#101 In My Life- The Beatles

And these memories lose their meaning/
When I think of love as something new.

Should we think of each love as something new? That is, when you meet the love of your life, is it fair to say “this is different” or “I never knew what love was before I met you”? Lennon does not want to make this declaration to his new love because he knows that it diminishes the importance of his lovers and friends in the past.

In “In My Life” The Beatles argue that those people were important, and he would like to think of them fondly from time to time. It won’t change his love or affection for his current significant other. She shouldn’t feel the need to diminish his past by insisting he think of love as something she only experienced with her.

In My Life Song Meaning
Beatles

He has a point. And “In My Life” is one of the most popular Beatles songs, so I think many people echo his sentiments. I think a bit differently. I would like to think that when you find your forever-love it is a bit different. That there is a special aspect that makes it unique and truly worthy of the word “love”. Something beyond semantics.

This is the beginning of the transition from the middle to the late Beatles. Here, Lennon begins to tackle important topics with more nuanced and experimental music. The most interesting part is obviously the choice of solo instrument. George Martin played a harpsichord (I believe) in half speed and then sped it up when he recorded it. That would be wild to play in real-time (though it is doable).

In My Life Lyrics

There are places I’ll remember,
All my life, though some have changed.
Some forever, not for better,
Some have gone, and some remain.
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends, I still can recall.
Some are dead, and some are living:
In my life, I’ve loved them all.

But of all these friends and lovers,
There is no one compares with you.
And these memories lose their meaning,
When I think of love as something new.

Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before.
I know I’ll often stop and think about them;
In my life, I’ll love you more.

Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before.
I know I’ll often stop and think about them.
In my life I’ll love you more.
In my life I’ll love you more.

written by lennon/mccartney

#99 Someday Never Comes- Creedence Clearwater Revival

You better learn it fast; you better learn it young,
‘Cause, “Someday” Never Comes.”

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Someday Never Comes” has a bit of a Carpe Diem theme. For example, “do something today, because if you keep saying you will do something ‘someday’ it will never happen”. There is also a bit of bitterness in the title—a literal interpretation. As in, someday never comes—you’ll never understand why such and such happened when you were younger even though you are told as a kid “don’t worry, some day you’ll understand.” Someday never comes.

Tomorrow Never Comes Meaning
CCR

Creedence has a very signature sound. Their sound is not so much unique, but it is so recognizably theirs. It is not just Fogerty’s vocals–the sound of their guitars and instruments seem to blend to create a somewhat “riverboat” or “woodsy” or country-ish sound. (I am not sure why I use these words to describe it). This sound pervades all their music and we can hear it in “Someday Never Comes” as well.

Their sound lends itself well to songs about protests and songs that give life lessons. They sound like they’ve lived and they have advice to share.

Lyrics Someday Never Comes

First thing I remember
Was asking Papa, “Why?”
For there were many things I didn’t know
And Daddy always smiled
Took me by the hand
Saying, “Someday you’ll understand”

Well, I’m here to tell you now each and every mother’s son
You better learn it fast, you better learn it young
‘Cause someday never comes

The time and tears went by
And I collected dust
For there were many things I didn’t know
When Daddy went away
He said, “Try to be a man
And someday you’ll understand”

But I’m here to tell you now each and every mother’s son
You better learn it fast, you better learn it young
‘Cause someday never comes

And then one day in April
I wasn’t even there
For there were many things I didn’t know
A son was born to me
Mama held his hand
Saying, “Someday you’ll understand”

Well, I’m here to tell you now each and every mother’s son
You better learn it fast, you better learn it young
‘Cause someday never comes
Ooh, someday never comes

Think it was September
The year I went away
For there were many things I didn’t know
And I still see him standin’
Tryin’ to be a man
I said, “Someday you’ll understand”

But I’m here to tell you now each and every mother’s son
You better learn it fast, you better learn it young
‘Cause someday never comes
Ooh, someday never comes

written by Fogerty

#98 No Ordinary Love- Sade

Didn’t I give you/
All that I’ve got to, give baby?

What is this “not ordinary” love that Sade is talking about? Is she saying that the love between her partner and her is special? Clearly not. The word “love” has so many meanings that songs like this can sometimes get lost in translation.

No Ordinary Love
Sade

In “No Ordinary Love”, Sade describes a relationship where she kept giving and he kept taking. She is not saying that their love is special, she is saying that the affection she shows him and the effort she puts into him are extra-ordinary. The love she has for him and the effort she put into this relationship is “no ordinary love”. She feels deeply for him, but the relationship is not working.

Sade’s sound is so unique that it almost sounds like a genre unto itself. It is smooth and sensual. Enya has that similar vibe. If you want to hear a more rock version of “No Ordinary Love” check out The Civil Wars excellent version. It is so good that it elevates the song in the list. There are few songs on this list that have multiple, unique versions that could probably make the list separately.

No Ordinary Love Lyrics

I gave you all the love I got
I gave you more than I could give,
I gave you love.
I gave you all that I have inside
And you took my love,
You took my love.

Didn’t I tell you
What I believe?
Did somebody say that
A love like that won’t last?
Didn’t I give you
All that I’ve got to, give baby?

I gave you all the love I got
I gave you more than I could give,
I gave you love.
I gave you all that I have inside
And you took my love,
You took my love.

I keep crying.
I keep trying for you.
There’s nothing like you and I, baby.

This is no ordinary love,
No ordinary love.
This is no ordinary love,
No ordinary love.

I keep crying.
I keep trying for you.
There’s nothing like you and I baby.

This is no ordinary love,
No ordinary love.
This is no ordinary love,
No ordinary love.

Keep trying for you.
Keep crying for you.
Keep flying for you.
Flying, falling…

written by Sade