What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong; Let The River Run by Carly Simon; Sound of Silence by Paul Simon/Disturbed; Monday, Monday by Mama's & Papas. Put the needle to the vinyl and I'm happy!
The song was played over and over at my daughter's H.S. graduation in '89 as the graduates walked up to receive their diploma. Grabs my heart every time I hear it.
Paul Simon was accused of plagiarizing the Leo Hassler chorale that Bach used repeatedly in St. Matthew's Passion when it was viewed not as plagiarizing Hassler but as honoring Hassler. Persons unknown adapted the same chorale for the lyrics to The Whole Wide World Around, which I learned in 1950 and was subsequently recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary (who were undoubtedly influenced by the wonderful but unsung Bob DeCormier). Now THAT song was uplifting!
As to the alleged plagiarism by Paul Simon---it was not, even if Paul had heard that chorale. Just listen to both and you will feel the difference. Likewise for the allegation that George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" plagiarized some earlier rock-and-roll song. Don't just look at the notes on the printed score, listen to the music and feel the spirit!
I am angry beyond words, and have grown hatred that I never felt toward another man before in my life (even though I understand he is mentally ill). You remind me that I often feel a pervasive sadness for what we have lost and cherished as a nation and humanity, perhaps forever, but I hope not. I am 74, my mom is still kicking at 96, so there may be reason to hope to live cognizantly another 20 years, that won’t be enough in all likelihood, to see the phoenix rise again and our country restored to some sense of normalcy. It takes much longer to build than to destroy. So many things in this life have real value and deserve contemplation and appreciation and wealth isn’t one of them. It all comes down into one word, respect, for all things and all people.
We will return to Democracy if we have the equivalent to the Nuremberg Trials. This regime and their Gestapo must be held accountable. If not we are truly lost.
Exactly, agree totally that there must be an accountability process for the rapey felon 47 and those in the administration who engaged in criminality and coverups. So many Americans have willfully dived headfirst into the rabbit hole, submerging all common sense while drowning any semblance of integrity, dignity or recognition that the 1%(trump’s donor class) no longer fear the rule of law for themselves.
I feel the same as you. I’m 77 and I don’t expect to see the end of this catastrophe and it’s inevitable turnaround. I have 5 granddaughters & a great granddaughter. I hope & pray that they & their peers will be able to rebuild a kinder & better country for ALL citizens.
Music and art are vital, in times of great societal change, expect greater expression.
Listen to Sweet Honey in the Rock for inspiration from the 1960s. Ella's Song and We Are, in particular.
As always, the genius of Stevie Wonder remains part of the soundtrack of the American Songbook. I return to a lesser known anthem during times such as these:
A Time To Love
with India Arie.
The percussion and drums extending through the end are like both a heartbeat and a call to action.
And the Boss has some things to say about where our country is and the "leader" who is doing it. The man and his music has character, and doesn't back down.
What beautiful sentiments your breathof knowledge astounds me at 78 "OldAge is Not for Sissies:" Your thoughts and writings bring so many cultures ideas,,and sources of knowledge together. It is a joy to know that history and memory is not forgotten in 21st Century-America- Ricihard
I like being 78. I lived a long time to get this old. I'm doing my best to enjoy where I am. This forum and community have become a sanctuary of sanity these days. Thanks to Steven and all of you!
New to 78, it came with planned and unplanned changes. Working on understanding new purpose. Sondheim - most anything - or Vivaldi - or more show tunes - “Dr Doolittle”, “The Roar of the Greasepaint…”, and ever “I’m doing my strong woman number” from “Getting My Act Together…”; from “Rent” “Seasons of love”. Spiritually, the lovely late Debbie Friedman’ “Havdalah”. And the music from “Fiddler” as I picture my maternal grandfather leaving Lithuania for the US - no English, leaving some family behind, following others and I picture today’s refugees crossing the Darien Gap as Grandpa crossed mountains and a very big sea. My lists are long for comfort, a good cry and to lift my spirits.
I once read a column that stayed with me, making the case that “Lean on Me” should become our national anthem. Wonderful song! We are interdependent i. This life, not independent.
Personally, I’ve always been emotionally moved by the classic “Closing Time” album by Tom Waits. Especially “Ol’ 55” and “I think that I just fell in love with you”.😉
You hit upon one of the core tenets of my efforts to use music as medicine for the millions (like myself) who suffer from PTSD, anxiety and depression. Soon SoundBridge health will launch as a reimbursable digital therapeutic intervention which teaches people how to self-regulate their autonomic nervous system. We help people how to identify music they can use to interrupt the involuntary fight/flight response.
I share this not to promote my efforts. Rather to agree that music does indeed have the power to affect not only our mood but our neurological and physiological responses.
I love jazz. For more contemporary music I think the music from the 80s was some of the best and meaningful music. Of course you can’t leave off Dylan and Paul Simon.
