Perhaps it’s a cliché, but music does tame the heart and stir the soul. One of the people who most influenced me during my teens as I was forming the values that still guide my daily life was John Denver.
The celebrated and gifted musician, actor, singer and songwriter won fame and recognition for the purity of his voice. His songs taped the heart speaking of the complexity of emotional connections to others in the simplest way. Lovely acoustic melodies played on a six or twelve-string guitar strayed inside of me and stayed there.
Yes, his songs are beautiful. But, it’s the legacy of conservation for wildlife that lingers on. It was John who taught me to be responsible for what I did and to not harm other creatures out of ignorance.
So many years later, I can hear this song and still be moved to tears. The power of great music!
The Queen of 70’s Rock, Helen Reddy, released this song, “You and Me Against the World”, in 1974. What a delight it still is four decades later. How can it be the voice and lyrics can still enchant the ear and soothe something deep inside. Ms. Reddy is a personal childhood heroine. She is the rare artist who lived the words of her songs. No wonder it feels like an old friend to visit this song again. Reddy always put something of herself in each recording. She sang from her heart with connectivity and confidence in every note.
How pretty is the melody and flow of words written by Paul Williams. The endearing voices at the end of the song of Reddy and her daughter Traci declaring their love for each other on the original recording lifts this songs emotional appeal.
Comments by fans on YouTube often mention the fond memory of a beloved husband, friend or companion animal when they pause to listen to this song. The person remembers the care, the unconditional support of another presence. Someone is there who cares. Someone will remember these moments. Someone loved me when I was young.
Hail the blessed hearts who stayed by our sides in times of trouble. Here is Helen Reddy making a guest appearance on the popular Muppet’s Show. so welcoming and friendly to artists. The memories of these days are precious.
Lyrics
You and me against the world,
Sometimes it seems like you and me against the world,
When all the others turn their backs and walked away,
You can count on me to stay.
Remember when the circus came to town
How you were frightened by the clown,
Wasn’t it nice to be around someone that you knew,
Someone who was big and strong and looking out for
You and me against the world,
Sometimes it seems like you and me against the world
And for all the times we’ve cried I always felt that
God was on our side.
And when one of us is gone,
And one of us is left to carry on,
Then remembering will have to do,
Our memories alone will get us through
Think about the days of me and you,
Of you and me against the world.
Songwriters: Kenneth Lee Ascher / Paul H. Williams
Enya is a remarkable artist. The overwhelming theme behind each of her songs are the elements of earth, air, fire and water. Her haunting, at times ethereal voice, conveys the feelings of joy, sadness, hope and solace found in every heart. The songwriting team of Enya, Nicky and Roma Ryan create a wash of color and sound with each song.
All at once, the melodies and prose connect us to spirit. Our senses, especially the elusive sixth sense, are alerted, touched by her voice and her intention. The tactile world of root and rock. The fragrance of rivers and moss. The sight of poppies in bloom and wheat swaying under the summers breeze are in the musical tones and notes. The memory of Pomona, Selene and Nike are called forth to join in Enya’s songs.
The fey, celebrated and prolific artist from Donegal Ireland gives a song to the flow of sunlight upon flowers and moonlight upon lovers. “Flora’s Secret”, is a charming love song to the earth and all that makes life glorious. The waltz time measure lifts the spirits and remind us how lovely a moment can be.
“Flora’s Secret” is on the CD: A Day withour Rain, published by Warner Music in 2000.
“Flora’s Secret” by Enya
Lovers in the long grass
Look above them
Only they can see
Where the clouds are going
Only to discover
Dust and sunlight
Ever make the sky so blue
Afternoon is hazy
River flowing
All around the sounds
Moving closer to them
Telling them the story
Told by Flora
Dreams they never knew
Silver willows
Tears from Persia
Those who come
From a far-off island
Winter Chanterelle lies
Under cover
Glory-of-the-sun in blue
Some they know as passion
Some as freedom
Some they know as love
And the way it leaves them
Summer snowflake
For a season
When the sky above is blue
When the sky above is blue
Lying in the long grass
Close beside her
Giving her the name
Of the one the moon loves
This will be the day she
Will remember
When she knew his heart was
Loving in the long grass
Close beside her
Whispering of love
And the way it leaves them
Lying in the long grass
In the sunlight
They believe it’s true love
And from all around them
Flora’s secret
Telling them of love
And the way it breathes, and
Looking up from eyes of
Amaranthine …
They can see the sky is blue
Knowing that their love is true
Dreams they never knew
And the sky above is blue
LuceStellare 