Music in the Time of Foreclosure

A friend and reader of LITTOF wrote me recently to share a song. A little bit of times-appropriate music.

This is the chorus from “Danny’s Song” written by Kenny Loggins. I think we all know this song, yes? Let’s sing:

And even though we ain't got money
I'm so in love with ya, honey
And everything will bring a chain of love
And in the mornin' when I rise
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me, everything is gonna be alright

Doesn’t that make you feel better? It works on me. Lately I’ve been curbing my NPR and Air America addiction and choosing music instead. Why? Because listening constantly to news about how awful things are out there does not make me feel better. I keep up on the news, but I don’t need to be surrounded by it constantly. We live in a house that’s a statistic in this crisis. I’m reminded of our foreclosure status on a daily basis. What I really need is some good tunes.

I thought I’d start a list of “Music in the Time of Foreclosure”… songs that speak to “difficult times” and have an inescapable ‘cheering up’ power.

I have only just begun and these are all off the top of my head and in no particular order…

“Here Comes the Sun” - The Beatles (written by George Harrison)
This one is obvious. I love the Beatles.

“Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” - Bob Dylan
Okay, so it’s a break-up song. But there’s hope. Hard times. And hope. It fits. (and it’s a great song.)

“Suite Judy Blue Eyes” – Crosby, Stills & Young (written by Stephen Stills)
I’m including this one because of the pain to hope quotient. Lots of pain with a good dose of hope. It also has one of my favorite lyrics: Don’t let the past remind you of what you aren’t right now.

“Lucky” by Jason Mraz
Okay, yes, I sing this to Bob. Often. Please don’t throw tomatoes at me. Here’s the chorus:

Lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again

“Float On” – Modest Mouse
Makes me want to dance. It’s kind of like this decade’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy”… but a lot more whimsy. Bob pointed out to me that it means it doesn't matter what happens because we're all going to die anyway.
"Float On" = die? I don't know. Maybe.

Bob's interpretation: Don't worry, we're all going to die.
My interpretation: Don't worry, it'll all be alright.

The same? Or opposite? I guess that depends too.

So, what songs would you add to the list?

I had a friend tell me once that Ani Difranco’s Dilate album gave her the insight and power to kick her dysfunctional relationship to the curb and carried her through the pain of that break-up to the other side. That’s some powerful music.

So, Music in the Time of Foreclosure. What are we looking for?

Songs that speak to difficult times that have hope and the power to uplift.

- What songs have gotten you through hard times?
- What songs make you feel better about humanity?
- What songs make you smile no matter how depressed you might feel?

Send 'em in! I want to hear!

Leave your song suggestions in the comments section. Pretty please. Thank you!


Pop Music Reflects on Hard Times - Washington Post