In the quiet of my study, papers scattered, thoughts take flight,
Years of work, so clear, so concise, a beacon in the night.
Through every trial, each presentation, polished every phrase and line,
Submitted with a heart full of hope, to judgement so blind.

The editor's cold embrace, swift to undercut my stride,
"Relevance lacking," so it claims, "too trivial, yet overwrought inside."
Referee number two, the root of all my trials, casting shadows, sowing doubt,
Misunderstood, dismissed, my meticulous toil left out in the cold, without.

My nemesis, yet my guide,
My downfall, yet light provided.
Harsh lessons sharply learned,
In shadows, doubts stirred.

Now behind the desk, roles reversed, a manuscript lies in my hold,
Adequate, yet lacking a spark, the narrative cold, unbold.
Words not quite right, elegance lost, a story struggling to unfold,
A dilemma grows within me, what fate will my verdict hold?

To wield my pen with grace, or cast a shadow too long,
Echoing the paths once walked, the rights and the wrongs.
Be the light in their darkness, or the storm they feared all along?
A heavy decision upon my soul, in this scholarly song.

My nemesis, yet my guide,
My downfall, yet light provided.
Harsh lessons sharply learned,
In shadows, doubts stirred.

Referee Number Two, your fate's in my grasp,
Which path to take? A choice to unclasp.
Will I be friend, guide you through?
Or turn enemy, shadows pursue?

Will kindness prevail, in deeds and word?
Or mirror the past, a cycle stirred?
Referee Number Two, today I decide.

----

"Referee Number Two" is not just a song about the academic peer review process; it's a profound exploration of the moral dilemmas we face when critiquing the work of our peers. This song narrates the internal conflict of an academic who has endured harsh judgments from an anonymous reviewer and now finds themselves in the position to review others. Will they seek retribution, or rise above and provide constructive feedback?

As you listen to "Referee Number Two," reflect on your own experiences with criticism and the choices you've faced when given the power to judge others. It's a reminder that every decision we make contributes to our character and professional legacy.

🔔 Subscribe for more thoughtful music that explores the complexities of professional ethics and personal growth.
💬 Have you faced similar dilemmas in your professional life? How have you navigated the tension between fairness and the urge for payback? Share your experiences in the comments below to foster a discussion about moral choices in challenging contexts.
👍 If this song resonates with you, please like and share it to help others reflect on their roles as both critics and creators.

For more music that challenges and inspires, visit our links page: https://linktr.ee/axiomsofmediocrity

Here's to the struggles we face in the quiet of our studies and the strength we find in making the right choices, even when it's hard.

Contradistinctions

Referee Number Two

I love 70's American West Coast music. It's the music that inspires me. I also like Ennio Morricone's style. I play electric, classical, acoustic and 12chords guitar. Also, Bass
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeCBZ4l-tqzB1iYK4sdhYzw

It's a blessing to be able to create music and if someone enjoys my work, that's icing on the cake! All blessings come from God.

As a retired DOD Civil Service worker, I have time to record some. I have been recording at home sice around 1990 and some of my tracks are very old.  I‘ve had 50+ years in bands playing music of many types. I still play the club scene 3 to 4 times a month. Life is good!

I'm a Guitarist who likes to write, record and sing many styles of music. Please check out my tracks. I'm also enjoying the occasional collaborations.  Meeting some good friends on here and continuing to grow. Thank you for listening!


Es una bendición poder crear música y si alguien disfruta de mi trabajo, ¡eso es la guinda del pastel! Todas las bendiciones vienen de Dios. Como trabajador jubilado del Servicio Civil del Departamento de Defensa, tengo tiempo para registrar algunos. He estado grabando en casa durante unos 23 años y algunas de mis pistas son muy antiguas. He tenido más de 50 años en bandas tocando música de muchos tipos. Todavía juego en la escena del club de 3 a 4 veces al mes. ¡La vida es buena! Soy un guitarrista al que le gusta escribir, grabar y cantar muchos estilos de música. Por favor, echa un vistazo a mis pistas. También estoy disfrutando de las colaboraciones ocasionales. Conocer a algunos buenos amigos aquí y seguir creciendo. ¡Gracias por escuchar!

225 tracks of Progressive Grunge Melodic Post Instrumental Psychedelic Groove Rock. A melting voyage of blending genres and sounds. A magical journey of exploration and creativity forever pushing the boundaries of normality.

Earth Patriot © plays #BcRich guitars on most tunes trough #Marshall Heads. I do grungy melodic Alternative Rock with mostly three different guitars, have a mixed ethnical background and come  from the north of europe where the light is rare. 

influenced by the second wave of western punkrock and grunge that flooded the networks in the 90ies.

There are some really good soundcloud-exclusive-bands to find out about on my playlists/compilations.

I especially want to recommend The Young Love Scene , Ian McIntosh , Brian Butts, Eternal Ballers  and the bawl slant . 

#DaysGoBy but the chords 
#hardly ever #change !

To interact, just leave a comment or send me a pm!

Cheers!

my favorite artists: @BillyTalent @NIRVANA @NadaSurf
#EarthPatriot es un grupo de Rock Alternativo .

DO NOT MESSAGE ME ABOUT PROMOTIONS FOR ANY STREAMING PLATFORM. I AM NOT INTERESTED. thank you!

if you wanna play #callofduty #warzone with me, just write a short msg and add me - earth-patriot on #PSN / earth-patriot568 on xbox live.

I’m Jesús Fresno, and from my small home studio in Chiclana de la Frontera, I bring to life songs that speak of what hurts and what heals: criticism, love, rage, and hope. I blend hard rock with electronics and anything else that crosses my path, because I don’t believe in boundaries when it comes to sound. I’m inspired by B-movies, science fiction, and that universe where the human and the fantastic blur into one. If you feel like getting lost in a different world—built with guitars, synths, and half-lit truths—listen. You might just find a piece of yourself in what I create.

You only live once, but if you do it right, 
once is enough.

Choose the right promotion 
bit.ly/boostyourtracks

Playthrough here:
https://www.youtube.com/@RefoundEmotions
Contact martizi@hotmail.com
I'am an italian guitar player.
My setup: Neural DSP Quad Cortex, Ibba Universe with Juggs Pickups, HB with EMGx, SDGR Bass and HB Bass.

Feel free to spend few minutes to hear my sad music ... have fun!

All Pics Designed by Freepik

Referee Number Two

Axioms of Mediocrity