Anderton Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 This is an offshoot from some comments in the thread about songwriting...are there songs that bring you to tears? I don't mean something situational, like a song you heard when you had your first kiss or whatever - I mean a song you connected to the first time you heard it, and every time you've heard it thereafter, you still get the same reaction. It's even better if you have no idea why it affects you...it may not even be the kind of music you like. There's just SOMETHING about it. I figure I might as well kick this off, at the risk of personal embarassment in case you listen to any of these and think "wow, they suck, what's wrong with this guy?" This is all pop-oriented material because on the face of it, there seems to be nothing that out of the ordinary about these songs. I don't like them because of production values, cool solos, whatever; nothing cerebral is going on. Why do they get to me? I have no idea. Maybe it's because the parts that really get to me don't kick in until later in the song, so I'm taken aback. Maybe it's because I feel the performances are real, the songs mean something to the singers, and that comes across. Who knows. I HIGHLY recommend if you listen to any of these, DON'T look at the videos...just listen to the music. The videos are distracting. Time After Time - Granted the performance is excellent, but I've heard covers that are done nowhere near as well, and the song still gets to me. [video:youtube] Heaven Outside My Door - This is one of those songs where I thought "it's okay, nothing special" until it hit the chorus. [video:youtube] Biggest Fan - This first time I heard this, it brought me tears. I have no idea why, it's a frickin' Vegas entertainer. But I get the same reaction every time I hear it. [video:youtube] Pray for the Lost and the Lonely - My attitude has absolutely nothing to do with the subject matter, normally I file "message songs" under "don't listen to again." But again, there's something about this song's feel that just seems so effing real. [video:youtube] Your turn...maybe there's some common thread, and we'll unlock the key to songwriting here Quote Craig Anderton Educational site: http://www.craiganderton.org Music: http://www.youtube.com/thecraiganderton Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/craig_anderton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notes_Norton Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 Totally dependent on the conductor and orchestra: Dvorak's 9th symphony Tchaikovsky's 6th symphony Prokofiev's "Romeo & Juliet Concert Suite" And a few others. Some pop songs have moved me as well, I just can't think of them right now. I'm sure a few minutes after I click Post they will com to me. Notes Quote Bob "Notes" Norton Owner, Norton Music http://www.nortonmusic.com Style and Fake disks for Band-in-a-Box The Sophisticats http://www.s-cats.com >^. .^< >^. .^< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BMD Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 I'll Stand by You - The Pretenders Nimrod - Elgar Quote Some songs I've written - https://www.soundclick.com/randomguy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GovernorSilver Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 When Eva Cassidy starts belting out, unleashing the full power of her voice - ProfD on the other forum says he knew half the players on this track: [video:youtube] September 15th by Metheny-Mays - everyone I've played this track for comments on how sorrowful it sounds, without knowing that Pat and Lyle recorded this upon hearing of the passing of Bill Evans (pianist). A bit of it was used in this movie: [video:youtube] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArKay Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 How Can I Help You Say Goodbye - Patty Loveless 1993. Then and every time since. Words and Music, just perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doerfler Posted January 11, 2020 Share Posted January 11, 2020 this one does it to me [video:youtube] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KuruPrionz Posted January 12, 2020 Share Posted January 12, 2020 Back on the Chain Gang by the Pretenders. The Last Time I Saw Richard by Joni Mitchell - the live version Waiting For The Miracle by Leonard Cohen Quote It took a chunk of my life to get here and I am still not sure where "here" is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderton Posted January 12, 2020 Author Share Posted January 12, 2020 I'm really glad I posted this thread. I'm listening to what people are posting and it's quite the experience. Music is so incredible. Quote Craig Anderton Educational site: http://www.craiganderton.org Music: http://www.youtube.com/thecraiganderton Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/craig_anderton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GovernorSilver Posted January 12, 2020 Share Posted January 12, 2020 This was making me cry before I learned the whole album was about Gabriel's divorce and other personal events [video:youtube] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harmonizer Posted January 12, 2020 Share Posted January 12, 2020 Anyone who has been a parent will get this one. It certainly gets me. [video:youtube] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnG11 Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 An interesting thread, here are a few: One that I played a great deal after my father died - "Sérénade mélancolique" by Tchaikovsky. The recording I have is with Artur Grumiaux. "Dido's Lament" from Dido & Aeneas by Purcell. From Handel's Theodora, "With