My old friend Sally bought me the above book many years ago when we worked in the same commercial production department. We shared a love of morbid songs that got us through the horrors of that job. (I now look back fondly on the "horrors" of that job, of course: further proof that life only gets worse.)
The book tells the story of some of the most depressing songs ever written - from Tell Laura I Love Her to One by Metallica. Alone Again (Naturally), Seasons In The Sun, Hurt... a great read, though it always rankled that the author hadn't chosen a Smiths track. Bruce is in there though, with The River, and Billy Joel, with Captain Jack, which I always thought was about masturbation, but the author insists is a drugs dirge. Anyway, it's a fun read - the author keeps his tongue firmly in his cheek throughout, and it has persuaded me to hear a fair few tunes with fresh ears over the years.
The other day I stumbled across a song I'd never heard before, but I immediately had to send it to Sally. It's by Bobby Goldsboro, who does make the above book with Honey... although the song below takes the melodramatic misery to a whole different level. Like Ruby (also chosen by Tom Reynolds), it's the story of a soldier who comes back from war, no longer the man he once was.
Tissues at the ready...
No, no, wait for the talky bit... the talky bit will always get you... if only for its needless exposition...
Half the Country songs I have immediately spring to mind
ReplyDeleteI Drink by Mary Gauthier is an obviouse stick on as is the Louvin Brothers with You've already put big ole tears in my eyes(must you through dirt in my face)!
Didn't Elvis Costello cover that one too? If not, he should have done.
DeleteGosh first Honey and now this one - As you say it's the talky part that gets to you.
ReplyDeleteDepends how it gets you though... crying or laughing?
DeleteDoes have a real Ruby feel, doesn’t it? Ranks right up there with Patches in the heartbreak department.
ReplyDelete