X is for Xanax, Baby

X-Xanax and Wine. I love most U2 songs. “Xanax and Wine” is no exception. It opens with a loud and dirty guitar riff. The song itself seems comprised of three distinct sections. The accompaniment clearly changes on the line “all I want is a picture of you” and again at the chorus of “save me.” The lyrics seem to be about replacing a relationship with substance abuse, needing one or the other to survive. Or they may just signify needing a moment of calm in a world of chaos. However, as far as side effects are concerned, taking Xanax and drinking wine is not widely recommended.

All I want is a picture in a locket, your face in my pocket; I take a pill to stop it.

U2, “Xanax and Wine,” Unreleased and Rare, 2004

W is for Weary

W- Walk Away. The simplicity of this song is striking. It is a man with a unique and forlorn vocal instrument narrating a tale about the end of a relationship. The sparse guitar accompaniment gives the song the appropriately empty feeling. The song is honest, and heartbreakingly true. “It’s so hard to do, and so easy to say. But sometimes, sometimes, you just have to walk away…”

They say time will make all this go away. But it’s time that has taken my tomorrows and turned them into yesterdays…

Ben Harper, “Walk Away,” Welcome to the Cruel World, 1994

V is for Vulnerable

V- Voices Carry. Ah, yes, another throwback to the 80s. The instrumentation on this one is unobtrusive, leaving plenty of room for the weighty lyrics. This is a story of a man more in love with his ego than he is with his unfortunate female companion. It is a song about suffering through the lack of reciprocation of feelings and respect. I have had a relationship like this one, unfortunately. Perhaps that’s why this song strikes a chord with me. The melody is a great one to sing along to because of the dynamic changes: there are certain parts where you can really belt it out, if you want. The addition of voices at the end is particularly effective, and gives the last part of the song a haunting quality.

He wants me, but only part of the time. He wants me, if he can keep me in line…

‘Til Tuesday, “Voices Carry,” Voices Carry, 1985

U is for Unforgettable

U- Unchained Melody. This song will always remind me of the movie Ghost, but that’s only one of the reasons I enjoy it so much. It is straightforward as far as the lyrics are concerned: it is an unapologetic plea for love. Note that opening instrumentation is simple, and then the orchestra is introduced. The swell of the orchestra enhances the sweeping romantic feel of the melody. The melody itself contains many well placed embellishments. Dynamic contrast is present in both the melody and the supporting instrumentation, and this further augments the emotional elements of the piece. The incorporation of the chorus at the end emphasizes the final major chord perfectly.

Lonely rivers sigh, wait for me; wait for me. I’ll be coming home, wait for me…

“Unchained Melody,” written by Alex North and Hy Zaret, performed by the Righteous Brothers, 1965

T is for Tick Tock

T-Time After Time. This classic ballad has always held special significance for me. The imagery illustrated by the lyrics is haunting, and Cyndi Lauper has such a beautiful and unique voice. I love the forcefulness of the chorus, peaking with the almost screamed “I will be waiting.” The only instrumental element that dates this piece is the use of the synthesizer. And even its use is not overwhelming; in fact, the electronic elements contribute to the more atmospheric aspects of the piece.

The second hand unwinds.

Cyndi Lauper, “Time After Time,” She’s So Unusual, 1983

S is for Sublime Setting

S-Saturday in the Park. I love this song for many reasons. The first chords on the piano instantly infect me with happiness. The smooth vocals of Robert Lamm and Peter Cetera are a perfect complement to the horn section. In short, this is a groovy tune.

Can you dig it? Yes, I can.

Chicago, “Saturday in the Park,” Chicago V, 1972

R is for Raging Repeatedly

R-Runs in the Family. I love Amanda Palmer. Her lyrics are incisive and her style is balls to the wall. In “Runs in the Family” Palmer takes a not-so-delicate look at mental illness, citing different examples of friends who have peculiar “maladies.” The unifying excuse for such illness is the observation that it “runs in the family.” I have bipolar disorder and OCD: as it turns out, both of these illnesses run in my family. And while I can manage these maladies, I will never be entirely free of them. Isn’t that a comforting thought?

If wellness is this what in God’s name is sickness?

Amanda Palmer, “Runs in the Family,” Who Killed Amanda Palmer, 2008