Don't tell

Sometimes you want a story to be told, sometimes you don't.

In this song, a bit of a drastic way to make sure your "rumour" isn't told.
The ladies of The Pierces will make sure their secret won't be told around.

Don't be afraid, I won't be so drastic if you share this story...

Recycled orchestra

Not a story in music, but music in a story. A story worth retelling.

These children make the most beautiful music on instruments made out of garbage.

Take a look and a listen!

Flight of the bumblebee

I have written about stories in music the last few weeks.

And mostly it was referring to lyrics in the songs, not as much the sound of the music.

But music itself can tell a very clear story.

Just listen to the next piece of music:

Flight of the Bumblebee by Rimsky-Korsakov.
You can see the bumbleblee flying through the air. And that just with the sound of music.

Take your time girl

Stories in Music, I have already shared a few with you over the last few weeks. The next one is from a Dutch singer-songwriter, but I truly want to share it with all my friends.

Take your time girl. By Niels Geusebroek.

First the song is so sweet. I absolutely love it. The first time I heard it on the radio I thought it had to be from a singer from the UK or the US. Because Dutch songs aren't usually that good. But it is that good!

And second, the story behind it. The beat that you hear in the beginning of the song and that is carried through the entire song is the heartbeat from an unborn baby. 

The song was composed at the request of a couple of Dutch radio DJ's. A colleague of theirs, Hannelore, the news anchor, had showed them the ultrasound of her baby girl. And they thought it so special, they asked for the song.

When you look at the video, the woman you see is Hannelore.

And the little heartbeat has now started her own story. Olivia was born on January 1st 2014! (So we share our birthdays!)

Growing up in music

Growing up. One big story. Everyday something new to discover. Listening to the stories of others, your parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, brothers and sisters. And telling your own story.

Songwriters use this concept also.

I found two wonderful examples.

One of growing up and one of staying young:

Growing up, the ever changing fantasies happening to kids:

Taylor Swift, ft. Ed Sheeran; Everything has changed

Staying young:

Death Cab for Cutie; Stay young, go dancing

Since I already passed the age of young, I'll just keep dancing.

Singing into Christmas

Christmas songs (or Christmas Carols, what a lovely word) are probably as old as the celebration of Christmas is.

All tell you the story of Christmas and, hopefully, you'll sing a long.

Silent Night, one of the songs that belongs to Christmas for me, dates back to 1818, when it was first sung in an Austrian village (but of course in German, Stille Nacht). This refers to the Catholic believes around Christmas.

St Thomas Boys Choir - Stille Nacht

A little more modern day songs tell more about the joys of Christmas. Being together with your loved ones, enjoying time together, good food and presents.

Nat King Cole - Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

And than there are the songs that try to persuade you to do some good for the world around Christmas time. It is of course the time for caring. Usually for friends and family. But why not for a complete stranger in another part of the world, who is having a really hard time.

Band Aid - Do they know it is Christmas

It already dates back from 1984, has had an update in 2000, but this remains for me the best. A song with a message for Christmas time.

And the next song, I just love! They only play it on the radio during Christmas time. And while the song isn't really about Christmas. It does reflect for me the spirit of Christmas. Being together, doing things together.

Paul McCartney - We all stand together

What's your favourite Christmas song?

Clouds - for Zach

I can't tell the story any better than Adam Mordecai from Upworthy can. So I'm just going to redirect you to their site. Read it all and watch the video.

Clouds - for Zach

To have your story told, even when you have left this world! How wonderful!

I see fire

Hobbit week at Story time

Ed Sheeran wrote the theme song for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smoke after seeing the movie. He uses the quote Richard Armitage (Thorin) said to be his favourite of the entire movie: "If this is to end in fire, than we shall all burn together." 

I have not yet seen the movie, but from this song there will be a very sad ending, with lots of fire and probably a lot of damage (I saw a city burning). And all from the perspective of the dwarves. Since he sings about my brothers and Durin's folk.

Take a listen (or a few more, that's okay, I have him on repeat...)

And I will let you know later, when I have seen the movie, if I think the song fits the movie. Or you may tell me, what do you think?

Unwritten

"No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten"

This is the chorus to Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield.

A song on how you can write your own story. You decide who you are and what you tell the world. And with your story, you can reach the top and even inspire other people.

So, just start writing, singing, dancing, painting, photographing, being, your story. Be Unwritten. And inspire others to share their story.