Valentine's Day: Top Ten Most Romantic Songs

Two things:

1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear, dear, friend, Miss Aubrey Jane. And,

2. due to the impending Valentine's Day, I have decided to post a small series of romantically themed top ten lists (in no particular order).  I really have no special attachment to Valentine's Day.  However, I do love the romantic--from the schmaltzy to the profound... 
 

 Top Ten Most Romantic Songs...

1. Casmir Polaski Day by Sufjan Stevens 

This song is beautiful, because it is true.

 

2. Parigi O Cara from La Traviata by Verdi

For those of you who don't know, the movie Moulin Rouge is based on La Traviata.  So, that should assist in deciphering the story line.  Alfredo (Christian) has just discovered that Violetta (Satine) has not betrayed him.  In this scene, they are desperately pretending that everything is going to be all right, even though they both know that at this point happiness is impossible, because Violetta is terribly ill, and is probably going to die.  Forlorn love.  It kills me.  I can't even really find the words to explain this moment.  (Also, the set is incredible.  The stark statement.  It's like they're trapped in time.)  You'll just have to see for yourself...

3. The Sea of Love by Cat Power

 I almost didn't put this song on here, because it is a mite cliche in the indie circuit.  But, it's just so soft and slight and sweet...

4. Wednesday Morning at 3 AM by Paul Simon

 I'm obsessed with Paul Simon lyrics.  It's just a fact of life.  It's like you're experiencing a glimpse of someone else's life just for a moment...

 5. The First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes

 This is just adorable.  Yes to acoustic love songs. (Obviously.)

6. Mushaboom by Feist

 Comfortable love.  It's just so nice.  I love the images she paints with the lyrics.

7. Into Eternity by Jens Lekman

 Okay.  Another adorable song.  Particularly due to the memories with which I associate it.  This was my sister and brother-in-law's first dance at their wedding.  And, it was choreographed in my parent's living room by one of my best friends (the fabulously talented Miss Emily Kersey.)

8. A Case of You by Joni Mitchell

 I am also obsessed with Joni Mitchell lyrics, for similar reasons as to why I am obsessed with Paul Simon lyrics.  "You're in my blood, you're my holy wine, you taste so bitter and so sweet, I could drink a case of you darlin, and I would still be on my feet...still be on my feet..." It's such a nice image.  Warmth.  (Side note: my friend Matt is playing this on the trumpet.  I can't remember exactly why, but I still find that simultaneously hilarious and lovely.)

9. Stars Fell on Alabama by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong 

 I just have a perfect picture in my head whenever I listen to this song.  It always takes me back to the same place. So slow and so soft.  They just let it go.

10. For Emily Whenever I May Find Her by Paul Simon

This is my favorite song of all time.  Every word and every chord means something, and nothing is wasted.  I could write for pages, but I would never quite capture what is already so perfectly stated:

What a dream I had
Pressed in organdy
Clothed in crinoline
Of smoky burgundy
Softer than the rain

I wandered empty streets down
Past the shop displays
I heard cathedral bells
Tripping down the alleyways
As I walked on

And when you ran to me
Your cheeks flushed with the night
We walked on frosted fields
Of juniper and lamplight
I held your hand

And when I awoke
And felt you warm and near
I kissed your honey hair
With my grateful tears
Oh I love you, girl
Oh I love you.