If someone were to analyse the subject matter of songs, I think it’s a fairly safe bet that it would conclude that the most written about topic is **drum roll**……… **dramatic pause**…..love.
That’s reciprocated love, of course. I love you and you love me, isn’t it great, everyone’s happy, la la la, repeat to fade.
Life’s not always like that though, is it? For every successful relationship or love affair, there must be at least, conservative (with a small c) estimate ten failed ones.
So, I imagine the second most popular subject would be that of unrequited love, or that of a lover spurned. Because while we all know what it feels like to be in love, we also all know what it’s like for that love to be totally unsuccessful, unappreciated or unwelcome.
And that’s where music really steps in.
Who amongst us hasn’t, frustrated by a potential partner’s utter failure to acknowledge our obsession with them, or dejected by rejection, turned to our best friend for companionship, solace and verification. Our best friend being our record collection, of course.
Unless you’re an idiot like me (and many of my peers, judging by the Comments on a recent post) who has sold or given away records and instantly regretted it, then your music collection is probably the one true constant in your life. Those records never leave you, they’re just there, waiting for the time to be right for you to blow the dust off them again.
And so to this, one of the most honest, visceral, downright fucking angry and upset lyrics you’ll ever hear. And, I’ll wager, one of the greatest records of the 21st century:
Before you ask, I’m fine. I’ve not been dumped recently (chance would be a fine thing), it just strikes me this is a rich seam worth digging into.
More soon.
A History of Dubious Taste 
Probably in my top ten of all time
I will investigate the other 9 next time I see you.
You’re on. Sooner rather than later please
I’ve just dumped recently a few more tracks on my blog
Jules
He Lives!
Definitely a rich seam. And somehow, I’ve managed to live this long without ever hearing that Walkmen track. Thanks for the introduction.
Your title track, though, I am very familiar with. And that particular lyric is one of the best he ever wrote.
Really????? Wow. You need to get out/stay in (delete as applicable) more. Knew I could rely on you to identify the title track, though. It’ll feature soon enough (how could it not? “)
Number 2 in the wycra 200. Tune and a half.
Agreed. A Fecking classic, whichever way you look at it
Finest moment by the Walkman… and there were a few fine moments.
A few, but not enough.
Yes indeed, however not too many songs at all about, as you say, “I love you and you love me, isn’t it great, everyone’s happy, la la la, repeat to fade”. That would be boring – About 80% of songs I would guess are about: new found love, unrequited love or lost love.
Unrequited love is the worst kind as per the songs referred to here and a rich seam to delve into HOWEVER here’s a thought – I know I’ve spent far too much time online of late (trying to address that issue) and although I love your posts, I don’t want this blog to steal you away from the real world and finding someone special. I can’t believe “that London” has no-one to offer up! There is a “relationship Venn diagram” so ignore the ones outwith the overlappy bit (as that would lead to unrequited love) and put in some effort young man!! Maybe I’m just an old romantic but I expect to hear of some progress on this front by the end of the summer? Otherwise, “What’s It All About?”.
Aww shucks….