Just as I find myself more and more fascinated with words and the various combinations in which we assemble them, I realize that I'm falling more and more for music with a literary edge. Used to be I just liked music that sounded good; now I'm drawn to the stories artists portray through a combination of lyric and tune (I think I just didn't give enough of my attention to the words of songs when I was younger. My mistake.)
I post on Sufjan Stevens a lot because he is so amazing at this sort of craft. He grabs my initial attention with a gentle hook or a lovely orchestration, but then he wrenches at my gut with soul-stirring revelations and beautiful tales of real, human emotion. This stuff usually captivates me so intensely because it is stuff I can relate to; I see the beauty in the world that some artists sing of. I feel the hope, the longing, the joy, the pain that they sing of.
That being said, I think Josh Ritter is one of the most brilliant songwriters of this generation. His music is wonderful - I think it can be dubbed 'folk,' though musical genre descriptions are way too broad these days - but the real kicker in his music is his words.
My personal association with Ritter began last year, when I bought his latest album, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter (which I bought, interestingly, because some critics compared him to Sufjan.) I liked it a lot but probably didn't give it the proper attention I should have. Then, this April, I was fortunate enough to meet and talk with Josh after his show in Athens. The guy was so genuine and kind (the dude hugged us all), and his show so incredible, that I started digging deeper into his work.
The more I listened to Ritter, the more I realized that he is a genius (which very well could be true considering, according to his bio, both of his parents are neuroscientists.) His lyrics are mesmerizing, complex tales of hope, loss, love, and so much more, but the words don't get you on first listen; as with poetry, you really have to dissect what he is trying to say. When you do this, you find some startlingly profound stories drenched in raw, human emotion.
I could go on and on about how captivating literary music like Ritter's is for me, but you probably get the idea. It kind of goes back to my theory that the defining characteristics of our world are love and beauty; some artists seem to have figured this out better than others.
I'll leave you, though, with lyrics and a video of one of Ritter's songs, 'Girl in the War,' from his album The Animal Years. I have my own theories on what it's about, but feel free to craft your own; after all, as with poetry, figuring out what it all means is half the fun.
"Peter said to Paul you know all those words we wrote
Are just the rules of the game and the rules are the first to go
But now talking to God is Laurel begging Hardy for a gun
I got a girl in the war man I wonder what it is we done
Paul said to Peter you got to rock yourself a little harder
Pretend the dove from above is a dragon and your feet are on fire
But I got a girl in the war Paul the only thing I know to do
Is turn up the music and pray that she makes it through
Because the keys to the Kingdom got lost inside the Kingdom
And the angels fly around in there but we can't see them
I got a girl in the war Paul I know that they can here me yell
If they can't find a way to help her they can go to Hell
If they can't find a way to help her they can go to Hell
Paul said to Peter you got to rock yourself a little harder
Pretend the dove from above is a dragon and your feet are on fire
But I got a girl in the war Paul her eyes are like champagne
They sparkle bubble over and in the morning all you got is rain
They sparkle bubble over and in the morning all you got is rain
They sparkle bubble over and in the morning all you got is rain."
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Smells
I am fascinated by how smell invokes memory. For instance, just now I was walking across my office and caught a scent that reminded me of a concoction I made with a toy chemistry set when I was a kid. I probably haven't thought of that chemistry set for ten years or so.
And I can't tell you how many times I've smelled something and thought, "This smells like Gak." Remember Gak? Crazy stuff.
And I can't tell you how many times I've smelled something and thought, "This smells like Gak." Remember Gak? Crazy stuff.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
*sigh*
This was on CNN.com today:
Palin: God will do the right thing on election day
FINDLAY, Ohio (CNN) –- In an interview posted online Wednesday, Sarah Palin told Dr. James Dobson of “Focus on the Family” that she is confident God will do “the right thing for America” on Nov. 4.
Dobson asked the vice presidential hopeful if she is concerned about John McCain’s sagging poll numbers, but Palin stressed that she was “not discouraged at all.”
“To me, it motivates us, makes us work that much harder,” she told the influential Christian leader, whose radio show reaches tens of millions of listeners daily. “And it also strengthens my faith because I know at the end of the day putting this in God’s hands, the right thing for America will be done, at the end of the day on Nov. 4.”
