The members of the St. Sinner Orchestra often point out that our repertoire leans toward dark themes, with song titles such as “Die Alone,” “Idiot,” and “Sinking Like a Stone.” But this new one, “Love,” is all sunshine. My change in tone surely has something to do with a new love and the accompanying hopes, fears, and butterflies. No, I’m not plowing new ground in writing a love song–or even in writing a song about not needing another (silly) love song–so sue me.
The idea for the song started when I texted my friend Steve “I’ll be in Ukraine in the middle of May. And also, I might be in love,” and he immediately responded, “You are not in love.” After some good-natured banter, we agreed to disagree with me stating, “I’m totally not taking your advice. I’m really into her,” and him admitting that “Long distance relationship advice is even worse than long distance relationships.” (Steve, in case you’re wondering, no, you don’t get a co-writing credit.)
This is just a demo–a musical shakedown cruise, as it were. I’m working up a full string arrangement that will likely be premiered at the St. Sinner Orchestra’s gig on January 24, 2019 at Schmohz. Be there.
1. Steve says that I’m not in love:
“It’s too soon—blah, blah, blah…”
But I didn’t listen to a word he said.
Maybe I will never learn
the thousand ways that love can hurt you,
but I’d rather die learning than live just avoiding pain.
So I’m jumping back in it.
Love—could anyone hope for more than
love?—Isn’t it all we want?
Love—who wouldn’t give it all for love?
2. Lovers have come and lovers have gone;
they’ve spilled their ink and they’ve sung their songs.
God only knows I’m not the first one to feel this way.
Love, from a distance, is cool and remote
like the moon seen through a telescope.
But now I’m in your orbit, under your sway.
And I can’t get away from
Love—could anyone hope for more than
love?—Isn’t it all we want?
Love—who wouldn’t give it all for love?
3. Does the world need another love song
with the hopeful lift of ii, V, I chords
and a “love, love, love” that comes back again and again?
We might get tired of the same refrain,
the pop cliches, deceptive cadences,
but we all hope we’ll find love that never ends.
And so we keep singing:
Love—could anyone hope for more than
love?—Isn’t it all we want?
Love—who wouldn’t give it all for love?
