But, enough about books … Other things have words, too, right? Like … songs!
If you’re anything like me, there are songs that you love because of their lyrics; writers you admire because their songs have depth, meaning, or just a sheer playfulness that has nothing to do with the tunes.
So, today’s question?
What songs … either specific songs, or songs in general by a specific group or writer … have words that you love?
Why?
And … do the tunes that go with the fantastic lyrics live up to them?
You don’t have to restrict yourself to modern songsters, either … anyone who wants to pick Gilbert & Sullivan, for example, is just fine with me. Lerner & Loewe? Steven Sondheim? Barenaked Ladies? Fountains of Wayne? The Beatles? Anyone at all…
Wow! Is this opening a can of worms for me or what? I will have to restrain myself, but let's see where it takes us, shall we?
The first song that comes to mind is To Where You Are sung by Josh Groban and I thought it was written by Richard Marx but when I looked into it, I realized he wrote the music and David Foster's wife (Linda Thompson) wrote the lyrics. Anyway, both are amazing. Listen:
Richard Marx HAS written a ton of amazing songs though, and one that I think is so pretty was made popular by 'Nsync called This I Promise You.... here he is on Oprah singing along with them. Amazing, wonderful lyrics:
My son would disown me if I didn't put in Bob Dylan or John Lennon, both with an amazing way with words.
Musicals were suggested above, and I can't leave them out. They are all wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! But the one that jumps out for me is Andrew Lloyd Weber. I love all of his. I've always especially admired the way he's put the words together for Joseph, how they all rhyme and are so clever and everything. And it was one of his first ones too, I think.
I've always loved the words from Dust in the Wind by Kansas, depressing though they are. But I don't know who wrote them for sure.... whether it was the band or some writer they had.
Well, there's so many more. What a loaded question this week! Interesting for me just to see what my brain thought of first though. Later on today I'll wonder why I picked what I did.
If you’re anything like me, there are songs that you love because of their lyrics; writers you admire because their songs have depth, meaning, or just a sheer playfulness that has nothing to do with the tunes.
So, today’s question?
What songs … either specific songs, or songs in general by a specific group or writer … have words that you love?
Why?
And … do the tunes that go with the fantastic lyrics live up to them?
You don’t have to restrict yourself to modern songsters, either … anyone who wants to pick Gilbert & Sullivan, for example, is just fine with me. Lerner & Loewe? Steven Sondheim? Barenaked Ladies? Fountains of Wayne? The Beatles? Anyone at all…
Wow! Is this opening a can of worms for me or what? I will have to restrain myself, but let's see where it takes us, shall we?
The first song that comes to mind is To Where You Are sung by Josh Groban and I thought it was written by Richard Marx but when I looked into it, I realized he wrote the music and David Foster's wife (Linda Thompson) wrote the lyrics. Anyway, both are amazing. Listen:
Richard Marx HAS written a ton of amazing songs though, and one that I think is so pretty was made popular by 'Nsync called This I Promise You.... here he is on Oprah singing along with them. Amazing, wonderful lyrics:
My son would disown me if I didn't put in Bob Dylan or John Lennon, both with an amazing way with words.
Musicals were suggested above, and I can't leave them out. They are all wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! But the one that jumps out for me is Andrew Lloyd Weber. I love all of his. I've always especially admired the way he's put the words together for Joseph, how they all rhyme and are so clever and everything. And it was one of his first ones too, I think.
I've always loved the words from Dust in the Wind by Kansas, depressing though they are. But I don't know who wrote them for sure.... whether it was the band or some writer they had.
Well, there's so many more. What a loaded question this week! Interesting for me just to see what my brain thought of first though. Later on today I'll wonder why I picked what I did.
that's a great list! Speaking of musicals, have you seen Aida? If not, you have to go to YouTube and pull up some of the songs - they are fabulous. I love them all, but a few of my favorites are Fortune Favors the Brave, Strongest Suit, and Elaborate Lives. I often use Fortune as my high energy song when I'm cleaning my house. :)
ReplyDeleteOk, so after I posted my comment I went over to YouTube to listen to a few songs from Aida and oh.my. I had forgotten how powerful they are. This version of Elaborate Lives had me swooning here at work (of course, it helps that the guys is sexy).
ReplyDeleteI've seen a TON of musicals, and sadly, Aida is not one of them! You are making me so sad that somehow I've missed that one! I've clicked on the link and am listening right now!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of musicals... I get to see Wicked in just three short months! WAHOO! :)
I have a great friend who adores Bob Dylan and while I admire his songwriting, I just can't take his singing.
ReplyDeleteGood list, I'd say my favorites are Dylan and Lennon!
ReplyDeleteHappy BTT!
http://www.ddubsreads.com
I love Dust in the Wind. I had it on tape ages ago.
ReplyDeleteI've never been tempted to participate in BTT until this question. Love it! I can't wait to see what other people say. (Dust in the Wind is in my Top 10 Worst Songs Ever list, though. Sorry about that!)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteBermuda: I'm not a huge fan of Dylan's singing either.
ReplyDeleteDavid: I bet you'd get along great with my son!
Chris: That song brings back the memories though, doesn't it.
Ali: It IS a fun question, isn't it? I'm sure there's many out there who dislike Dust in the Wind. Now I'm off to see what you came up with!
You'll have to give me more time than that! LOL. I'm making dinner now. I have a few songs in mind, so I may get a post done later tonight. :-)
ReplyDeleteRichard Marx and Andrew Lloyd Andrew are amazing! Good choices!
ReplyDelete