You know how sometimes you have songs that have that one line or that one part that just haunt you?
This is my private list.
- “Everlong” by Foo Fighters (Acoustic version)
I’m not sure what it is about this song, but the opening line just bounces around my head and stays there.
“Hello. I’ve waited here for you ever long.”
It’s a beautiful line, and a wonderful song.
2. “If I Fell” by The Beatles
While I certainly appreciate the impact that The Beatles had on music as we know it, I’m not a huge Beatles fan. Of course, this song is an exception.
“If I fell in love with you, would you promise to be true? And help me understand. ’Cause I’ve been in love before and I found that love was more than just holding hands.”
Those lines stay with me. They’re simple. Usually I prefer complex and witty lyrics, but there’s something to be said for the raw sentiment here.
3. “Can You Tell” by Ra Ra Riot
I’ve put this song on mixes before because I’m pretty sure everyone, at some point in their life, can identify with this song.
“Oh have I been too discrete? How long am I supposed to wait? I think about you nightly. Can you tell I’m losing sleep?”
I should probably stress that all of this song is worth quoting. It’s brilliant.
4. “I Want You But I Don’t Need You” as performed by Amanda Palmer
This appeals to my independent streak.
“I want you and I want you to want me to want you. But I don’t need you. Don’t need you to need me to need you. That’s just me. So take me or leave me. But please, don’t need me.”
I get chills every time I listen to this song. And I’ll be real. I often sing it in the shower.
5. “Coda: A Burn Scar In The Shape Of The Sooner State” by Los Campesinos!
I could listen to this song all day and that would be all right.
“I fall to my knees, my piss-soaked jeans. The first time, the last time, all the times in between. The first time, the last time, all the times I would’ve liked there to have been. I can’t believe I chose the mountains every time you chose the sea.”
And let’s be fair. I could keep going. But let’s keep some of the mystery alive. Deal?
Oh, and who’s going to some shows with me next month?
“Don’t Let It Bring You Down” by Annie Lennox
Cold wind ripping down the alley at dawn
And the morning paper flies
Dead man lying by the side of the road
With the daylight in his eyes
Don’t let it bring you down
It’s only castles burning
Find someone who’s turning
And you will come around
That song is haunting. “It’s only castles burning…” Pretty great.
I’d have to sit down and think about it – but off the top of my head, the lines “Hello, I’m still here, all that’s left of yesterday” (Hello – Evanescence) come to mind.
That’s a good one! Simple and powerful stuff.