I know a song, where there are four people "talking" (possibly more, if you're singing along and swaying to its rythym), from the one and only.... Paul Simon - "Run That Body Down" - gorgeous song 🧘🌌
Jena, I’ve been listening to Tom Jones this morning ... so
Tom Jones' expansive discography is crazy good. Two classics: "It's Not Unusual" and "Delilah". Here's a conversation between the two:
It's Not Unusual":
> Tom 1: "It's not unusual to be loved by anyone,
> It's not unusual to have fun with anyone."
"Delilah":
> Tom 2: "I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window,
> I saw the flickering shadow of love on her blind."
"It's Not Unusual:
> Tom 1: "But when I see you hanging about with anyone,
> It's not unusual to see me cry, I wanna die."
"Delilah":
> Tom 2: "She was my woman,
> As she deceived me, I watched and went out of my mind."
Together:
> Tom 1: "Why can't this crazy love be mine?"
> Tom 2: "Why, why, why Delilah?"
From this dialogue, we can trace the trajectory of a tumultuous relationship. Initially, Tom 1 sings of the joy and universality of love, and the pain of seeing a loved one with someone else. On the other hand, Tom 2 provides context to the relationship, revealing a betrayal that has led him to anguish. His merged voices reflect the complexity of love — its highs and lows, joys and sorrows.
We learn about the unpredictable nature of love, the ecstasy of being in love, the pain of jealousy and betrayal, and the despair that can come from losing a cherished relationship.
Hah! That’s a great way to describe it :-) I like it too. I’ve heard something similar with instruments but those were improvisational and without words. To me the words add another dimension. It’s like two separate minds unintentionally come together to create a third. It shows not only how many different ways we see and interpret the world but how much we are alike as well :-)
I think this is what you mean by songs conversing. Jena, let me know if on the right track. 😊
Pairing of "Every Breath You Take" by The Police and "Shadows of the Night" by Pat Benatar.
"Every Breath You Take" (The Police)
“Every breath you take and every move you make / Every bond you break, every step you take, I'll be watching you.”
On the surface, this song can be interpreted as a romantic ballad, but Sting, the song's writer and The Police's lead singer, has revealed that it's more about control, surveillance, and possessiveness. It has been described as representing the darker side of love, where love morphs into obsession and surveillance.
The song's haunting melody, coupled with its persistent rhythm, emphasizes a sense of incessant watching and monitoring.
"Shadows of the Night" (Pat Benatar)
“We're running with the shadows of the night / So baby take my hand, it'll be all right.”
The song encourages listeners to cast aside their fears and doubts. It speaks of finding comfort in companionship, even when faced with the unknown or the challenging aspects of life. It offers a message of protection, assurance, and encouragement.
The uplifting and empowering music in "Shadows of the Night" contrasts with the more ominous tone of "Every Breath You Take." Benatar's powerful vocals bolster the sense of determination and strength in the face of adversity.
While "Shadows of the Night" emphasizes the protection offered by companionship, "Every Breath You Take" leans more towards possession. This stark contrast highlights the difference between wanting the best for someone versus wanting them only for oneself.
"Every Breath You Take" blurs the boundaries of personal space and intimacy, suggesting a watchful, ever-present gaze. In contrast, "Shadows of the Night" speaks of intimacy as a shared experience, where two individuals come together to face the world.
While both songs touch on love, their perspectives differ. "Every Breath You Take" can be seen as a warning about how love can turn unhealthy when it becomes about possession and control. "Shadows of the Night" paints a more positive picture, where love is a source of strength and support.
The pairing of these songs serves as a reminder of the complexities of love and relationships. It underscores the importance of mutual respect and understanding. It's vital to recognize when love turns into obsession, and it's equally important to understand the distinction between genuine protection and overbearing control. This musical conversation offers a reflection on the nature of relationships and challenges listeners to evaluate their understanding of love, trust, and boundaries.
Sorry to interrupt your conversation... That police song, I really intensely dislike like it, and if it comes on air, within my earshot, and if I'm I charge of my universe, I change stations or switch off or walk outta there. It is an ISIS song. Well, that's what I call it, ISIS song. It is stalking. Anti women.
