Category Archives: poetry

Those of you who have been reading my posts since my blog launched know that I love to write, and that I also enjoy reading the words of others.  One thing I haven’t mentioned thus far, where the written word is concerned, is the link between writing and music: lyrics.  I would be incredibly remiss if I didn’t touch on music and lyrics as they relate to both writing and the human experience.  After all, some of the most life-changing, stirring, and heart-wrenching words were first written and then sung.

Emotional & Transportational

Songs are incredible things.  Not only can they change a mood (for better or for worse), they can intensify the mood I’m already in.  A song can make your happiness shine like sunbeams, another can pound a thousand rusty nails into your already-broken heart.

Songs are also audible time machines that can transport us back to when they were first released or were otherwise significant in our lives.  My first memory is actually a perfect example of this.  I was two or three years old, and I remember watching my mom make the bed while Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” filled the air with sound.  Mr. Simon’s lyrics are part of my personal history, woven into the tapestry of my life.

Long Story Short?

I could go on and on about music, lyrics and songs.  Instead I’m going to list some of my favorite songs in a few random categories I’ve created, and will let these lyric-filled songs speak for themselves.  Straight from my iPod to this blog…

Upbeat

Breathless – The Corrs
Closer to Fine – Indigo Girls
Fireflies – Owl City
Forca – Nelly Furtado
Let My Love Open the Door – Pete Townshend
Where the Streets Have No Name – U2

Let’s Rock

Are You Gonna Go My Way – Lenny Kravitz
I Love Rock ‘n Roll – Joan Jett
Paint it Black – The Rolling Stones
Rock the Casbah – The Clash
When the Lights Go Out – The Black Keys
Rock Steady – Bonnie Raitt

Emotional Complications

Fighter – Christina Aguilera
Ghost – Indigo Girls
House of Cards – Mary Chapin Carpenter
If I Can’t Have You – Yvonne Elliman
Piece of My Heart – Melissa Etheridge
Where Did You Go? – Jets Overhead

Classic Tunes

Band of Gold – Kimberly Locke
Forever in Blue Jeans – Neil Diamond
(i can’t get no) satisfaction – The Rolling Stones
Let Her Dance – The Bobby Fuller Four
Let the Music Play – Shannon
Let’s Groove – Earth, Wind & Fire

Bring on the Tears/Melancholy

Because of You – Kelly Clarkson
Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
Send Me a Song – Celtic Woman (happy-ish tears)
It Only Hurts When I’m Breathing – Shania Twain
Breathe (2AM) – Anna Nalick
Fast Car – Tracy Chapman

Just Love ‘Em!

Orinoco Flow – Enya  (I miss you, Aunt Bobby!)
I’m on My Way – The Proclaimers
Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough – Michael Jackson
Kind & Generous – Natalie Merchant
Minnow and the Trout – A Fine Frenzy
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley

Which songs can lift your spirits or bring you to tears, dear readers?  Can music and lyrics instantly transport you back to a significant moment in your life?  Do you have a few songs you’d like to share that would fit into the categories above?  Please post a comment and share.  I’d love to hear about the lyrics that you love – the words have that have been woven into the tapestry of your life…

Warm regards,
Melody