Some song lyrics grab me and it's often because they tell a story.
Ironically, in the post for my previous Battle of the Bands I observed that I usually don't pay that much attention to song lyrics. Now in this Battle I'm going to present two different songs where the lyrics do speak to me to the extent that I am moved by them. It helps that the lyrics are easy to understand, but I think that when lyrics tell a story they are easier to follow.
Battle of the Bands
Steve Forbert "January 23-30, 1978" (1979)
If not available in your region for alternate recording click here.
Steve Forbert is one of those artists who probably should have been more famous. His songs are impeccably composed and performed with a Dylanesque style, yet displaying a unique sound. This song about an adult man's week-long visit to his hometown where he relives old memories first caught my attention after I got a copy of the album on cassette in the early 1980's. The closing line, "It's often said that life is strange, but compared to what?", kind of sums up much of my own outlook on life. To me this is one of the most perfectly constructed and presented story songs that I know.
Billy Currington "People Are Crazy" (2009)
(For an alternate version please click here.)
This song has that twang that might turn some of you off and you might not agree with the sentiments expressed, but, hey, it's a country song so it is what it is. The story is fun. It's a story about drinking, talking, and reminiscing with a bit of a twist at the end.
Time to Vote!
Two songs with two stories. I hope that you've enjoyed them. Maybe it's not your style of music, but hopefully you'll keep a musically open mind in assessing the two versions. Let us know what you think about these two recordings. Is there one that you prefer over the other? If you're visiting a Battle of the Bands post for the first time then let me briefly explain. Please give each song version a fair listen to decide which one you enjoy the most. If you don't like either then at least tell us which recording was least innocuous to you. This comes down to your preference and it's as easy as that.
Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.
Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
DC Relief Battle of the Bands
The Doglady's Den
Angel's Bark
Cherdo on the Flipside
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Janie Junebug Righting & Editing.
J. A. Scott
Quiet Laughter
Holli's Hoots and Hollers
Be ReInVintaged
the pedestrian writer
Winner Announced on Wednesday September 21st
I'll have a post up on Monday the 19th so I hope you visit for that post, but the results of the above battle will be posted a couple days later. Who will win? Your votes will decide.
Do you tend to pay more attention to a song if the lyrics tell a story? What is your favorite story song of all time? Have you ever written or tried to write a story song?