Darkness Deep." From La Wally by Alfredo Catalani, "Ebben. N'andrò lontana". Strangely, as I have no religion ... The adagio from Bach's Easter Oratorio (BWV249) an amazing contrast to the sinfonia preceding it. Parts of both the St.John and the ST.Matthew passions. And others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danzilla Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 There are plenty of songs by Marillion that have done this. Made Again; Neverland; part of The Leavers. But this one... it gets me almost every time. [video:youtube] Andrew Peterson has some moving ones, too. The culmination of his "Behold The Lamb of God" album/concert usually gets some water works, be it in sorrow or joy, from the whole work. But as a single song that can do it, well appropriate song title aside, the Andrew Osenga harmonies on the last verse push me over the edge here. [video:youtube] Glass Hammer has several songs about greater truths that move me ugly at times. Part of it is the lyric, part of it is the majesty of the music. [video:youtube] Quote "Am I enough of a freak to be worth paying to see?"- Separated Out (Marillion) NEW band Old band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonnor Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 Back in the '80's my best friend and I were at Six Flags St. Louis a few days after his father passed away. He'd been away from home and was not able to be with his Dad at the end. Unbeknownst to us, this band had a concert that evening in the park that was free with your park admission and we decided to attend. When they played this song two grown-ass men both broke down. Still happens when I hear it. Every Time. [video:youtube] Quote Gear: Hardware: Nord Stage4, Korg Kronos 2, Novation Summit Software: Cantabile 3, Halion Sonic 3 and assorted VST plug-ins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Bryce Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 Music is so incredible. Truth. This one has always knocked me out, even when I was a kid. Never fails, even today. [video:youtube]https://youtu.be/-PGhnBeqthY dB Quote ==> David Bryce Music • Funky Young Monks <== Professional Affiliations: Royer Labs • Music Player Network Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
area51recording Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 Back in the '80's my best friend and I were at Six Flags St. Louis a few days after his father passed away. He'd been away from home and was not able to be with his Dad at the end. Unbeknownst to us, this band had a concert that evening in the park that was free with your park admission and we decided to attend. When they played this song two grown-ass men both broke down. Still happens when I hear it. Every Time. [video:youtube] This for me as well.....ever since my dad died in '94. We kind of had the same type of relationship as this song describes. I've tried to sing it a few times over the years, but I've given up doing that. I can't get through it without crying...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notes_Norton Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 "My Buddy" by Walter Donaldson, and Gus Kahn was played at almost all of the older jazz musicians' funerals when I grew up. I am generally not moved by the words of a song. The words are the last thing I comprehend, at first they are just articulations contributing to the music. But since this one has such an association with so many older mentors, it always makes me both sad to miss them and happy they touched my life. I don't have any particular favorite version. This one is famous among jazzers. [video:youtube] Notes Quote Bob "Notes" Norton Owner, Norton Music http://www.nortonmusic.com Style and Fake disks for Band-in-a-Box The Sophisticats http://www.s-cats.com >^. .^< >^. .^< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nowarezman Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 I have to mention that, when I'm writing songs, the ones that choke me up during the writing process are typically the better songs. Except for the intentionally amusing songs.... But here's five from people who are not me: River of Tears - Clapton How Can I Tell You - Cat Stevens River Man - Nick Drake The Dutchman - Steve Goodman performing Michael Smith song Spring Wind - Greg Brown nat [video:youtube] [video:youtube] [video:youtube] [video:youtube] [video:youtube] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chip McDonald Posted January 19, 2020 Share Posted January 19, 2020 Albinoni/Giazott's Adagio in Gm. Some Carpenters songs. Depending, just about anything that is fundamentally great. Quote Guitar Lessons in Augusta Georgia: www.chipmcdonald.com Eccentric blog: https://chipmcdonaldblog.blogspot.com/ / "big ass windbag" - Bruce Swedien Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeTurner59 Posted January 29, 2020 Share Posted January 29, 2020 Sang this at my Dad's funeral 10 years ago. Still can't listen to it: [video:youtube] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlamoJoe Posted January 30, 2020 Share Posted January 30, 2020 'Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber. Most versions I've heard have choked me up. It just seems to be raw, visceral, longing and mournfulness. "In My Life" The Beatles "8:05" Moby Grape. There's a episode in my life that is inexorably linked to this song. "Long,Long, Time" Linda Ronstadt That damn song from Titanic that Celine Dion sings. tears me up everytime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Mike Metlay Posted January 30, 2020 Share Posted January 30, 2020 There are a bunch, some of which are mentioned here. I am a very emotional