The Guardian recently wrote about how during the current coronavirus pandemic period, people seem to be streaming music less than normal. There are a number of possible reasons. Maybe people are resorting to the comfort of music they own rather than finding new music. Or maybe people listen to music at work more than they do at home, where they are more likely to turn to television shows or movies. Whatever the reason, if people are listening to less music now it is troublesome because we all need more music right now.
Meanwhile, many artists have been finding creative ways to reach fans where everyone is staying home. One such artist is singer-songwriter Matthew Ryan, who has released a number of videos, often taking requests. Recently he performed “Trouble Doll” at home by request.
“Trouble Doll” originally appeared on Ryan’s 2003 album Regret Over the Wires. In the video below, Ryan introduces the song by telling how he wrote the song when some friends were coming to visit.
In “Trouble Doll,” the singer sings to a woman. It is unclear if they are lovers or former lovers, but the singer has great fondness for the woman (“Heartache sure owes you / All the happiness in this world”). Matthew Ryan‘s song features beautiful lyrics, including the section below about how the blues can save you.
Though angels pray for you,
Only the blues can save you,
If only for a second in the shimmering light;
When the night’s collapsed but it don’t shatter or sting,
It’s a porcelain song from a marionette
In a dangerous sway as if under God’s own strings;
Salvation watches over you,
Redemption only borrows you
A little at a time in this world.
In the video from his home, Ryan tells more a little more about the song and the making of it. In the notes with the video, he explains, “It’s a bit strange for me, I’m not an attention chaser, but giving these songs to you guys like this is giving me a sense of purpose. I as a music lover knows what a song can do. So I hope it brings something beautiful.” So, check out the beauty in this pandemic performance of “Trouble Doll.”
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