Dobson praised Palin's opposition to abortion rights, to which the governor affirmed that she is “hardcore pro-life.”
She said giving birth to her son Trig, who has Down syndrome, has given her the opportunity “to be walking the walk and not just talking the talk” in her long-standing opposition to abortion.
Dobson — who has never been warm to McCain — asked Palin if her “private conversations” with the Republican nominee had revealed a true commitment to the Republican party’s pro-life platform.
Palin assured Dobson: “John McCain is solidly there on those solid planks in our platform that build the right agenda for America.”
She also thanked her supporters — including Dobson, who said he and his wife were asking “for God’s intervention” on election day — for their prayers of support.
“It is that intercession that is so needed,” she said. “And so greatly appreciated. And I can feel it too, Dr. Dobson. I can feel the power of prayer, and that strength that is provided through our prayer warriors across this nation. And I so appreciate it.”
The interview was taped on Monday by phone while Palin was campaigning in Colorado Springs, where “Focus on the Family” is headquartered.
Palin: God will do the right thing on election day
FINDLAY, Ohio (CNN) –- In an interview posted online Wednesday, Sarah Palin told Dr. James Dobson of “Focus on the Family” that she is confident God will do “the right thing for America” on Nov. 4.
Dobson asked the vice presidential hopeful if she is concerned about John McCain’s sagging poll numbers, but Palin stressed that she was “not discouraged at all.”
“To me, it motivates us, makes us work that much harder,” she told the influential Christian leader, whose radio show reaches tens of millions of listeners daily. “And it also strengthens my faith because I know at the end of the day putting this in God’s hands, the right thing for America will be done, at the end of the day on Nov. 4.”
Dobson praised Palin's opposition to abortion rights, to which the governor affirmed that she is “hardcore pro-life.”
She said giving birth to her son Trig, who has Down syndrome, has given her the opportunity “to be walking the walk and not just talking the talk” in her long-standing opposition to abortion.
Dobson — who has never been warm to McCain — asked Palin if her “private conversations” with the Republican nominee had revealed a true commitment to the Republican party’s pro-life platform.
Palin assured Dobson: “John McCain is solidly there on those solid planks in our platform that build the right agenda for America.”
She also thanked her supporters — including Dobson, who said he and his wife were asking “for God’s intervention” on election day — for their prayers of support.
“It is that intercession that is so needed,” she said. “And so greatly appreciated. And I can feel it too, Dr. Dobson. I can feel the power of prayer, and that strength that is provided through our prayer warriors across this nation. And I so appreciate it.”
The interview was taped on Monday by phone while Palin was campaigning in Colorado Springs, where “Focus on the Family” is headquartered.
Friday, October 17, 2008
My words but not
I like words. It's why I write a lot and am a journalism major. I like the way they fit together and I like thinking of various combinations of them.
But I don't think that all of my words are from me. Ever had a random sentence stuck in your head for no good reason? One that sounds really good or just makes a lot of sense to you? Maybe it's just me, since I tend to think in abstract sentences a lot, but oftentimes deep thoughts seem to pop up out of nowhere.
Anyway, sometimes when I get thoughts in my head like that - ones that pop up seemingly out of nowhere - I like to grab a pen and write them down because I figure they may be important or at least noteworthy. And sometimes I just keep adding to them other words that come to my head, other things that seem to make sense to me.
But I don't think that all of my words are from me. Ever had a random sentence stuck in your head for no good reason? One that sounds really good or just makes a lot of sense to you? Maybe it's just me, since I tend to think in abstract sentences a lot, but oftentimes deep thoughts seem to pop up out of nowhere.
Anyway, sometimes when I get thoughts in my head like that - ones that pop up seemingly out of nowhere - I like to grab a pen and write them down because I figure they may be important or at least noteworthy. And sometimes I just keep adding to them other words that come to my head, other things that seem to make sense to me.
It's called journaling (journalism? Hmm...)
So here's some stuff that I wrote down in my journal this past (particularly good) Monday... intriguing enough that I felt like sharing in case anybody else feels the same way. I really feel these words and live these words, and I'm thankful for them.
~
"I'm alive right now. Like, living and loving life... In my heart, in my mind, in my very being I love and am loved.
I like to feel. I like to live. I like to love. And I love life. A life granted and blessed by Jesus Christ. It is beautiful.
