But, enough about books … Other things have words, too, right? Like … songs!If you’re anything like me, there are songs that you love because of their lyrics; writers you admire because their songs have depth, meaning, or just a sheer playfulness that has nothing to do with the tunes.
So, today’s question?
- What songs … either specific songs, or songs in general by a specific group or writer … have words that you love?
- Why?
- And … do the tunes that go with the fantastic lyrics live up to them?
My answer:
"Sing" by The Carpenters. If there has been one song that I've felt was my life-song my entire lifelong. That I identified with when I was two, twelve, twenty-two, and thirty...it's "Sing" by The Carpenters. Not to get all morbid, not to go places no one wants to go (including myself), but this is what I'd want played at my funeral/memorial service when the times come.
Sing, sing a song
Make it simple to last
Your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not
Good enough for anyone
Else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.
It's not just a song. It's a way of life.
"83" by John Mayer. This is another theme song of mine. It's a nostalgic little song about romanticizing the past, idealizing childhood, and wanting to go back, to recapture what's been lost, etc.
Oh, if only my life was more like 1983
all these things would be more like they
were at the start of me
If my life was more like 1983
plot a course to the source of the
purest little part of me
and most my memories
have escaped me
or confused themselves within dreams
if heaven's all we want it to be
send your prayers to me
care of 1983
Of course, John's singing about wanting a red cape and pretending to be Superman...whereas I'd be wanting to play, play, play with Barbies. (Well, maybe some Strawberry Shortcake too.) But same difference, right?
4 comments:
Oh Becky, I loved Barbies!!! I could have cared less about dolls but Barbies and I spent hours together :)
hey, i'm a new visitor to your blog, and i simply cannot resist a post about lyrics!
the song that's currently influencing my life - taste by animal collective
a little snipet:
Am I really all the things that are outside of me?
Would I complete myself without the things I like around?
Does the music that I make play on my awkward face?
Do you appreciate the subtleties of taste buds?
I don't have a song that I've had since childhood, but from the last few years I love the song "Unwritten."
"Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten."
John Mayer is my hero! And "83" is one of my favorites, too. All of his songs seem to play out like my own little anthems!
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