Album: Little FictionsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3828
Length: 4:22
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Where all the biggest questions meet
With little feet stood in the sand
This is where the echoes swell to nothing on the tide
And where a tiny pair of hands
Finds a sea-worn piece of glass
And sets it as a sapphire in her mind
And there she stands
Throwing both her arms around the world
The world that doesn't even know
How much it needs this little girl
It's all gonna be magnificent, she says
It's all gonna be magnificent
This is where it all began
To light your mother's cigarette
And I got to touch her hand
And my heart, there defrosting in a gaze
Wasn't built to be that way
Suddenly I understand
There on the sand
Throwing both her arms around the world
The world that doesn't even know
How much it needs this little girl
It's all gonna be magnificent, she says
It's all gonna be magnificent
It's all gonna be magnificent, she says
It's all gonna be magnificent
The echoes slow, the bottle lands
The echoes slow, and there she stands
And sets it as a sapphire in her mind
And there she stands
Throwing both her arms around the world
The world that doesn't even know
How much it needs this little girl
Isn´t it cool when you´re listening to a song and reading through the comments, and someone has posted a favorite snippet of the lyrics, and you happen to read it right when that part of the song plays?
I haven't the first clue as to how to go about that, but wouldn't it be swell?!
Another 8 in a steady stream of 8's.
I"m seeing Elbow - Little Fictions, but hearing Robert Plant and a banjo?
I'm not sure what song played after Jack White Old Scratch Blues. I came back to the browser to rate it and the words of the song on the web page did not match what was being sung.
What beautiful songwriting. This, and 'Scattered Black and Whites', are Mr. Garvey at his best. Chills every time.
RP turned me on to Elbow, for that I am eternally grateful.
c.
My thoughts and feelings, exactly.
Got to be one of the best bands ever. Guys lyrics and singing are quite exceptional. A thinking man's (Person's to be fashionably woke) band
My partner's a woman and she loves Elbow. She's also a thinker.
Saw them 11/3 at the 9:30 in DC...phenomenal concert, casual, entertaining, great sound, and full on audience participation! Overall great live show! (This was the second song played.)
Sometimes, it is wonderful to understand the effect music and good live shows have on a person...
===================================
Distinguished New Communication Major Acceptance Speech
Erika Yohn
I can remember my first time at a concert.
My dad is an avid music junkie, and bombarded my tiny little ears with 80s rock, 90s British underground, and the like since before I could walk. So, naturally, he took me to an Elbow concert. Elbow is a British band of 40-year-old men that was (and still is) pretty popular across the ocean. As a 14-year-old, I was the youngest one in the club. It was a Tuesday night in Washington D.C., three hours from home. Not the prime place for me to be during my bedtime on a school night.
But it was a night I will never forget.
I sang my tiny lungs out, knowing every word by heart. I even wore shoes I colored in the spirit of the band (I still wear them to every concert to this day). The most magical part of the night was when they played my favorite song of all time. My dad had a bruise from the excited pushing and squeezing he endured when I heard the first notes.
I cried a little, I will admit. It was such a pivotal night in my life, and in more ways than I
thought at the time. I kept thinking to myself, like most young kids, I wanted to be on stage.
I wanted to give others the same experience. I wanted to be the reason someone buys show tickets months in advance and keeps a countdown calendar like I did.
But I had one slight issue. I could not sing, or play an instrument well enough. And honestly, I had little motivation to learn.
Music still had a hold on me, though. I realized that there is so much more that goes into making someone's favorite song. There is more than just the instruments or singers. There are sound engineers, and record labels, and producers.
That is what I wanted. I wanted a hand in making the music, without overpowering the initial creativity of the songwriter. I wanted to be a maker and a listener. And I decided I was going to be a producer.
Throughout high school, I did as much as was possible to learn what was needed to pursue my dream. I did a sound engineering and production workshop, and went to more concerts than I can count. I fell in love with the technology and software in the studio. I found my niche.
College is just a steppingstone to more opportunity. And learning the ins and outs of a multitude of media industries now gives me the chance to bring ingenuity to the table in the future. I finally get to spend time learning about exactly what I love. And to me, that is the greatest part about studying communication.
