Where were you when . . .
Some people have music on in the background when they are writing. I don’t tend to do that, but there is sometimes a particular piece of music or song that I associate with something I am writing. With Cold, Cold Heart, the Hank Williams classic actually gave me the title as well as playing a small part in the novel and I often listened to it before I began the day’s writing. It seemed to tune me into the novel.
In the one I’m writing now there is a nod to Elvis singing ‘The Girl of My Best Friend.’ As I listened, I was suddenly young again and it was a sunny summer’s day in August 1977. I was in my boyfriend’s car and we were driving out of Sutton Coldfield and it came on the car radio: Elvis had died. I can see that stretch of road. There are very few famous people of whom I can say that I have a vivid sense memory of where I was when I heard of their death – John Lennon, Princess Diana are others – and I suppose that what they have in common is that their deaths were shocking and premature. I wasn’t even a particular fan of Elvis – I was too young for that – but I felt the pathos of his early death. I feel it even more now that I am so much older.
I’ve enjoyed reacquainting myself with those extraordinary looks and that amazing voice. Browsing on Youtube I came the version of ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ where Elvis starts messing around with the lyrics and laughs so much that he can’t finish the song, while Cissy Houston the backing singer just goes on and on warbling away. It made me laugh out loud. Here it is if you want to brighten a dark November day: https://youtu.be/WoqVFEE1UBY
4 Comments
Margot Kinberg
November 23, 2018What a fantastic topic, Christine! I think many of us link certain songs or artists with an experience, or at least with a time in our lives. I know I do. And if a song helps you tap into an emotion or experience for writing, well, why not? I’ve done that myself. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Christine Poulson
November 23, 2018It’s lovely to hear from you, Margot. Yes, I do find music tremendously evocative. And of course I am well aware that you are a fan of a certain singer-songwriter . . .
moira@clothes in books
November 25, 2018There’s nothing like music to take you back. I couldn’t begin to describe all the strong memories associated with music. Recently I met up with my son, his partner, and her mother. She and I entertained the young people with a description of the importance of Top of the Pops in our lives when we were young. We are different ages and lived at opposite ends of the country, but it was nice to find that our reactions were exactly the same. We explained that ALL young people watched it, then went into school, college or work the next day and discussed it. Very difficult for young people now with their diffuse input to understand.
Christine Poulson
November 25, 2018Yes, indeed! I have been thinking about this. How DID we know what about what everyone else was listening to? Top of the Pops was one way – and another was Radio Luxembourg – which I listened to in classic style under the bedclothes when I supposed to be asleep – and then Radio 1. Such a different world . . .