Music transports you. Takes you on journeys to moments in time. Memories of good times, bad times, happy times and poignant times. Music captures and freezes the thoughts of the past. Etched forever in your mind. You hear a song and you are there. The remembrance of childhood dreams, of first love, of love lost and learning to love again. The storybook of your life are written in the feelings of the music.
I remember that moment so vividly. A snapshot, a memory in the photo album of my life. My then wife and I were driving by a local park on a warm and sunny spring day. She spoke to me and the confession that she was having an affair, shook me, rattled me, brought tears to my eyes. This would be her first affair. This would be the first step down in a battle with my own personal hell. Her second affair nearly killed me.
And the song playing on the car radio as she spoke those chilling words, was the one in the video above. A haunting song. A song that reminds me of where I was in my life and how well I'm doing now.
Music transports you. Immerses you in the highs, the lows, your cares, your woes. Sense the moment and know that music and the passion that is your life, are intertwined. My friend, I leave you with the above song.
I'm not familiar with the music that you posted here but I do feel it is the soundtrack of life. You choose the music and you choose your mood at that moment
ReplyDeleteHi Heather,
DeleteOh yes, this music conjures up memories and makes me reflect upon my life and how much better my life is now.
Thanks, Heather.
Wow, it has been YEARS since I heard that last song.
ReplyDeleteAs a musician, it plays a very integral part of my life. Songs take me to moments I will never forget. And they mark that moment forever.
Hi Alex,
DeleteI recall that the last song came out in 1980. You have, rather eloquently, described the ambience of the music moods we can be taken along.
Thanks, Alex.
I would be trashing that one cd then..no point in listening to something that brings back bad memories.
ReplyDeleteHi Delores,
DeleteIt brings back the realisation that I've come a long way and a positive way. I happen to regardless, like the song.
Besides, this posting was also about how music brings back all sorts of emotions!
Take care,
Gary
I'm afraid I really don't connect with music on a deep level.
DeleteHey Delores,
DeleteI should make a side note and mention that the song was playing on the radio. I do not have a CD of that song :)
Connections on a deep level can be made via the 'music'of your words and the passion you formulate in your wonderfully written blog. Hope you have a most peaceful weekend.
Gary,
ReplyDeleteIt's so true. Music can get us up to dance, is part of our celebrations, our sorrows, our relationships, our milestones, our memories. Music entertains, keeps us company, lifts our spirits, comforts us in our grief, and heals us. Sometimes it even helps us understand better an emotion we couldn't quite put our finger on, and teaches us things about ourselves we didn't know before. And lie you point out, some songs punctuate events in our lives in the most profound ways.
Hi Joanne,
DeleteFirst of all, delighted you didn't type the message upside down. No, not you being upside down whilst writing, but the text being upside down :)
As per usual, you embraced and you relate to what this posting was all about. Music can enhance the artistry that flows from the fingertips. And you, my friend, dance, sing along, remember the good, the inspirational, the reflections of special moments, through the gift of music.
Thank you, Joanne and may your weekend be peaceful :)
Gary
I've never heard either of those songs before!
ReplyDeleteI have a song for everything too. If not for music, gods only know where I'd be right now. My ex-boss used to call me Lyric Laura. A restaurant kitchen should always have a radio.
And I agree. Music marks our lives. I can never do the Ring Cycle again for the ugliness it reminds in me. And I can't hear "Don't Worry Be Happy" without doing a little bop-stroll, smiling. Could never have gotten thru the last year and change without Zep & ELP. That all reminds me of hard times that passed but I'm still here.
Laura
x
Hi Lyric Laura,
DeleteI hope you considered those two songs worthy of another listen.
Nothing like a bit of background music to help get through the day. I put on my cordless headphones when I'm doing all my domestic chores :)
I know you have music as positive and reflective distractions. And despite all your personal trauma, especially over the last year, the music of Led Zeppelin and Emerson, Lake and Palmer, stir your musical soul.
Have a lovely weekend.
