This entry details the genesis of my torrid love affair with Jimmy Buffett. It started off as a post about interpreting lyrics, but it took a different direction.
Songs can be a lot like poetry, and their meanings can differ widely among people. In fact, the popular interpretation of some songs can be remarkably different from what it meant to the lyricist. One of the things I really love about music is how it can be incredibly personal. You can latch on to just a particular part of a song, a line or even just a few words. Whether it was the words themselves or the expressive manner in which the words are vocalized, certain songs have the ability evoke sharp feelings and emotions. Or, it can evoke a memory (or the feelings related to the memory) of a place where you were, what you were doing or who you were with when you heard a song. I find that entirely appropriate and absolutely wonderful.