little longerGut and grit will get you throughHow great does this feelHow great does this feelTo be standing here todayHow great does this feelHow great does this feelTo be standing here todayAnd all the fussers and the fighters and the liars and the cheaters and the laggards and the braggarts and the energy depleters, on the whole they disappearAnd all the hard clap early-morning soul-destroying loser talk with blisters, sore back sore brain your gunna balk on yeah it disappearsAnd all those old folks who told you to get a real job oh yeah they disappearAnd all those early ripe early rot privileged kids oh man they disappearSo if you hold on a little longerGut and grit will see you throughHold hold holdHow great does this feelHow great does this feelTo be standing here todayHow great does this feelHow great does this feelTo be standing here todayWinner, winner, winner, I'm a winner, winner, winnerI'm a winner, winner, winner, it's trueWinner, winner, winner, I'm a winner, winner, winnerI'm a winner, winner, winner, are you?Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

These are your power years. Go on and take them."Life is a series of victories and disenchantments. Once you embrace the disappointments your triumph will be greater." - Jan Hellriegel 2019.SPORTSMAN OF THE YEARIt's a little bit like winning the Sportsman of the Year.You're only 12 you've got big feet and you're a girl.Or you've amassed a great idea and some old dude tells you offAnd calls you a big-headed fool.I may no longer be pretty or unusually thinBut what I do haveI never give in.It's not that the road you take is long and hardOr along the way you get dealt some hard cards.You shuffle them around till the purpose and the painForm a wave so high you can surf any terrain.And you get getting on.And one funny day you realise the reasonIt takes so long to get served at the barIs because you're no longer young or fair.And birthdays signify a new sexless ageWhere you redefine how you learn to behaveAs everyone looks through you now.I may no longer be pretty or unusually thin.But what I do haveI never give in.It's not that the road you take is long and hardOr along the way you get dealt some hard cards.You shuffle them around till the purpose and the painForm a wave so high you can surf any terrainAnd you get getting on.The princess years don't last for ever andYour time in the sun only lasts so long.So use it get your act together thenKeep on...You can keep on getting stronger.You've got that light, let it shine girl.These are your power yearsGo on and take them.There's nothing to fearJust go on embrace them they're yours.These are your power yearsCome on and move with them girl.Take it all, take it inAnd just assume that they're yours.These are your power yearsCome on just shake the tree at them.In the night, in the morningIn everything that you do.These are your power years.These are your power years.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details