Gary
x
Hello Gary:
ReplyDeleteWe do so agree with you that music of so many different kinds is a very powerful tool for evoking all kinds of memories. We can only but imagine what it must have been like for you to discover that your then wife was having an affair. No wonder the moment, and what was playing in the car at the time, remain firmly fixed in your mind.
Hello Jane and Lance,
DeleteAnd music of so many genres, can touch the heart and mind. Although that song stirs powerful feelings of reflective pain, I also realise that I have come through a tormenting time and that song actually induces a resilient sensation within me.
May you both have a joyous weekend.
Gary
How very true this is, Gary - music can lift the soul and bring back happy memories and just as easily dredge up sad ones. It is strange how chance plays a part in what we are listening to at any particular moment, when we don't know how life changing that moment is going to be. Thank you for the music :-)x
ReplyDeleteHi Teresa,
DeleteThe song playing in the background on the car radio, when my then wife uttered those words, seemed almost fitting for the sad ambience it induced.
I reckon that music has been, at times, an integral part of your writing.
Enjoy your weekend and suddenly I'm thinking "ABBA" :)
Gary x
For every one of these beautiful poignant songs may there be other songs that bring happier, peaceful and lovelier memories either already gone or about to happen! Hugs to Penny! Take care
ReplyDeletex
Hi Old Kitty,
DeleteThat's it. Amazing how songs can instil such a variety of emotions and memories, good, bad and inspiring.
Penny thanks you for the hugs and sends a hug back to you and Charlie.
Hope you have a very nice weekend and even a bit of sunshine!
Gary
x
I don't have songs that transport me to earlier times, I wasn't much into music as a teenager, I read books instead although I did listen while I read. There were no songs to mark the big moments, mostly there were no big moments. Then my kids were suddenly teenagers and music featured alrgely in our house daily. Now that I listen more closely to lyrics I've found songs that move me to thoughts and feelings, songs that make me happy, songs that make me sad, songs that make me hopeful. Some even get me bopping around the living room, well, until my back twinges and I remember I shouldn't move like that. One song that I love a lot is Hold On Tight To Your Dreams, by the Electric Light Orchestra. It's from the 80s I think, it is one of the "hopeful" ones.
ReplyDeleteHi River,
DeleteI understand. And thus reading transported you to a different place.
The big moments are what you experienced with the music of your teenagers and the kindling inspiration of music has moved you. No doubt, in between wondering why you are bopping to the music, the music you listen to, the lyrics that touch you, can have a bearing on what you write.
I'm very familiar with that song by ELO.
"Hold on tight to your dream
When you see your ship go sailing
When you feel your heart is breaking
Hold tight to your dream."
Thank you and have a lovely weekend.
Gary
I feel the same way about music. There are many songs that bring back memories, both good and bad. And many songs that take me to important times in my life. I do particularly like the songs that remind me of how far I have come from my own struggles in life.
ReplyDeleteI nearly always like to have some music on in the background. It relaxes me and takes me to a different place.
Hi Lost in Space,
DeleteDelighted to have a comment from your good self :) Based on what you write, your art, I sensed you would relate to this. Those songs that inspire and make you understand how much better you are and how much better you will be, are wondrous gifts.
Quite often, based on my mood and what I wish to write, I have music conducive to my feelings, playing in the background.
My friend, may you have a peaceful, positive, relaxing weekend with a bit of music in the background :)
Gary
Hi Gary. I don't think you'll find too many people disagreeing about how music forms a background to our lives. The Massive Attack song (sung by Shara Nelson) was in The Guardian's Top Ten Best Ever songs and the group (and Shara) are, surprisingly all English. I guess it's kind of spoiled for you but I love it.
ReplyDeleteI find smells can also instantly transport you to another time and place. I recently smelt a kind of disinfectant and remembered being in hospital, aged 14 - something I had almost forgotten about!
Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi bazza,
DeleteI think most would concur. Yes, the wonderful voice of Shara Nelson and that song by Massive Attack, I believe, is most worthy of being in that top ten list. A great, somewhat legendary, English band. Despite it playing on the radio at that awful moment, I love that song.
I so know what you mean about smells. Which reminds me, "Penny, what's that smell?"
