I've been thinking a bit about the difference between lyrics and poetry. Lyrics are generally written to be accessible. Poetry doesn't need to be. Music adds an extra layer of complication that can keep lyrics from feeling trite or facile. I've been asked by a few people to write more of exactly what I'm thinking but I never feel satisfied with simple or obvious lyrics. So here's a song written in the form I prefer. The music follows the poetry and I didn't simplify anything. Can anyone out there connect with this song?
I put on my winter clothes, this weekend the lake froze, the bitter wind started to blow and now even the trees are cold. Does even god know how we leave footprints in the snow with no gravity to show the places on the earth we can go? Why do we look to spring, I wish we could escape these things, I wish we didn't drag out the fall, I wish we weren't born at all. I walk through the wet snow, I think of the life below, I think of what a friend says about all the missed chances. I think that shooting stars and the moon and the northern bars and these trails and these snow covered cars are all just to take me home, take me home.
This is a sweet yet sad song. As winter has generally been a time associated with death and spring, a time of rebirth...I appreciate this take on it. Love the comparison of winter to the night sky...you can only see stars at night, and the moon, which is an anchor and constant in our lives. Plus, leaving footprints in the snow, especially with hefty boots, is oh so satisfying.
ReplyDeleteEven though it was an afterthought, the melody is enchanting and fitting.