Two good old love songs

 Aloha!

 I have always been a fan of old songs; to me old songs being anything before 1995. I was brought up on compilation albums from the 80s and 90s, and the late 80s/early 90s country music of Nanci Griffith and of Alison Krauss and Union Station.

 Something; I can't remember now what it was; reminded me of this song, which I first discovered not that long ago; maybe a couple of years ago.

 This is a song I often forget about, but when something reminds me of it I always listen to it and it puts a smile on my face. The rhythm is infectious; it is hard to resist the temptation to clap the beat like the mysterious gloved hands do in the video. 

 It is a nice, laid back song to listen to, which can really put you in a better mood. The story is also told well and with real emotion. I've just looked the song up and found out that it was number one in America for four weeks, which I think was well-deserved.

 For me, it is absolutely impossible to think of Jack and Diane without thinking of this next song, which I discovered around the same time, and which somehow I find to be very similar to it.

 Both songs have the two people the song is about as the title, and both songs are very raw; with quite a basic tune and not a huge number of instruments, and with lyrics that are well thought-out and sung with real passion. 

 In fact, I find this next song to be lyrically one of the most beautiful I have ever heard. Anyway, here it is:

 Every word is carefully chosen and the song is something really quite special - well, I find it to be, anyway. If you're not familiar with this, have a listen and see what you think.

 I also personally love the video; I think it is well-made and very poignant and symbolic.

 My favourite lyric has to be; "When you can fall for chains of silver, you can fall for chains of gold." So poetic. I have my own theory on what it means, but I guess lines like that could mean different things to different people. 

 Also, "I can't do everything, but I'll do anything for you." Beautiful. Although I don't recommend jumping off walls like he does in the video.

 I love it when I come across a decent love song that so clearly came straight from the heart of whoever wrote and sung it. There is so much pretentious rubbish about - but this is a song of real love, and it has won my heart.

 Liz x

 Songs: Jack and Diane - John Cougar Mellencamp (1982)

            Romeo and Juliet - Dire Straits (1980/81)