Have a good weekend, bazza.
Gary
Both our posts were on how music becomes the tapestry of our mental lives as we live or as we read. Madeleine was right; you are one to follow.
ReplyDeleteI am with Kitty: I hope the healing songs outweigh the haunting ones in your future.
In my novels, I have a teenager living on the streets, whose mental life is what keeps his sanity in an insane world. As he struggles, he hears different tunes, springing from his memories.
I thought I was taking a gamble on writing about such things. You help made me feel not so alone in my thoughts. Thanks, Roland
Greetings Roland,
DeleteThank you, my friend. Indeed, music and the passion that you write with, are intertwined in a wondrous way. Your posting and the harmony within, on Alex's site, was articulate, thoughtful and informative. I'm grateful for Madeleine and for you kindly linking into my site.
Old Kitty is precious. In their own way, as times moves on, even the haunting ones have helped me in my ongoing healing process.
And the tunes in the life of that teen in such adverse conditions, no doubt, helped him maintain some semblance of a positive focus.
I firmly believe there is no gamble in writing from the heart. My friend, I sense that within you. I greatly appreciate your response and rejoice in the knowledge that we never need be alone. Thus, thank you.
With respect and fulfilling writing, your way, Gary
Beautifully written. I know just what you mean about music, I'm sure I actually disappear sometimes when certain songs are played. I'm glad that particular pain is behind you now, onwards and upwards klahanie :) x
ReplyDeleteHi All Consuming,
DeleteThank you. I know what you mean. I tend to vanish when certain songs are playing. Thus, my lovable son wishes me to listen to, "The Invisible Man", by, "Queen". I can um see right through his thinking :)
Thank you for your kind thoughts. And may we all move onwards to happier, more peaceful lives.
In kindness, Gary x
Dear Gary,
ReplyDeleteHow true that music brings out old memories and kindles all sorts of emotions. People often speak of having a "soundtrack" to their lives, and the two songs you've chosen here I happen to like very much, particularly the "Massive Attack" song. I suppose everyone must have a sondtrack that accompanies their expereinces in life, and I'm no exception. Sometimes this soundtrack brings back painful memories, sometimes joyous ones, and at the moment I'm trying to seek out some new music to accompany new experiences, but mostly I just listen when I'm on my treadmill! Anyway, Gary, I'm certainly glad that, as "all consuming" says above, that that particular painful time is behind you now, and that you continue dancing to your own music. Indeed, your mellifluous, poetic words have a certain music to them.
Very Best Wishes, your way,
David.
Dear David,
DeleteI knew you would relate to this posting which ties in rather nicely on your posting of a similar theme. That "Massive Attack" song has been a most poignant 'soundtrack' to my life. Despite it being twinged with painful memories, I do indeed find much inspiration for a better future from that incredible song.
Very kind of "All Consuming" and everyone who so thoughtfully responded. I shall dance, sing, rejoice with the 'wee folks' in a musical better tomorrow.
I like to think there is rhythmic harmony within the words that dance from our keyboards.
Thanks David and a delight chatting with you on Friday evening.
In kindness and some treadmill music, your way, Gary
Hi Gary.
ReplyDeleteThree marriages up - three down; each with their songs of passion and woe. Today when I hear one I have to laugh, remembering the needed lesson of the event. I always try to stay open to the lesson.
For me, the Rolling Stones', "Here comes your 19th nervous breakdown," was healing. Then again, "You can't always get what you want," made me smile... how true is that?
And, lastly, "Summer in Dixie," brings back a whole lotta teenage frolicking of days past(smile).
Great post Gary!
Hi Dixie,
DeleteIt's heartening to know that the music of your marriages can instil in you some much needed laughter and the lessons you have learnt bring you ever closer to that better life you so crave and richly merit.
Ah yes, the 'Stones'. "A rolling stone gathers no moss." "You can't always get what you want...but if you try sometimes, well you just might find..You get what you need.."
