Well folks, we're nearing the end. Not long now until the final entry on February 19th, 2025. The last major theme to close us out revolves around the Passing of Time. If the first few months of this project were tough, they're actually a cakewalk compared to what we're about to go through. We're getting old and life perspectives are changing as they should - AKA we're closer to dying than when we were born. Some of these songs represent the heaviest weights that we've carried since knowing them. Some are as recent as 2023 and 2024, but I know in my heart of hearts that even if they came out in 1989 they would have made this list - they are that profound to me.
So if you're an artist that made this project from here on out you should feel humble and proud...you achieved what you set out to do...make music that people feel and love...thank you.
Shannon’s Perspective:
When I find my way to that peaceful glen
There will be no regrets left on that road
Though the burden is great, every now and then
I would still go back and carry that load
I am not really very familiar with this song, but can totally understand why it would be included at this point in the project. I am and have been working hard to make peace with life so that I leave no regrets and much like the theme of Headlong Flight I would still go back.
Well if I started my love of music journey with Alan Parsons and Old and Wise in 1982, wouldn't you know it, I can close out this project with an Alan Parsons song from 2019. So that span is 37 years for him, and it's even longer considering the work he did prior to 1982.
This song is certainly meant to be introspective for the listener, but it's truly a great autobiographical song. His impact on the world of music cannot be overstated.
I would encourage you to read his Wikipedia entry: Alan Parsons
If you can't be bothered to click the link and read, here's a small snippet:
Alan Parsons OBE (born 20 December 1948) is an English audio engineer, songwriter, musician and record producer. Parsons was the sound engineer on albums including the Beatles' Abbey Road (1969) and Let It Be (1970), Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), and the eponymous debut album by Ambrosia in 1975. Parsons's own group, the Alan Parsons Project, as well as his subsequent solo recordings, have also been commercially successful. He has been nominated for 14 Grammy Awards, with his first win occurring in 2019 for Best Immersive Audio Album for Eye in the Sky (35th Anniversary Edition).
If you're not a music lover, listening to this song you would not connect all the dots from the lyrics to songs he's worked on throughout his life. Which is ok, because the song stands on it's own as a reflective road we've all travelled through life.
I've always appreciated this line the most:
A humble bow to close the show
My heartfelt thanks before I go
From an outsiders point of view, I truly believe he loved what he did and is rightfully proud of the work he produced. And knows that without artists and fans alike he would not have been able to stay on that path. I fell in love with this song the first time I listened and it's no coincidence that I have this and Old and Wise back to back...
As Lights Fall
Alan Parsons
I set out to make my mark
To forge a road despite the dark
Though clouds of doubt have grayed the path
I followed through and faced the wrath
My sword was cast in songs of light
In sparks and waves, enchanted nights
Crafting tales and magic spells
Clever sounds in silent realms
When I find my way to that peaceful glen
There will be no regrets left on that road
Though the burden is great, every now and then
I would still go back and carry that load
Meet me there as lights fall
This will be my curtain call
Meet me there as lights fall
A humble bow to close the show
My heartfelt thanks before I go
When the curtain falls I'll fade away
We'll meet again in a magic glade
When I find my way to that peaceful glen
There will be no regrets left on that road
Though the burden is great, every now and then
I would still go back and carry that load
Meet me there as lights fall
This will be my curtain call
Meet me there as lights fall
Oh for one more trip around the sun
One more dance behind the moon
When my final feat is done
I'll share the moment here with you
Meet me there as lights fall
This will be my curtain call
Meet me there as lights fall
This will be my last call
30th Anniversary
Our Story - Shannon's Perspective
Our Story - Larry's Perspective
Ghost of a Chance (Rush) and why?
Ghost of a Chance 