Chimesfreedom previously reported on how Bruce Springsteen was inspired by the Harry Potter books to write a song that he later offered to one of the films in the franchise. But, as fate would have it, director Christopher Columbus turned down the offer. But now the song, “I’ll Stand By You,” has finally found a movie home in the upcoming Blinded by the Light (2019).
“I’ll Stand By You” is one of seven Springsteen songs that will appear on the soundtrack to the coming of age story in Blinded by the Light. Reportedly, in addition to some official versions of songs, the soundtrack will include some rarities (including the first performance of “The River” from the No Nukes 1979 concert at Madison Square Garden).
George Harrison passed away in 2001 before his induction at the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. So, his former Traveling Wilburys colleagues Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne led an all-star group, including Steve Winwood and Prince, for a rousing performance of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”
Come listen for Tom Petty’s haunting vocals, but stay for Prince’s amazing guitar solo at the end. Seriously, do not stop before Prince takes over.
The rest of the Beatles initially were not very impressed with “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” when Harrison first played it for them in 1968. But the song became one of their classics, with Eric Clapton playing on the original Beatle version.
On May 1, 1973, Bruce Springsteen took the stage of the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Columbia Records was hosting a “Week to Remember Showcase.” And Springsteen was one of Columbia Records’ newest artists at the time.
Now, Springsteen is making available videos of the performance. Below is his performance of one of my favorite Springsteen tracks, “Thundercrack.” Check it out.
One of the nice movie surprises of recent years is Hell or High Water (2016), directed by David Mackenzie and starring Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Jeff Bridges, and Gil Birmingham. Besides being an excellent movie, the film makes great use of a beautiful song too.
The movie, about two brothers who rob banks in order to keep one bank from foreclosing on family land, features a beautiful scene between the two brothers with a wonderful song about dying in the background. It is Gillian Welch’s haunting voice on her song, “I’m Not Afraid to Die.”
The song works well in the film, portraying the bond between the two brothers and highlighting the risks they are taking. There is a overall sadness to the film that reflects on hard times for struggling people who are often left behind in modern society. Hell or High Water deals with nuances, even while the movie written by Taylor Sheridan also features action. The characters are flawed and human, even the sheriff played by Bridges.
So “I’m Not Afraid to Die” works well against the West Texas landscape. There are moments of confidence in the song written by Welch and David Rawlings, as you can see in the title about not being afraid.
Forget my sins upon the wind; My hobo soul will rise; Lie-d Lie-d Lie I’m not afraid to die.
Yet Welch’s voice reveals a deep sadness underlying the boast. And if you listen carefully, you find some fears: “Sometimes it finds me fast asleep,/ And wakes me where I lie.”
“I’m not Afraid to Die” works like some of the best hymns. It finds faith within doubt, buried deep within a melody and voice that comforts you while confronting the terrors of this world.
Above, Welch and Rawlings perform “I’m Not Afraid to Die” in Atlanta at Variety Playhouse. “I’m Not Afraid to Die” originally appeared on Welch’s 1998 album Hell Amongst the Yearlings.
Hell or High Water has a great soundtrack. What is your favorite song from the movie? Leave your two cents in the comments.
Henry L. Carrigan Jr.’s recent book Fifteen Spirituals That Will Change Your Life is a delightful quick tour of fifteen hymns and spirituals. Carrigan’s guidance through these songs will educate and delight you. His book also will make you want to track down various versions of songs you have heard before and new ones you have not heard.
Carrigan, a musician and journalist who writes for No Depression, examines many of the most popular religious songs, including “Amazing Grace,” Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?,” and “I’ll Fly Away.” I also learned about a few songs I had not heard before.
For each song, Carrigan tells the reader about the origin of the song. In the cases where there are known composers, he informs us about the writers. Then he provides a deeper discussion of the lyrics and the meaning of the songs, often suggesting different versions you should hear. Throughout, he often reflects on his own personal experiences with each song. Finally, he ends each chapter with a “Reflection” section, providing guidance to religious readers who want to use the songs to find a closer connection to their faith.
The well-written book is for believers, non-believers, and for all music lovers. One does not have to be religious to enjoy this book about some of our most beautiful folk songs. Atheists may skip over the short “Reflection” sections, but even they will find insight in the suggestions there. One tip: To better understand an extremely familiar song like “Amazing Grace,” find a new version to hear.
I enjoyed learning more about songs I knew. I knew the story that a former captain of a slave ship wrote “Amazing Grace,” but I did not know all of the details about the history of that song or other songs I knew.
I especially enjoyed Carrigan’s suggestions about versions of the songs to check out. Among his insight, he led me to a lovely Tina Turner version of one of the highlighted spirituals.
The book may lead you to other discoveries. I had never heard Andraé Crouch‘s “If Heaven Was Never Promised to Me,” and found it to have some of the most loving lyrics about one’s relationship with God.
The book, unfortunately, does not include complete lyrics to the songs, which I assume was a rights issue. But Carrigan quotes from the lyrics in his discussion of the songs, giving the reader some insight into the words. The purpose of his book, though, is to get you to listen to the songs, and it will send you following Carrigan’s suggestions.
In short, Fifteen Spirituals That Will Change Your Lifemay lead you to some life-changing discoveries. But even if it does not meet the title’s boast, the book is a delightful pleasurable and informative read about some great songs.
What is your favorite spiritual? Leave your two cents in the comments.