There's a picture, I saw on the 'net, a while back, hvhhhhhvvdepicting a bunch of heavily turbaned taliban goons, armed with deadly-looking rifles, standing over & pointing directly at a group of fully burka-ed women, sitting on the ground, their arms shackled...this awful song reminds of it. I wonder whatever did happen afterwards.
(I've never really liked "police". Never felt any gentleness in their works)
You are not interrupting. You are interjecting an important point of view.
To be fair, I believe that Gloria understood the ominous undertones of the Police song she chose. Here is what she wrote:
"On the surface, this song can be interpreted as a romantic ballad, but Sting, the song's writer and The Police's lead singer, has revealed that it's more about control, surveillance, and possessiveness. It has been described as representing the darker side of love, where love morphs into obsession and surveillance."
I think she was spot on and would agree with you about the feelings it evokes (please weigh in here Gloria as I don't want to assume anything).
I have two questions for you, Mahesh:
1. First, what two songs do you feel would call attention to the problem of misogyny using a Song Conversation, and
2. Second, might you share those two songs with me so we can create another "Song Conversation" to share with our readers? You can email me at JenaBall@CritterKin.com
I especially like the way the two songs play against and stand in contrast to one another but meet in the middle. You can see how either side - given the right circumstances and personalities - might tip into the other. It’s actually rather sobering. I love Pat Benatar’s work but there is always a bit of raw rage in it. I am going to go listen to both songs and see what else emerges for me. Is there a stanza of either song that you feel could end the conversation?
Yes. The stanza from “Every Breath You Take” to round off the conversation, as it captures the essence of the discussion about surveillance and possessiveness:
“Oh, can’t you see
You belong to me?
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take.”
It’s a poignant reflection of the song’s themes and leaves the conversation on a thought-provoking note.
Jena hi...
You mention about songs in conversation...
I know a song, where there are four people "talking" (possibly more, if you're singing along and swaying to its rythym), from the one and only.... Paul Simon - "Run That Body Down" - gorgeous song 🧘🌌
Jena, I’ve been listening to Tom Jones this morning ... so
Tom Jones' expansive discography is crazy good. Two classics: "It's Not Unusual" and "Delilah". Here's a conversation between the two:
It's Not Unusual":
> Tom 1: "It's not unusual to be loved by anyone,
> It's not unusual to have fun with anyone."
"Delilah":
> Tom 2: "I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window,
> I saw the flickering shadow of love on her blind."
"It's Not Unusual:
> Tom 1: "But when I see you hanging about with anyone,
> It's not unusual to see me cry, I wanna die."
"Delilah":
> Tom 2: "She was my woman,
> As she deceived me, I watched and went out of my mind."
Together:
> Tom 1: "Why can't this crazy love be mine?"
> Tom 2: "Why, why, why Delilah?"
From this dialogue, we can trace the trajectory of a tumultuous relationship. Initially, Tom 1 sings of the joy and universality of love, and the pain of seeing a loved one with someone else. On the other hand, Tom 2 provides context to the relationship, revealing a betrayal that has led him to anguish. His merged voices reflect the complexity of love — its highs and lows, joys and sorrows.
We learn about the unpredictable nature of love, the ecstasy of being in love, the pain of jealousy and betrayal, and the despair that can come from losing a cherished relationship.
Jena! I like this idea of songs jawing!!
Hah! That’s a great way to describe it :-) I like it too. I’ve heard something similar with instruments but those were improvisational and without words. To me the words add another dimension. It’s like two separate minds unintentionally come together to create a third. It shows not only how many different ways we see and interpret the world but how much we are alike as well :-)
Laura La Sottile
LOL I was asking more about which topic. I think she's posted three threads this week.
Oh! The latest one. “I’ll Be Back”
Laughing. Thank you :-)
I replied to a post on Ask E. Jean with your idea!
Oh? Which one? I am behind on that stack :-)
Thank you. I hope it sparks some interesting discussion!
I think this is what you mean by songs conversing. Jena, let me know if on the right track. 😊
Pairing of "Every Breath You Take" by The Police and "Shadows of the Night" by Pat Benatar.
"Every Breath You Take" (The Police)
“Every breath you take and every move you make / Every bond you break, every step you take, I'll be watching you.”
