Music is an amazing thing. It can draw out all the same
emotions a great book does, but it often doesn’t have more than a few minutes
to do so. And what’s the topic that shows up with the most frequency in songs?
Love.
Apparently the Beatles were right. That’s all you need. Of
course, having the words to express your emotions doesn’t hurt either.
Here are my top ten songs discussing word choice, writing, reading,
and possibly the most famous romantic couple in literature:
The sole reason this couple is on
the verge of calling it quits seems to be that they disagree on the
pronunciation of certain words. Now, I’m happy that they ultimately decide to
stay together, but I’m also glad they understand that an issue as important as
this must be discussed when embarking on a serious relationship.
- “Love Letters” (1945)
This song holds a special place in
my heart as it always reminds me of my
grandparents. But it also speaks to the power of words. It doesn’t matter
that the singer is alone in a desolate place, so long as she has the words given
to her by the one she loves.
- “Adelaide’s Lament” (1950)
Sometimes love doesn’t work out
exactly the way you want it to. The best way to deal with this? Break out some
psychology books and self diagnose. Obviously.
- “Show Me” (1956)
Despite the power and beauty of
words, occasionally a little action is necessary. If you’re looking to
illustrate that point (and aren’t above a little theatricality), this is the
song for you.
- “The Star-Crossed Lovers” (1957)
Maybe you’re not in the mood for
words. You’re just looking for a nice slow dance. That doesn’t mean that you
have to sacrifice your search for the literary. Just grab your dance partner
and sway along to the melancholy sounds of Duke Ellington. Romeo and Juliet may
not be verbal here, but the two saxophones representing them are still having a
conversation.
- “The Book of Love” (1957)
I too wonder who wrote the Book of
Love. Mostly because I’d like to ask them what happens in Chapter 5. I get the
feeling the Monotones are giving us the Cliffs Notes version. At the very least
I’m missing an important step between Chapters 3 and 4. How do you go straight
from remembering the meaning of romance to breaking up? And why exactly are we
assuming that she will always be the one to need the second chance? I’m starting
to wonder if you even really read the book, Monotones, or if you just skimmed. Did no one tell you that there was going to be a quiz?
- “Fever” (1958)
Now, I personally don’t remember
Shakespeare penning the dialogue, “Julie, baby, you’re my flame,” but after
listening to this, who doesn’t want to use the line, “I burn forsooth?” (Also,
technically this song was first performed in 1956, but Romeo & Juliet
didn’t make their appearance in it until 1958.)
- “L-O-V-E” (1965)
There comes a time when subtly must
be cast aside and you just need to spell it out. But how do you accomplish this
without coming across as either too boring or too aggressive? Make it an
acrostic! You know who loves acrostics? Everybody.
- “The Letter” (1967)
Once again, the love letter comes
out swinging. Not sure if all the letter said was “I can’t live without you
anymore” or if she went in to more detail. Regardless, whatever thoughts she
put on the paper were enough to get her fella uprooting his life.
- “Your Song” (1970)
On the surface, this is a song
about writing a song. But more than that, it’s about struggling to find the
right words to express your love for someone. And knowing that even though the
words might be simple and not able to encompass the entirety of your emotions,
they’re the best tool you have. So, you tell the other person that life is
better with them and trust that they can feel the rest.
Can you think of any songs you’d
add to the list? Particularly from more recent years, as I’ve only now noticed
how historically skewed my list is.
Hope you’re spending at least some
of the day dancing! (I personally find it a good mid-week catharsis.
Particularly if you can manage it without your coworkers walking by.)
No comments:
Post a Comment