Of course, this is the classic Bob Dylan song that proclaims the love and hopes for the future from a parent to his child. Dylan's version is sweet but nowhere near as lush sounding as this one uses more than an acoustic guitar to fill in the background. The fact that this version I love so much is tied to the violent motorcycle drama, "Sons of Anarchy", lends a different layer to understanding my brain. I am not a motorcycle rider nor do I ever wish to be one, so the appeal isn't tied to that aspect of the show (although I would be hard pressed to say no to anything that Charlie Hunnam suggests). But considering some of the "family values" ( Hamlet connections with some Oedipal qualities thrown in) that are inherent in this show, maybe this is what we can glean about me:
Musical Mind Connection: Don't fu@& with my family because I will hurt you...probably with the help of other family members.
"She Thinks I Still Care" covered by James Taylor
This classic country song was written by Dickey Lee and Steve Duffy during an era where names like "Dickey" were perfectly acceptable. Anyway, I thought that George Jones was the only previous cover of the song, but a quick internet check showed that Connie Francis, Elvis Presley, and Patti Loveless also have covers! Now if that isn't an eclectic mix, I don't know what to call it. I usually have little use for country music beyond some Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and (from this millennium) the Dixie Chicks. But James Taylor? I would listen to him sing the Barney song. The meaning of the song revolves around a lovelorn person trying to convince everyone else he isn't nursing a broken heart. When the climax of the song erupts with James' voice ascending to that sweet note only James can reach ("...and went all to pieces"), I know what the connection to my brain is:
Musical Mind Connection: I will overthink every emotional decision I ever make and deny that I am thinking about anything at all...until I finally break down and write a miserable blog post. Or drink a bottle of scotch...and break an ankle while trying to fly out of a limousine (consider yourself lucky if you don't get that last reference).
"Girlfriend in a Coma" The Smiths
OK, this is the first time I've ever seen the video that goes along with this song, and it is just as confusing as the song's lyrics are. What I have always loved about the song is how the sweet melody is such a mismatch for the heavy topic of the song which appears to be the last moments of life for Morrissey's "girlfriend "(this was the 80s after all, pre-gay rights and reality television inspired by the likes of Caitlin Jenner). Watching the video and thinking about how it horribly parallels the situation that Bobbi Kristina Brown finds herself in now makes me think it is about a man physically abusing his lover (allegedly) to the point of putting her in a coma which is nothing to poke fun about. Yet...the part of the song where Morrissey sweetly sings "Bye bye baby, goodbye" makes me think of a totally different scenario. As I sing it along with Morrissey I can't help but picture the face of a woman who "stole" a man from me years ago. And, God forgive me, I smile every time I sing that line. I picture this woman, who tormented me for years after she and said asshole got together, slowly drifting away in a hospital bed and me looking down on her and smiling (I know, I'm going to hell). I took the high road in real life but what goes on in my imagination is no holds barred!
Musical Mind Connection: Once I'm in a relationship, do not interfere. Because quicker than you can say "That bitch is crazy!", I will cut you...in my mind. The reality of my reaction will be pale compared to the grudge I carry which will fuel me for years.
"Trip Through Your Wires"- U2
Well, you knew there had to be a U2 song somewhere in this blog. For those of you that don't know, the title of this blog is taken from one of my favorite U2 songs, "Grace", and U2, more than any other band, have shaped who I am as a person. My love for Ireland? Directly connected to U2. My philanthropic/liberal viewpoints? Influenced by the topics I learned about through their music. But my brain? Hmmm...let's see. This song is clearly about sex. "Angel? Angel or Devil?/ I was thirsty/And you wet my lips" "I was down/ And you lifted me honey" "You, you set my desire/ I trip through your wires". Yup, Bono is singing about being grateful about having sex after perhaps a dry spell (the song is from the desert inspired The Joshua Tree album, after all). But U2 fanatics like me are always looking for a deeper meaning behind the lyrics. Here is an actual quote from a fan about what he thinks the song may be about: Perhaps this song is about how easy it is for people to be swayed to the dark side when the "devil" can appear just as attractive and kind as an angel. When I think of "Trip", I think of a man who is lost and dying out in the desert and the first person he sees; the first person who shows him mercy, is really the devil in disguise. This song sort of demonstrates how easily humanity can be tricked and corrupted. How a human being's willingness to see only the good in other people can be their ultimate downfall.
Let me make this clear: I absolutely love this interpretation. It is overthinking at its finest! That is what makes me a fanatic. But in the end I feel that this is as spiritual a song as "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye.
Musical Mind Connection: While I believe that having sex within a committed relationship is one of the most natural things in the world, I WILL find a way to make it way more complicated than it is. And like most women I feel that sex is never just sex...it clearly is a way to be "tricked and corrupted". Because people really suck.
Well, that wasn't quite the uplifting note I wanted to leave you with but I think I have proved the article's point. Your musical choices do reflect parts of you. I hope you will take the time to reflect on your own musical choices and see what self-discoveries you can uncover. Let me know if you need Dr. T's number if you are disturbed by what you find out.
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