Thank you so much to all of you who commented on my last blog post. There were some great comments and suggestions for improvement. A quick note to those of you who commented on the pov change. The original piece was handwritten with indented paragraphs and a space between the two povs. I didn't pay enough attention to the formatting when I typed it. I'll try not to make that mistake again. Can't promise anything though :-)
Can you believe we're up to week 26 of Musical Stories? Over six months of music, (if you count the special editions), and you're still listening, commenting and, hopefully, enjoying. You lot rock! Sorry to those of you who couldn't listen to the second song last week. If any of you have a burning desire to listen to Don't you want me by The Human League, there is a new link underneath the original video.
This week the genre is War, and it might just be the easiest week ever. Every song was suggested by one of my lovely readers. All I had to do was pick a video and enjoy!
The first one comes from Julie Fedderson from Gypsy in my soul. This one was new to me. It's a reminder of the fears of the family left behind. We often talk about the parents, children and partners of soldiers. This one is for the siblings, and all those other relatives who sometimes get forgotten but whose fears are every bit as real.
I can't believe it's taken three series, and a reminder from Margot Kinberg at Confessions of a Mystery Novelist to include this second one. (I swear Margot has forgotten more songs than I will ever know!). This is the tale of how raw excitement turns to jaded reality for young soldiers.
Finally, Rick Watson from Life 101 introduced me to another song I hadn't heard before. I've included this one as it's the tale of the Everyman. Anyone, in any town, in any generation could be uttering these words.
Enjoy this week's stories. Next week we'll be back in the world of Fantasy.
Lyrics here
Lyrics here
Lyrics here
Good songs . . . it's intriguing that none of them are harsh and pounding---even the second one is more lyrical and thoughtful than the lyrics alone might imply.
ReplyDeleteI think that tone makes the words even more powerful.
I definitely agree. The gentleness of the tone gives the words even more impact, I think.
DeleteI just adore Music, it was my first love and still plays a big part in my life.
ReplyDeleteMusic is so important to life as it conveys different stories, situation and hope to those who have lost their way in life.
Enjoyed your post,
Have a good week-end.
Yvonne.
I totally agree, I'd be lost without music.
DeleteFogerty and Billy Joel are such good storytellers, it's hard to choose between the two. I've seen Joel in concert when he sang Goodnight Saigon and it was very powerful live, very sad. I'd cast my vote for Joel on this one.
ReplyDeleteI would have so loved to see Billy Joel live, and I agree, both excellent story tellers :-)
DeleteSarah - Thanks so much for the kind words *deep, deep blush*. That means a lot to me. I've seen Billy Joel do Goodnight Saigon in concert a few times, and I always end up in tears because of the power of that song. Really. Thanks for including this.
ReplyDeleteNo need to thank me Margot, I'm just sorry it took me so long. I'm so glad you reminded me of it :-)
DeleteUltimate music video about war - Metallica's "One" which features scenes from the movie "Johnny Got His Gun."
ReplyDeleteAnd don't worry, I've never had a burning desire to hear that song by the Human League...
I have 'One' already on my list. It was you who recommended it before - It nearly made it this week, it's only because I already had a long one that it missed out. Next time :-)
DeleteGreat choices again!
ReplyDeleteWow! 10,000 Maniac...haven't heard from them in years!
ReplyDeleteBlast from the past ;)
El
Just call me the Oldie Queen. No, wait ...
DeleteI am the daughter of a vet, wife of a vet and the mother-in-law of a vet - totally surrounded! Great choices you selected. My husband's (Vietnam vet) favorite is CCR, Run through the Jungle and Fortunate Son - songs from the first rock 'n' roll war.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely know how it is! I'll check your husband's choices out :-)
DeleteWow, I hadn't ehard that Billy Joel song in a long while. Love it. I think my fav in your selection is Deja Vu though :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a tough choice this week, I think :-)
DeleteI am so honored you picked one of my songs, makes me all warm and fuzzy. And I love how poignant and painful the sister's words are to her brother. I think it encompasses that overwhelming fear of the sacrifice that soldiers make for a belief, a creed, a duty--things that often are unable to be comprehended by a civilian. Great list.
ReplyDeleteJulie, thank you so much for suggesting it, and introducing me to them. 10,000 Maniacs aren't at all like what I expected. I should know better than to make assumptions where music is concerned :-)
DeleteAnd I agree, civilians can sympathise and support, but I'm not sure they can truly understand.
My brother is a retired US Navy cheif and I can relate to what Natalie Merchant is talking about. Our Mom was always worried for my brother, and my siblings and I could not express our fears because we did not want our Mom to worry even more.
ReplyDeleteMy son loves the Ten Thousand Maniacs. I remember that my other son took him to the band with his hard earned money doing the lawm and the driveways. They are both grown now but I remember how happy they were and I did not yell them for braking the curfew as teenagers as the band is classy. Thanks for playing the songs:)
I love that story about your sons going to the concert. If you get the chance, tell your brother that a stranger thanks him for his service.
DeleteMy brother in law is serving with the Aus army - it will be good to have him home again soon.
ReplyDeleteOf that I'm sure. It's a good thing your brother is doing but that probably doesn't make it easier. Hugs to you.
DeleteGosh, what a subject...and to only have three songs....well done Sarah....and I'm with Alex.....let snarling Human League dogs lay......
