The writer of so many good songs it is challenging to choose one Ed Sheeran number to focus on. But, as Mothers’ Day approaches this beautifully crafted tribute to his mother appears appropriate. Ed describes performing various domestic routines. But, like the photos in the album, they speak of a life that was loved. As the scene unfolds we learn that this life belonged to his mum whose illness has succumbed to death and whose love for him is evidenced by his breaking heart. Ed celebrates his mother’s support of him by singing “Hallelujah” and, against the etiquette of his father, shedding a tear. Ed continues tidying respectfully, coveting his…

Morrisey, former lead singer of the Smiths is not renowned for his calming lyrics. It is hardly surprising then that his first new release in three years pursues a disquieting tone. Here is a link to the official YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rmAi9XmlIo The staccato ‘intro’ stands in stark contrast to the rest that bed invites. The driving rhythm that ensues militates against daytime repose. Perhaps this is intentional. With the notable exception of night workers most people take to their bed for sleep at night. Those staying the day in bed are typically ill, out of, or eschewing work, homemakers or possibly retired. Morrissey pre-empts any workshy judgement being made of…

The invitation to eavesdrop on Maggie Rose’s intimate conversational reflection is a sublime privilege.   Here’s a link to the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWIyAqT4DEY   The personification of the bottle enticing her to imbibe its contents so that “We can make it through this lonely night together” offers a timely reminder that as human beings we are designed for relationship. Strange but true; we can experience relational connection with a substance.   The trigger for the songsmith’s musing is her desire to “feel better”, “good”, “alright”, indeed “anything but what I feel tonight”.   The source of her discomfort is “the way he left”, of which she is reminded by the “pictures…

In my work as a counsellor and psychotherapist I never cease to be amazed at one and the same time at the resilience and the fragility of the human spirit – that inner core of ourselves as human beings. In the song ‘Glass’, husband and wife duo Keifer and Shawna Thompson, collectively known as Thompson Square,  explore human fragility through the lens, if you will pardon the pun, of glass. Here is a link to the song www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN8nQ7zYOWY It is perhaps helpful to reflect for a moment how people come into relationship. It starts with an encounter. Two people become aware of one another. Maybe they find themselves in the…

Rag ‘N’ Bone Man is a curiously unlikely name for a pop star, but from the moment the undefended, earthy quality of Rory Graham (aka Rag ‘N’ Bone Man (R ’N’ B man))’s voice supplants the almost mechanical chant of the intro the listener becomes aware that they are on the threshold of being treated to a rare honesty about the human condition. Here is a link to the song www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3wKzyIN1yk R ‘N’ B man speaks, or rather sings, from a place of feeling blamed. We’ve all been there, I suspect, at some time in our life. I call to mind a giant foam hand with a pointy index finger,…