Since first hearing it in "The Man From La Mancha" the theme for my life has become "The Impossible Dream". It has so many inspiring ideas:
"To dream the impossible dream." Reminds me of the words of Martin Luther King, Jr I Have a dream"
"To fight the unbeatable foe." The US response to Hitler and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
"To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause." The current response to fascist attacks on our Constitution, Bill of Rights, Free Speech, Rule of Law, use of foreign concentration camp prisons.
"That one man (person) torn and tattered and scared, still strove with his last ounce of courage, to reach that unreachable star". I pray that I will have such courage and join with so many TRUE American PATRIOTS to defend our Democracy, improve and defend our Constitution and system of government, and trust the large majority of Americans peacefully fighting with protests and demonstrations against the current oppressive takeover.
"And I know, when I'm laid to my rest, that my soul will lay peaceful and calm when I'm laid to my rest". Knowing that I tried to do what is best for my country in time of war (1966-1972), peace (1972-2016) and the current struggle for the survival of all that I hold dear in conjunction with the majority of Americans. We will win but first we must make it clear to all in Congress who support the madness, that their days in cowardly power will soon be over because of the BLUE TIDAL WAVE he has created and is strengthening with each day and selfish actions, if the current menace is not lawfully removed by Impeachment, and Conviction fegore the 2026 election.
God Bless America, may Righteousness always prevail in the ends. Freedom, Equality, Justice and True Democracy.
What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong; Let The River Run by Carly Simon; Sound of Silence by Paul Simon/Disturbed; Monday, Monday by Mama's & Papas. Put the needle to the vinyl and I'm happy!
“I see friends on the street, saying how do you do. They’re really saying “I love you”. Best song lyric ever!
Spanky and Our Gang, a wonderful group much missed.
Spanky and Our Gang, a wonderful group much missed.
Lazy Day.
IKR!
Let the River Run, one of my favorites. When I was working, I helped run an art festival, and that was the song I used every year to open the event.
The song was played over and over at my daughter's H.S. graduation in '89 as the graduates walked up to receive their diploma. Grabs my heart every time I hear it.
You bring back memories of performing that with chorus groups.
How can one forget another Paul Simon tune “American Tune”. I would say this song summarizes how I feel about living in this country now.
Paul Simon was accused of plagiarizing the Leo Hassler chorale that Bach used repeatedly in St. Matthew's Passion when it was viewed not as plagiarizing Hassler but as honoring Hassler. Persons unknown adapted the same chorale for the lyrics to The Whole Wide World Around, which I learned in 1950 and was subsequently recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary (who were undoubtedly influenced by the wonderful but unsung Bob DeCormier). Now THAT song was uplifting!
As to the alleged plagiarism by Paul Simon---it was not, even if Paul had heard that chorale. Just listen to both and you will feel the difference. Likewise for the allegation that George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" plagiarized some earlier rock-and-roll song. Don't just look at the notes on the printed score, listen to the music and feel the spirit!
America by Neil Diamond. Never fails to lift my spirits. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg8pj1x9-t4
In the midst of this disastrous xenophobia, makes me cry!
A great song!
I am angry beyond words, and have grown hatred that I never felt toward another man before in my life (even though I understand he is mentally ill). You remind me that I often feel a pervasive sadness for what we have lost and cherished as a nation and humanity, perhaps forever, but I hope not. I am 74, my mom is still kicking at 96, so there may be reason to hope to live cognizantly another 20 years, that won’t be enough in all likelihood, to see the phoenix rise again and our country restored to some sense of normalcy. It takes much longer to build than to destroy. So many things in this life have real value and deserve contemplation and appreciation and wealth isn’t one of them. It all comes down into one word, respect, for all things and all people.
We will return to Democracy if we have the equivalent to the Nuremberg Trials. This regime and their Gestapo must be held accountable. If not we are truly lost.
Exactly, agree totally that there must be an accountability process for the rapey felon 47 and those in the administration who engaged in criminality and coverups. So many Americans have willfully dived headfirst into the rabbit hole, submerging all common sense while drowning any semblance of integrity, dignity or recognition that the 1%(trump’s donor class) no longer fear the rule of law for themselves.
I feel the same as you. I’m 77 and I don’t expect to see the end of this catastrophe and it’s inevitable turnaround. I have 5 granddaughters & a great granddaughter. I hope & pray that they & their peers will be able to rebuild a kinder & better country for ALL citizens.
Music and art are vital, in times of great societal change, expect greater expression.
Listen to Sweet Honey in the Rock for inspiration from the 1960s. Ella's Song and We Are, in particular.
As always, the genius of Stevie Wonder remains part of the soundtrack of the American Songbook. I return to a lesser known anthem during times such as these:
A Time To Love
with India Arie.
The percussion and drums extending through the end are like both a heartbeat and a call to action.
LOVE
https://youtu.be/-WtI2kcywM4?si=RMTfMc_W9XTbHYpy
Yes!!
Jimmy Buffett and Bruce Springsteen
And the Boss has some things to say about where our country is and the "leader" who is doing it. The man and his music has character, and doesn't back down.
