It’s My Life

Written for Song Lyric Sunday –
“Pondering Existential Thoughts”.
This is my response to the challenge.

This week at Jim Adam’s Song Lyric Sunday, the theme is “Pondering Existential Thoughts”. Our challenge? To write about a song that makes us think about life. I have chosen two songs to share with you; they are both extremely close to my heart.

In 1991, my husband had a very mild heart attack. He was lucky; he made a complete recovery and never had another cardiac issue. His heart healed so well, that his cardiologist says he can’t see any damage to his heart at all. Now, 35 years later, my husband takes care of himself and sees his cardiologist regularly. But back then, it was a scary time. We had two little boys and I didn’t want them to be frightened so I held it together. Then one day, several weeks later, Bill and I were home alone doing a jigsaw puzzle and listening to music when one of the songs made me burst into tears. It got me thinking about life and death, all the things I had and could have lost, how precious and fleeting it all is. That song was “Isn’t Life Strange” by The Moody Blues.

Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1964, The Moody Blues were pioneers of orchestral rock, blending classical, psychedelic, and pop elements. Originally an R&B band with the 1965 hit “Go Now,” they evolved into a legendary group known for the 1967 concept album Days of Future Passed and hits like “Nights in White Satin”. The band’s iconic lineup consisted of Graeme Edge (drums), Justin Hayward (guitar/vocals), John Lodge (bass/vocals), Mike Pinder (keyboards), and Ray Thomas (flute). The Moody Blues sold over 70 million albums, was active for over five decades, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

1972’s hit “Isn’t Life Strange” was written by bassist John Lodge for The Moody Blues Seventh Sojourn album. It is a reflective orchestral rock song with a melody based on Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Featuring shared vocals by Lodge and Justin Hayward, the lyrics explore life’s surprises, the “quicksand of time”, and the philosophical mysteries of existence. The song addresses how life gives us unexpected moments …. both pleasant and unpleasant …. that sometimes seem like a “dream” or “smoke”.“Isn’t Life Strange” reached #13 in the UK and #29 on the US Billboard Hot 100; it remains a beloved, melancholic, and deeply philosophical track in the band’s catalog. 

This is “Isn’t Life Strange” by the Moody Blues

As a mother, I remember thinking I could never love another living thing as much as I love my children …. and then I had grandchildren! These aren’t just any babies; they are my babies’ babies and nothing could be more precious. So it came as no surprise that I would sing the same song as a lullaby to my grandbabies as I did my own babies. I didn’t even have to think about it; after 30-something years, the same song came out of my mouth, straight from my heart. That song is “In My Life” by The Beatles.

One of the highlights of the Rubber Soul album, “In My Life” was written mostly by John Lennon, and started out as a nostalgic set of memories of Liverpool. Lennon considered it his “first real major piece of work” because it was a genuine autobiographical reflection, referencing lost friends as well as his mother. The song is a deeply thoughtful love song which looks back at cherished people and places. Ultimately, John is declaring that his current love surpasses them all, making it a deeply personal first major work that blends nostalgia with profound appreciation for the present. Often cited as one of the best songs of all time, “In My Life” ranked #23 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. No wonder it’s been a favorite song for me to sing to my children and grandchildren.

This is “In My Life” by The Beatles

LYRICS

There are places I’ll remember
All my life, though some have changed.
Some forever, not for better;
Some have gone and some remain.

All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall.
Some are dead and some are living,
In my life I’ve loved them all.

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you.
And these mem’ries lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new.

Tho’ I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before,
I know I’ll often stop and think about them,
In my life I love you more.

Tho’ I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before,
I know I’ll often stop and think about them,
In my life I love you more.

In my life I love you more.

^{Songwriters: John Lennon/Paul McCartney
©1965 Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC}

Pondering Existential Thoughts

Big thanks to Jim Adams for hosting another great Song Lyric Sunday this week and every week. Be sure to follow the link and check out his site.

Thanks for stopping by for a look and a listen.

That’s all she wrote, kids. See you on the flip side. 😎

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