I love what I am studying, and the material just ignites my passions further. Degree in hand, I will get to fulfill the original dream of sharing the experience of music with others. The little girl screaming in the crowd will not be me anymore, but someone else. And I will be the one responsible for the favorite song, for the bruises on Dad's shoulder.
I will create the unforgettable night for someone else.
====================
I think this is one of the most beautiful and inspiring comments I have ever read on Radio Paradise. Thank you Erika. And please update us on your musical journey.
It's my go to song when I miss my daughters when I am traveling for work.
While growing up, my 3 adult daughters frequently visited my parents who live a hundred yards from a beautiful Puget Sound Washington beach.
They each began combing that beach not long after beginning to walk and do so to this day on occasion.
It reflects in their taste in things like art, decor, vacation destinations, recreational activities etc.
Here in this song, the line - "Where a tiny pair of hands finds a sea-worn piece of glass and sets it as a sapphire in her mind " , clearly and perfectly describes my girls growing up.
It's Magnificent, I love it.
TL;DR
dick
Saw them 11/3 at the 9:30 in DC...phenomenal concert, casual, entertaining, great sound, and full on audience participation! Overall great live show! (This was the second song played.)
Sometimes, it is wonderful to understand the effect music and good live shows have on a person...
===================================
Distinguished New Communication Major Acceptance Speech
Erika Yohn
I can remember my first time at a concert.
My dad is an avid music junkie, and bombarded my tiny little ears with 80s rock, 90s British underground, and the like since before I could walk. So, naturally, he took me to an Elbow concert. Elbow is a British band of 40-year-old men that was (and still is) pretty popular across the ocean. As a 14-year-old, I was the youngest one in the club. It was a Tuesday night in Washington D.C., three hours from home. Not the prime place for me to be during my bedtime on a school night.
But it was a night I will never forget.
I sang my tiny lungs out, knowing every word by heart. I even wore shoes I colored in the spirit of the band (I still wear them to every concert to this day). The most magical part of the night was when they played my favorite song of all time. My dad had a bruise from the excited pushing and squeezing he endured when I heard the first notes.
I cried a little, I will admit. It was such a pivotal night in my life, and in more ways than I
thought at the time. I kept thinking to myself, like most young kids, I wanted to be on stage.
I wanted to give others the same experience. I wanted to be the reason someone buys show tickets months in advance and keeps a countdown calendar like I did.
But I had one slight issue. I could not sing, or play an instrument well enough. And honestly, I had little motivation to learn.
Music still had a hold on me, though. I realized that there is so much more that goes into making someone's favorite song. There is more than just the instruments or singers. There are sound engineers, and record labels, and producers.
That is what I wanted. I wanted a hand in making the music, without overpowering the initial creativity of the songwriter. I wanted to be a maker and a listener. And I decided I was going to be a producer.
Throughout high school, I did as much as was possible to learn what was needed to pursue my dream. I did a sound engineering and production workshop, and went to more concerts than I can count. I fell in love with the technology and software in the studio. I found my niche.
College is just a steppingstone to more opportunity. And learning the ins and outs of a multitude of media industries now gives me the chance to bring ingenuity to the table in the future. I finally get to spend time learning about exactly what I love. And to me, that is the greatest part about studying communication.
I love what I am studying, and the material just ignites my passions further. Degree in hand, I will get to fulfill the original dream of sharing the experience of music with others. The little girl screaming in the crowd will not be me anymore, but someone else. And I will be the one responsible for the favorite song, for the bruises on Dad's shoulder.
I will create the unforgettable night for someone else.
====================
TL;DR
Guy has it all - even his late mother-in-law (Diana Rigg) who was Emma Peel in the Avengers a British 1960 adventure series who corrupted many a young man in her leather catsuit.
I love almost everything Elbow puts out. Thank you for the reminder of my corruption. I had no idea there was a connection
Guy has it all - even his late mother-in-law (Diana Rigg) who was Emma Peel in the Avengers a British 1960 adventure series who corrupted many a young man in her leather catsuit.
I am a new grandpa of a little girl and the lyrics of this song are magnificent.
I'm totaly with you. Every time I hear this song it makes me long for the time my daughter who is 19 at this moment was still a child. Time flies...
