Friday, March 30, 2012

Sad Song blogfest


Sad song blogfest is hosted by L. Diane Wolfe. List songs that inspire you, move you to tears or break your heart. Ten or less, there is no limit.

To be honest this wasn't easy for me. I don't often get to listen to music. Too many people in the house and everyone wants something different. My kind of music is no one's favorite but me. I am a child of the sixties and while rock n' roll was important then, I was also in choir and melody is major in my musical taste. On occasion, I still like a Beach Boys melody or a Beatles tune, but not often. Life hasn't been easy. So when I turn to music I want something that is smooth and easy to listen to, even sad songs must fit this criteria.

Factor in writing, characters and scene development and it is even more important. Here is number one. John Denver's 'Annie's Song'. There is hope in this song, yet despair for John has lost his wife in divorce. My interpretation of this song fell smack into the middle of my epic fantasy, The Treasures of Carmelidrium. My hero longs for his love and doesn't know if she will ever return his sentiment. He hopes beyond all hope, and is moved by her music and her smile. Annie's song could be translated easily into Missie's song. If my book where to ever be made into a movie, it is this song I would insist on, not actors, and I'd want Josh Groban to sing it.



The first time I heard 'In the Arms of an Angel', by Sarah McLaughlin I had no idea there was a movie to go with it. Years later I saw the movie and I really didn't like it, but I still love the song. Once again, hope is the underlying factor in this song. The melody has a lilting quality, hence I suspect my Scot/Irish heritage is partly at play.



In Dreams, L.O.T.R., what can I say, I love Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. They are the reason I write fantasy. What book or movie has ever captured soul searching, longing for love like LoTR? We hope with Aaragon that his love will wait and cry when she is finally left alone after years and returns to her elfin roots to die. As I grow older and a little more cynical, it is good to be reminded how love moved me when I was young, and the price I was willing to pay for the that love. My writing and characters are deeper and richer for it.



If I were to list more songs, they would be recorded by artist with clear voices like, Josh Groban, Celtic Woman and others. I tend toward instrumental and love the flute. I bet you couldn't guess that one. I also like the sound of nature in songs. Songs without words while I write are important even if I know the words. This way I don't have anything interrupt my train of thought.

I'm looking forward to reading all your post. Please be patient with me since resent health concerns has made my blogging limited.
Nancy

24 comments:

PR said...

So many moments in LOTR that made me cry, especially that ending! :)

baygirl32 said...

LOTR - there were so many parts of that I was getting choked up!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

For someone who don't get to listen to music you chose some excellent songs. I just love Annie's Song. Thanks for sharing.

Yvonne,

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Your score/classical pieces... amazing choices... the rest of your list is strong.

Please Check out My Sad Song List...
Jeremy [Retro-Zombie]
Visit The Madness:
iZOMBIE

vic caswell said...

LOTR has some of the best music EVER!
and in the arms of the angel is such a beautiful song! forget the film. :P

Unknown said...

Such sad songs. Especially the LOTR.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I've always liked John Denver. I also have all three LOTR soundtracks and listen to them often.

Marian Allen said...

Loved almost all of the CITY OF ANGELS soundtrack. Didn't care a lot for the movie. The Wim Wenders original, Wings of Desire, was much better, I thought.

Thanks for reminding me of it!

Hugs,
Marian Allen
Fantasies, mysteries, comedies, recipes

Anonymous said...

Awh so moving and such beautiful graphics too.

N. R. Williams said...

Thanks everyone, due to time I will just leave this short comment.
Nancy

M Pax said...

Great and soulful selections. Annie's song is a tear jerker. Sorry for all the lies I said. :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Great choices - I love them all! Annie's song is one of my absolute faves :)

J.L. Campbell said...

I certainly understand writing to instrumentals. I love music, but it would be distracting to write to the sound of someone singing.

J.L. Campbell said...

Forgot to say that I hope your health is improving steadily.

N. R. Williams said...

What lies M. Pax? I guess I missed them.

Thanks Jemi and J. L.
Nancy

Maryannwrites said...

"Annie's Song" has always been a favorite of mine. I also like instrumental music. That flute piece is quite nice.

N. R. Williams said...

Hi Maryann
Thanks.
Nancy

Arlee Bird said...

Unfortunately the videos didn't load for me--not sure why. But I'm familiar with the songs you chose and they are good picks.


Lee
Sad Songs Blogfests—Places I Remember
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog

N. R. Williams said...

Thanks Arlee
Nancy

Jennie Bailey said...

Nice list! That Sarah McLaughlin song gets me every time. I hear a few cords and if I'm not in the right mood, I have to switch the station because I will end up in tears. Hope your health concerns resolve soon!

Anonymous said...

Instrumentals have a way of tugging on the heart strings. LOTR is a classic!

N. R. Williams said...

Hi Jennie
I know what you mean with Angel.

Hi Stephen
yes it is.

Thank you both for stopping by.
Nancy

Denise said...

What a great choice of songs!

I used to listen to Annie's Song all the time when I was younger but had forgotten about until just now so thanks for that.

The other two I have never heard before. They are both so beautiful!

N. R. Williams said...

Hi Denise
I'm glad you liked them.
Nancy