Crying....Over You

Sometimes you need a good cry. Music is a great catalyst for a good old fashioned eye wash. There are certain songs that, somewhere around the 4th or 5th note, can make me weep like a child. There are many reasons for this; sometimes it’s the memory associated with the song choice. Other songs make me weep because of the sheer beauty of the lyrics or the melody or a combination of both. It surprises me that I will break into a spontaneous cacophony of gut wrenching sobs over songs that I haven’t heard in years or that I have heard so often I should be “over it” by now. So, without further adieu…here’s the list of Amy’s all time great spasmodic sob singles. (in no particular order)
“Imagine” by John Winston Ono Lennon. Do I need to explain my love of all things Lennon? John-o was, is and always shall be my man. Even the Scott Bakula version from an episode of Quantum Leap, had me crying the tears of the gut wrenched. My second most cried out Lennon song? That would be “Beautiful Boy” because I am the mother of a, er…beautiful boy.
The Beatles being my all time favorite group, I must mention the two Fab Four songs most likely to make me need a Kleenex. The absolutely haunting “Julia”, which John penned after the loss of his mum is all the more poignant by the loss of my own beloved mother. Also, it is impossible for me to get through the song “In My Life” without losing it.

If I was to travel in the way back machine, along with Sherman, I think the earliest recorded song on the melancholy mucus hit parade would be “The Way You Look Tonight” from the Fred Astaire film, “Swing Time”. I know it’s been played at more weddings than is fathomable, but it still gets me, right in the heartstrings each and every time. Another golden moldy that rips me is “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, which I think is interesting, since Christmas isn’t my holiday. Judy Garland is so mournful that I want to burst.
When I was little, I remember hearing the song “Both Sides Now” right after my Nana died. For some reason, I got the “clouds illusions” confused with my grandmother’s passing and the two were indelibly linked forever. “Wind Beneath My Wings” is another sure fire devastator, for the power of the lyrics and for my own sentimental attachment to the song.
Three songs that I was introduced to at roughly the same time also melt me whenever I hear them. Richard Thompson’s “Dimming of the Day” is quite possibly my favorite song of all times now and that is saying a lot. It’s haunting and harrowing and just lovely. My beloved Nick Drake has so many songs that act like emotional wrecking balls, but “Time Has Told Me” is the song of this that most does the trick. John Martyn’s “Couldn’t Love You More” makes me cry to a lesser extent. Not long ago, I stumbled upon Chris Bell’s “Look Up”(there is no youtube for this at present. Someone removed it) and Elliot Smith’s “Waltz #2” and the depth of both of these masterpieces is wail inducing. Likewise, for some reason I can’t put my finger on, is the largely lamented “Beautiful” by James Blunt. I think it’s that pseudo “emo” angst producing thought of finding the perfect one and not being able to reach them.

Sometimes, you just need to let the music overtake you..and let is out!