Tag Archive | Melody

The Summer Knows

Feb28
Summer of '42

Image via Wikipedia

The movie “The Summer Of  42” came out in the early 70′s, starring Jennifer O’Neil.  I saw it one time, many years ago – and don’t remember too much about it – but I do remember loving the musical score to the movie.  I don’t remember paying attention to the lyrics – just parts of them here and there.  And like many of us, when we can’t hear what the lyrics are – we make them up or find a different meaning in them.

In high school – an upper classmate of mine sang this song at an assembly for our school.  I can’t remember what the occasion was for her to be singing this song – I just remember that she did.  Because I didn’t know the lyrics – I thought she was singing about something really inappropriate, like people taking off their clothes!  So funny to think about it now – the song is actually talking about the seasons of summer and fall.  That will teach me to listen closely to what is really being said!

I love this version by Barbra Streisand – hope you will too :)

Do you have a favorite movie from that time period?  How about an old song you were surprised to find the actual lyrics – instead of what you thought it was saying?  I would love to hear them – I’m sure many of yours are the same as mine.

God Bless

The summer smiles, the summer knows
And unashamed, she sheds her clothes
The summer smoothes the restless sky
And lovingly she warms the sand on which you lie

The summer knows, the summer’s wise
She sees the doubts within your eyes
And so she takes her summer time
Tells the moon to wait and the sun to linger
Twists the world ’round her summer finger
Lets you see the wonder of her arms

And if you’ve learned your lessons well
There’s little more for her to tell
One last caress, it’s time to dress for fall

And if you’ve learned your lesson well
There’s little more for her to tell
One last caress, it’s time to dress for fall

Rowena’s Song

Apr29
Film poster for Mr. Holland's Opus - Copyright...

Image via Wikipedia

You will notice that with any tune associated with forbidden or unrequited love – there is an underlying sadness and pain that is tangible in the melody line.  Song writers seem to use a minor key to convey the melancholy feeling that they are feeling.  I have written songs that are like this  about something poignant and cannot be described in any other way – a sweet and sad melody.

In Mr. Holland’s Opus – the lead character, a high school music teacher finds himself drawn to a high school student who clearly has a crush on him.  It is during a time in his life – mid-life, where he is caught in the every day monotony of his life – with no challenge and no meaning – until this young girl walks into his music theater program.  She auditions and has the most incredible singing voice and is cast in Mr. Holland’s musical about George and Ira Gershwin.  Her name is Rowena.  It is during rehearsals that he finds himself fascinated by her – and her to him.  She hears him playing this song on the piano and she begins humming a haunting melody line while he is playing.  It moves him and he goes home and entitles his piece, “Rowena’s Song”.

No – Mr. Holland does not cheat on his wife.  He is clearly flattered by her attention and admiration – but in the end, though tempted – he turns her away and goes home to his wife.  This is the remarkable part of the story.  The sadness and the joy.  The strength of character and the amazing love for his wife that is greater than any temptation.  In this song – you can hear the sadness and the resolve.  My favorite part of the movie.  I hope you will be inspired and moved by its lovely melody.  And I highly recommend the movie “Mr. Holland’s Opus” if you have never seen it.

Now Enjoy – “Rowena’s Song”

God Bless