Despite my
whirlwind relationship with music, one thing has remained important to me over my many years of listening: the lyrics. As someone who enjoys writing, there is nothing better than well-crafted and clever lyrics, no matter the musical genre. I keep a "song journal" of sorts, listing the songs that mark each period of my life (usually by school year). One group in particular has been in particularly good attendance: Metric. The lyrics and musical style of this band have helped me through many a tough time. I kept the song
"Twilight Galaxy" on repeat for an entire month because of its helpful reminder that "there's no glitter in the gutter/there's no twilight galaxy". I took this image as advice against putting undue pressure on myself in a futile pursuit of abstract "perfection."
A few days ago, Metric released a new
song. Although the music pulsated with an electronic sound I hadn't noted in their earlier music, the lyrics still spoke to me.
One particular bit stood out, especially in the wake of all the stress I faced last year and continue to face as college nears:
Just keep going strong
With whatever it is
That's compelling you on
Naturally, it didn't hurt that this piece was repeated a good five to seven times. The sentiment itself is often repeated in a variety of contexts, but hearing those words in music struck a chord. The fact that this group is becoming active again just as I begin a new chapter of my life is a nice feeling. I can take a new chapter of theirs along with me as I leave home.
