Comments for sursumcorda.salemsattic.com/post/the-missing-piece

Comment #3918

2018-08-28T15:57:53Z

Right! For me it can just as easily be a classical piece with no text at all.

Fire is a heartbreaker, as are Kilkelly and There were Roses. I'd never heard The Living Years until now, but it's another one. Not to mention Cat's in the Cradle. Warning: do not click on these links unless you are prepared to spend some quality time with your Kleenex box.

I think folk music—even if it's merely "folk-like," and/or written in another genre—touches us so deeply because it arises from and speaks to the great emotions—especially the great sorrows—of life.

Comment #3917

2018-08-28T12:31:15Z

I agree that music can be powerful, but I think there are other genres of music that bring out strong emotions and memories. For me, it can be Celtic or Folk. Remember Dave Mallett's "Fire". Wow! But even Rock or Pop can have songs like that. Mike and the Mechanics' "The Living Years" - that one gets me every time. Certainly for others, Country music has the same kind of power. If I could figure out what they are saying in Rap music, maybe that would be powerful/emotional. (Perhaps I should start with music from "Hamilton"). I don't think it is the genre so much as the ability to tell a story. And for different people, different genres speak to their souls.

Comment #3916

2018-08-28T08:10:56Z

I didn't mean this post to sound as maudlin as it does. My point is about the power of music—especially Celtic music—to evoke both strong emotions and powerful memories.

Comment #3915

2018-08-27T11:20:57Z

Dear Linda:

I see your concern about growing old and not being able to live independently with family far, far away.

I trust you have some kind of savings account for this situation. Living in a place such as where Bill Vaughn resides is a good choice, but very expensive...

I give thought to this, too. I have prayed that I go suddenly, before I get to the point where I can't live independently.

My mother was smart. She actually got hit by a truck at age 58. (Dark humor.)