FOR ME, ONE OF THE great memory-triggers, is music. I was more than a little obsessed with radio and music during the 1970s. It was an escape, yes, but also a vital link to a world outside my four walls. I remember loving the voice of Gilbert O'Sullivan and the sweet, upbeat tune he mastered for his hit, Alone Again (Naturally). The tune belied the lyrics.
In a little while from now
If I'm not feeling any less sour
I promise myself to treat myself
And visit a nearby tower
And climbing to the top
Will throw myself off
In an effort to
Make it clear to who ever
Wants to know what it's like
When you're shattered
Left standing in the lurch at a church
Where people saying, My God, that's tough
She stood him up
No point in us remaining
We may as well go home
As I did on my own
Alone again, naturally.
To think that only yesterday
I was cheerful, bright and gay
Looking forward to who wouldn't do
The role I was about to play
But as if to knock me down
Reality came around
And without so much as a mere touch
Cut me into little pieces
Leaving me to doubt
Talk about, God in His mercy
Oh, if he really does exist
Why did he desert me
In my hour of need?
I truly am indeed
Alone again, naturally
It seems to me that
there are more hearts
Broken in the world
that can't be mended
left unattended
What do we do?
What do we do?
Alone again, naturally
Looking back over the years
And whatever else that appears
I remember I cried when my father died
Never wishing to hide the tears
And at 65 years old,
My mother, God rest her soul
Couldn't understand why the only man
She had ever loved had been taken
Leaving her to start
With a heart so badly broken
Despite encouragement from me
No words were ever spoken
And when she passed away
I cried and cried all day,
Alone again, naturally.
Although I've never been stood-up at the alter, I can understand the author's universal questions. Why God? So alone... devastated by humanity's insensitivies ..so ready to end it all...
I'm not in that sad place now but I will never forget it. I suppose having been in the depths of despair helps me more appreciate my present mental health and happiness and goodness of humanity.
How about you? Is there a song, or songs that remind you of sadder (or happier) times?
