It’s a big question. But how might it be answered in song lyrics? Not merely through broad definition or metaphor, but also through philosophy, practical advice or experience. See many inspirational ideas here, but it’s also time to let your answers take flight …
Read moreMission? Songs about the impossible
Love, death, survival, creativity – at times they all seem impossible or insurmountable. After a seemingly inconceivable recent world history, it’s time to play with the idea of impossible in song, and work out what really is from what isn’t. Is it all down to perception?
Read moreNotes on the new normal: songs about what is or isn't regular, typical or natural
Regular? Standard? Stereotype? Average? Typical? Natural? What does normal mean, and how might it be explored in song lyrics? From people to behaviour, families to jobs to towns, and any other context, it’s all a matter of perspective
Read moreHalloween? What comes after? Songs about stalking, following and chasing
Do you follow? This week it could well be a creepy, but also complex topic, with tracking and pursuing people in all contexts, done or from the perspective of either party, for love or perhaps more sinister reasons
Read moreJoint effort? Let's weed the stoned grass: songs about marijuana / cannabis
Mary Jane to hash, pot to pipes, it's time to take a toke on songs that hit on this long-established recreational drug and painkiller, from its many names to the effect it has on mind, society and music
Read moreSecond nature: songs about travelling in time
This week it's time to set the musical controls - to suggest songs that about time travel in the sci-fi sense, but also those that might move to another period in past or future in metaphor, memory and the imagination
Read moreWe'll meet again: songs about reunions
Bumping into ex-lovers to family occasions, high-school meetups to friends reunited, tales of long-lost lust to saved revenge, it's time to catch up with those songs that capture all the emotions and ties of old acquaintance
Read moreHurt so good: songs about channelling mental and physical pain
Hurt can be the source of most songs, but this week we look at the when pain can be positive, and suggest songs that take the upbeat, or even pleasurable view of pain in the mind and body
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