I am a new grandpa of a little girl and the lyrics of this song are magnificent.
I'm doubling my monthly contribution..great curation by real disc jockeys, not Bob Radio!
I'm trying to save my 10s for iconic, influential songs like 'Strange Fruit', otherwise this is a solid 10 for me. I'm not taking anything away from Elbow - I think GG would agree Billie Holiday is on another level.
c.
Saw them 11/3 at the 9:30 in DC...phenomenal concert, casual, entertaining, great sound, and full on audience participation! Overall great live show! (This was the second song played.)
Sometimes, it is wonderful to understand the effect music and good live shows have on a person...
===================================
Distinguished New Communication Major Acceptance Speech
Erika Yohn
I can remember my first time at a concert.
My dad is an avid music junkie, and bombarded my tiny little ears with 80s rock, 90s British underground, and the like since before I could walk. So, naturally, he took me to an Elbow concert. Elbow is a British band of 40-year-old men that was (and still is) pretty popular across the ocean. As a 14-year-old, I was the youngest one in the club. It was a Tuesday night in Washington D.C., three hours from home. Not the prime place for me to be during my bedtime on a school night.
But it was a night I will never forget.
I sang my tiny lungs out, knowing every word by heart. I even wore shoes I colored in the spirit of the band (I still wear them to every concert to this day). The most magical part of the night was when they played my favorite song of all time. My dad had a bruise from the excited pushing and squeezing he endured when I heard the first notes.
I cried a little, I will admit. It was such a pivotal night in my life, and in more ways than I
thought at the time. I kept thinking to myself, like most young kids, I wanted to be on stage.
I wanted to give others the same experience. I wanted to be the reason someone buys show tickets months in advance and keeps a countdown calendar like I did.
But I had one slight issue. I could not sing, or play an instrument well enough. And honestly, I had little motivation to learn.
Music still had a hold on me, though. I realized that there is so much more that goes into making someone's favorite song. There is more than just the instruments or singers. There are sound engineers, and record labels, and producers.
That is what I wanted. I wanted a hand in making the music, without overpowering the initial creativity of the songwriter. I wanted to be a maker and a listener. And I decided I was going to be a producer.
Throughout high school, I did as much as was possible to learn what was needed to pursue my dream. I did a sound engineering and production workshop, and went to more concerts than I can count. I fell in love with the technology and software in the studio. I found my niche.
College is just a steppingstone to more opportunity. And learning the ins and outs of a multitude of media industries now gives me the chance to bring ingenuity to the table in the future. I finally get to spend time learning about exactly what I love. And to me, that is the greatest part about studying communication.
I love what I am studying, and the material just ignites my passions further. Degree in hand, I will get to fulfill the original dream of sharing the experience of music with others. The little girl screaming in the crowd will not be me anymore, but someone else. And I will be the one responsible for the favorite song, for the bruises on Dad's shoulder.
I will create the unforgettable night for someone else.
====================
So Erica - how is is coming along three years later? Wishing you the best of luck in what I understand is a tough industry!
Cheers,
-Dave
I love the melodramatic feel to it . . .. . some awe and joy for a change!
Don't forget mate, time marches on for you too.
Finds a sea-worn piece of glass
And sets it as a sapphire in her mind
And there she stands
Throwing both her arms around the world
The world that doesn't even know
How much it needs this little girl
What beautiful songwriting. This, and 'Scattered Black and Whites', are Mr. Garvey at his best. Chills every time.
RP turned me on to Elbow, for that I am eternally grateful.
c.
And sets it as a sapphire in her mind
And there she stands
Throwing both her arms around the world
The world that doesn't even know
How much it needs this little girl
:-)
Which album of Knee do you recommend?
I'm with you. I'm a new dad and this song makes me misty
I've always liked this song, but until today never caught the lyrics in detail. What a great, uplifting message!
Liking this band more and more.
I simply HAVE to see these 'Magnificent' musicians before I pass on. Please?
I'm hoping they come to the U.S. again soon, but it looks like they're touring Europe from Nov '19 - Apr '20.
What's so great about Europe, anyway? Does anyone actually live there?
