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.
Larry’s Pick: Woman
What's that, you say? It's Valentine's Day? It's Friday? I'm in love? So Friday I'm in Love?
Sorry - I just had to...we all know by now my love for The Cure...
On with the show!
I gave this song to Shannon for her 40th birthday in 2011 - so not quite a year after she gave me the first playlist for my 40th in 2010 after my dad had passed away.
Obviously that time in between was very raw for me. I was dealing with a grieving mom and sisters and I had committed to myself (and Shannon will confirm) that regardless of the divide between my mom and I, I would dedicate the next year to trying and help her as much as I could. Which I did. But I didn't make it the full year. But it was close.
Of course during that time, you start reflectin' on your own life. Yourself. Your spouse. Your sons.
I was deeply touched by Shannon's small but mighty gesture of making that playlist for me and went on a journey of committing myself even more to my own family. I needed to make a playlist for her to work through my own demons and needed her to know my true thoughts should anything tragic happen to me.
This past year has been a continuation of that playlist from 14 years ago. We only have five more songs to go and nowadays I am constantly thanking Shannon for helping me do this - I am forever in her debt for this project and everything else over the past 30 years.
I can't think of a better Valentine's Day gift to give her than this song...again...
After all, it is written in the stars...
2011 Write-up
Woman
There is definitely something to John Lennon. I think this song is perfection if you let it be. By that, I mean men actually lowering their guards down, and allowing emotion to guide them as opposed to testos-terone.
I know I get overly emotional about a lot of things, and some of them I am sure you don’t understand – some of them I don’t understand myself. And there are things that may appear like I don’t get emotional about at all. But rest assured, the biggest chunk of emotion is reserved for you…
Shannon’s Perspective:
After all, it is written in the stars
I mean how could I not pick those lyrics?
Way back at the end of 1980 an album called Double Fantasy was released. This was the first project from John Lennon in over five years. He had taken that time off to spend with his son Sean after he was born. It was also the last thing to be released while he was alive since he was murdered on December 8, 1980.
I have vague memories of my stepdad purchasing this double album and listening to it. More importantly I have felt a strong tie to this album and this song in particular since I was 9, which is how old I was when the album came out. I had been born after the Beatles broke up but I got to enjoy them as solo artists in my lifetime. John Lennon was my favorite and in high school I did a term paper on his murder.
So beginning at age 9 this album and this song have been a part of my life. Even as a little girl I felt the power of the emotions in this song and wanted nothing more than to someday have someone feel that way about me. That feeling never went away and when Larry gave me this song the first time around I was overwhelmed with emotion, especially because he has never been shy about his feeling for all things The Beatles. I knew the song had to have spoken to him on a deeper level as well ...... because after all we were written in the stars.
Woman
John Lennon
For the other half of the sky
Woman, I can hardly express
My mixed emotions at my thoughtlessness
After all, I'm forever in your debt
And woman, I will try to express
My inner feelings and thankfulness
For showing me the meaning of success
Ooh, well, well
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Ooh, well, well
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Woman, I know you understand
The little child inside the man
Please remember my life is in your hands
And woman, hold me close to your heart
However distant, don't keep us apart
After all, it is written in the stars
Ooh, well, well
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Ooh, well, well
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, well
Woman, please let me explain
I never meant to cause you sorrow or pain
So let me tell you again and again and again
I love you, yeah, yeah
Now and forever
I love you, yeah, yeah
Now and forever
I love you, yeah, yeah
Now and forever
I love you, yeah, yeah
30th Anniversary
Our Story - Shannon's Perspective
Our Story - Larry's Perspective
Ghost of a Chance (Rush) and why?
Ghost of a Chance 