softer than a shower

sometimes when a blog goes silent, it is because the writer has lost interest or trailed off. my silence here was intentional. i was applying for jobs, but even more importantly, i was trying to finish my dissertation. i now have a new job, and i defended my dissertation yesterday. i also am moving to a new state and part of the country, and i bought an old house. this hasn't left much time for reflection and song lyrics. it's possible that in the coming year this blog will change shape, have more about my new life experiences rather than memories, but i expect the song lyrics to stay the same. while i'm not getting exposed to as much new music these days, my interest remains rather pronounced. and actually, i'm thinking i'll get back into making music, recording some stuff myself. i'll let you know how that goes.

with all the craziness in my life this summer, a few things stand out. first, writing and defending my dissertation. second, learning what it takes to buy a house. third, spending time with friends and family, with all the fun and excitement of that, but also the varied frustrations. fourth, my big vacation was to vancouver and victoria, bc for a conference and to see my brother's place there. and fifth, the sunsets, bald eagles, orcas, and trees.

my favorite song of the summer of 2009 is a selection from what i would call a rock opera, or at the least a themed album by the decemberists. as always, i highly recommend the song. check it out. and check out what a corn crake is, too. this was the song that got me through writing my introduction and conclusion this summer, that and old sigur ros standby songs. i'm not sure where i would be without sigur ros right now, but i don't think i'd be done with graduate school.


the hazards of love / wager all by the decemberists

and here i am
softer than a shower
and here i am
to garland you with flowers

to lay you down
in clover bed
the stars a roof
above our heads

and all my life
i never felt the tremor
and all my life
that now disturbs my fingers

i lay you down
in clover bed
the stars a roof
above our heads

and we'll lie 'til the corn crake crows
bereft of the weight of our summer clothes
and i'd wager all
the hazards of love


and take my hand
and cradle it in your hand
and take my hand
to feel the pull of quicksand

i lay you down
in clover bed
the stars a roof
above our heads

and we'll lie 'til the corn crake crows
bereft of the weight of our summer clothes
and i'd wager all
the hazards of love