I do, and I may have just imagined this but thought I noticed a half-starved creature scurrying off into one of those dark and dank cobblestoned back alleys just before darkness on a dreadful mid-winter evening... Cheers from Hamburg (Home of the Burger - NOT!)
I must have been in a really bad mood when I rated this originally.
I simply HAVE to see these 'Magnificent' musicians before I pass on. Please?
I'm hoping they come to the U.S. again soon, but it looks like they're touring Europe from Nov '19 - Apr '20.
What's so great about Europe, anyway? Does anyone actually live there?
Yes, but I prefer Xiphoid Process.
I stop to pause the song for a minute. Stabbing the Pause button with the end of my arm to avoid getting paint on the screen. Accidentally hit the Forward button.
What starts playing? This song by Elbow.
You can't fight fate.
Compare this to U2's song of the same name 'Magnificent'.
The Elbow one is very good but the U2 one has "cahonas" and I think that is what I like about U2 and what some others dislike - a front man who has braggadocio.
Another example is Perry Farrell of Janes Addiction - have a look at their video on Youtube called "Just Because" from the album Strays - for me that is what I want a front man to be like - loud and proud.
I realise not every front man (or woman) wants or can be like that but just stating my preferences
-Thank you, Bill.
Sometimes, it is wonderful to understand the effect music and good live shows have on a person...
===================================
Distinguished New Communication Major Acceptance Speech
Erika Yohn
I can remember my first time at a concert.
My dad is an avid music junkie, and bombarded my tiny little ears with 80s rock, 90s British underground, and the like since before I could walk. So, naturally, he took me to an Elbow concert. Elbow is a British band of 40-year-old men that was (and still is) pretty popular across the ocean. As a 14-year-old, I was the youngest one in the club. It was a Tuesday night in Washington D.C., three hours from home. Not the prime place for me to be during my bedtime on a school night.
But it was a night I will never forget.
I sang my tiny lungs out, knowing every word by heart. I even wore shoes I colored in the spirit of the band (I still wear them to every concert to this day). The most magical part of the night was when they played my favorite song of all time. My dad had a bruise from the excited pushing and squeezing he endured when I heard the first notes.
I cried a little, I will admit. It was such a pivotal night in my life, and in more ways than I
thought at the time. I kept thinking to myself, like most young kids, I wanted to be on stage.
I wanted to give others the same experience. I wanted to be the reason someone buys show tickets months in advance and keeps a countdown calendar like I did.
But I had one slight issue. I could not sing, or play an instrument well enough. And honestly, I had little motivation to learn.
Music still had a hold on me, though. I realized that there is so much more that goes into making someone's favorite song. There is more than just the instruments or singers. There are sound engineers, and record labels, and producers.
That is what I wanted. I wanted a hand in making the music, without overpowering the initial creativity of the songwriter. I wanted to be a maker and a listener. And I decided I was going to be a producer.
Throughout high school, I did as much as was possible to learn what was needed to pursue my dream. I did a sound engineering and production workshop, and went to more concerts than I can count. I fell in love with the technology and software in the studio. I found my niche.
College is just a steppingstone to more opportunity. And learning the ins and outs of a multitude of media industries now gives me the chance to bring ingenuity to the table in the future. I finally get to spend time learning about exactly what I love. And to me, that is the greatest part about studying communication.
I love what I am studying, and the material just ignites my passions further. Degree in hand, I will get to fulfill the original dream of sharing the experience of music with others. The little girl screaming in the crowd will not be me anymore, but someone else. And I will be the one responsible for the favorite song, for the bruises on Dad's shoulder.
I will create the unforgettable night for someone else.
====================
Yes. Lovely. Do it.
Hilarious!
This one is growing on me.
I was hearing 'It's all going to be like a movie set' before I noted the song title. Seems more likely....
Live Music is Better, Bumper Stickers Should Be issued.
They are indeed a very good live band....
Sometimes, it is wonderful to understand the effect music and good live shows have on a person...
===================================
Distinguished New Communication Major Acceptance Speech
Erika Yohn
I can remember my first time at a concert. ....
... I will create the unforgettable night for someone else.
