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Saturday, January 28, 2012

Musical Stories 26: War

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

98 comments:

  1. 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.

    I think that tone makes the words even more powerful.

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    1. I definitely agree. The gentleness of the tone gives the words even more impact, I think.

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  2. I just adore Music, it was my first love and still plays a big part in my life.
    Music 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.

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  3. Fogerty 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.

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    1. I would have so loved to see Billy Joel live, and I agree, both excellent story tellers :-)

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  4. Sarah - 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.

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    1. No need to thank me Margot, I'm just sorry it took me so long. I'm so glad you reminded me of it :-)

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  5. Ultimate music video about war - Metallica's "One" which features scenes from the movie "Johnny Got His Gun."
    And don't worry, I've never had a burning desire to hear that song by the Human League...

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    1. 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 :-)

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  6. Wow! 10,000 Maniac...haven't heard from them in years!

    Blast from the past ;)

    El

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  7. I 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.

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    1. You definitely know how it is! I'll check your husband's choices out :-)

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  8. Wow, 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 :)

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  9. I 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.

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    1. Julie, 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 :-)

      And I agree, civilians can sympathise and support, but I'm not sure they can truly understand.

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  10. 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.
    My 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:)

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    1. 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.

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  11. My brother in law is serving with the Aus army - it will be good to have him home again soon.

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    1. Of that I'm sure. It's a good thing your brother is doing but that probably doesn't make it easier. Hugs to you.

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  12. Gosh, what a subject...and to only have three songs....well done Sarah....and I'm with Alex.....let snarling Human League dogs lay......

    Did you know Boy George will be SIXTY in June.....reserve a week for Culture Club classics :)

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    1. Sixty? Are you sure? In my head he will always be the beautiful boy who 'got me' like no-one else did :-)

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  13. Thanks for the shout out Sarah. These are all great songs.
    Rick

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    1. You're very welcome, and thank you for the great suggestion :-)

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  14. I love the power of music! I like the last song the best. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Nothing beats a good song for changing your mood :-)

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  15. We count the dead and dying... ship the bodies home...

    So 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.

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    1. 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.

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  16. I find it amazing that war has inspired so much beautiful music (and poetry)

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    1. I agree. It seems that there is something within the human spirit that just can't be crushed. Thank goodness.

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  17. I love 1000 Maniacs. Good choice!

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  18. You choose such great songs, Sarah. Love it.

    Denise

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  19. I love 10,000 maniacs. Good stuff and thanks for the link.

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  20. I wasn't familiar with any of these, so thank for sharing these videos.

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  21. In 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 :)

    Submit the darn story... :)

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    1. ALL the monsters? Wow, that's a lot of faith!
      When 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.

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  22. Only heard of one of these songs... I like them all - they all have a sadness in them. Good choices.

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  23. I don't think I'd heard any of these songs before Sarah.

    Another great week!

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  24. I don't think I'd heard of any of these Sarah. Thanks for sharing. Another great week!

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  25. Love, love, love that one by Billy Joel and haven't heard it in years. Really deep and touching.

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    1. It was good to hear it again, I hadn't thought about it for ages.

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  26. I'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. :)

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    1. I can't believe it too me so long - and a reminder from Margot - to think of it!

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  27. See, I was all ready for U2 on this one:)
    26 weeks of Musical Mondays! Woot!

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    1. Maybe next time :-) I know, six months - I thought for sure people would get bored before now :-)

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    1. I'd find it tough to argue against that statement :-)

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  29. Oh I love 10000 Maniacs. You have great taste in music.

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    1. It's amazing what you're introduced to whilst blogging.

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  30. Okay. That's the song I needed to hear this morning! :)

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  31. I have that 10,000 Maniacs album. That's a good song.

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  32. And wow, six months of music! That's incredible.

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    1. And here I thought it'd be good for a few weeks :-)

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  33. i really wish my work PC would let me watch videos. Sigh.

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    1. I do too. I think they're being short sighted. I'm sure it would increase your productivity. Honest ;-)

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  34. I didn't know any of them - nice to make their acquaintance!

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    1. Thank you Jenny, and nice to make yours, too :-)

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  35. Six 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.

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    1. Thank you Melissa, I have to say my blogger friends have helped me greatly with this series :-)

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  36. This is a totally cool series. I'm going to drop by the other blogs now!

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    1. Thanks Lydia, hope you find something you like :-)

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  37. The Billy Joel song really hit me. So sad. They're all sad, but that one is especially sorrowful.

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    1. Isn't it though, the stripping away of their zeal and excitement for the reality of war. So sad.

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  38. 10000 maniacs--haven't listened to them since college.
    Great choices.

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  39. I haven't heard these songs in years. *sniff*

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    1. I hope you enjoyed wallowing in a bit of nostalgia :-)

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  40. Good choices. I love Billy Joel.

    Sorry I haven't been around much Sarah. No excuses, I'm just a flake :)

    .........dhole

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    1. Donna, you never have to make excuses. We're friends, and that means you get to drop by whenever you feel like it :-)

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  41. The last one had me tearing up, I must admit. Love these!

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  42. Hey,

    Read your comment to Green Monkey about the last line....you say a lot with few words...did you knew that?

    Does hubby know that:)

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    1. I'm pretty sure hubby only 'hears' half of what I say to him :-)

      And again, I say thanks to you :-)

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I happily answer all comments on my blog, and by email if it's not a 'noreply' address :-)