“Each man’s simplicity is all he can hope to achieve.”
I’ve been thinking about this quote1 a lot lately. I think about it as it applies to my personal life and relationships, my professional projects and, of course, to songwriting.
Three and a half minutes (even 6 minutes if you go prog) allows for only so many notes and words with which to express oneself. So we must choose. Choose what stays and what goes. Choose where our time and attention, and consequently, the time and attention of the listener, is directed.
Trim the fat. Remove the waste. Simplify.
Here are 3 songs I have discovered recently that are profound in their directness and simplicity.
First up:
In Chris Weisman’s2 excellent piece on The Beatles’ final song, “Now And Then,” I discovered that “Grow Old With Me” was included amongst “Free As A Bird,” “Real Love,” and “Now And Then”—the Lennon cassette tapes Yoko famously gave Paul in 1994. It seems to never have been released as a Beatles’ song but you can find it on the John and Yoko album, Milk and Honey.
Speaking of simplicity, here is something Lennon supposedly told Bowie about songwriting. Wise, funny, a little pat, but worth thinking about:
"He said, ‘It’s very easy: all you have to do is say what you mean, make it rhyme and put a backbeat to it.’”
2:
From the Barbie soundtrack. Forget the context of the movie or the toy line and the song becomes a melancholic, existential longing and lament about the shift from childhood to adolescence and the warping forces of patriarchy, North American beauty ideals and capitalism.
Apple Music
3.
I love the way Beverly sings this. Operatic, deeply rooted and sublime. It’s worth watching the live recording online—the way he spreads out his arms when he sings, like wings looking to catch the song floating up from beneath.
I hope this finds you well.
love,
David
Unfortunately, I can’t remember who said this and a google search brings up a mess of other “simplicity” quotes. If someone knows, please feel free to share in the comments.
An incredible songwriter and musician who has gained some notoriety of late for working with producer and songwriter, Blake Mills. Check out their excellent collaborative album, Jelly Road.
P.S. I’m currently looking through your New Year song requests. If you missed that issue and would like to sneak in a request you can do so below.
Oohhh spider in my guitar case!!
Thank you for introducing me to that song for Elizabeth. It was incredibly moving and what a tribute to have someone write that about you.
Also I have thought of another new year song....The Wind Beneath My Wings". I know it makes me cry every time I hear it, even in the mall, but sometimes when I am sad I just need the catalyst to cry.