====================
And this, folks, is what these boards are for. The love of the music and appreciation of the music. Sharing positive experiences with the music. Thanks ayohn!
Sometimes, it is wonderful to understand the effect music and good live shows have on a person...
===================================
Distinguished New Communication Major Acceptance Speech
Erika Yohn
I can remember my first time at a concert.
My dad is an avid music junkie, and bombarded my tiny little ears with 80s rock, 90s British underground, and the like since before I could walk. So, naturally, he took me to an Elbow concert. Elbow is a British band of 40-year-old men that was (and still is) pretty popular across the ocean. As a 14-year-old, I was the youngest one in the club. It was a Tuesday night in Washington D.C., three hours from home. Not the prime place for me to be during my bedtime on a school night.
But it was a night I will never forget.
I sang my tiny lungs out, knowing every word by heart. I even wore shoes I colored in the spirit of the band (I still wear them to every concert to this day). The most magical part of the night was when they played my favorite song of all time. My dad had a bruise from the excited pushing and squeezing he endured when I heard the first notes.
I cried a little, I will admit. It was such a pivotal night in my life, and in more ways than I
thought at the time. I kept thinking to myself, like most young kids, I wanted to be on stage.
I wanted to give others the same experience. I wanted to be the reason someone buys show tickets months in advance and keeps a countdown calendar like I did.
But I had one slight issue. I could not sing, or play an instrument well enough. And honestly, I had little motivation to learn.
Music still had a hold on me, though. I realized that there is so much more that goes into making someone's favorite song. There is more than just the instruments or singers. There are sound engineers, and record labels, and producers.
That is what I wanted. I wanted a hand in making the music, without overpowering the initial creativity of the songwriter. I wanted to be a maker and a listener. And I decided I was going to be a producer.
Throughout high school, I did as much as was possible to learn what was needed to pursue my dream. I did a sound engineering and production workshop, and went to more concerts than I can count. I fell in love with the technology and software in the studio. I found my niche.
College is just a steppingstone to more opportunity. And learning the ins and outs of a multitude of media industries now gives me the chance to bring ingenuity to the table in the future. I finally get to spend time learning about exactly what I love. And to me, that is the greatest part about studying communication.
I love what I am studying, and the material just ignites my passions further. Degree in hand, I will get to fulfill the original dream of sharing the experience of music with others. The little girl screaming in the crowd will not be me anymore, but someone else. And I will be the one responsible for the favorite song, for the bruises on Dad's shoulder.
I will create the unforgettable night for someone else.
====================
Wow, that is a nice piece of writing that really resonated with me. Thanks for sharing!
Sometimes, it is wonderful to understand the effect music and good live shows have on a person...
===================================
Distinguished New Communication Major Acceptance Speech
Erika Yohn
I can remember my first time at a concert.
My dad is an avid music junkie, and bombarded my tiny little ears with 80s rock, 90s British underground, and the like since before I could walk. So, naturally, he took me to an Elbow concert. Elbow is a British band of 40-year-old men that was (and still is) pretty popular across the ocean. As a 14-year-old, I was the youngest one in the club. It was a Tuesday night in Washington D.C., three hours from home. Not the prime place for me to be during my bedtime on a school night.
But it was a night I will never forget.
I sang my tiny lungs out, knowing every word by heart. I even wore shoes I colored in the spirit of the band (I still wear them to every concert to this day). The most magical part of the night was when they played my favorite song of all time. My dad had a bruise from the excited pushing and squeezing he endured when I heard the first notes.
I cried a little, I will admit. It was such a pivotal night in my life, and in more ways than I
thought at the time. I kept thinking to myself, like most young kids, I wanted to be on stage.
I wanted to give others the same experience. I wanted to be the reason someone buys show tickets months in advance and keeps a countdown calendar like I did.
But I had one slight issue. I could not sing, or play an instrument well enough. And honestly, I had little motivation to learn.
Music still had a hold on me, though. I realized that there is so much more that goes into making someone's favorite song. There is more than just the instruments or singers. There are sound engineers, and record labels, and producers.
That is what I wanted. I wanted a hand in making the music, without overpowering the initial creativity of the songwriter. I wanted to be a maker and a listener. And I decided I was going to be a producer.
