Maybe it stems from my love of lists in general, or maybe I just feel the need to be prepared for any emotional situation with an appropriate soundtrack.
Either way, when today I opened my door to a perfectly rainy day I smiled and said to myself, as I do probably too often, "I've got a playlist for that."
Now, admittedly, I love rain. And my complete rainy day playlist includes everything from acoustic covers to indie jams with the only vague requirement that it makes me feel.. well.. rainy.
But then there are those times when a gray sky and a quiet afternoon beg a certain sweetness that only comes with a sad song. And not just break up ballads and emo lyrics I'm talking truly, exquisitely, and perfectly sad songs. The kind that demand the listener do just that; listen. And feel. In a way only music seems to be able to do. This power in music has always fascinated me and I have decided today to share with you my very favorite sad songs. So Here it is:
The top five saddest songs on Myrinda's Ipod.
5. Tomorrow is a Long Time- Nickel Creek
I am a sucker for bluegrass and this mandolin/violin cover of the Bob Dylan original is Bluegrass at its best. Its sadness is in a sweet melody paired with surprisingly melancholy lyrics that tell the story of long time loss, and the acceptance of pain.
Lyrics: "I can't see my reflection in the water. I can't speak, the sound's a shout of pain. I can't hear the echo of my footsteps, or remember the sound of my own name."
A love song with strong undertones of despair. Drastic crescendos and a loosely regarded tempo bring an air of desperation to this eerie ballad. The interjection of the woman to whom the lyrics are aimed in the final verse seems almost haunting- as if to bring to question the very sanity of the singer and his emotion.
Lyrics: "Did I say that I loathe you? Did I say that I want to leave it all behind? I cant take my mind off of you..."
3. God Bless the Child- Billie Holiday
No one will ever sing a sad song quite like the queen of the blues. Written by Billie and based on events from her own life, this song suggests that to live is to discover just how alone we really are.
Lyrics: "Mamma may have, Papa may have, but God bless the child that's got his own, that's got his own."
2. In the Arms of a Woman- Amos Lee
Smooth vocals and minimal instrumentation create a sound that's smokey and sensual and miles deep. This song is just so perfectly sad. It will convince you that you're happiest when you're dreaming, and make you feel like you're not totally awake.
Lyrics: "Now most days I spend like a child who's afraid of ghosts in the night. I know there ain't nothing out there but i'm still afraid to turn on the light."
1. Spartan- Five Iron Frenzy
Maybe the best sad songs are the ones we can't quite explain what it is that makes us feel that way. This is the saddest song I own and It's about new beginnings and hope and God and peace. [confusing I know] But I think the reason I find it so sad is that it catches that moment before things change for the better. It describes a surrender- a realization that what your life has consisted of up to this point is suddenly obsolete. I love it's honesty and raw edges and a message of hope despite it's heaviness make it the best rainy day song I've got.
Lyrics: "Limping through the world there's a knowing look or two. Is it just the cripples here who understand the truth?... Paving pathways for the lost, the bitter and recluse."
So there you have it. May you enjoy the rainiest days and the saddest songs.
As for me, I think the sun may be coming out now.
:)
Myrinda
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