Janice,
Then you may just like my favorite new anti-Trump song by the GREAT John Moreland...
"John Moreland "One Man Holds The World Hostage""
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsnqt7GKR9g
There are several versions, including live on-stage performances.
NPR Tiny Desk, if it pleases you...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cniD94MqoCg
What beautiful sentiments your breathof knowledge astounds me at 78 "OldAge is Not for Sissies:" Your thoughts and writings bring so many cultures ideas,,and sources of knowledge together. It is a joy to know that history and memory is not forgotten in 21st Century-America- Ricihard
I like being 78. I lived a long time to get this old. I'm doing my best to enjoy where I am. This forum and community have become a sanctuary of sanity these days. Thanks to Steven and all of you!
I'm right there with you.
New to 78, it came with planned and unplanned changes. Working on understanding new purpose. Sondheim - most anything - or Vivaldi - or more show tunes - “Dr Doolittle”, “The Roar of the Greasepaint…”, and ever “I’m doing my strong woman number” from “Getting My Act Together…”; from “Rent” “Seasons of love”. Spiritually, the lovely late Debbie Friedman’ “Havdalah”. And the music from “Fiddler” as I picture my maternal grandfather leaving Lithuania for the US - no English, leaving some family behind, following others and I picture today’s refugees crossing the Darien Gap as Grandpa crossed mountains and a very big sea. My lists are long for comfort, a good cry and to lift my spirits.
I agree
What about WE SHALL OVERCOME, a good old protest song? That is all that gives me hope and emotion in our current living nightmare.
I was thinking to write about that here but will save it for another day. Thx for mentioning it.
There are so many memories of being on the lawn at Ravinia and listening to Peter, Paul, and Mary perform.
I find myself humming it alot under my breath these days. I remember singing it in the early 70's at many protests.
Okay...it might be a bit out of scope here but I find anything by Brahms and Debussy uplifting.
Not out of scope!
That’s the beauty of music. Whatever speaks to your soul and moves you is never wrong.
If that's more your style, please check out Lucia Micarelli. Not only is she off the charts talented, she's an amazing human.
And I, Vivaldi.
I once read a column that stayed with me, making the case that “Lean on Me” should become our national anthem. Wonderful song! We are interdependent i. This life, not independent.
Personally, I’ve always been emotionally moved by the classic “Closing Time” album by Tom Waits. Especially “Ol’ 55” and “I think that I just fell in love with you”.😉
"You don't have to go home but you can't stay here."
Sounds of Silence (both Simon and Garfunkel and Disturbed performances) protest songs from the 1960s, and Rise by Katy Perry
Yes, except Katy Perry ruined her music for me by becoming a space cadet!
What a lovely way to start my day! Thank you!
And close mine. Goodnight and good luck as another week begins.
Johnny Nash
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-shiny day
One of mine also!
You hit upon one of the core tenets of my efforts to use music as medicine for the millions (like myself) who suffer from PTSD, anxiety and depression. Soon SoundBridge health will launch as a reimbursable digital therapeutic intervention which teaches people how to self-regulate their autonomic nervous system. We help people how to identify music they can use to interrupt the involuntary fight/flight response.
I share this not to promote my efforts. Rather to agree that music does indeed have the power to affect not only our mood but our neurological and physiological responses.
My motto: “more music. Feel better”
Thanks for posting.
Thx, Chris!
I love jazz. For more contemporary music I think the music from the 80s was some of the best and meaningful music. Of course you can’t leave off Dylan and Paul Simon.
If you like good jazz, please check out Greg Spero. He's talented and an even better person.
Since first hearing it in "The Man From La Mancha" the theme for my life has become "The Impossible Dream". It has so many inspiring ideas:
"To dream the impossible dream." Reminds me of the words of Martin Luther King, Jr I Have a dream"
"To fight the unbeatable foe." The US response to Hitler and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
"To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause." The current response to fascist attacks on our Constitution, Bill of Rights, Free Speech, Rule of Law, use of foreign concentration camp prisons.
"That one man (person) torn and tattered and scared, still strove with his last ounce of courage, to reach that unreachable star". I pray that I will have such courage and join with so many TRUE American PATRIOTS to defend our Democracy, improve and defend our Constitution and system of government, and trust the large majority of Americans peacefully fighting with protests and demonstrations against the current oppressive takeover.
"And I know, when I'm laid to my rest, that my soul will lay peaceful and calm when I'm laid to my rest". Knowing that I tried to do what is best for my country in time of war (1966-1972), peace (1972-2016) and the current struggle for the survival of all that I hold dear in conjunction with the majority of Americans. We will win but first we must make it clear to all in Congress who support the madness, that their days in cowardly power will soon be over because of the BLUE TIDAL WAVE he has created and is strengthening with each day and selfish actions, if the current menace is not lawfully removed by Impeachment, and Conviction fegore the 2026 election.
God Bless America, may Righteousness always prevail in the ends. Freedom, Equality, Justice and True Democracy.
The Clash.