Pax Plena

Tag: Music

  • Song of the Week: Nearer Blessed Lord

    The Pax Plena Song of the Week comes to you courtesy of my latest cinematic foray- the acclaimed 2007 movie Bella. Aside from being critically acclaimed, Bella also earned the endorsement of many pro-life groups for its pro-adoption message.

    I’ll take care not to give away the plot for those who care to see the movie.  But, in brief, Bella is the story of an odd pairing of two down-on-their-luck people, working dead end jobs at a Manhattan restaurant. The theme of the movie is one of redemption, and grace despite some of life’s toughest obstacles. In a word, the movie is about overcoming.  Unsurprisingly, Nina Simone’s Nearer Blessed Lord strikes the perfect chord.

    The tenor of the song is a balanced mix – delivering high moments of optimism, combined with the mournful cries of realism.  In all, the music of the song itself is reminiscent of some of the best negro spirituals of the 1940s.

    The piece opens with the airy medley of a blues piano, joined quickly by Simone’s vocals.  The ultimate theme of the song is one of crying out to God, and the longing all humans feel to be close (viz., nearer) to a loved one when life becomes a bit too real. It is this feeling that Simone’s vocals capture so well. She is at times mournful, and at other points ebullient. Only the blues piano remains constant. The syncopation of the piano adds an interesting, consistent foil to Simone’s emotional, and ranging performance. 

    But the real power of the song comes from Simone’s ability to transcend the genre of gospel music, and re-making the song as a work of jazz.  Along the way, Simone manages to capture some of life’s most intense emotions, and present a vocal lesson in contrast to even the most skilled singer.

    The song can be accessed through the YouTube video below.  Lyrics follow after the jump.  For those interested in the movie or some of the other songs from the film, the website “You Crazy Dreamers” has an interesting write up of the soundtrack.  It also contains links so that you can hear a few of the tracks.  The site can be accessed here.  Enjoy!

    Nearer Blessed Lord
    by Nina Simone

    I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
    And it told Thy love to me;
    But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
    And be closer drawn to Thee.
    Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
    To the cross where Thou hast died;
    Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
    To Thy precious, bleeding side.

    Consecrate me now to Thy service,
    By the power of grace divine;
    Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
    And my will be lost in Thine
    Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
    To the cross where Thou hast died;
    Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
    To Thy precious, bleeding side

    My soul look up with a steadfast hope,
    My will be lost in Thine
    So draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
    To the cross where Thou hast died;
    Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
    To Thy precious, bleeding side.

  • Song of the Week: I’ll Say I’m Sorry Now

    The Pax Plena Song of the Week, unfortunately, has become as anachronistic around these parts as bipartisanship has become in Washington. But a song I heard last night at the end of a movie left me absolutely stunned – to the point of dropping my malaise. Consider the Song of the Week officially resurrected thanks to Shawn Colvin’s I’ll Say I’m Sorry Now.

    Shawn Colvin is a new artist to yours truly. I would never have heard of her had I not seen the movie. While I am a bit embarrassed at seeing the movie that featured her song, her performance on the piece is riveting. Colvin’s voice communicates a certain breezy, melancholy that is innate to the song. Her performance is genuine, and her voice sings in a manner that bespeaks a profound familiarity with the song’s content. It is a difficult balance to pull off in any circumstance, but Colvin does so effortlessly.

    As with most songs, I appreciate the song’s realness. It presents life as an uncertain ‘mystery mile’, and talks about its inevitable disappointments (‘I’m gonna let you down’). But the message of the song is that while the disappointments are inevitable, a simple apology can be used to preempt some of the pain. While the apology is no substitute for the harm, it is sufficient for both singer and listener to know that the apology was said.

    In truth, I think this is a lot of what life is about. There are no guarantees. The best we can do is call situations ‘like we see em,’ press ahead, and offer plenty of apologies for the ineluctable mistakes that we will make. Somehow, Colvin takes these emotions, and makes them make sense.

    Please enjoy the Pax Plena Song of the Week, I’ll Say I’m Sorry Now.

    I’ll Say I’m Sorry Now
    by Shawn Colvin

    I’m gonna let you down
    I know that now
    Make you cry, I know I will
    Why should you believe
    I would never leave
    Or that I love you still
    For all the by and by
    Hard as we try
    The bough breaks and the cradle falls
    For everything I do
    That will tear at you
    Let me say I’m sorry now
    So you can sing your song
    You can get it wrong
    You can kiss the rock of ages
    In your wildest dreams
    You might see between
    The liars and the sages
    You can walk awhile
    Down the mystery mile
    You can beat the drums of freedom
    And in love and war
    Through the rush and roar
    You just call ’em like you see ’em

  • Song of the Week: Chicken Fried

    Funny how time flies. On this auspicious day from yesteryear, the Pax Plena song of the week speaks to the some of the best that life has to offer. It reminds us to never take life for granted, and to always enjoy the little things.

