Soundtracks to Aspirations

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By Joe Rodriguez

 

Dreams are an extremely powerful mechanism in our minds. They drive us to strive for the unattainable, help us achieve exceptional feats, and often crash us back into reality when they aren’t reached. Enjoy these selections that put dreams to music.

Dreams Are Made for Children (Single) — Ella Fitzgerald, Jazz Lullaby, 2008

As always, Ella’s voice has amazing warmth and depth as she sings a “little man” to sleep in this classic lullaby. As a new father, her singing makes me want grab a hug and bask in a smile from my own little man. In some ways the arrangement recalls the music in those classic Disney films; the innocent themes of fairytales and dreams are hard to comprehend as grown-ups. Yet we watch our children or grandchildren and know that at this moment they can be anything and everything they want to be — if only they stay true to their dreams. This simple song reminds us of how we were once just like them, and it gently nudges us to return to those days of sweet innocence.

Hey There Delilah (Single) — Plain White T’s, Every Second Counts, 2006

The Plain White T’s were a Chicago-based punk pop band for almost a decade before recording their Grammy-nominated ballad about hope for a better future between two young, separated hearts. Lead singer Tom Higgenson voices his aspirations to become a rock star, the hope of doing so driving him to continue the grind of touring in a van and writing music far from his love. The song is the modern re-hash of the great Beach Boys song “Wouldn’t it Be Nice,” and it echoes the age-old angst of what we give up to achieve our dreams. We all have those dreams, though they may change over the years — Higgenson softly speaks his in the light of day with a simple guitar background.

Waiting for the World to Change (Single) — John Mayer, Continuum, 2006

In 2006, the soulful, bluesy reincarnation of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, known as John Mayer, recorded his generation’s antiwar anthem, “Waiting for the World to Change.” Here the dreams of changing the world have hit a brick wall, and we are shown the fear that they will forever remain unfulfilled. Mayer’s song addresses the hopelessness of the young, teetering on the brink of giving up, in their quest to change the world. Mayer still holds tight to the dream that change will come and that the time of war will end. Like so many of us, he still believes that one day the world WILL change and the dreams of so many will be fulfilled. While antiwar angst songs are a dime a dozen, Mayer manages to voice the disappointment many feel with where our world is heading. With a calm and inspiring soul, Mayer urges us to be patient while taking meaningful action to bring about the change we dream of; surely a lesson for all, not just the young.

About The Author

Joe is a fan of many genres of music. He has spent his entire career working in the music industry as a music director for two college radio stations, a record label regional rep, and for several digital music companies. This is Joe’s first writing gig, and he looks forward to introducing all of you to the joys of music. Follow Joe on Twitter @rodriguezjoe12