Graveyard – Lucy Schwartz

by

I’m writing directly to you

 yes – you

 you know – the one who – as Lucy might say:

 “isn’t quite there”

And I’m not talking about the whole “Be In the Moment” thing – ‘cos while that’s totally cool and no doubt we should do more of it – I believe this track tackles a different aspect of our existence.

The clue of course is in the heart – in this case – a paper one.  Why is it love and how we experience it can fuck us up to the extreme – scratch that – those kinds of existential questions go nowhere – what I’m more interested in are the patterns.

Have you noticed how after each failed love you’re less “there”?

How nothing tastes good – sounds good, literally or metaphorically?

How our friends tell us we’re a “Shadow” of ourselves – that we’re distant – unforthcoming – and just – not quite there?

I know!

Here’s the thing though – I think it’s perfectly normal and natural – and while sure it may not be the most pleasant experience – I truly believe it’s necessary.

I could go off on the balance of nature – that you’ve got to give to get and how life is an emotional protractor – but what this track – this song – inspires in me – is the hope.

I know!

Back to the fucking hope thing again – I’m sorry – I promise – it’s not always hope on this list – trust me – there’s some seriously depressing shit which when you’re trawling across the bottom is the most awesome stuff to listen to – (Magdalena’s song is bleak!) – but what I love about this track is the music.

It’s so fucking Up!

If you swapped out the lyric and dropped in a girl group from the seventies – all chiffon and Carpenteresque harmonies – it would still sound bloody perfect!  That chorus hook could launch a thousand love songs, instead it’s here – working for you – creating the safety net for those of us who dared to try and ended up failing on the battlefield of love.

But it’s Ok – ‘cos we’re resilient.

A few days, weeks, months (hopefully not years,) and we’re back in the saddle – hearts healed and fully manifest in our meatsock.

And you’ll know that you’re ready when the sound of this song – finally – soothes you.

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Andrew McCluskey

Andrew McCluskey

The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the Dark Forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top, they would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.

As a psychology graduate I studied how sound affects human performance.

As a musician I compose instrumental music that stimulates your brain but doesn't mess with your language centers, leaving you free to be creative and brilliant without distraction.

As a curator I research how music can improve your life and create flow - I can tell you what music to listen to when studying for a test and why listening to sad music can make you feel better.

As a creator / contributor at musicto I’m part of a global creator community that collaborates through music.  You can learn more about our community here.

andrewmccluskey.com