Lyrical collection

Simon & Garfunkel's song "I Am A Rock" has a bittersweet impact on me. The song's introspective lyrics and haunting melody evoke a sense of isolation and self-protectiveness that I can relate to at times. While the lyrics convey a desire to build emotional walls as a defense mechanism, they also underscore the inherent loneliness and emptiness of such a stance. The song serves as a reminder of the importance of connection and vulnerability in our lives, as well as the necessity of opening up to others to truly experience the richness of human relationships. "I Am A Rock" prompts me to reflect on my own tendencies to withdraw at times and encourages me to seek the balance between self-sufficiency and the need for emotional connection with others, ultimately reminding me of the value of authentic, open relationships in my life.

Natalie Merchant's song "Wonder" is a profound and soul-stirring piece of music that deeply impacts me. The song's message of finding wonder and beauty in the everyday and the ordinary resonates with me, serving as a reminder to appreciate the small miracles and moments that often go unnoticed. I sometimes experience an uneasy feeling when people do not understand me and my creative life. I sense I am a challenge to their balance. A little too much. When I find myself being challenged by outside influences, and a bit off balance myself, my intention and flow are interrupted. It encourages me to pause, reflect, and find joy in the simplest things, ultimately enhancing my outlook on life and making me more mindful of my own wonder.   

Alanis Morissette's song "Right Through You" has a significant impact on me due to its

empowering and assertive lyrics. The song's message about recognizing and breaking free from people who may take advantage of your kindness or underestimate your capabilities resonates deeply with me. It serves as a reminder to stand up for myself and not allow anyone to undermine my worth. The raw emotion in Morissette's voice and the edgy guitar riffs create an energetic atmosphere that makes me feel empowered and ready to face any challenges. "Right Through You" has become my anthem for self-assertion and a source of strength, reminding me to be true to myself and not let others define my worth or limit my potential.

Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks" is a song that has a haunting, hypnotic rhythm of John Bonham's drums combined with Robert Plant's soulful vocals creates an atmosphere of unbridled intensity and raw emotion. The lyrics themselves, inspired by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, speak to themes of resilience in the face of adversity. "When the Levee Breaks" reminds me of the unstoppable force of nature and the human spirit's ability to endure even the most catastrophic events. The lyric “Cryin’ won’t help you, prayin’ won’t do you no good” reminds me of the numbness experienced when people use the term “thoughts and prayers”, with no actions ever taken.  Society is “flooded” with words without actions...and eventually the levee (people) will break.     

Coldplay's song "Yellow" holds a special place in my heart, as its lyrics and melody have a deeply calming and uplifting effect on me. It brings up memories of when my children were small.  I would do anything to see them happy and loved.  The song's simple yet heartfelt expression of love and devotion resonates with the purest and most genuine feelings. Whenever I listen to "Yellow," it evokes a sense of warmth and serenity, reminding me of the beauty of love and the importance of cherishing the people who bring light into our lives. When you listen to this song, imagine the most treasured loved ones in your life.  Yellow is a warm color... signifying the warmth felt with a genuine hug, passionate kiss, energy of holding hands, or just the intense warmth felt when you remember those who have gone before us. You know I love you so. 

"Roof Garden" by Al Jarreau is a smooth and groovy jazz-pop song that blends soulful melodies with a funky rhythm, creating an infectious and uplifting vibe. Jarreau paints a vivid picture of an urban oasis on a rooftop where one can escape the hustle and bustle of city life.  This song (actually, the whole Breaking Away album) was on repeat while I attended college in the early 1980’s. So many times, I found myself escaping to that roof garden (in my head) to get away from the stress of grades, trying to fit into campus life, figuring out my purpose, and making friends. This song created an exciting experience of congregating on a roof top garden with others to forget the young adult issues while we danced, loved, laughed, and left all worries behind.

Coldplay’s song “Up & Up” resonates with me as it was an uplifting anthem that encouraged me to rise above life's challenges and reach for greater heights at a time when I felt extremely overwhelmed; as if I was trying to “empty the ocean with a spoon.”   The lyrics are filled with hope and optimism, emphasizing the power of perseverance and the possibility of overcoming obstacles. The song still serves as a reminder to look beyond the present difficulties and believe in the potential for positive change and growth.

Elton John's song "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" has had a profound impact on my life, serving as a musical companion through various stages of my journey. The poignant lyrics, combined with Elton's emotive vocals and Bernie Taupin's storytelling, resonate deeply, offering solace during moments of uncertainty and celebration during times of triumph. The lyric “Still Green and Growing” provided me with a sense of reassurance and inspiration in my own pursuits. "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" stands as a timeless anthem, reminding me of the resilience required in the pursuit of dreams and the enduring power of music to connect with one's own experiences.

The lyric "my tapestry's unraveling" from Carole King's song "Tapestry" resonates with me on a deeply personal level, reflecting the intricate nature of life and its inevitable twists and turns. In moments of uncertainty and upheaval, I find myself identifying with the image of a tapestry coming undone. Life's challenges, much like the unraveling threads, can sometimes leave me feeling exposed and vulnerable. However, King's poignant lyrics also convey resilience and the potential for growth. In times of adversity, this lyric serves as a poignant reminder that even when faced with the unraveling of our carefully woven narratives, there is an opportunity for renewal and the creation of a new, perhaps even more resilient, tapestry. It encourages me to embrace the impermanence of life's fabric and find strength in the process of reweaving, learning, and adapting to the ever-changing circumstances that shape our personal narratives.