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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
I don’t know who I feel more sorry for: the man who’s never been that obsessed with a woman, or the one who has.
Pink Floyd’s “Time”.
Getting ready to take my son to college for the first time. I keep thinking about this song.
Ticking away the moments that make up a dull dayFritter and waste the hours in an offhand way.Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home townWaiting for someone or something to show you the way.
Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain.You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today.And then one day you find ten years have got behind you.No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.
So you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it’s sinkingRacing around to come up behind you again.The sun is the same in a relative way but you’re older,Shorter of breath and one day closer to death.
Every year is getting shorter never seem to find the time.Plans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled linesHanging on in quiet desperation is the English wayThe time is gone, the song is over,Thought I’d something more to say.
HomeHome againI like to be hereWhen I can
When I come homeCold and tiredIt’s good to warm my bonesBeside the fire
Far awayAcross the fieldTolling on the iron bellCalls the faithful to their kneesTo hear the softly spoken magic spell
I’m a big fan of Al Stewart, most famous for Year of the Cat. But he writes a lot of songs about history or set in historical events.
League of Notions is about the meetings at Versailles after WW I that redrew the map of Europe and the Middle East.
On the Border is about the Basque separatists and independence movements in Africa, but could be about any of the current insurgent movements.
Just flipping through my ipod:
Rolling Stones’ (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction strikes me as really Mick Jagger.
Beatles’ Penny Lane seems like it’s a trip back for Paul.
CCR’s Born on the Bayou, clearly.
Clapton’s Holy Mother seems like it comes right from experience, though I’m not sure he actually wrote it.
I see you’re from Houston Texas…
Do the letters ASML mean anything to you? If so, are you perchance a lawyer?
My Father’s Eyes, by Eric Clapton
I was thinking there’d be some Indie contributions while I wrote this. Because it’s “Indie” for a reason.
I find Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” convincing. Love that song.
Anyone else try to sing that one at karaoke? I have, and I think the DJ repented of allowing it. It’s a little long.
These lyrics grab me, too.
I miss when country music used to be good like this. Now it’s all bar pickup songs. When will my country return, at least to radio?