Writer's Block: More than words

[csberry]

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I answer this question with much trepidation. Honestly, I rarely pay any attention to lyrics. I'm all about the melody and harmonies. I learn just enough of the lyrics to allow me to sing along with my favorite songs without sounding too clueless. BUT, as JD can attest to, I am very clueless about lyrics.

So, I've spent the past five minutes thinking of the songs that give me shivers and hit me emotionally. Then I weeded out the songs that have that affect but don't inspire me to sing along or know any of the lyrics. In the end...at this time...I will answer this question with a song by Carly Simon..."That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux7HgO9QhAc
My father sits at night with no lights on
His cigarette glows in the dark.
The living room is still;
I walk by, no remark.
I tiptoe past the master bedroom where
My mother reads her magazines.
I hear her call sweet dreams,
But I forgot how to dream.

But you say it's time we moved in together
And raised a family of our own, you and me -
Well, that's the way I've always heard it should be:
You want to marry me, we'll marry.

My friends from college they're all married now;
They have their houses and their lawns.
They have their silent noons,
Tearful nights, angry dawns.
Their children hate them for the things they're not;
They hate themselves for what they are-
And yet they drink, they laugh,
Close the wound, hide the scar.

But you say it's time we moved in together
And raised a family of our own, you and me -
Well, that's the way I've always heard it should be:
You want to marry me, we'll marry.

You say we can keep our love alive
Babe - all I know is what I see -
The couples cling and claw
And drown in love's debris.
You say we'll soar like two birds through the clouds,
But soon you'll cage me on your shelf -
I'll never learn to be just me first
By myself.

Well O.K., it's time we moved in together
And raised a family of our own, you and me -
Well, that's the way I've always heard it should be,
You want to marry me, we'll marry,
We'll marry.

Comments

[cosmosmariner.livejournal.com]

That's such a sad song. :(

Moving Song Lyrics . . .

[(Anonymous)]

Being a few years older and able to remember when the song was first on the radio, I have a different take on this particular Carly Simon song. It's not sad, maudlin, or anything of the sort: it's a sly yet cynical 70's feminist critique of marriage disguised in the form of a ballad. She may suffer from stage fright, but Carly is no fool.