Ah, from time to time I like to sit down and think about the music I secretly listen to when nobody else is watching. It’s not that I’m ashamed of it, far from it. But some of these songs are the type of thing you really wouldn’t envisage me enjoying. Though, come to think of it, I have featured both Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond in this journal, so why not? They’re what are usually categorised as the dreaded “easy listening”, the kind of thing your mother or your dad would listen to. Well, I’m certainly old enough to be a dad now, even if I’m not one, and so this section will feature some of the more, um, mature songs that I have enjoyed, and still do, and that time does not dull or have any effect on. Timeless, y’know?
So sit down in my rocking chair --- actually, I could be done for that legally, so why don’t you sit in the
other chair, just there that’s right. Nice and soothing, the way it gently moves back and forth, isn’t it? Kind of reminds me of being cradled in my mother’s arms, not that I can remember back that far of course. But I do remember sitting in the actual rocking chairs in my aunt’s house when I was younger, and the feeling of quiet relaxation that gave me, as if all my troubles were just drifting away. That’s kind of the way I feel when I hear these songs. Here, pop these oversized spongy headphones on --- no you can
not use your ipod buds! To appreciate this music you need proper phones that cover not only your ears, but most of your head too. You’ll see what I mean when you put them --- ah, yes. You see? Was I lying? Whole different feeling, yes? A feeling of being
tethered to the stereo,
connected to the music. This is how we used to do it, back in my day.
If you can let yourself go, kick back and just let the music take you as you tip gently --
gently, I said! Do you think those things come cheap? They’re bloody antiques! --- yes, more like that. Now close your eyes and just breathe softly, and allow the music to wash over you as I introduce the first of the songs that makes me feel that way…
Memory --- Elaine Paige --- “Cats” Original Soundtrack Recording --- 1981
Most people know this song, as it has been covered hundred of times if not more. It is of course from the musical “Cats”, written by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and partially based on the poems of TS Elliot. You don't need to know the whole story of “Cats” to appreciate the beauty of this song, but I must admit that for a long time I knew it came from the show but was not aware of its role in it. When I discovered what it represents, the song meant a lot more to me and had a much heavier emotional impact on me.
Although the music was written by Lloyd-Webber, the lyric was actually penned by Trevor Nunn, who was also the director of the musical. His usual songwriting partner Tim Rice did write a lyric for the song but Nunn’s was preferred. As its title suggests, the song is reflective, looking back on one’s life and wondering how it has come to where it is now. Things that seem ordinary in the day --- sights, sounds, even smells --- take on a new and magical significance and importance this night, and here is why.
Sung by the cat known as Grizabella, who has been a beautiful show cat in her youth but is now approaching the end of her life and is haggard and ugly, the song is used as a plea by her to be accepted back into the community of cats, from where she had left, to seek her fortune, many years ago. Cats being cats, once you leave they a) forget you and b) attack you if you try to come back. Grizabella’s heartfelt plea eventually melts the hearts of her most staunch opponents and she is allowed back in to her old home, just in time to die.
There have been many versions of the song but I’ve always preferred the one sung by Elaine Paige, perhaps because the first time I heard the song it was her singing. The lyric speaks of the wonders of youth and how fleeting they are. When Elaine sings
”I can smile at the old days/ I was beautiful then” you can really feel for her, coming to the end of her life and looking back on her carefree youth. There’s a note of regret --- well, more than a note --- that she left the community as she wails
”It’s so easy to leave me/ All alone with my memories/ Of my days in the sun.” She has finished her wandering now, seen the world, and all she wants is to return to the place she used to call home, there to breathe her last.
The music of course makes the song. The soft, string opening with piano that sort of moves along at almost a slow blues pace, then flute or oboe coming in near the first bridge, the music getting stronger and more dramatic as Elaine’s voice rises with it, then falling back for the second verse as the music recedes in power too. Instrumental break then as the orchestra bursts forward into life and the powerful, stirring climax as both she and the orchestra explode in passion and fervour, even a blast on the cymbals, then a slowly falling oboe line and maybe piano as it fades down and away. You can’t help but be moved.
This is the sort of song you hope nobody will ruin. You just don’t want to see it on “The X-Factor” or “American Idol” being butchered by seventeen-year-olds who have never suffered a tragedy or faced real adversity in their young lives. This is a song that needs the wisdom of age and experience to fully transmit the pathos and yearning in the song, and really get inside the head of the character, Grizabella, as she faces her last night alive, not wishing to die alone.
I’ve never seen “Cats”, but I’m reliably informed this is the best thing to come out of it. I wouldn’t disagree.
”Midnight: not a sound from the pavement.
Has the moon lost her memory? She is smiling alone.
In the lamplight, the withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan.
Memory, all alone in the moonlight:
I can dream of the old days:
I was beautiful then.
I remember the time I knew what happiness was:
Let the memory live again.
Every streetlamp seems to beat a fatalistic warning.
Someone mutters and the street lamp gutters
And soon it will be morning,
Daylight: I must wait for the sunrise.
I must think of a new life and I mustn't give in.
When the dawn comes tonight will be a memory too,
And a new day will begin.
Burnt out ends of smoky days.
The stale cold smell of morning.
A streetlamp dies; another night is over:
Another day is dawning...
Touch me! It's so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory of my days in the sun.
If you touch me, you'll understand what happiness is
Look! A new day has begun.”