gah, this song is gorgeous. i can’t stop listening to it.
the meaning of this song seems to be a topic of debate throughout different internet communities. naturally, many allusions to the biblical story of samson and delilah are referenced. one of the more compelling stories i’ve read suggested that perhaps regina’s “samson” is simply an altered telling of the biblical story that exchanges the tragic ending for a happy, love-conquers-all version. another suggested that the lyrics are actually about a cancer patient in the final stages of life as told by his wife.
maybe we aren’t supposed to know the “true” meaning. maybe there isn’t a “true” meaning. that’s one of my favorite things about music, it can mean what you want it to mean. even a piece of music that has lyrics can mean something different from one person to the next. or, you can appreciate it just for the beauty of the music, which is usually what i tend to do.
there’s so much i love about this song. the beginning of this song is the epitome of beautiful simplicity- the combination of the steady, simple piano and her breathy, floating voice is stunning. she sings with a full, beautiful sound but could almost be whispering to you. even her pronunciation is beautiful. the way she says certain words sounds so pure and naive to me: “truth” at :32, “bread” at :58, “beautiful” at 2:02, etc. she also has this beautiful way of intensifying a phrase, like the amazing one from 2:07-2:25. instrumental music just can’t do what she does there. the rhythm of her voice is beautifully uneven and intense and the little gliss/slide into the end of the phrase is perfect. it gives me chills every time. the piano fill at 2:28 is so delicate and perfectly sets up her next phrase.
thanks to jean laurenz for introducing me to this song. jean has an incredible voice and there were many nights where, after a few beers, everyone hanging out would convince jean to share her talent with us. this always seemed to the first request, especially by my good buddy jason stein. i even had the pleasure to play a few songs with her here and there!
making music for someone else is one of the greatest things you can do you. growing up, i always had beautiful sounds surrounding me. my dad’s incredible whistle and my mom’s soothing voice washed over me day in and day out. it seems like every family gathering had some sort of music and singing happening. i couldn’t imagine it any other way, and i’m so thankful.
i think i’ve said this before, but it’s songs like these that remind me how much i love music. it makes me so happy to know that someone out there wrote this and that sort of creativity still exists.
share your talent with someone you care about this week. the little things mean the most. share your love!
enjoy,
-jglmnk
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