On the surface, this song can be interpreted as a romantic ballad, but Sting, the song's writer and The Police's lead singer, has revealed that it's more about control, surveillance, and possessiveness. It has been described as representing the darker side of love, where love morphs into obsession and surveillance.
The song's haunting melody, coupled with its persistent rhythm, emphasizes a sense of incessant watching and monitoring.
"Shadows of the Night" (Pat Benatar)
“We're running with the shadows of the night / So baby take my hand, it'll be all right.”
The song encourages listeners to cast aside their fears and doubts. It speaks of finding comfort in companionship, even when faced with the unknown or the challenging aspects of life. It offers a message of protection, assurance, and encouragement.
The uplifting and empowering music in "Shadows of the Night" contrasts with the more ominous tone of "Every Breath You Take." Benatar's powerful vocals bolster the sense of determination and strength in the face of adversity.
While "Shadows of the Night" emphasizes the protection offered by companionship, "Every Breath You Take" leans more towards possession. This stark contrast highlights the difference between wanting the best for someone versus wanting them only for oneself.
"Every Breath You Take" blurs the boundaries of personal space and intimacy, suggesting a watchful, ever-present gaze. In contrast, "Shadows of the Night" speaks of intimacy as a shared experience, where two individuals come together to face the world.
While both songs touch on love, their perspectives differ. "Every Breath You Take" can be seen as a warning about how love can turn unhealthy when it becomes about possession and control. "Shadows of the Night" paints a more positive picture, where love is a source of strength and support.
The pairing of these songs serves as a reminder of the complexities of love and relationships. It underscores the importance of mutual respect and understanding. It's vital to recognize when love turns into obsession, and it's equally important to understand the distinction between genuine protection and overbearing control. This musical conversation offers a reflection on the nature of relationships and challenges listeners to evaluate their understanding of love, trust, and boundaries.
Hi there!
Sorry to interrupt your conversation... That police song, I really intensely dislike like it, and if it comes on air, within my earshot, and if I'm I charge of my universe, I change stations or switch off or walk outta there. It is an ISIS song. Well, that's what I call it, ISIS song. It is stalking. Anti women.
There's a picture, I saw on the 'net, a while back, hvhhhhhvvdepicting a bunch of heavily turbaned taliban goons, armed with deadly-looking rifles, standing over & pointing directly at a group of fully burka-ed women, sitting on the ground, their arms shackled...this awful song reminds of it. I wonder whatever did happen afterwards.
(I've never really liked "police". Never felt any gentleness in their works)
HI Mahesh,
You are not interrupting. You are interjecting an important point of view.
To be fair, I believe that Gloria understood the ominous undertones of the Police song she chose. Here is what she wrote:
"On the surface, this song can be interpreted as a romantic ballad, but Sting, the song's writer and The Police's lead singer, has revealed that it's more about control, surveillance, and possessiveness. It has been described as representing the darker side of love, where love morphs into obsession and surveillance."
I think she was spot on and would agree with you about the feelings it evokes (please weigh in here Gloria as I don't want to assume anything).
I have two questions for you, Mahesh:
1. First, what two songs do you feel would call attention to the problem of misogyny using a Song Conversation, and
2. Second, might you share those two songs with me so we can create another "Song Conversation" to share with our readers? You can email me at JenaBall@CritterKin.com
Oh, and in case you missed it, Gloria has already submitted and I published a second Song Conversation she created, so we are on a roll ;-) Here is the link: https://passalongsongs.substack.com/p/enter-the-divas
There are also two more Song Conversations in the works!
Thanks so much for weighing in and never apologize for sharing your insightful responses.
Hugs,
Jena
Oh I really enjoyed this, Gloria!
I especially like the way the two songs play against and stand in contrast to one another but meet in the middle. You can see how either side - given the right circumstances and personalities - might tip into the other. It’s actually rather sobering. I love Pat Benatar’s work but there is always a bit of raw rage in it. I am going to go listen to both songs and see what else emerges for me. Is there a stanza of either song that you feel could end the conversation?
Yes. The stanza from “Every Breath You Take” to round off the conversation, as it captures the essence of the discussion about surveillance and possessiveness:
“Oh, can’t you see
You belong to me?
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take.”
It’s a poignant reflection of the song’s themes and leaves the conversation on a thought-provoking note.
LOVE! Going to go listen :-)
Thank you.