Just Some Lyrics I Like

I just wanted to gab a bit about some lyrics I like. My goal is that it will make you think about some lyrics you like.

“Her name was Ann and I’ll be damned if I recall her face.”

I think what I like in particular about this line is that it’s kind of reverse on the usual rock star/woman relationship. The general perception is that musicians out on the road (and maybe everywhere else) are a pretty promiscuous lot. They don’t seem to do much denying of that impression and some seem to promote it, implying women in the hundreds or thousands have enjoyed their company, so to speak (I know this sounds rather on the sexist side and I don’t mean to imply that, it just seems that the women are tad bit more discreet in general. Oh, I take it back- the women are just as promiscuous, it doesn’t matter to my essay). Anyway, the classic take on this behavior is that the person relating the tale wasn’t emotionally involved enough to even bother remembering the girl’s(boy’s) name. This lyric tips it and the guy remembers her name all right, but can’t bring the face to mind. I think this brings a nice touch of melancholy, he cared about her, probably even thinks about her now and then.

“I foresee terrible trouble and I stay here just the same.”

This is just typical of us all (I think). Everything tells you to run, probably even the people you’re with, but…

“Cause I never felt the desire ’til their music set me on fire
And then I was saved”

I think this resonates with every musician. It doesn’t really matter whose music we’re talking about. It could be Miles Davis and Bill Evans, it could be Mozart and Copland, it could be Beatles and Stones. Music doesn’t just pass through our ears like a politician’s speech (a promise in a year of election, I think Bono sang), it settles in our soul. You know it’s tremendous power to call up memories both wanted and unwanted. It’s been said many times and many ways that life without music is unimaginable.

I’ll just leave it at those three for now. Please think about some of your favorites and remember, the “subway’s no way for a good man to go down.”