22 Dec 2011

I haven’t been able to sleep well for a few weeks now. Tossing and turning. Randomly waking up after only a couple hours and not being able to fall back to sleep until minutes before my alarm. I’m not sure if I’m feeling overwhelmed due to the lack of sleep or if I can’t sleep because I’m overwhelmed. I could be considered a ball of confusion, a work in progress, a lost soul, blah blah blah. I’m not hoping for a moment of Zen. I’d be happy with a neutral state and a good night sleep. Maybe I just need to go to a kick ass concert. Either way here are a few songs that can break through my calloused exterior and force me to have a good cry for no apparent reason.

I Can See A Better Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwHyuraau4Q&sns=fb
Probably the best song about a guy being an ass and screwing up anything, let alone Christmas. The idea of the couple falling out of love as the song progresses while both parties trade off line after line is amazing. It’s a great song for any season with some of the best storytelling lyrics you could ask for. My favourite verse is Kirsty McColl declaring, “You took my dreams from me, when I first found you.” To which MacGowan replies, “I kept them with me babe, I put them with my own. (I) Can’t make it all alone. I’ve built my dreams around you.” Just brilliant.

Who Needs Words?

This one just builds and builds until it breaks you (around the 6 minute mark). I know I heard this as a child, but I rediscovered it again in my teens, doing an English project on war, and watching the film Platoon. One of my Top 5 Classical Music Pieces without question.

I’ve Got Nothing To Do Today But Smile
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IwYQ1Vqf_4
The song everyone forgot about until that epic screaming scene above the abyss in Garden State. There is nothing quite like making out in the pouring rain is there? I think I connect with this song because it makes me think that I might have a soul(?). Not the type of “soul” that religious institutions talk about, but whatever the word you’d use for the emotional, thoughtful kind of equivalent to “soul”. When I consider that I might have a “soul” I start to wonder why I haven’t found too many other “souls” to connect with. Or maybe I’m just disappointed I haven’t found “my souls recognition of its counterpoint in another.” I will always quote Wedding Crashers when I can. What is it about songs about New York making me sad? Hmm. Something to look at later I guess.

Gone So Long
With topics like these maybe you can see why I’ve taking a little while to get a post out. I’m not trying to depress anyone and I’m the last guy that wants anyone’s sympathy. Things are just on my mind. While writing this post I remembered how therapeutic writing can be. It’s been so long since I posted that I probably just forgot. Now that I remember how good writing feels I’ll do to it more often. Got a few songs that can take you from the brink of tears to over the edge? I really want to know!