Last night I think I experienced something first hand with my own music, that I’m not sure I’ve experienced before. I was asked to play some songs by a friend. Someone I’ve know for a while but who hadn’t actually ever heard me play or anything that I’ve written or recorded.
Within 30 seconds on one song she was moved to tears. I can’t say for certain if I’ve ever moved someone to tears before. In larger audiences there’s really no way to know. But when it’s a much smaller group it’s easier to judge.
I know music can be a powerful thing. I know that words can carry a lot of weight which is why a lot of the time I now spend a lot of time examining the use of different words that have similar meaning – but due to context can really alter the direction of that meaning. Probably why I take a lot longer to finish lyrics now.
Anyway, this friend was so moved that it was intense. Very cool experience.
Has a song ever moved you to tears? Move you to anything at all?
Maybe I’m not in touch with my outer tear listening ears. I’m not sure I’ve been moved to tears by a song. But I can appreciate a lot of music. The song in question that moved her to tears isn’t exactly a sad song. I have heard songs that I recognize as being able to move someone to tears. Actually a co-writer of mine wrote a song called It’s Real This Time. That is a very amazing song that he wrote about/for his wife. It’s not yet available, too new. I’ll have to put it up on Single of the Day when it’s out.
Until then, I’ll stick up a song called Desert Song by a guitarist called Eric Johnson. A technically brilliant guitarist. He actually has a song called Trail of Tears, however it’s not exactly moving in the tear sense. I decided to go for something a little more moody. The amazing thing about Eric is his wide ranging ability as a guitar player. He plays a very eclectic variety. In this tune it’s a lot of Spanish acoustic guitar. Eric also plays outright rockers, steel string country stuff, folky acoustic things, and jazzier stuff too. All with insane precision.
In fact, if I’m not mistaken I think Eric even played guitar for Cat Steven on some stuff. I could be wrong about that. Though it would make sense.
If you’re enjoying Desert Song and are really looking for a guitar player with a great sense of music and variety, I strongly urge you to explore the entire album and all his other albums. They all contain tons of hidden gems, along with some great playing.
Enjoy your day and may you find something that will move you in an unexpected way!