Sad Songs
You guys know this if you have read me for awhile. I had a groovy mother. A musician, a writer, a friend…
She was cool.
My mom died nearly ten years ago. November 8th was her birthday. If you love someone, you keep their name on the wind, no matter how long they have been gone. It’s quite appropriate to celebrate a life that meant the world to you.
She studied music in college, played classical piano, did quite well in the Mid-South Fair, sang with The Everly Brothers as a prize, but loved Beethoven better so much more than the Paul Ankas of the day, although she told me once she thought ole’ Paul was a cutie.
My mom thought rock music, in 1958, might save the world. In 1965, was pretty damned sure that it would. She would weep when “Eleanor Rigby” would play on the AM radio because she thought it had more weight than people gave it credit for. I agree.
Years later “Eleanor Rigby” tears me up too.
Yeah…. my mom was groovy.
And with this said, one of the last songs we loved together before she died was this one:
The saddest song ever, in our opinion, in recent history. Lyle Lovett, you are lovely and … yet this one pained us. It aches. It’s bitterness was real, yet frightening. They (the man of corporate whatever that we call “The Man”) disabled this one on You Tube, which make sense, but you can still listen to it if you are so inclined.
It wears me out. Damn, if it isn’t painful.
And this was another of our favorites since I was a little girl. I was to know the difference between Beethoven and Mozart by my mother, who used to haul a bass around the house while she was in college. (also a banjo, a Dobro, a violin and a cello (THE BEST).
She wanted us to know the differences about music. It was important. (did I mention I can’t play crap). I can carry a harmony. You will never know unless I’m drunk and on acid. It ain’t gonna happen.
However, third movement of “Moonlight Sonata,” how you slay me. How exquisite and lovely, how… right.
I wasn’t very good in our childhood lessons as I listened to her to determine the differences that she so wanted us to know. At ten-years-old, you don’t think of the teacher gone, you know.
But, I learned a little.
“Moonlight Sonato” was the best followed by “Clair De Lune“. Listen. and just remember that life is sorrow and yet joy:
[youtube=[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQVeaIHWWck&rel=1]
Moonlight is compelling and somewhat wonderful. It, as “Pontiac” does centuries later, makes us ache and yearn.
But, as much as I love the songs above, the composition that means the most to me is this although I have put it on this silly blog before. That’s how much I love it.
[youtube=[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pXWKwUYGKg&rel=1]
Happy Birthday to the woman who taught me to laugh and enjoy the beauty of life.
Yeah, I miss her. A lot.
Let music embrace you and tie your soul up, no matter what inspires you. Occasionally, I need a bit of The Sex Pistols or Rufus Wainwright. Doesn’t matter….
Music. Just feel it. You know you want to.
Have a lovely weekend.
Well stated.
I love your words. I’ve got my handful of songs that just get to me as well.
My dad was talking to me about Chet Baker the other day. He remarked that there was just something about how he played that brought such sadness out of the music. Anyone else could play the same notes, the same chords, the same way and never get the emotion out of them the way that Chet did. I totally agree with my dad.
Lucky you to have such a cool mom. All of my parents are artists and/or lovers of the arts and I am thankful as heck for however they have shaped me in that regard.
You and your words are beautiful.
Mike
Thank you for sharing. I got a little misty knowing that my Dad and I have a similar relationship that shares music and realize how lucky I am that he is still here.
You’re going to make me cry. Sad anniversary.
A bit of trivia to tie the Beatles and Beethoven together. The song “Because” is basically “Moonlight Sonata” played backwards.
$80,000 of college education. Thank you very much.
Beautiful post, Coma. You are a lucky woman to have had such a wonderful mother and friend.
Ceeelcee,
Yoko was playing Monlight Sonata on the piano and John asked her to play it backwards.
I’ll see your 80 thousand education and raise you another 20 thou.
Just don’t expect me to know anything other than Beatles trivia and civil rights. <: /
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