Lyrics of Two is an indie/folk/pop band from California with a unique style. They have been the #1 band in Los Angeles Deli Music Charts, a chart for emerging and indie artists, and have been well-received by a dedicated following.
Their recent single, Let’s Make This Earth From House to Home, is a tender and idealistic song about how our world could be a blissful utopia.
The lyrics are written by published poet and author, Marie Helen Abramyan, who founded Lyrics of Two Publishing and recently released a children’s book titled ‘The Rhyming Tales Of The Helpful Friends And The Garden Show’. Her story-like song writing captures your imagination. The rhymes and imagery used reminds me of a simplified Johanna Newsom or Kate Bush sort of style of song writing.
A mother’s gentle love, an elder’s wise words
Same heart and soul, no matter where in the world
So in this one world, we got one chance, under this one sky
Let’s come together for all mankind
Lyrics of Two’s singlecertainly channels eco-warrior values, with a gentle, swaying tune that taps into the idealistic point-of-view of how today’s world should be. To bring countries and cultures and peoples together, rather than living in war-town and fractured societies.
Let’s bring peace to this world
No more sadness, hate or hurt
Only kindness, compassion, and unity
For the sake of all humanity
Let’s make this earth from house to home
This song strongly echoes a less-dramatic and a more soothing Earth Song by Michael Jackson. It’s a nurturing and embracing song that features breathy and passionate vocals, which evokes the authenticity of the band’s message.
I have recently re-discovered a song from the seventies.
This song is by a dude named Don McLean,
and the song is named American Pie.
“…Something touched me deep inside, The day the music died So bye, bye Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey in Rye Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die…”
This emotionally-charged blog is being written post-viewing of the film I recently reviewed named “The Boat That Rocked“, where rock and roll, as we knew it in the sixties, came to an abrupt end. When the music died.
It seems many of the most incredible talents die a premature death.
Buddy Holly
Anything from plane crashes such as Buddy Holly who was a great loss to music.
Along with two fellow stars as passengers, Ritchie Valens (who had boarded the plane as a result of winning a coin toss) and Jile Perry Richardson/The Big Popper in 1959. This crash inspired the writing of the song American Pie.
“…Everyday seems a little longer Every way love’s a little stronger Come what may Do you ever long for, true love from me Everyday it’s a-gettin’ closer Goin’ faster than a roller coaster…”
(“Everyday”)
“I don’t like that surfin’ shit. Rock and roll’s been going down hill ever since Buddy Holly died”- American Graffiti
Jimi Hendrix
There were also drug-related deaths, such as Jimi Hendrix in 1970. I think, due to his outstanding guitar skills, his unbelievable singing voice was not recognised quite as much as it should have been.
“…A broom is drearily sweeping Up the broken pieces of yesterday’s life… ‘Cause the life that lived is,
Is dead. And the wind screams Mary…” (“The Wind Cries Mary”)
“You see the thing that makes sense in this crazy world is Rock and Roll.” – The Boat That Rocked (deleted scene)
Elvis Presley
A heart attack got The King, Elvis Presley in 1977 who had the looks, style, talent and personality. I have three photos of him on my wall, even though I wasn’t alive when he was. That’s how influential he was.
“…Please don’t ask me what’s on my mind
I’m a little mixed up,
But I’m feelin’ fine.
When I’m near that girl that I love best
My heart beats so it scares me to death…” (“All Shook Up”)
Wolfman Jack
Wolfman Jack passed away in the arms of his wife, Lou, due to a heart attack in 1995. He was a legendary pop music radio host in the sixties and has appeared in films such as American Graffiti.
Somehow the Rock and Roll stars of our world don’t seem to last.
The Beatles
Sometimes the music dies because it’s simply not created any more. With the most heart-breaking tragedy occurring in 1970, when The Beatles split up.
“…Life is very short
and there’s no time, For fussing and fighting my friend, I have always thought that it’s a crime, So I will ask you once again Try to see it my way…” (“Try To See It My Way”)
By 1980, John Lennon is shot and in 2001 cancer takes George Harrison.
George HarrisonJohn LennonBob Marley
In 1981, the legendary Bob Marley also died of cancer. With his final words being “money can’t buy life”
“…Rise up this mornin’, Smiled with the risin’ sun, Three little birds Pitch by my doorstep Singin’ sweet songs Of melodies pure and true, Sayin’: “This is my message to you Singin’: “Don’t worry ’bout a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right…” (“Three Little Birds”)
Michael Jackson
Despite not really being a fan, I can’t deny the incredible influence Michael Jackson has had on other musicians and, of course, his unmeasurable talent as a performer and musician. He died under suspicious circumstances in 2009. This death is a memorable one for me due to its recent occurrence (I was in maths class, and this shocking news put an end to that lesson… Which was the light in the darkness I guess).
“…It’s close to midnight Something evil’s lurkin’ in the dark Under the moonlight You see a sight that almost stops your heart You try to scream But terror takes the sound before you make it You start to freeze As horror looks you right between the eyes You’re paralyzed ‘Cause this is thriller…” (“Thriller”)
Whitney HoustonAmy Winehouse
Of course, this is just a pinch from the endless realm of musical talent that we know of today. Amy Winehouse (2010) and just yesterday, Whitney Houston are a couple of others that have checked-out much too soon. However, they have still influenced our popular culture and, more importantly, inspired future musicians.
We’ve had many sad days when “the music died”. American Pie is a song that represents the importance of our favourite music and artists. This song is for every time a star has fallen.
Give peace a chance, and keep listening to good music! Especially by the musicians I have mentioned – to keep them alive. They represent the better parts of music because they are talented – unlike many of the ridiculous acts the money-grabbing producers are finding today. Just because we have computers that can sing for these “posers”, doesn’t mean that’s what we should be doing. We need to inspire people today more than ever.
The death that has affected my iPod playlists the most, it’s the death of The Beatles. And with that, I will leave you with John Lennon‘s solo tune, Imagine. Which is about how it could be.
“All you need is love”. And when you feel bad, “take a sad song and make it better”.
Jodie.
NZ Film Freak 