Whenever I write songs, I usually like the song the first time I play it, but then I hate it after that. Usually, the music starts feeling trite, the novelty in its origin quickly melts away and the lyrics just sound stupid. That said, there is usually a line here or there that I really love, and that is usually what keeps me singing the songs. In fact, there is one whole song that I pretty much like every line. I think it is because I didn't write it about me. I wrote it about our ancestor that had a ton of moxie. A friend is helping me record it. I'll post it when it is done (*nerves*).
When I listen to songs with awesome lyrics, I am in complete awe. I want to know how much time they slaved over each word or if the muses just slid those lyrics into their brain and out their mouths. I think it's got to be a mixture of both. Since I haven't figured out exactly how they mastered such beautiful verse, I'll just share my top 5 songs with the best lyrics (I'm positive I'll write another post on this because I have plenty more in my brain.):
5) Magdalena by Brandon Flowers
Why I Like It: I've tried and failed to write upbeat songs. If I'm feeling something that I want to write about, it's usually a ponderous sort of feeling. And when I am giddy about life, the lyrics that come usually sound like a fourth-grader wrote them ("Sunshine is making me smile"). What I love about this song is that Flowers is able to write about God and redemption and still have a fast-paced song. This is one of those masterfully written stories in song form.
Favorite Line: "As a two-time beggar, I will go."
4) Out of the Woods by Nickel Creek
Why I Like It: If you've ever had a crush, this song is pretty much what that feels like (though it is much mellower than I usually am). The words, though! It catches that frustration and excitement so perfectly of wanting something to happen but being uncertain about where you stand with the other person. And then just wanting it to be over so you could not feel uncertain. Plus, the song uses a noun as a verb so I've got to love that.
Favorite Line: "I rollercoaster for you. Time out of mind must be heavenly."
3) Below My Feet by Mumford and Sons
Why I Like It: To me, this song is about true, I'm-so-broken-I-have-nowhere-else-to-turn humility. It describes the painful and faithful prayer for survival and the giving up of your will to God, though Mumford and Sons would probably be upset I see it that religiously. :)
Favorite Line: "Keep my eyes to learn, my hands to serve."
2) Bird's Eye by The National Parks
(There's not a decent video, but you can hear a good recording here.)
Why I Like It: This song describes something that doesn't make sense but happens nonetheless. When you're grieving over the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship or the loss of an opportunity, sometimes you don't want to move on. You don't want to feel happy. That overwhelming sorrow somehow feels safer than moving out of it; living in a dream is easier to handle than living in reality. Eventually, you do get out and realize that that place wasn't good to dwell in, but it was necessary.
Favorite Line: "Oh, night, don't end."
1) What Sarah Said by Death Cab for Cutie
Why I Like It: If you've never been in a hospital with a dying family member, listen to this song--that is exactly what it feels like. I am so jealous of this song every time I hear it. They don't just describe what a hospital physically looks like, they describe how it feels, how you feel like the superficial portion of your life just doesn't exist anymore and all your focus is on the death of a single relationship. I like pretty much every line is this song, including what it is that Sarah said, but if I had to pick one . . .
Favorite Line: "And I rationed my breaths as I said to myself that I'd already taken too much today."
Cheers,
Amanda Kae
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