Whenever I start writing a new story, I put together a playlist of songs relating to the main characters, the plot, and so on. When making my story playlists, I pay particular attention to the lyrics and tone of the song.
My work-in-progress heroine, Catalina (aka, Cat) is comprised of a bundle of conflicting traits. She’s simultaneously bold and insecure, tough and vulnerable, and independent and lonely. She locks her authentic self behind a very hard, polished shell. Enter the hero, who starts to strip away the façade. Of course, he has his own demons, which she will challenge as well (in fact, she’s already rebuffed him once before).
Considering their characteristics and backstory, I think the Duncan Sheik song, She Runs Away, is a good fit for the playlist. I love the wistful sound of the song (not only the melody, but also in his voice). The lyrics are provoking as well. I really love this song…and it’s a perfect “Sunday” easy-listening tune, too.
Haven’t we all, at one time or another, overanalyzed an issue, hoping to make it something more (or less) than it is, only to end up frustrated when we have to face the truth? Or imagined our lives, as if in a movie, and pictured that perfect happy ending, only to learn that what we expect isn’t often how it turns out (and even when you get a happy ending, it isn’t quite the way you pictured it to be)? That’s what I feel this song is talking about. Do you agree?
She Runs Away
You may not see the end of it
But luckily she comes around
It isn’t what she talks about
It’s just the way she is
And she says, “Ooh, darlin’ don’t you know?
The darkness comes and the darkness goes.”
And she says, “Ooh, baby, why don’t you let it go?
Happiness ain’t never how you think it should be so.”
I mystified the simple life
I covered up with consciousness
I saw myself and broke it down
‘Til nothing more was left
She saw the symptoms right away
And spoke to me in poetry
“Sometimes the more you wonder why
The worse it seems to get”
[Refrain]
And then you know there comes a time
You need her more than anything
You may believe yours are the wounds
That only she can heal
Then everything will turn around
She becomes so serious
What she chose to offer you
Was all that you could have
[refrain]
Take a listen to the song (courtesy of Atlantic Videos):
Love it or hate it?
xo-Jamie