Throughout high school, I did as much as was possible to learn what was needed to pursue my dream. I did a sound engineering and production workshop, and went to more concerts than I can count. I fell in love with the technology and software in the studio. I found my niche.
College is just a steppingstone to more opportunity. And learning the ins and outs of a multitude of media industries now gives me the chance to bring ingenuity to the table in the future. I finally get to spend time learning about exactly what I love. And to me, that is the greatest part about studying communication.
I love what I am studying, and the material just ignites my passions further. Degree in hand, I will get to fulfill the original dream of sharing the experience of music with others. The little girl screaming in the crowd will not be me anymore, but someone else. And I will be the one responsible for the favorite song, for the bruises on Dad's shoulder.
I will create the unforgettable night for someone else.
====================
Thank you for sharing this... My eldest daughter has really latched on to a lot of my music. It's such a wonderful experience to be able to share closely with one's offspring. She absolutely loves Elbow and in particular, Little Fictions.
Sometimes, it is wonderful to understand the effect music and good live shows have on a person...
===================================
Distinguished New Communication Major Acceptance Speech
Erika Yohn
I can remember my first time at a concert.
My dad is an avid music junkie, and bombarded my tiny little ears with 80s rock, 90s British underground, and the like since before I could walk. So, naturally, he took me to an Elbow concert. Elbow is a British band of 40-year-old men that was (and still is) pretty popular across the ocean. As a 14-year-old, I was the youngest one in the club. It was a Tuesday night in Washington D.C., three hours from home. Not the prime place for me to be during my bedtime on a school night.
But it was a night I will never forget.
I sang my tiny lungs out, knowing every word by heart. I even wore shoes I colored in the spirit of the band (I still wear them to every concert to this day). The most magical part of the night was when they played my favorite song of all time. My dad had a bruise from the excited pushing and squeezing he endured when I heard the first notes.
I cried a little, I will admit. It was such a pivotal night in my life, and in more ways than I
thought at the time. I kept thinking to myself, like most young kids, I wanted to be on stage.
I wanted to give others the same experience. I wanted to be the reason someone buys show tickets months in advance and keeps a countdown calendar like I did.
But I had one slight issue. I could not sing, or play an instrument well enough. And honestly, I had little motivation to learn.
Music still had a hold on me, though. I realized that there is so much more that goes into making someone's favorite song. There is more than just the instruments or singers. There are sound engineers, and record labels, and producers.
That is what I wanted. I wanted a hand in making the music, without overpowering the initial creativity of the songwriter. I wanted to be a maker and a listener. And I decided I was going to be a producer.
Throughout high school, I did as much as was possible to learn what was needed to pursue my dream. I did a sound engineering and production workshop, and went to more concerts than I can count. I fell in love with the technology and software in the studio. I found my niche.
College is just a steppingstone to more opportunity. And learning the ins and outs of a multitude of media industries now gives me the chance to bring ingenuity to the table in the future. I finally get to spend time learning about exactly what I love. And to me, that is the greatest part about studying communication.
I love what I am studying, and the material just ignites my passions further. Degree in hand, I will get to fulfill the original dream of sharing the experience of music with others. The little girl screaming in the crowd will not be me anymore, but someone else. And I will be the one responsible for the favorite song, for the bruises on Dad's shoulder.
I will create the unforgettable night for someone else.
====================
I had a similar small triumph: I came into the kitchen a couple years ago and heard my then preteen daughter listening to "Mirror Ball." She'd added it to her ITunes list.
Nov. 6th I'm going to their concert in Oakland. Can't wait
'Tis interesting and amusing to see the spontaneous handwringing and hair-pulling about the new 'tiny hands' president back in January 2017.
Still a nice song.
How the feck did US-centric political comment appear in the board for a song by a Yorkshire band? I've scrolled down and can't see where the thread started, and what justification it has (or, more likely, doesn't have). Neither is the song content in any degree political.
I'm no stranger to political rants, but there's a time and a place, bags*.
* boys and girls (after Iain M Banks)
It started (mildly) with the sixth post up from the bottom, then took on a more noxious aspect on the next post. After that it quickly festered into something that should've been excised with a heated scalpel. Anyhow, cool tune.