ReplyDeleteDid you know Boy George will be SIXTY in June.....reserve a week for Culture Club classics :)
Sixty? Are you sure? In my head he will always be the beautiful boy who 'got me' like no-one else did :-)
DeleteThanks for the shout out Sarah. These are all great songs.
ReplyDeleteRick
You're very welcome, and thank you for the great suggestion :-)
DeleteI love the power of music! I like the last song the best. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNothing beats a good song for changing your mood :-)
DeleteWe count the dead and dying... ship the bodies home...
ReplyDeleteSo sad! I've never had anyone in my family serve anywhere, so I can only imagine what this is like... I pray I never have to know in reality.
I'm with you. My uncles and Grandfather served, but they were out before I was old enough to understand. I hope that's as close as I ever get.
DeleteI find it amazing that war has inspired so much beautiful music (and poetry)
ReplyDeleteI agree. It seems that there is something within the human spirit that just can't be crushed. Thank goodness.
DeleteI love 1000 Maniacs. Good choice!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gwen :-)
DeleteInteresting songs!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoyed them :-)
DeleteGood stuff. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome :-)
DeleteYou choose such great songs, Sarah. Love it.
ReplyDeleteDenise
Thanks Denise, glad you like them.
DeleteI love 10,000 maniacs. Good stuff and thanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome :-)
DeleteI wasn't familiar with any of these, so thank for sharing these videos.
ReplyDeleteI love introducing new stuff to you :-)
DeleteIn reply to your reply.... I have faith in you... your hubby has faith in you... the girls have a *ton* of faith in you and ALL the Monsters in the Munch have faith in you :)
ReplyDeleteSubmit the darn story... :)
ALL the monsters? Wow, that's a lot of faith!
DeleteWhen I get a chance, I promise I will do some research, and if I can find somewhere that will take a 'published' short story (now it's been on the blog), I'll submit it.
Deal?
And Mark? Thank you.
Only heard of one of these songs... I like them all - they all have a sadness in them. Good choices.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tania, they do don't they?
DeleteI don't think I'd heard any of these songs before Sarah.
ReplyDeleteAnother great week!
Glad to introduce you to something new :-)
DeleteI don't think I'd heard of any of these Sarah. Thanks for sharing. Another great week!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love that one by Billy Joel and haven't heard it in years. Really deep and touching.
ReplyDeleteIt was good to hear it again, I hadn't thought about it for ages.
DeleteI'm glad you picked the Billy Joel song. It's the first one I thought of when I saw you were doing war this week. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it too me so long - and a reminder from Margot - to think of it!
DeleteSee, I was all ready for U2 on this one:)
ReplyDelete26 weeks of Musical Mondays! Woot!
Maybe next time :-) I know, six months - I thought for sure people would get bored before now :-)
DeleteGoodnight Saigon=one of the best songs ever written.
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
I'd find it tough to argue against that statement :-)
DeleteOh I love 10000 Maniacs. You have great taste in music.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what you're introduced to whilst blogging.
DeleteSome new ones for me. =)
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed them :-)
DeleteOkay. That's the song I needed to hear this morning! :)
ReplyDeleteWhichever one it was, glad to be of service :-)
DeleteWow. Fab.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed them :-)
DeleteI have that 10,000 Maniacs album. That's a good song.
ReplyDeleteIt is, isn't it? So poignant.
DeleteAnd wow, six months of music! That's incredible.
ReplyDeleteAnd here I thought it'd be good for a few weeks :-)
Deletei really wish my work PC would let me watch videos. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI do too. I think they're being short sighted. I'm sure it would increase your productivity. Honest ;-)
DeleteI didn't know any of them - nice to make their acquaintance!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenny, and nice to make yours, too :-)
DeleteSix months of music, that is impressive. I always love these post. I hear many old & familiar songs that take on a new meaning with your post and I am often introduced to new music here. I know the first two, but this was my first time listening to the third. As usual you did an awesome job in your selection (with help from blogger friends). Thanks for sharing the music.
ReplyDeleteThank you Melissa, I have to say my blogger friends have helped me greatly with this series :-)
DeleteThis is a totally cool series. I'm going to drop by the other blogs now!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lydia, hope you find something you like :-)
DeleteThe Billy Joel song really hit me. So sad. They're all sad, but that one is especially sorrowful.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it though, the stripping away of their zeal and excitement for the reality of war. So sad.
Delete10000 maniacs--haven't listened to them since college.
ReplyDeleteGreat choices.
Thanks Coleen :-)
DeleteOh wow, what amazing choices!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed them Julie :-)
DeleteI haven't heard these songs in years. *sniff*
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoyed wallowing in a bit of nostalgia :-)
DeleteGood choices. I love Billy Joel.
ReplyDeleteSorry I haven't been around much Sarah. No excuses, I'm just a flake :)
.........dhole
Donna, you never have to make excuses. We're friends, and that means you get to drop by whenever you feel like it :-)
DeleteWar songs always make me cry!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it's not just me!
DeleteWow i really liked that last one!!
ReplyDeletePacks a bit of a punch, doesn't it?
DeleteThe last one had me tearing up, I must admit. Love these!
ReplyDeleteI'm in good company, then :-)
DeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteRead your comment to Green Monkey about the last line....you say a lot with few words...did you knew that?
Does hubby know that:)
I'm pretty sure hubby only 'hears' half of what I say to him :-)
DeleteAnd again, I say thanks to you :-)