Music and lyrics- poetry in motion

Yawwwwwnnn!


Hello, dear readers! It has been quite the hectic month for me, and I sincerely apologize for my long absence. One of my goals for 2012 is to write in this lovely blog twice a week. With a push from my great friend Katie, I got my buns in gear and sat down to write. And let's be honest- I reallllly need some therapeutic writing right now. 


December was a month of challenges, unexpected tragedies, and much needed unwinding. I trekked back home to Indiana and spent a few weeks with my family and catching up with old friends. I also got to meet my amazingly strong new nephew, Myles. He was born with undeveloped kidneys so he has a long road ahead of him. Just peering into his deep blue eyes reassured me that he's quite the little fighter. (But, if you are the praying kind, please keep him in your thoughts- every little bit helps). 


So- let's talk about music.


One of the reasons music has largely influenced my life is because I believe great lyrics make great music. Lyrics are a form of poetry. Poetry is miraculous in that so much meaning can be jam-packed into so little words. Think, for a second: What is your favorite song right now? Why is it special to you? Does it have a specific meaning for your life or your world? Does it give you goosebumps as you're driving down the street at dusk? What a great feeling that is, that words can send a shiver down your spine, or cause you to breakdown and scream, yell, cry, think, dream. 


I have always subscribed to being a musical schizophrenic. I thirst for many types of music. No specific genre earns my vote completely. As a teenager, I fell in love with Dave Matthews Band (I know, how very "young white girl stuck in the Midwest who refuses to listen to the country music everyone else blasts from their trucks" of me) and to this day believe that their music has shaped and changed my life for the better. As a twenty-something adult, I have found some amazing musicians who continue to amaze me and cause me to re- evaluate myself every day. 


You don't even have to stray from mainstream music to find really gut wrenching lyricists. As hard as this is to admit, I love Taylor Swift. Love. Her. She writes heart stopping love songs. Every single song she's had on the radio has a little bit of "me" in it. 


In hopes of encouraging someone to expand their musical interests, here is a short list of some of my favorite artists:


Iron and Wine
The Avett Brothers
Alexi Murdoch
Dave Matthews Band
Imogen Heap
Ray Lamontagne
Damien Rice
Jack Johnson
John Mayer
Guster
Glen Hansard (The Swell Season)
Ryan Adams
Lee Coulter
Thrice
Bright Eyes
Sara Bareilles
Brand New


While you're putting on your favorite song this week, take a moment to think about what that song means to you and why it makes you feel the way it does. Happy Monday! Have a great week. 

Oh, I also have to share my great score while I was at home! I found all of these lovely books at the local used bookstore. They are now on my mantle, in between my very adorable dachshund bookends. 


Next time: A spotlight on one of my favorite authors, John Green.