Sometimes I think the concept of beauty is the very meaning of life. It is at least the most wonderful thing I can think of.
And this beautiful world deserves more appreciation from me. Satan keeps throwing the pitfalls and despairs of normalcy and simplicity in the way of my path towards life, towards love, towards righteousness. I long to stride across these things and continue to pursue a more perfect being.
I am in love. And I am loved. If this world offered me nothing else, I would still have love, and this love would still offer me joy.
Celebrate the life you live, for there is beauty and there is love.
Praise be to God."
(One result when you type "beautiful" into Google Images)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Red America
I have seen Red America. And it exists in Lima, Ohio.
I went to Katie's hometown this past weekend to enjoy a relaxing weekend away from the craziness of school. It was a great weekend - albeit rushed - celebrating Katie's mom's birthday. Except for the parts when I was incredibly disturbed.
Lima is northwest of Columbus, south of Toledo - Republican country. I knew this, but I guess I didn't really expect to see what I did, especially coming from a town like Athens. McCain-Palin signs outnumbered Obama-Biden signs probably 100 to 1. Some yards had 4 or 5 McCain signs.
Ok, I thought to myself, so they like McCain more than Obama. They have that right (even if I disagree with them.)
But then I saw one of the scariest things I've ever seen before.
At the Christian book store Katie and I stopped at looking for a devotional to do together (turns out there aren't too many of those for pre-married couples), there was a best-seller shelf right at the front door.
And right on top was the biography of Sarah Palin.
Now, I've resisted from talking about politics here, mostly because I get way too hot and bothered when I talk about politics and I'd rather not have to type it all out. I could write a whole manifesto about what is wrong with our country (hmm maybe manifesto is the wrong word...) but I just don't have the time. And I will continue to hold back here - if you want to know my opinion, feel free to call me or visit me and we'll have a chat.
Suffice it to say, I find the McCain-Palin ticket - and for that matter, the Republican party - incredibly terrifying and divisive, and I find even more terrifying the Chrisitian response to it all. The right-wing, Evangelical sentiment right now is, I believe, the opposite of Christ-like.
Jesus Christ did not teach hate. He did not teach divisiveness. He did not teach what is happening right now in our country.
Did Jesus Christ teach the Democratic platform? Well, duh, of course not.
But I believe He would expect more from the United States of America right now.
OK that's all I'll say now, but like I said, I can go on and on if you feel like debatin'. Just message or e-mail or call or whatever.
I'll leave you with a satisfying clip.
I went to Katie's hometown this past weekend to enjoy a relaxing weekend away from the craziness of school. It was a great weekend - albeit rushed - celebrating Katie's mom's birthday. Except for the parts when I was incredibly disturbed.
Lima is northwest of Columbus, south of Toledo - Republican country. I knew this, but I guess I didn't really expect to see what I did, especially coming from a town like Athens. McCain-Palin signs outnumbered Obama-Biden signs probably 100 to 1. Some yards had 4 or 5 McCain signs.
Ok, I thought to myself, so they like McCain more than Obama. They have that right (even if I disagree with them.)
But then I saw one of the scariest things I've ever seen before.
At the Christian book store Katie and I stopped at looking for a devotional to do together (turns out there aren't too many of those for pre-married couples), there was a best-seller shelf right at the front door.
And right on top was the biography of Sarah Palin.
Now, I've resisted from talking about politics here, mostly because I get way too hot and bothered when I talk about politics and I'd rather not have to type it all out. I could write a whole manifesto about what is wrong with our country (hmm maybe manifesto is the wrong word...) but I just don't have the time. And I will continue to hold back here - if you want to know my opinion, feel free to call me or visit me and we'll have a chat.
Suffice it to say, I find the McCain-Palin ticket - and for that matter, the Republican party - incredibly terrifying and divisive, and I find even more terrifying the Chrisitian response to it all. The right-wing, Evangelical sentiment right now is, I believe, the opposite of Christ-like.
Jesus Christ did not teach hate. He did not teach divisiveness. He did not teach what is happening right now in our country.
Did Jesus Christ teach the Democratic platform? Well, duh, of course not.
But I believe He would expect more from the United States of America right now.
OK that's all I'll say now, but like I said, I can go on and on if you feel like debatin'. Just message or e-mail or call or whatever.
I'll leave you with a satisfying clip.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)