Suddenly, I'm hearing the music of "Confederate Railroad" :)
Thanks, Dixie. May you have a peaceful, positive weekend and I hope you are recovering well from your garden mishap :)
Gary
Well, as I'm sure you know, you'll certainly not get any argument from me on the premise that "music transports you." You're so right, too, that where it transports you is varied and not always upbeat (to say the least!). But a fine thing about music is, for every piece that serves as a reminder of a troubled time, there is a piece, or several, that evokes something joyful.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteI knew you would understand the ethos behind this posting. Your love and appreciation of music, radiates from your superbly written articles.
Indeed, music transports us on various emotional journeys. Some of those journeys have potholes and some, the musical ride is a smooth and joyous one.
Thank you, Susan. Wishing you a harmonious weekend.
Gary
I think what I loved most about these two songs is it felt as if I was given permission to cry. I'm positive crying is the beginning of healing.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, Gary, and sending best wishes. Because everybody knows, good thoughts have power.
Hi Joylene,
DeleteThey are quite the moving songs. And the cleansing healing of the streaming tears, is a most positive outcome.
I thank you for those powerfully kind wishes, Joylene.
In harmony, your way, Gary
wowwww Gary it's incredible...this song reminds me of someone I loved sooo dearly..I could never have enough of this song Massive Attack right? It's so strange to read about it here and so sad to associate it with your distress. I am so happy for you Gary you're fine now, you seem to be one of those men that can turn a sad memory into a lovely one...Bows and kisses from a fervent admirer :).
ReplyDeleteHi unikorna,
DeleteThat song by "Massive Attack" instils a lot of powerful emotion. Through the loss of one love, the hopes of new love, blossom and grow. That song has taught me lessons and with such reflection, I continue to move on to a better place.
I do try to find the balance and turn what seems to be a negative into an inspirational positive.
You are an amazing lady, unikorna. A display of humanity at its finest. For that, I'm very grateful.
With much respect and admiration, your way, Gary :)
Recovering very well and ~
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day, Gary!
Hey Dixie,
DeleteI'm so pleased you are recovering well. We shall save a seat at the top front of the double-decker bus for you :)
Thank you very much for the Father's Day wishes :)
In peace and kind wishes, Gary
There's very much a soundtrack to my life as well...songs for all those great/desperate moments that then always bring back memories.
ReplyDeleteI love Massive Attack and that song brought about change in my life as well...
Hi G,
DeleteAh yes, the soundtrack to your life. Incredible the way music can instantly transport us to those moments, good, bad, happy and sad.
That "Massive Attack" song has had a dramatic impact on many. I note how much it has touched you. One of the legendary bands of our time.
Take care,
Gary
My daughter, Becky, and I have always connected the different, important and life-changing moments in our lives with the music playing at the time. Somehow, the songs give us a physical measure of what we otherwise can't quantify - and it's so amazing that no matter how many years go by, those songs evoke the same memories, same feelings.
ReplyDeleteNeat songs, Gary. Glad you've come so far on your journey out of the depths!
Hi Kim,
DeleteAnd Becky, your good self and many others, I'm sure can relate to how eloquently you have stated the way music connects. Yes, a song can be on the radio that instantly transports us to a time, an event, a place, an emotion. Music, the soundtrack to our lives.
Glad you liked the songs. Thank you for your kind words and may your own personal journey along the road of positivity, have music that fills your heart with happiness and inspiration.
Take good care,
Gary :)
Hi, Gary...Sorry for the pain that you have had in your life, but I am grateful for the man that has emerged from all the negativity. Music has a way of surrounding a memory in a bubble.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteThat's a very thoughtful comment you have kindly left me. As I have moved on, I have done my utmost to learn from the negative environment that almost choked me and embraced the ideals of positive possibilities.
Amazing how music captures the moment and yes surrounds a "memory in a bubble".
Have a wonderful time at the beach this weekend :)
Gary
Music has a way of celebrating the good, comforting us during the sad, accentuating the happy, and enhancing the romantic...without music, life would be a little less "alive"...
ReplyDeleteHi Keith,
DeleteThanks for noting this posting on FB. And thank you for your comment. The alive feeling mixed with that soundtrack of your life.
Be well and keep up the good work, my friend.
Gary