A blog about music from my unique perspective (also a spot for some poetry I’ve written) |
A blog, generally about music, usually for projects hosted by Jeff . I may also write about the 48-Hour Media Prompt Challenge if I don't feel like writing a story or poem inspired by the given song. Other bits of poetry or different topics of discussion might end up here as well. |
I'll begin my 2025 journey through "The Soundtrack of Your Life" with a song that shaped my year in an exciting and inspiring way. Eyes Closed is the lead single off of Imagine Dragons 2024 album Loom. It dropped at a time when I was feeling conflicted about my loyalty to ID as a band, due to the divorce of lead singer Dan Reynolds. More details about my evolution on that can be found here "I Almost Boycotted Imagine Dragons..." and here "Challenge Day 4 (Art in His Soul?)" Suffice it to say, hearing Dan's voice on the opening lines of this song was enough to restore my appreciation for the unique and heartfelt content he brings us. This is a fiesty comeback song, with an overdramatic vocabulary and exaggerated synths which I've described in my journal as "wop-wop wub-wub." At first listen it may perhaps be one of the "ugliest" songs you've heard in a while. But the theme contained in the lyrics is one which Dan and I understand all too well: deep-seated conflict with oneself and the desire to deal with one's flaws in a quiet place sealed off from the world. The apparent swashbuckling bravado of the lyrics belies brokenness and uncertainty, as we hear dueling voices declaring "I can do this with my eyes closed" and mocking "turn out the lights!" Eyes Closed dropped on April 3rd, and it immediately became my theme song for "Game of Thrones" which I participated in that month. In fact, the month was precisely bookended by the release of the official acoustic music video on the 29th or thereabouts. It's the kind of song I have multiple renditions of on my playlist: studio, acoustic, live, special sessions, even the collaboration with J. Balvin. This song, particularly the bridge, eventually inspired me to write my first placing entry in Shadows and Light free verse poetry contest, "Island" I'm unsure which version y'all might find most palatable. Below are the official music video for the studio version, as well as the Amazon Music Songline performance, which includes a good-humored explanatory note from Dan and is likely much easier to watch and listen to. Enjoy… if you can Words: 360. |