Any David Gray fans out there? I’m a big one. Not only do I really enjoy his somewhat raspy voice, but also I love his distinct, guitar-based melodies, and his thought-provoking lyrics. Perhaps, most significantly, is the special fondness I feel because, when suffering through my first-born child’s unending colic, the song Babylon was one of the very few things that caused her to stop wailing for a few blessed moments at a time.
But, I’m not going to highlight Babylon today. For some reason, I’m feeling drawn to the darker side of my nature. I’ve dealt with bouts of depression throughout my life, although lately I’ve been in a really good place. Even when I’m not particularly blue, I’ve preferred melancholy songs to most others (unless I’m dancing – then bring on the pop hip-hop, and bring it on loudly).
My Oh My is a song that hits me in the chest. I don’t know what he intended to write about, but, to me, this song is about the isolation and disappointment you feel when the people or the world around you let you down. Whether it’s the daily news (or local gossip) that reminds us people aren’t always good for their word, I think those moments penetrate and fracture our sense of love and faith.
Now, if you’re wondering why I would choose a song that seems so contrary to the theme and goals of this blog, I’ll tell you. It is precisely in those bleak moments that a song like this makes me feel connected to another person. Shared suffering? Perhaps. But it is still a connection. And that connection is the foundation of love, friendship, and life. So, I do celebrate the sad songs as much as I would any exalted love song. And as he admits here, it takes a lot of love to heal…and that IS what this blog is all about!
Take a look at these lyrics and then listen to the Youtube video.
My Oh My
What on earth is going on in my heart?
Has it turned as cold as stone?
Seems these days I don’t feel anything
‘Less it cuts me right down to the bone.
What on earth is going on in my heart?
My oh my, you know it just don’t stop.
It’s in my mind, I wanna tear it up.
I’ve tried to fight it, tried to turn it off.
But it’s not enough.
It takes a lotta love.
It takes a lotta love, my friend.
To keep your heart from freezing,
To push on ‘till the end.
My oh my
What on earth is going on in my head?
You know I used to be so sure.
You know I used to be so definite.
Thought I knew what love was for.
I look around these days, and I’m not so sure.
[Refrain]
My oh my you know I just can’t win.
I burn it down, it comes right back again.
What kinda world is this we’re living in,
Where you never win?
[Variations of Refrain Repeat]
What do you think? Feeling moved, provoked, or anything else you’d care to share? Hope so!
xo-Jamie
