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.
Disclaimer: This song along with several others at the end of this project were released on November 1st, 2024 just as this project was entering the final few months. This album, Songs of a Lost World, has been one of my most anticipated releases given the facts that the last Cure album was released in 2008 and Robert Smith kept teasing over the years that he was working on it. It did not disappoint in several ways.
First, the Godfather of Emo, depressing music has released his Swan Song, much like Clockwork Angels is to Rush. I'm not saying it's their last release, but I can't imagine anything better.
Second, it's just another reminder of my own life's journey. The Cure has been a part of my musical tapestry for a long, long time. If the border of that tapestry is my string of fate with Shannon, each band on this project is woven into it - some more than others.
Third, where yes, most Cure songs are somewhat depressing and somewhat personal (one exception being Cut Here which is extremely depressing and extremely personal), this entire album is very personal and very raw. He has lost his parents. His brother passed away and it has affected him deeply. I believe he only has his sister left. Listening to this album you can feel this statement Shannon has shared with me over the years:
"One sibling will attend every sibling's funeral and one sibling won't attend any"
So all that being said, there are five songs featured on this project at the end. Reminder - they just came out three and a half months ago. Shannon fulfilled her role of editor / producer and repeatedly quizzed me "Are you sure?"
I'm sure. If they had come out in 1989 and I had listened to them for the past 30 years, they would have made this project somewhere.
Song two on the album. I don't have any concrete evidence but I like to think I know this song is 100% dedicated to his wife, Mary Poole, who he married in 1988. So they have a few more (6) years together than Shannon and I but congratulations are in order nonetheless. I know what it takes to get to at least 30 years (closing in on 31...).
But in this exact moment with all the tragedies we've all endured in life, thank god for the love of your soulmate. After all the ups and downs, triumphs and tragedies, this song is what it all boils down to.
I may be wrong about the meaning, and that's ok - I'll still make believe it is for the love of his life and the love of mine...
Shannon’s Perspective:
As the memory of the first time, in the stillness of a teardrop
Wow! What a powerful song. The flood of emotions I get just reading the above lyric is enough to break the dam holding them back. I am so lucky to have spent over three decades with someone and even luckier still that we have both promised to be there in the end.
And Nothing Is Forever
The Cure
Promise you'll be with me in the end
Say we'll be together, that you won't forget
However, far away (however far away)
You will remember me in time
Promise you'll be with me in the end
Say we'll be together and with no regret
However, far away (however far away)
You will remember me tonight
And slide down close beside me in the silence of a heartbeat
And wrap your arms around me with a murmured lullaby
As the memory of the first time, in the stillness of a teardrop
As you hold me for the last time in the dying of the life
I know, I know that my world has grown old
And nothing is forever
I know, I know that my world has grown old
But it really doesn't matter if you say we'll be together
If you promise you'll be with me in the end
I know, I know that my world has grown old
And nothing is forever
I know, I know that my world has grown old
But it really doesn't matter if you say we'll be together
If you promise you'll be with me in the end
If you promise you'll be with me in the end
And slide down close beside me
in the silence
of a heartbeat
30th Anniversary
Our Story - Shannon's Perspective
Our Story - Larry's Perspective
Ghost of a Chance (Rush) and why?
Ghost of a Chance 