The concept behind a new Web site, Song Journals, which launches today, is that people get a place to share their memories that are associated with a piece of music. This site gave me the idea to ask random people about their song memories and see what I got back. Interestingly enough, I got an amazing response! The response was so vast that I decided to make a three part series out of the concept.
The first part shares responses in which music made a person remember the loss of someone dear to him or her:
The first story comes from Cynthia Colby:
A song that triggers a memory even after so much time, is ‘Fire and Rain‘ by James Taylor.
David Ferguson and I became friends in high school when I tutored him in math. He was the first person I knew who came out and told us all that he was gay. He suffered a major backlash from other students back in 1969 – and I was one of the few friends who stuck by him. I had my own problems with an abusive stepfather and uncaring mother, so we shared comfort as well as a friendship. We used to go driving up and down the Niagara Parkway on Sundays in his parents’ car – me driving! – having a wonderful time playing a game we invented. I still remember the fiasco of his fondue party when we switched the bowls under the meat and cheese fondue and broke his mother’s special dish!
When David and I graduated he moved to a new apartment in the big city of Toronto, and I was going to visit him for the first time. The day before I was to leave, I received a phone call from a friend, Kathy, who told me to sit down then told me that David was dead. Apparently he had fallen off his apartment balcony changing a light bulb – I can’t remember how far up it was, but high enough. I was still crying by the time she drove down to my house. This was around 1973.
David was a wonderful friend and a brilliant artist. He created oil paintings that moved people so much, he had teachers buying them throughout his high school years. I wish to God that he had had more time on this earth to share his talents and his dear friendship.
To this day, every time I hear ‘Fire and Rain’ I hear his name instead of ‘Suzanne’ – ‘David the plans they made put an end to you’ – and I take a moment and have a short cry. In fact I am in tears now as I write.
It’s a good memory of a dear friend who should not be forgotten – and won’t be in my heart as long as I hear this song.
The second tale is just as moving and it is summarized in one sentence from Rémy Reveyoso, Chief Publicist of OSO Imaging:
If I hear Bill Withers’ “Ain’t no sunshine,” I remember my mother’s funeral and I cry.
The third tale that comes from someone who suffered loss and is moved by a tune is Rhondalynn Korolak, Managing Director of imagineering unlimited:
For me that song would be “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler. I can’t even hear it now, without tearing up. My mother was murdered about 17 years ago and I dedicated it to her at her funeral. Many will know the song because it was on the soundtrack for the movie Beaches – which is a well known chick flick. Sometimes a song can say what we need to say, much better than we can ourselves.
The last story of loss comes from Rick Robinson, author and attorney:
“Keep Me in Your Heart for a While” by Warren Zevon. Zevon recorded that song as he was dying of cancer. My dad died of the same about the same time. I play that song and think about dad…and yes smile.
Songs evoke memories and feelings. They may be more moving than any other single artistic expression. This week we will share the wide range of things people think about when they hear music.
