Chasing Amy-Lou

Music has always been a huge part of my life; it has inspired me, it’s uplifted me, it’s provoked sentimentalism, it’s roused feelings I never thought I could have; it’s made me cry, it’s made me laugh, and it’s also made me cringe. Music has helped me through some bad times, and there are certain songs and albums that remind me of good times – many good times. My life is music and music is my life. Without music, without the ability to feel the music, to lose myself in music and to allow music to grab a hold of me; to really move with the beat, to listen to the lyrics and to resonate with the messages behind the songs, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

There are many different genres that strike a chord with me; many different bands and many different artists. And although these days I tend to gravitate towards the alternative, the indie, the abstract, the guitar lead band music, I will always navigate back to something deeper – Soul. Soul music, for me, is REAL music. It’s music from the heart, it’s music from the depths of the very being, and it’s music that is truthful, passionate, and genuine – it’s real. Before Soul though, came the Blues. The Blues is a melodic genre full of melancholy, repetition and realism. With a foundation built on call and response, simplicity and extreme emotion, with origins from Africa and more notably the deep south of the USA, the Blues is a style of music that always seems to touch me; the sentiments and poetry of the Blues is never to be underestimated and can never be empathised with because the underlying meanings are so far removed from the problems of modern day society. The lyrics are grown-up; they’re adult; and they’re full of experience and a lifetime’s worth of tragedy, euphoria and suppression. Singing the Blues and listening to the Blues will always be a full time hobby and will always lay heavy on my mind.

To celebrate National Poetry Day, I penned a little Blues verse of my own. The lyrics I wrote were supposed to fit a melody I made up in my head; now, I don’t play the piano so I can’t transcribe the tune and therefore I don’t expect them to resonate with you as they did with me; all I ask is that you consider the connotations, think of your own melody, and use the lyrics as a stepping stone, a guide to the basics of the Blues and a contribution to this glorious day – National Poetry Day. Enjoy.

I was searching for soul,

But I found the Blues.

Was looking for home,

All I found was you.

You gave me your heart,

For only one night.

You took love from me,

Now I’m lost inside.

Was searching for soul,

But I found the Blues,

You stole all my pride,

And treated me cruel.

You threw me away,

And cast me aside,

My love was gone,

I’m broken inside.

Was searching for soul,

But I found the Blues.

Lost and alone,

Still longing for you.