Can't Fight This Feeling

I had just written about "The Warrior," which came out in 1984, so I thought I would take a look at some other songs that came out that year.  Low and behold, there are so many terrific songs, and it was hard to choose.  Actually, I didn't get very far down the list before I saw REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling."  Okay, I know -- some people might find this song to be sappy, silly, or even "cheesy."  But, I heard it on the radio the other day and felt that it was particularly uplifting.  I read through a couple of comments on a music message board, and it seems that some younger folks (probably teenagers) are really, really into this song.  They feel it identifies their thoughts and sentiments perfectly.  I guess I take for granted how powerful lyrical music is, especially when we are at a certain stage in our emotional development. 

So, obviously this is a love song.  It is heartfelt, and the lyrics are very touching.  My favorite line is "it's time to bring this ship into the shore--- and throw away the oars -- foreverrrrrrrr."  Yeah, I realize that it might seem silly ("corny" is one comment I read).  I think it's beautiful and poetic.  It's striking in its simplicity -- and it is vivid.  It's a figurative line of speech, and of course, it can be interpreted many ways.  You may snicker over some.  Sometimes I do -- I admit it.  What I was mostly surprised about was that I had the wrong lyric in my head -- yet again -- but for only one word.  I always heard the lyric, "even as I wander," as "even as I wonder,"  Wow.  Sure makes much more sense now!  Whew.  Thank goodness I got that cleared up.  Listening to this song didn't really make me think about love because I was so hung up on the "wander/wonder" thing.  It actually made me think about life in the '80s and how we didn't have computers to look everything up instantly.  In fact, you'd have to have the album to know the lyrics (they were printed inside the cover).  Or, I seem to remember some magazines that published lyrics.  Not positive on that one.  Nevertheless, the '80s were a simpler time with less distractions.  Maybe that's why the music was so good!

Keep on Loving You

So, I heard this song today, and I never get tired of listening to it.  Oddly enough, I hadn't really paid attention to the lyrics very closely.  All I remember hearing is the chorus, and the part where he sings, "When I said that I love you, I meant that I love you forevuuuuuhr."  Okay, so that's just the way "forever" sounds to me when Kevin Cronin sings it with such awesome intensity.  Come to find out, he wrote this song when he found out that his wife was cheating on him.  I couldn't believe it.  I mean, who would cheat on him?  He's Kevin Cronin!!!!  Ugh, so sad.  Meanwhile, I took a look at the lyrics after learning that tidbit, and it all made sense.  I can't believe I never paid attention to the verses.  Wow.  He even compares her to a snake in the grass "all coiled up and hissing."  Ouch.  That burns.  Guess she really deserved it.  And "those men?"  Sounds like it was a habit.  Yikes.  Well, I guess it's a plus for the rest of us, because it inspired him to write this amazing tune.  She probably ripped his heart out and smashed it into a million pieces...which he picked up and wrote about in the lyrics.  Touché!  Very well-done, Mr. Cronin -- you win!!!!