Broken Frontier

Before I started writing comic books, and even before I THOUGHT I could write screenplays, I’d spend hours at a time  jotting down song lyrics in a spiral notebook and blending them with melodies.  I couldn’t play an instrument to save my life, but because music was always such a big part of my world growing up as a slightly introverted kid, I never seemed to stray too far from it, whether it was listening on the raido or trying to make it myself.

Throughout the years, songs have come and gone, though there always seem to be those time-defying lyrics that I cling to, wishing I had written myself.  Sometimes they’re so simple and relatable that it amazes me the words haven’t been said before, and other times they’re more obscure and poetic… Tiny pieces of a bigger puzzle I seek to complete on my own.

Nevertheless, to me, music is still king.  I know the industry is in shambles and people are being laid off from every major record label, but it will never go away… Only adapt for the times like it has since the first caveman realized he could carry a beat by pounding a couple of sticks on his rock furniture.  But, for me, while the music is what helps you groove, it’s the lyrics that connect you to a particular piece or artist, which is why I’ve decided to give you some of my mainstream favorites.

Thunder Road - Bruce Springsteen

Nobody has ever called the Boss one of the best vocalists in world, but there is no denying that he has the chops to move listeners with words.  For me, his lyrics are poetry, and this particular snippet from Thunder Road is no different

The screen door slams
Mary’s dress sways
Like a vision she dances across the porch as the radio plays
Roy Orbison singing for the lonely
Hey thats me and I want you only
Dont turn me home again
I just cant face myself alone again

Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel) - Billy Joel

I don’t have kids yet, but I imagine that when I do, this Billy Joel song will carry more weight.  Written to his little girl, it’s a fantastic example of an artist literally opening himself up to the world and showing vulnerabily.  I particular like this chorus because it highlights a father’s love and connection to his child, while also questioning his own mortality.

Goodnight, my angel
Now it's time to dream
And dream how wonderful your life will be
Someday your child may cry
And if you sing this lullaby
Then in your heart
There will always be a part of me

If Only - Goldfinger

It probably seems odd that I’m following up a Billy Joel song with pop punksters Goldfinger, but my playlists always seem to feature a little bit of everything.  In this particular case, singer John Feldmann pines over a lost love, wondering if things would change if he himself could change.  I’ve always liked this for its use of humor, because even though you can laugh it, you can’t help but relate to it either.

If only I was taller
If I had a million dollars
Maybe then you'd be with me

If only I was eighteen
And had the courage of the A-Team
Maybe then you'd be with me

But for now I'll have to dream about your smile 'cause you're not here
And all I want to say is that I really miss you

Breakdown - Guns N’ Roses

Out of any artist growing up, Guns N’ Roses had the biggest influence on me, both artistically, and in terms of my wardrobe. (I got kicked out of school in the 7th grade for wearing a Guns N’ F’n Roses t-shirt.)  This song was always a personal favorite.  Featured on the Use Your Illusion II album, I believe it’s one of their best written… At least from a lyrical standpoint.  This is just a quick snippet from the song that I always find myself singing when I’m pulled in too many different directions by too many different people.

I've come to know the cold
I think of it as home
When there ain't enough of me to go around
I'd rather be left alone

 

I Think I’ll Disappear Now - Crash Test Dummies

Back when I bought my first CD player, the Crash Test Dummies was the first CD I got… Given to me as a birthday present.  All I knew at the time was that the song Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm was a weird ditty sung by a major baritone, but after listening to the disc a few hundred times, I fell in love with their quirky songwriting and lyrical content.  The older I got, and the more relationships I ventured through, this song (and this clip in particular) made more sense.  It’s all about coming face to face with an ex.  Who can’t relate to that?

Running into you like this without warning
Is like catching a sniff of tequila in the morning
But I'll try, I'll try to keep my food down
That's quite an after-taste that you've left now that you're not around

Mekong - The Refreshments

There isn’t much to say about this.  It’s one of my favorite lyrics of all time, though for no real, profound reason.  It just makes me laugh because I’ve bought drinks for people at bars just because you’re drunk and loving life… And then you realize you have no idea who you’re even talking to or why.  Classic.

Barkeep
We need to go around again
One for me and what's his name
My new best friend

Indifference - Pearl Jam

Anyone who grunged out in the 90s listened to Pearl Jam as they brooded around in their flannel shirts and ripped jeans.  For me, this song had a lot of meaning on those moody days where I sat in the dark and never felt like I fit in.  Thank you Mr. Vedder!

I will hold the candle till it burns up my arm
I’ll keep takin punches until their will grows tired
I will stare the sun down until my eyes go blind
I wont change direction, and I wont change my mind

And that takes me to the end of my list, mostly because, I’m only alloted a certain amount of space.  At some point in the future, I’ll get to a list of my favorite indie lyrics, but, don’t hold your breath!