submissions
| Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream Lyrics
| 16 years ago
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This song is so evocative. The simple rich chords (most of which however have blurred suspensions and extensions in them) and dancey beat are the perfect accompaniment for that emotionally stirring rising fifth of the chords. The repetitive nature of the groove and melody create a beautiful, hypnotic effect. Cool video too, check it out. |
submissions
| Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream Lyrics
| 16 years ago
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No. The intro has a similar chord progression to Learning to Fly (major: IV - I - VI - V), but once the bass is in (chorus) the chords are revealed as different from Learning to Fly (minor: VI - I - (VII) - V). And in any case, if it were the same, that would not be the reason for its success. Good songwriting comes from a combination of elements musical and lyrical. |
submissions
| Tom Waits – Innocent When You Dream Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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Oh, I thought it was "such a subtle feeling" the way he sang it. "Sad old feeling" does make more sense.
I think the song is about hopes (= dreams) that are dashed by reality. In this case, reality is the infidelity of the singer. |
submissions
| Joni Mitchell – Both Sides Now Lyrics
| 17 years ago
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This song is deeper than most realize. I think mickzzzzzz's post from 06 is closer than most. He touches on the fact that a major theme of the song is duality.
The way that the song progresses from specific to general (clouds - love - life) is incredible and classic. It's got metaphors interlocking on several narrative levels. This is reflected in the poetic structure as well, with extensive use of rhyme and parallel construction. Its balance of abstract imagery (verses) and narrative voice (refrains) is peerless.
One theme no one else has mentioned is the theme of memory. Memory helps construct our perception, cognition, and consciousness: how we understand the world. In the same sense that it is not possible to objectively "own" an object or person, perhaps it is also impossible to truly "know" anyone or anything.
So, in "recalling" clouds, love, or life, it is merely the memory we have -- an idea, an "illusion" really. Life is too complex to break down into simple, real bits. We live in a shadow world of memories and thoughts. The real only happens in the present. Thanks, Joni. |
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