I’ve been listening to James Blunt’s album Back to Bedlam.
If you’ve ever wondered whether anyone has ever felt as down, depressed, frustrated, and hopeless over a lost love as you have, well, you have tons of books, poems, songs and such to assure you that others have. This is one such piece of art.
I first heard James Blunt on Oprah, and was nearly heartbroken just listening to him and watching him. Also, amused by him. I like his style of humor. I decided then that this was a perfect anniversary gift. Cory and I have been together for a long time. Together, we’ve never experienced these exact emotions. Before Cory, I’d had a few crushes, heartaches and such. Nothing major. So, when I gave him the CD, it was with the message, “All the songs we never had to write b/c we never broke up.”
So, why do I like the album so much? Because it’s real. It’s raw. It’s honest. It touches emotions that everyone experiences to some degree at some point in life. And it is just really good music.
BTW-There are two versions of this CD out. One is the “Clean” lyrics version, the other is “Explicit” lyrics. There seem to be some words that we, as Americans in general, are more sensitive to than our British counterparts. Just wanted to make sure you’re aware. 
One of the saddest songs I’ve heard is “Land Locked Blues” by Bright Eyes.
Kerri,
We own it, if you want to give it a listen.
So which version did you get?
I knew somebody was going to call me out on this, but I didn’t think it would be the sweet, innocent Hsien I’ve heard so much about.
I did debate, b/c I care way too much about what other people think. When I asked two friends about it, they said, “Why do you care? Who cares what CD you buy?” So, knowing that Cory and I would prefer to hear the lyrics as they were written and felt, I went with explicit. I’ve only noticed two words, but they are big ones in US standards. However, I’m personally not bothered by them in this context. Now, say them in front of my kids, and that’s a different ballgame altogether!
I’m sure the explicit version isn’t half as titillating as most people think. And I agree with you. I like to experience things as they were intended. Not everything needs to be sanitized!
I agree. I think if kids are around, that could be a different story. But let me hear what someone really had to say, what they were honestly experiencing. I am glad, though, that they offered a choice. If someone really wouldn’t listen to it b/c of the words, I’m glad they still have the option to experience the art.
Titillating’s a fun word!
what are the words that people objected to and what song were they in
barbara: The one that I know was altered was “flying high” from a different f-ing high in “You’re Beautiful”. There’s also an “s” fecal-related word in another song (Wisemen, I think). I’ve never heard it on the radio, so I don’t know what they do with that. One more that I know I’ve heard, but can’t remember what song it’s in. That’s all I have for you. Hope that helps.
bright eyes lyrics…
I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read….
Massari: Glad to have you visit here. Thanks for commenting!
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