Image courtesy of rockwallmusic.com
SONGS THAT EMOTIONALLY MOVE ME IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER
Being the music fan that I have been pretty much all of my life, there have been plenty of songs over the years that I have very much enjoyed.
And some that I have not, but that’s another story.
Among the tunes that I’ve really liked are some that have emotionally affected me and my mood upon listening to them.
These are the songs that have made me cry because they are so beautiful, and have made me feel good due to ts message.
I don’t have time to list them all as that would take too long.
But I wanted to list eight songs that have emotionally moved me in one way or another, starting (in chronological order) with this one…
Solitary Man, Neil Diamond (1966)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHxOyT7FriI
(YouTube video; click on the link)
A well-named song for me as it describes me almost perfectly – and not just when it comes to matters of the heart, either.
Ooh Child, Five Stairsteps (1970)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrotsEzgEpg
(YouTube video; click on the link)
Even as a four and five-year old, I always got a good feeling, a feeling of hope and optimism, whenever I heard this song on the radio.
And I still do, which is why I check out this video of the group performing this song from the TV show “Soul Train” on YouTube from time to time.
Working Class Hero, John Lennon (1970)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njG7p6CSbCU
(YouTube video; click on the link)
This is the song that in my view is John’s post-Beatle best, beating even “Imagine”.
It’s the theme for anyone not in the income bracket of Bill Gates.
Plus with just one acoustic guitar carrying this tune, it has a simple rawness that I’ve always liked.
Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing, Stevie Wonder (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zywDiFdxopU
(YouTube video; click on the link)
I vividly remember my mother playing this, and the rest of the all-time classic album “Innervisions” where it came from, often as a little kid.
Like “Ooh Child”, it’s a go-to song that I put on to feel better about life in general, that everything will ultimately be OK.
And I love the simplicity of it, too.
Flying, Joe Jackson (1994)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L0eqq1SXZg
(YouTube video; click on the link)
With me approaching my 50th birthday a little less than a year from now, this song describes how I often feel about me being, according to American society, “middle-aged” perfectly.
Just listen to the lyrics and you’ll see where I’m coming from.
Seasons of Love, from the “Rent” soundtrack (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj7LRuusFqo
(YouTube video; click on the link)
When I first heard this theme song – and the rest of the songs from this musical – I couldn’t help crying my eyes out, I was affected so much.
In fact, watching “Rent” (the movie, that is) and listening to these emotional tunes inspired me to pursue writing as a career in a “No Day But Today” fashion.
I realized that I had to follow my passion, or forever wish I had.
So I owe Jonathan Larson, who wrote “Rent” and all its songs, a big thanks.
Ordinary People, John Legend (2005)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIh07c_P4hc
(YouTube video; click on the link)
The single greatest song of the 21st century in my opinion.
It’s simple, with just a piano and violins (at the end), and the message is a particularly good one for those who are in a relationship.
I get tears whenever I watch this video, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you got them, too.
Fuori Dal Mondo, Ludovico Einaudi (2006)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFGm62CYtpY
(YouTube video; click on the link)
When I first heard this instrumental while watching the movie “This Is England”, I made it a point to find out what it was and who wrote/performed it.
I’ll go ahead and say it: this is the only song that I want played at whatever get-together may happen when I die, because it’s that moving and I honestly can’t think of any other song that I feel is just as appropriate.
And “Not of This World”, which is the translation of the title, is the perfect description of me as I often feel that way.
I suppose that’s that regarding the songs that move me more than any other.
I feel that I’m really opening myself up, exposing myself, by writing this.
I hope people understand where I’m coming from here.
Image courtesy of flstudiomusic.com
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