listener, and love the catharsis; I tend to listen alone and on headphones for that reason. But here's one that most folks won't know: from the album Common Ground by the Paul Winter Consort, "Lay Down Your Burden." I want this one played at my funeral. [video:youtube] Quote Dr. Mike Metlay (PhD in nuclear physics, golly gosh) Musician, Author, Editor, Educator, Impresario, Online Radio Guy, Cut-Rate Polymath, and Kindly Pedant Editor-in-Chief, Bjooks ~ Author of SYNTH GEMS 1 clicky!: more about me ~ my radio station (and my fam) ~ my local tribe ~ my day job ~ my book ~ my music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jwave Posted February 6, 2020 Share Posted February 6, 2020 'Infamous Angel' album by Iris Dement. [video:youtube]https://youtu.be/i-XNHqaOxFs Robbie Fulks cover of 'Baby Rocked Her Dolly'. [video:youtube] Quote Kurzweil PC4, Expressive E Osmose, UNO Synth Pro, Hammond B-3X on iPad, Rhodes Mark II Stage 73, ART 710-A MK4s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderton Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 @Redwave - hope you don't mind, I edited your post to add links to YouTube videos. @Mike Metlay: "I want this one played at my funeral." Given the number of years between now and your funeral, you might want to leave the door open to other possibilities I love this thread. It's turning me on to all kinds of stuff. Keep 'em coming! Quote Craig Anderton Educational site: http://www.craiganderton.org Music: http://www.youtube.com/thecraiganderton Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/craig_anderton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 [video:youtube] Quote "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KuruPrionz Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 Vince wrote this for his brother. We played a celebration of life for the nephew of a friend. Falcon sang this one and truly did it justice. Uncle broke down and the rest of the family followed suit. It was extremely difficult to maintain any level of composure, I was blinking back tears myself. Quote It took a chunk of my life to get here and I am still not sure where "here" is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamuelBLupowitz Posted February 8, 2020 Share Posted February 8, 2020 The Beatles' Golden Slumbers hit me in the chest at age 12 and still does to this day. Quote Samuel B. Lupowitz Musician. Songwriter. Food Enthusiast. Bad Pun Aficionado. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Werno Posted November 17, 2020 Share Posted November 17, 2020 This one does the trick for me every time. [video:youtube] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Williams Posted November 17, 2020 Share Posted November 17, 2020 Lee Ann Womack -- I hope you Dance Melissa Etheridge -- This War is Over ELP -- Farewell to Arms -- the perfect synth solo in the end was overwhelming Quote -Tom Williams {First Name} {at} AirNetworking {dot} com PC4-7, PX-5S, AX-Edge, PC361 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnG11 Posted November 17, 2020 Share Posted November 17, 2020 Thinking back to the early sixties, these two remind me still of my first love: Nat King Cole and Stardust and also Somewhere along the way. And now the purple dusk of twilight time Steals across the meadows of my heart High up in the sky the little stars climb Always reminding me that we're apart You wander down the lane and far away Leaving me a song that will not die Love is now the stardust of yesterday The music of the years gone by Sometimes I wonder why I spend The lonely night dreaming of a song The melody haunts my reverie And I am once again with you When our love was new And each kiss an inspiration But that was long ago Now my consolation Is in the stardust of a song Beside a garden wall When stars are bright You are in my arms The nightingale tells his fairy tale A paradise where roses bloom Though I dream in vain In my heart it will remain My stardust melody The memory of love's refrain Credited to Mitchell Parish. -------------------------------------- I used to walk with you Along the avenue Our hearts were carefree and gay How could I know I'd lose you Somewhere along the way? The friends we used to know Would always smile "Hello" No love like our love they'd say Then love slipped through our fingers Somewhere along the way I should forget But with the loneliness of night I start remembering ev'rything You're gone and yet There's still a feeling deep inside That you will always be part of me So now I look for you Along the avenue And as I wander I pray That some day soon I'll find you Somewhere along the way Credited to Sammy Gallop Not always, but when in melancholy mood they have the ability to bring a tear to the eye. Whatever happened to sweet Susan, I wonder? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Motif Max Posted November 17, 2020 Share Posted November 17, 2020 This one is pretty much the only that does, and I'm not sure exactly why. Every time. "Never Forget You" by Zara Larsson. [video:youtube] Quote Yamaha: Motif XF8, MODX7, YS200, CVP-305, CLP-130, YPG-235, PSR-295, PSS-470 | Roland: Fantom 7, JV-1000 Kurzweil: PC3-76| Hammond: SK Pro 73 | Korg: Triton LE 76, N1R, X5DR | Emu: Proteus/1 | Casio: CT-370 | Novation: Launchkey 37 MK3 | Technics: WSA1R Former: Emu Proformance Plus & Mo'Phatt, Korg Krome 61, Roland Fantom XR & JV-1010, Yamaha MX61, Behringer CAT, Kurzweil PC4 (88) Assorted electric & acoustic guitars and electric basses | Roland TD-17 KVX | Alesis SamplePad Pro | Assorted organs, accordions, other instruments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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