every streetlight a reminder

i have always been somewhat eclectic in my musical tastes and my friends have wondered why i connect so much to the tune and lyrics i hear. i cannot really explain it -- except to say that when i hear a song or artist that appeals to me, it is a physiological response...the hair on my arms stands up, my heart races, and i usually smile. spontaneous finger or toe tapping usually occurs. sometimes i am so overcome with emotional connection, i can barely breathe. music speaks to me and nourishes my soul and i would not have it any other way.

now to the meat of the subject -- i am going to try this blog, posting one song per weekday that i have a special connection with, in hopes you -- the reader -- could discover something about the writer and maybe something about yourself at the same time. i will try to be consistent in format -- song title and artist, and possibly include some little anecdotal aside to segway between. so i guess i will begin with my favorite...

-------------------------------------

nightswimming -- r.e.m.

nightswimming deserves a quiet night.
the photograph on the dashboard, taken years ago,
turned around backwards so the windshield shows.
every streetlight reveals the picture in reverse.
still, it's so much clearer.
i forgot my shirt at the water's edge.
the moon is low tonight.

nightswimming deserves a quiet night.
i'm not sure all these people understand.
it's not like years ago,
the fear of getting caught,
of recklessness and water.
they cannot see me naked.
these things, they go away,
replaced by everyday.

nightswimming, remembering that night.
september's coming soon.
i'm pining for the moon.
and what if there were two
side by side in orbit
around the fairest sun?
that bright, tight forever drum
could not describe nightswimming.

you, i thought i knew you.
you, i cannot judge.
you, i thought you knew me,
this one laughing quietly underneath my breath.
nightswimming.

the photograph reflects,
every streetlight a reminder.
nightswimming deserves a quiet night, deserves a quiet night.