    Already a hit single from one of country music’s newest and hottest bands, Chicken Fried by the Zac Brown Band lauds the little things. Cold beer on a Friday night, a sunrise, and pecan pie all rank high on the list.

    I suppose there is no mystery to the song, but it takes me back to a time in life when everything was new, exciting, and wonderful. For us nostalgic sorts, it also calls to mind what might have been. But more than this it speaks to life’s simple pleasures, and the need to appreciate it all.

    Chicken Fried
    by The Zac Brown Band

    You know I like my chicken fried
    A cold beer on a Friday night
    A pair of jeans that fit just right
    And the radio up

    Well I`ve seen the sunrise
    See the love in my woman`s eyes
    Feel the touch of a precious child
    And know a mother`s love

    Well I was raised up beneath the shade of a Georgia pine
    And that`s home you know
    Sweet tea pecan pie and homemade wine
    Where the peaches grow
    And my house it`s not much to talk about
    But it`s filled with love that`s grown in southern ground

    And a little bit of chicken fried
    Cold beer on a Friday night
    A pair of jeans that fit just right
    And the radio up
    Well I`ve seen the sunrise
    See the love in my woman`s eyes
    Feel the touch of a precious child
    And know a mother`s love

    And it’s funny how it`s the simple things in life that mean the most
    Not where you live, what you drive, or the price tag on your clothes
    There`s no dollar sign on a piece of mind this I`ve come to know
    So if you agree have a drink with me
    Raise you glasses for a toast

    To a little bit of chicken fried
    Cold beer on a Friday night
    A pair of jeans that fit just right
    And the radio up
    Well I`ve seen the sunrise
    See the love in my woman`s eyes
    Feel the touch of a precious child
    And know a mother`s love

    I thank god for my life
    And for the stars and stripes
    May freedom forever fly, let it ring
    Salute the ones who died
    And the ones that give their lives, so we don`t have to sacrifice
    All the things we love

    Like our chicken fried
    Cold beer on a Friday night
    A pair of jeans that fit just right
    And the radio up
    Well I`ve seen the sunrise
    See the love in my woman`s eyes
    Feel the touch of a precious child
    And know a mother`s love

    You know I like my chicken fried
    Cold beer on a Friday night
    A pair of jeans that fit just right
    And the radio up
    Well I`ve seen the sunrise
    See the love in my woman`s eyes
    Feel the touch of a precious child
    And know a mother`s love

  • Song of the week: Mr. Booze

    Watch the video below, and you will see that the Pax Plena song of the week pretty much sums up our Christian Legal Society organization in six minutes.

    Just kidding. 

    But it does mark the denouement of the Rat Pack, Bing Crosby, and arguably the golden era of American music.

    Taken from the 1964 hit film Robin and the 7 Hoods, Mr. Booze features the talent of Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra. The group appears in the film as a gaggle of South Chicago racketeers (not unlike Barack Obama) who are trying to prevent muscle man Peter Falk (yes, that Peter Falk) from invading their turf during Prohibition.

    The film was released to mix reviews, although it earned Academy Award nominations for Best Music Song and Best Music Score. But in recent years, the film has recovered its artistic acclaim for its contribution to music history, and its special place as Bing Crosby’s last musical role.

    The song itself is a hilarious spoof of a 1920s era revival meeting; replete with testifying sinners, a sanctimonious minister (Bing Crosby), and a church full of hand-waving, tambourine-playing congregants. The dust Bing slaps off the Bible at the beginning of the clip is priceless. Take care to listen to the low note sung around the 6:00 mark.

    The video of the performance appears below. Lyrics follow after the jump. Enjoy!

    Mister Booze
    Bing Crosby 

    Booze, Mister Booze (Mister Booze), Mister Booze
    Mister B double O, Z Eeee, (That sure spells booze),
    You will wind up wearing tattered shoes if you mess with Mister Booze.
    (Don’t mess with Mister Booze, don’t mess with Mister Booze.)

    Don’t mess with B, double o, Z, E, if you’ve been so sick you thought you’d died. You’ll feel better once you testify.(Testify, Testify)

    [I want to testify, I want to testify]
    Well, then cleanse yourself, my child, cleanse yourself. Brothers and sisters, I happen to know this poor unfortunate soul, and the fight she is waging against sin. That old devil hooch has turned her into the unsightly person you see before you. Give us your testimony, my child.
    [Well, it all began with Daddy] (Yeah?)
    [He said drink helped him stay alive] (Yeah?)
    [Do you know how old he was when he died?] (No)
    [He was only twenty-five] (No! No!)
    [That’s why I gotta come clean] (why?)
    [Because I’m already seventeen]

    Who’s to blame? (Who’s to blame?) What his name?
    (We know his name.  His name is)
    Mister Booze, Mister Booze, Mister B, double O, Z, E,
    Don’t ever choose, any game you play with him, you lose.

