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Which Popular Songs Ring True?
Most pop songs are generic fluff, surely–written to appeal to a vast audience. They are like musical candy, easily made and consumed. Think of all the catchy, cranked out ruminations on love and break-ups.
But once in a while, a song will strike me as an expression by a writer who was moved by real events and strong emotions. Some popular songs, if not art, are at least thoughtful musical meditations on life experience that we all have in common. My examples here are subjective, because I am not a music expert and could not tell you any technical signposts in the composition. Perhaps you agree with my choices, or would have alternate suggestions.
Recently, I was listening to Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’” and realized that song has extra appeal for me. To me, a wrenching breakup really would be that way–you’d constantly be reminded of the reality that life had changed for good. You’d want to go on, but would need to deal with that reality over and over before you could really move past it. The style in which it is sung and the melody communicates the devastation of the speaker. This is the most effective breakup song I know.
Another song that rings true is “The Leader of the Band.” Finally, a fresh topic–a respectful tribute to one’s father. The lyrics are lovely and poetic, the melody simple and singable.
There’s this whole genre of songs about maintaining a relationship while the singer is on the road. I admit that I love just about all of them. I nominate Journey’s “Faithfully” and “A Song for You” as heartfelt expressions of care.
I can’t offer a whole lot of examples, as few pop songs ring true to me. Perhaps you could add to my list.
Published in Culture
Being a rock star… through a rock stars eyes.
Thanks, Guru. That piece came right from his gut.
I am here to please.
Yes, Guru, very relatable.
The Theory of a Deadman song really does capture the feeling of being a modern middle class male perfectly. Kind of like a musical version of falling down.
You have really opened up the floodgates now of a youtube musical extravaganza.
Personally I’m fond of Help by the Beatles.
Originally performed by Jake Owens, but perfected by Home Free.
I enjoy a lot of Indie music. Here’s a favorite from Young the Giant. Much of life involves fighting off the lethargy of the body. It’s great to see some young artists who understand this.
I always thought that Sufjan Stevens, when on form, did this very well – a minor example would be “That Dress Looks Nice on You“.
And, Martin Phillipps from The Chills (kings of Flying Nun & the Dunedin sound!) is another one who often strikes that chord (boom boom). Think “Heavenly Pop Hit“, “Male Monster from the Id“, “Don’t be Memory” and, of course, “I Love My Leather Jacket”.
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” – Billy Joel
“It’s the End of the World as We Know It” – R. E. M.
“Seigfried’s Funeral March” – Götterdämmerung, Richard Wagner (at 5:50, the most timely music stand failure in the history of recorded music.)
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” – Bobby McFerrin
Whenever there’s a topic like this I go overboard. I can’t stop trying to think up more and more songs.
John Mayer’s first full-length album came out in 2001, my first year of high school. His song, ‘Why Georgia,’ was about leaving home for the first time and having no idea really what you’re doing with your life, so it hit me at the perfect time.
https://youtu.be/p5wvOXQX2Qo
‘Father of Mine’ by Everclear is an angry, heartbroken song from a son to the father who abandoned him.
‘Wonderful’ by Everclear is similar, but from the perspective of a kid who’s parents are divorcing.
Paul Simon’s catalog is full of great songs with thoughtful and moving lyrics. ‘Hearts and Bones,’ is, I believe, about his tumultuous relationship with Carrie Fisher.
https://youtu.be/kZ425RKCqco
‘Brick’ by Ben Folds, is one of the deeply saddest songs I know, about a guy taking his girlfriend (unbeknownst to her parents) to go get an abortion and the emotional aftermath.
“My Girls,’ by Animal Collective, is kind of a strange song, but I like that the lyrics are about a father determined to provide for his wife and daughter.
‘National Holidays,’ by Spymob, is a song from the perspective of a divorcee who wishes he could spend more time with his daughter.
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Something that was actually useful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTsIpZ_Si3A
You can send me dead flowers every morning
Send me dead flowers by the U.S. mail
Say it with dead flowers at my wedding…
and I won’t forget to put roses on your grave.
The most bitter of breakups…
I loved that Smash Mouth album.
Somebody had a run-in with someone really self-absorbed.
Note to self: don’t believe your own press.
Love Stinks, J. Geils Band
“What A Fool Believes” by the Doobie Brothers. This was apparently written by a boy from my high school who thought I liked him as much as he’d liked me. But…I was just being polite. Four years after graduation, he had gotten my address from my mother and sent me a dozen roses for my birthday. He didn’t know I was engaged already.
“He came from somewhere back in her long ago
The sentimental fool don’t see, tryin’ hard to recreate
What had yet to be created once in her life
She musters a smile for his nostalgic tale
Never coming near what he wanted to say
Only to realize it never really was
She had a place in his life
He never made her think twice…”
Read more: Michael Mcdonald – What A Fool Believes Lyrics | MetroLyrics
But a great song.
Not a single song, but Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys is a somber meditation on coming to adulthood. The ultimate concept album. It repays endless re-listening.
Another lesser but still very good album dealing with early adulthood: Welcome Interstate Managers by Fountains of Wayne.
“And So It Goes” – Billy Joel
“The Luckiest” – Ben Folds
“Black” – Pearl Jam
Are these Pop? I listen to mostly Indie, so it’s tempting to just pick songs I like. I thought the above mentioned have emotional heft and staying power, though, as well as a large audience.
Harry Chapin’s “Cats in the Cradle.” In parenthood (and all relationships) you reap what you sow.
2 songs that capture certain emotions for me better than words ever could. There is probably another song that capture my frustration with my complete inability to embed videos…but it is likely to violate the CoC.
One song that rings true for me is Broken Things by Julie Miller. The picture of grace in this song has gotten me through some difficult times.
Then, lastly, a song that reminds me that the call of the “to do” list will always be there, but there are people that are vastly more important…Sara Groves’ Just One More Thing. I give it my friends who are having babies.
The opening lines of Billy Joel’s “Summer, Highland Falls” gets me every time:
“They say that these are not the best of times
But they’re the only times I’ve ever known”.
Also The Moody Blues “Wildest Dreams”
I always thought Rosie by Jackson Browne rang really true (though I had no idea what he was talking about when the album first came out).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YeIMQhX15I
If we can post about stuff we know came from artist’s strong feelings, how about Stevie Nicks on her abortion of the baby she conceived with Don Henley?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHJb87nNsGY
And Peter Gabriel’s overcoming of his fear and doubt upon leaving Genesis?
Love that song.