For some reason I find it much easier to write songs about grief, loss, regret, failed relationships, war and all manner of failed connections. Whenever I try write a happy song it feels like a bad song from the 1970’s – unless you think all my songs are bad –don’t answer that .The music industry calculates that 50% of all songs released are happy ones . Music platforms use advanced algorithms ( whatever they are ! ) to measure a Valence score ( from 0 to 1)- this measures musical positivity. Spotify even have a ‘happy play list’, updated with high valence songs. There is also a thought that happy songs achieve greater commercial success over time. Sad songs are very specific, for example people seeking comfort. Happy songs reflect a much wider range of human emotion. The top 3 happy songs of all time are ‘Don’t stop me now’ by Queen, ‘Dancing Queen’ by Abba and ‘Good vibrations’ by the Beach boys. Next on the list is a favourite of mine ,’Uptown Funk ‘by Bruno Mars ( I wish I had some dance moves in my locker for this track). ‘Here comes the sun’ by the Beetles and ‘Walking on Sunshine’ by Katrina and the Waves also deserve a mention.
Typically couples in the UK date each other for 3 years, then live together for 3 years, then eventually marry. So, it’s a six-year mission !. About 60 in every 100 marriages survive. Only 2% of divorced couples realise they have made a mistake and then remarry. The message seems to be,’ make sure you meet the right person’
If you have made a wrong turn, go back and beg to be taken back ! – particularly if you are a silly man like me !You know who she is, but if you don’t your closest friends probably know the right partner for you, as per the line in the song , ‘My friends, know my secret’
This is an attempt to write a happy song so that I can promote it to 50% of the available market I have been missing out on!. It's about a relationship that has re connected because it was always right in the first place. It was just meant to be, they just needed time apart to realise it. This a is beautiful couple that just look good together. They will produce very handsome children. In my mind, the song is set in Madrid, as a young couple walk back through the beautiful town squares, after dinner. As I write this Podcast I am in a hotel restaurant in Santander Spain , whilst travelling to Bilboa, San Sebastien, Biarritz and La Rochelle with my beautiful partner. ( punching above my weight, springs to mind )
The key line in the song is ‘You’re, in my dreams. The finest girl I could meet. Nothing, tastes as sweet’ I just love the line ‘You’re in my dreams’ – probably the nicest thing you could say to someone – see I told you I could take a happy pill !
Our hero refers to the past by singing , ‘I should have said more. I want another chance. If I think, I think of you .Figure it out, in advance. We slept on trains. We walked, in the sun. We had so much fun’ . He seems such a nice guy, taking full responsibility for everything, claiming he only sings ( like now ) when ‘he is in love’ He has even ‘listed his lovers, so she can write them down ‘ ( that wouldn’t take me long !). He finishes his romantic ballad by singing , ‘Set the bells, ringing. Think, a beautiful thought. Got some, questions. Maybe, a surprise encore’ Sound like a proposal is on the cards. I hope I’m invited to the wedding. What the nicest thing your partner had said to you. I can’t believe I actually wrote this song; I might try another, before I get too soppy.