    If your head feels like it’s ten foot wide, You’ll feel better once you testify
    (testify, testify, testify)

    [I want to testify, You got to let me come testify!]
    Well, come forward, dear brother, come forward.You see here, ladies and gentlemen, a man who just last year was the United States Olympic heavyweight wrestling champion. Now here he is, just a shadow of his former self, wasted in health, ravaged by sin. Give us your testimony, dear brother.

    [I was cruel and I was mean] (He was mean!)
    [I was a pickpocket!] (A no-good pickpocket!)
    [And then sin got me] Gin got him…oh, a little bit of that too.
    [Sin and Gin got me in its clutches, and that’s why I need forgiving] (Why?)
    [‘Cause now my hands shake so much, Reverend, I can’t even make a living] (Get out!)
    That’s a shame! (What a shame!)
    Who’s to blame? (Who’s to blame? His name is)
    Mister Booze, Mister Booze, Mister B, double O, Z., E. (You must refuse!)

    [I wanna testify!]
    You don’t have to. [Oh, but I wanna!] But you don’t have to.
    (Oh let him testify.)
    Very well, then let us lead you on the path of righteousness. Not long ago, brothers and sisters,
    This helpless soul was the foremost brain surgeon in this grand and glorious country. Success was smiling down upon him. Well, go ahead and tell us your story, oh downtrodden one.
    [I use spirits for medicinal purposes only] (Yeah)
    [I manufactured it for medicinal purposes only.] (yeah?)
    [Then I started drinking what I manufactured and I drank myself out of a hell of a business for medicinal purposes only.] (That’s right!)

    Alcohol makes a big man small and can lead to life of crime.

    Demon rum makes a gent a bum, and you cash in before your time.

    Bootleg gin puts you in a spin till you don’t even know your name.

    You’re a public disgrace, flat on your face, and there’s only one guy to blame.

    (Oh Mister Booze, Mister Booze, Mister B, double O, Z, E, don’t ever choose)
    (Don’t you wind up swearing platitudes if you’re mad with Mister Booze)
    (Don’t mess, mess with Mr. Booze.)

    Don’t mess with B, double O. Z, E, cause that spells booze. And you gotta lose with Mi-ister Booze. 
    (Oh Yeah).
    Don’t mess around with Mister Booze.

    (Don’t with Mister Booze, Don’t with Mister Booze.)
    (What’s his name now, Oh Mister Booze),
    (Don’t mess with Mister Booze), Oh Mister Booze, (Don’t mess with Mister Booze.)

  • Song of the Week: Ashokan Farewell

    With the throes of 2L well upon me, I have scarce had time to listen to my iPod at all, let alone branch out to pass along new music recommendations. But this Pax Plena Song of the Week falls under the increasingly rare category of new music discoveries made by yours truly.

    Composed by American folks musician Jay Ungar, and performed by Scottish Violinist Aly Bain, Ashokan Farewell made its debut on to the American music scene during the early 1990s in a PBS Mini-series called The Civil War. The song is written in the style of a Scottish air so it boasts a breezy, wistful melody that make it both enchanting and soaring at the same time. Listening to the piece, it is not difficult to imagine an evening stroll along the banks of the Ashokan Reservoir in upstate NY (the song’s namesake), or a foggy overlook from the Scottish Highlands.

    The story of the song is also intriguing. In a lengthy back and forth on his personal website, composer Jay Ungar describes the emotion he felt upon the song’s completion:

    I composed Ashokan Farewell in 1982 shortly after our Fiddle & Dance Camps had come to an end for the season. I was feeling a great sense of loss and longing for the music, the dancing and the community of people that had developed at Ashokan that summer. The transition from living at a secluded woodland camp with a small group of people who needed little excuse to celebrate the joy of living, back to life as usual, with traffic, newscasts, telephones and impersonal relationships, had been difficult. By the time the tune took form, I was in tears. I kept it to myself for months, unable to fully understand the emotions that welled up whenever I played it. I had no idea that this simple tune could effect others in the same way.

    [Link]

    It is exactly this sense of melancholy that makes the song so powerful. Ungar describes his loss of community at the summer’s conclusion, but it is easy to substitute this with a personal sense of plaintiveness. Even while Jay mourns the passing of summer, one could readily long for a lost love, a missed opportunity, or a change of pace all the same. Simply put, the emotions conjured by the music may be person specific, but the nature of the music itself is universal.  Given the change invariably brought about through the on set of fall (See my thoughts on fall and change here, here, here, and here), I felt it was a timely selection. 

    In all, it is an absolutely stunning piece, and well-deserving of the title Pax Plena Song of the Week. A video of Ungar and Bain performing the song appears below as filmed in the Transatlantic Sessions by the BBC. Enjoy!