The problem with an assassination of Trump is that it would feed the beast that is his support. They'd get to rightfully claim the violence of the left as the true enemy of the country and would feel very empowered. We already are dealing with 40% of the population that live their lives in fear and they don't know it. They live in fear of their god, in fear of change, in fear of outsiders, in fear of science, in fear of knowledge, and in fear of the future. It's been scientifically shown that the fear center of the brain is larger in conservatives while the part of the brain that controls empathy is larger in liberals. It explains a lot.
How the feck did US-centric political comment appear in the board for a song by a Yorkshire band? I've scrolled down and can't see where the thread started, and what justification it has (or, more likely, doesn't have). Neither is the song content in any degree political.
I'm no stranger to political rants, but there's a time and a place, bags*.
* boys and girls (after Iain M Banks)
It's not "political" to wish for the assassination of a President—it's violent. I abhor most all of President Trump's campaign rhetoric, cabinet appointments, tweets, and executive orders, but I more highly value the processes of free elections and advocacy / dissent. These power systems MUST be based on speech and nonviolent action. If we start advocating for regime change through either private or military violence, representative democracy is over.
The problem with an assassination of Trump is that it would feed the beast that is his support. They'd get to rightfully claim the violence of the left as the true enemy of the country and would feel very empowered. We already are dealing with 40% of the population that live their lives in fear and they don't know it. They live in fear of their god, in fear of change, in fear of outsiders, in fear of science, in fear of knowledge, and in fear of the future. It's been scientifically shown that the fear center of the brain is larger in conservatives while the part of the brain that controls empathy is larger in liberals. It explains a lot.
Saw them 11/3 at the 9:30 in DC...phenomenal concert, casual, entertaining, great sound, and full on audience participation! Overall great live show! (This was the second song played.)
Sometimes, it is wonderful to understand the effect music and good live shows have on a person...
===================================
Distinguished New Communication Major Acceptance Speech
Erika Yohn
I can remember my first time at a concert.
My dad is an avid music junkie, and bombarded my tiny little ears with 80s rock, 90s British underground, and the like since before I could walk. So, naturally, he took me to an Elbow concert. Elbow is a British band of 40-year-old men that was (and still is) pretty popular across the ocean. As a 14-year-old, I was the youngest one in the club. It was a Tuesday night in Washington D.C., three hours from home. Not the prime place for me to be during my bedtime on a school night.
But it was a night I will never forget.
I sang my tiny lungs out, knowing every word by heart. I even wore shoes I colored in the spirit of the band (I still wear them to every concert to this day). The most magical part of the night was when they played my favorite song of all time. My dad had a bruise from the excited pushing and squeezing he endured when I heard the first notes.
I cried a little, I will admit. It was such a pivotal night in my life, and in more ways than I
thought at the time. I kept thinking to myself, like most young kids, I wanted to be on stage.
I wanted to give others the same experience. I wanted to be the reason someone buys show tickets months in advance and keeps a countdown calendar like I did.
But I had one slight issue. I could not sing, or play an instrument well enough. And honestly, I had little motivation to learn.
Music still had a hold on me, though. I realized that there is so much more that goes into making someone's favorite song. There is more than just the instruments or singers. There are sound engineers, and record labels, and producers.
That is what I wanted. I wanted a hand in making the music, without overpowering the initial creativity of the songwriter. I wanted to be a maker and a listener. And I decided I was going to be a producer.
Throughout high school, I did as much as was possible to learn what was needed to pursue my dream. I did a sound engineering and production workshop, and went to more concerts than I can count. I fell in love with the technology and software in the studio. I found my niche.
College is just a steppingstone to more opportunity. And learning the ins and outs of a multitude of media industries now gives me the chance to bring ingenuity to the table in the future. I finally get to spend time learning about exactly what I love. And to me, that is the greatest part about studying communication.
I love what I am studying, and the material just ignites my passions further. Degree in hand, I will get to fulfill the original dream of sharing the experience of music with others. The little girl screaming in the crowd will not be me anymore, but someone else. And I will be the one responsible for the favorite song, for the bruises on Dad's shoulder.
I will create the unforgettable night for someone else.
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