There and Back Again

Pondering: The most ordinary word, when put into place, suddenly acquires brilliance. That is the brilliance with which your images must shine. (Robert Bresson)
Listening to: Bar Italia (Pulp)

Martin L. Gore is one of the icons of my teen-hood. His song Somebody rocked my world back when I was just a young, gawky and insecure kid who had silly crushes and dreams of a prince charming coming to sweep me off my feet. Many odd some years later, I still have silly crushes but I understand now that my prince charming has turned into a frog and ran off with a swan and he’s not going to knock on my door any time soon.

Mr. Gore is also one of the best songwriters of our time, in my opinion. His lyrics are mostly trivial but thought provoking and sometimes twisted. To sample a few:

I’m taking a ride with my best friend. I hope he never lets me down again. Promises me I’m as safe as houses as long as I remember who’s wearing the trousers. (Never Let Me Down Again)

People are people so why should it be? You and I should get along so awfully. (People Are People)

Let me take you on a trip around the world and back and you won’t have to move, you just sit still. Now let your mind do the walking and let my body do the talking. Let me show you the world in my eyes. (World In My Eyes)

Your own personal Jesus, reach out and touch faith! (Personal Jesus)

Words are very unnecessary, they can only do harm. (Enjoy the Silence)

Something so simple, something so trivial can make me a happy man. (Blue Dress)

Pain will you return it? I’ll say it again – pain. (Strangelove)

Sitting target, sitting praying. God is saying nothing. (Nothing)

I would tell you about the things they put me through, the pain I’ve been subjected to but the Lord himself would blush. (Walking In My Shoes)

Death is everywhere there are flies on the windscreen for a start. (Fly On The Windscreen)

My weaknesses, you know each and every one (it frightens me). But I need to drink more than you seem to think. (Question of Lust)

Domination’s the name of the game in bed or in life. (Master and Servant)

I don’t want to start any blasphemous rumours but I think that God’s got a sick sense of humor and when I die I expect to find Him laughing. (Blasphemous Rumours)

To the once cross dressing, now wings-wearing Mr. Gore – happy birthday! May you have many more years of songwriting, recording and touring.