I know I am seriously slacking in the blog area but I am trying to keep going. I hope you will forgive me and still keep reading!
Today's little musing is about music which for me, is very emotional. Whether it is because of an emotional connection to the song itself, or whether there is just something lying within the tune that just makes my heart sing.
It sounds all over the top romanticised, but it is true - some songs just make me feel safe, at home and they have a message that I feel like speaks only to me. I mean, don't get me wrong - you may listen to these songs and think, 'I totally don't see what this crazy girl is saying.' But as I say, these are pieces that are special to me, personally.
These aren't in any particular order as they mean something to me in different ways (just so you know).
1. Chiqitita - Abba
Now, people that know me in real life know that I'm a not-so-closet Abba fan. I may be young but I still appreciate the timeless quality of the music created by Benny and Bjorn. The girls have a flawless quality to their voices and they blend together perfectly, a winning combination. Now, this particular song out of the plethora of Abba tunes that I could have picked is something special.
The lyrics are telling the story of two best friends, one of them (Chiquitita) is heartbroken and the other one is saying to her that things will be ok, that we all go through pain but she will bounce back soon enough.
Chiquitita you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go
And the scars they're leaving
You'll be dancing once again
And the pain will end
I just think this is a pretty tune, and I must say on many occasion this song has shook me up and shoved me back on the road again. It's so lovely. I also really liked how this was portrayed in the movie adaptation of Mamma Mia, as this is the kind of situation I always imagined that this song was written for.
2. Witchita Lineman - Glen Campbell
Now, this song is a strange one. Even when I was a young child being driven in my mother's car this song spoke to me. Let's start with the music.
It starts with a simple guitar riff, leading into a beautiful and almost magical flourish of strings. I can't even describe how full it makes my heart feel. And then Mr Campbell joins in - he has such a smooth voice which tells such a sad story. There are different interpretations of it, but my personal thoughts on this is that Glen is the 'Wit-chi-taw Lineman' and while he is fixing one of the lines he hears a lovely lady talking on the wire. (I don't even know if this is possible but this is how I see it) and he instantly falls in love with her. He says about needing a vacation, but what if something happens to the wire? His love will be lost.
My favourite part of the whole song is one phrase.
I need you more than want you
And I want you for all time
The aul' romantic inside of me screams out at this wonderful line. My main aim in life is to love and be loved in return to this scale. Not a lot to ask, I know.
3. Return To Innocence - Enigma
Now if you haven't already heard this song, it may sound a little strange to begin with - as the opening is an Amis chant which sets off the mood fantastically. This German musical outfit was one of my late father's favourites - and after he died I thought I should perhaps delve into the music that he loved so much.
I downloaded the 'Greatest Hits' of Enigma, and this song straight away spoke out to me. The lyrics talk about how you should be yourself, feel how you need to feel and not worry about anything. I always thought of the 'return to innocence' as the lack of insecurities and the whimsical nature of being a child. When you don't care about race, whether you're rich or poor - or even what the future holds for you. You just live in the moment. I think that is a powerful message and I think at the time that I discovered this song it created solace for me and I am really grateful for that.
Here is a short excerpt from the lyrics, which I think encapsulates what the song is trying to say.
And if you want then start to laugh
If you must then start to cry
Be yourself don't hide
Just believe in destiny
4. Cantilena - Karl Jenkins & Adiemus
This particular song whisks me back to my childhood quicker than you can say, 'Really?' And I imagine if you're around about my age you will recognise this tune but you may not know where to place it.
I've always had a penchant for choral music. Not quite sure why - I suppose it has gone hand in hand with my slight obsession with religious buildings. When I was a kid (I mean about 3 years old) I would make my mom stop the car on the way to whichever holiday destination that we were on the way to to look at the churches that I had spotted. I have to say that churches, temples, mosques, synagogues etc all look so beautiful to me - and I think praising an ultimate being by creating these wonderful buildings and creating simply beautiful music is a great way to do so.
