Building something with your own hands has a unique satisfaction, especially when it involves a personal touch, like crafting shelves or discovering music that strikes a chord with you. Recently, I found myself on a similar journey.
Key points
After the success of building some shelves, I couldn’t resist continuing the project when I stumbled upon more wood. While the work is still in progress (having run out of materials mid-way), the thrill of creation remains, much like the joy of discovering music that resonates on a deep, almost inexplicable level.
Surprising Depth of Popular Music
In his iconic play Private Lives, Noel Coward’s character Amanda remarks, “Extraordinary how potent cheap music is.” In the 1930s, “cheap music” referred to what we now call popular music. There’s an underlying expectation that popular music, being more accessible to the masses, lacks the depth of classical compositions. However, Amanda’s observation hits the nail on the head—some of the most emotionally potent and intellectually stimulating music comes from what might be considered the “lower brow” genres.
Popular music, far from being superficial, often contains layers of wit, cleverness, and innovation. Take the work of Jake Thackray, for example. He was a masterful lyricist, blending humor with profound philosophical insights. Thackray, who taught English before his music career, had a remarkable command of language, using it to craft songs that were as intellectually satisfying as they were entertaining.
Genius of Jake Thackray
One of Thackray’s songs, On Again, On Again, begins with a line that’s sure to grab anyone’s attention: “I love a good bum on a woman, it makes my day.” It’s a blunt, humorous start, but what follows is a brilliant display of linguistic skill. In the very next line, Thackray plays with the word “a posteriori,” a philosophical term, and “posterior,” in a pun that’s as surprising as it is clever. When was the last time you heard the word “palpable” in a song, let alone in a song that balances humor with philosophical musings?
Thackray’s work is a testament to the potential of popular music to be both entertaining and intellectually engaging. His ability to weave complex ideas into simple, catchy tunes places him in the same league as European chansonniers like Jacques Brel and Georges Brassens, whom he admired and translated.
Steve Tilston: The Unsung Hero of Folk Music
Another gem in the world of music is Steve Tilston, a folk musician who, despite being highly respected in the folk scene, remains under the radar for many. His song Slip Jigs and Reels is a perfect example of how folk music can tell a rich, evocative story with just a few lines:
“He was barely a man
In his grandfather’s coat,
Sewn into the lining
A ten-shilling note.”
These lines set the stage for an epic tale. Immediately, you’re drawn into the world of this young man, curious about the significance of the ten-shilling note and his journey. It’s the kind of storytelling that hooks you from the very beginning, much like a well-crafted novel.
Timeless Appeal of Folk Music
Folk music has always had a unique ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. It’s music of the people, by the people, and for the people—often telling stories of everyday life, struggles, and triumphs. Steve Tilston’s work is no exception. Although he’s never achieved mainstream fame, his influence is undeniable. Even John Lennon was an admirer, and many other artists have covered his songs.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting Tilston a couple of times, and his humility and kindness are as striking as his talent. There’s something special about watching one of your heroes perform in a small pub, then casually chatting with them during a break. It’s these intimate experiences that make folk music so special, connecting artists and audiences in a way that few other genres can.
Enduring Power of Music
Whether it’s the sharp wit of Jake Thackray or the evocative storytelling of Steve Tilston, music has a way of touching us deeply. It doesn’t have to be classical to be profound. In fact, some of the most powerful music comes from genres that speak directly to the human experience, using language and melody to express what words alone cannot.
As I continue my shelving project, I’m reminded of how these small acts of creation—whether building something physical or crafting a song—can bring immense satisfaction. They remind us of the importance of creativity in our lives, and how, just like a well-built shelf, good music can hold up our spirits and inspire us for years to come.
