Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Come talk to me

"Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak." - William Congreve

("breast" is often misquoted as "beast", but I think both would apply)

I have probably been to over 100 concerts. I have always loved music. There is not a specific genre that prefer, although most country music does not cut the mustard for me. Which is ironic because I most definitely have a voice that is well suited for country western songs. My criteria for a song is this: Does it move me? Does it reach into my soul and find a place to rest? If you are a lover of music, I suspect that, like me, there are certain songs and/or artists that help define points in your life. I was reminded earlier this week the CD "Jagged Little Pill" by Alanis Morrissette and "Nick of Time" by Bonnie Raitte were my anthems for several months after a particularly nasty break up. And then there's Peter Gabriel. The lyrics to some of his songs and the way in which he sings them denotes a level of pain and longing that is almost palatable. I also believe that they expose what many refer to as "the God-shaped hole in his heart". One of my favorites is "Come Talk to Me", because while I am rarely at a loss for words, there are some feelings and memories that I hold on to for fear that speaking them out loud would leave me emotionally ravaged and unable to recover. God knows the depths to which I have been, and I have no secrets from my husband. Still, there are some places I have not gone. Is there something that you need to share with a loved one or trusted friend? With God?

Come Talk to Me

The wretched desert takes its form, the jackal proud and tight
In search of you, I feel my way, though the slowest heaving night
Whatever fear invents, I swear it make no sense
I reach through the border fence
Come down, come talk to me

In the swirling, curling storm of desire unuttered words hold fast
With reptile tongue, the lightning lashes towers built to last
Darkness creeps in like a thief and offers no relief
Why are you shaking like a leaf
Come on, come talk to me

Ah please talk to me
Won't you please talk to me
We can unlock this misery
Come on, come talk to me

I did not come to steal
This all is so unreal
Can't you show me how you feel now
Come on, come talk to me
Come talk to me

The earthly power sucks shadowed milk from sleepy tears undone
From nippled skin as smooth as silk the bugles blown as one
You lie there with your eyes half closed like there's no-one there at all
There's a tension pulling on your face
Come on, come talk to me

Won't you please talk to me
If you'd just talk to me
Unblock this misery
If you'd only talk to me

Don't you ever change your mind
Now your future's so defined
And you act so deaf and blind
[And you act so deaf so blind]
Come on, come talk to me
Come talk to me

I can imagine the moment
Breaking out through the silence
All the things that we both might say
And the heart it will not be denied
'Til we're both on the same damn side
All the barriers blown away

I said please talk to me
Won't you please come talk to me
Just like it used to be
Come on, come talk to me
I did not come to steal
This all is so unreal
Can you show me how you feel now
Come on, come talk to me
Come talk to me

I said please talk to me
If you'd just talk to me
Unblock this misery
If you'd only talk to me

As I stated at the beginning of this post, I have been to a lot of concerts. I have described the performance of this song to friends, and I was pleased to have found it on YouTube, because my description of it was woefully inadequate. It was so powerful to see it performed live. It may do nothing for you. That's cool, music is such a personal thing. But I wanted to share it, regardless.




P. S. - How AWESOME is that bass player?

9 comments:

jasonS said...

I'm with you on the music. I get very moved and that bass player was totally cool (or his bass, I should say).

Ryan B said...

This was a very good post. Different songs can very easily relate to my emotions. Recently I have been in a bit of a kind of sad, nostalgic mood and been thinking of the good old times back in the day. I have been really connecting with The Fray, Augustana, OneRepublic, and Green Day. And I've been listening to Blink 182 because they are coming back and I used to listen to them when I was in elementary and middle school.

But you should give country a shot. Ever since I started going line dancing it has really started to grow on me. I can offer some song suggestions if you would like.

Good post

Anonymous said...

What great lyrics. I love Peter Gabriel's voice too.

And I'm finally recovered from my weekend and ready to talk! Prepare for a comment explosion...

♥ Kathy said...

I'm a music freak :o lol really I don't go one day without listening to music. That was a great video! Thanks for sharing it :)

Anonymous said...

I love Peter Gabriel's voice!

Sherri Murphy said...

I'm with you on the music style comment. I enjoy anything that literally strikes a chord in me, regardless which genre it is.

But I must buy what the singer is selling. The song must be from their heart as well. Then I FEEL it.

I love his voice, and these are great lyrics. I'm buyin' it.

8 This is A song Big Al would never need to sing to me since I SHARE EVERYTHING with him. (poor guy!)

Sherri Murphy said...

I don't know why or how the number 8 got in that last comment!

Jude said...

I'm so bummed...I tried to play the video but it said it was no longer available. :(

wv: twarsi - controversial, may cause a war or two. The Stimulus plan may be a bit twarsi.

Stacey said...

Ryan B - I am totally with you on The Fray and Augustana. Just in the last couple of months, too. That's cool.