Sorry, I digress. This pretty modern composer uses different languages and sometimes even made up languages for his choirs to sing - but you know what? That doesn't even matter; because even if all of the compositions that he writes were gobbledygook, I'm sure you would get the correct message.
So, here is the song which I am wittering on about.
Recognise it? If you are around about my age (I'm 26) you may remember an advert with which this song was used. I always remember the tranquillity of the music and the video intertwined - and I just love the jubilant blend of voices at the 2:57 mark. Oooh I feel all fuzzy listening to it. The actual song is longer, but you get the gist from this YouTube video. For good measure (and if you're thinking, 'Which advert was it gosh darn it?') here it is...
5. Tubular Bells II - Mike Oldfield
You may know this as 'The Exorcist' theme tune but to me it will forever be the soundtrack to my college years. My good old dad lent the cassette tape of this outstanding album to me when I was 16 as he thought it would interest me. I listened to this album EVERY day that I went to college while I was getting ready - it set me up for the day and just never got old.
I'm sure my mother got bored of it very quickly though! Even to this day, if I need calming down before a big event (a job interview etc) I listen to Tubular Bells and just hum along, being lost in my thoughts and relaxing.
There is a particular part of the track called 'Weightless' which is really pretty and once again there is a vocal element which makes it magical - and as I've pointed out I've lost my dad so this particular track is extra special to me. When my partner and I get married next year I am going to have this song played as I walk down the aisle, so that in some respect my dad will be with me on the most important day of my life; and hopefully it will stop me from freaking out!
So, as you can hear, this is a lovely piece of music - and if you ever get the chance to hear the full Tubular Bells II album, then you definitely should. it should be on everybody's 'Listen to at Least Once in Your Life' list. If you ever see the documentary about Mike Oldfield and how this track came about, you should watch that too - it's really interesting and its scary how it may not have even come about if it wasn't for Richard Branson of all people!
6. The Ghost of You - My Chemical Romance
Bit of a wildcard with this one - it doesn't really fit the mould of the other songs. However I still find it a very haunting melody and Gerard Way really portrays the pain of loss in a unique way. I have cried so many times listening to this song - and I think the music video really hits hard too, so kudos to the director of it!
This is what most people would call a 'rock' tune I suppose, but it is so much more than that.
I don't think I can convey how this song makes me feel... But I can tell you that it gives me goosebumps every time that I hear it.
You know when you're listening to your iPod or whatever and there are songs that you have to be in the mood for? And when you're not in the mood you just skip past them? I have NEVER skipped past this song - I don't know why but I feel compelled to listen to it. I am sure it won't be everyone's cup of tea, and this is the only song by this band that makes me feel this way about it, all of the others (sorry guys) are your run of the mill 'emo' songs. But this one in my eyes is truly outstanding.
Bit of a wildcard with this one - it doesn't really fit the mould of the other songs. However I still find it a very haunting melody and Gerard Way really portrays the pain of loss in a unique way. I have cried so many times listening to this song - and I think the music video really hits hard too, so kudos to the director of it!
This is what most people would call a 'rock' tune I suppose, but it is so much more than that.
I don't think I can convey how this song makes me feel... But I can tell you that it gives me goosebumps every time that I hear it.
You know when you're listening to your iPod or whatever and there are songs that you have to be in the mood for? And when you're not in the mood you just skip past them? I have NEVER skipped past this song - I don't know why but I feel compelled to listen to it. I am sure it won't be everyone's cup of tea, and this is the only song by this band that makes me feel this way about it, all of the others (sorry guys) are your run of the mill 'emo' songs. But this one in my eyes is truly outstanding.
Wow. Just wow.
Well, there are some songs that I love, and the reasons why - I hope you enjoyed this blog and maybe you could share some of YOUR favourite songs. I always find it interesting discussing musical tastes with people as you can find a lot out about someone's life and connect.
Music touches us emotionally, where words alone can't.― Johnny Depp
