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Second Fiddle

Second Fiddle

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Second Fiddle 4-Rachel DeCourseyI can’t play a fiddle – first fiddle or second fiddle. I tried to learn from my father. My efforts were not successful.

Fiddle is another name for violin. The music style makes it different.

In an orchestra, second violin supports the first violin. First violin usually plays melody while second violin plays harmony. As the name suggests, second violin has a secondary role.

Therefore, if we play second fiddle to someone, the other person gets noticed more. She gets more credit. People often think the second fiddle role is less important or second best. For example, a vice president plays second fiddle to president.

Four things we need to remember about playing second fiddle:

1. Someone needs to play second fiddle.
2. With hard work, we may someday play first.
3. Both roles are important.
4. The two together make beautiful music.

Whether we lead or play second fiddle, let’s play to the best of our ability.

“Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD” (Psalm 150:3-6 NIV).

Thanks to Rachel DeCoursey for the Campbellsville University orchestra photo.

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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Fit as a Fiddle

Fit as a Fiddle

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Fit as a FiddleIf your doctor declares you fit as a fiddle, that’s good. You’re healthy.

If anyone says he’s fit as a fiddle, he means:

  • I’m great.
  • I couldn’t be better.
  • I’m quite well, thank you.

My father taught himself to play a fiddle when I was a small child. People with a non-bluegrass music background may not know that fiddle is another name for violin. The music style makes it different.

Bluegrass music has an Irish, Scottish, and English background. This traditional music style grew in the Appalachian region of the United States. It remains popular among many people today.

In the attached video, ten-year old Carson Peters tells Ricky Skaggs the difference in a violin and fiddle. He also plays and sings a bluegrass music favorite, “Blue Moon of Kentucky.”

In addition to playing a fiddle, my father loved to play with words. He had several expressions similar to fit as a fiddle.  My favorite: If I were any better, there would have to be two of me.

Whether we play a fiddle or not, why not seek a lifestyle that makes us fit as a fiddle?

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you” (3 John 1:2 NIV).

How do you tell people you’re fit as a fiddle?

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