by Madeline Bocaro
© Madeline Bocaro, 2024. No part of this site may be reproduced or re-blogged in whole or in part, in any manner without permission of the copyright owner.
https://linktr.ee/madelinerocks
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REMEBERING ERIC CARMEN
About a Song: ‘All By Myself’
I have always loved the pure power pop of Raspberries, who always rushed their gorgeous verses (usually less than 10-seconds each), so that they could get to the punch line – their equally beautiful choruses. They didn’t waste any time!
I also love Eric Carmen’s solo work, especially THIS incredible masterpiece, based on Rachmaninoff’s second piano concerto (specifically the second movement). Guitar solos reflecting a latter-day George Harrison approach makes this a stunning, perfect piece of poignant pop music.
This song’s lyrics were so sad that they made me want to stay young forever. It was yet another instance of an adult singing about lost youth, like McCartney’s ‘Yesterday’ and even using the words “I feel so insecure” as John Lennon sang in ‘Help!’ It made me realize that these were my golden years, and that there would much more sad and difficult times ahead – possibly even an aching loneliness.
The song has the same sad, nostalgic poignance of Marmalade’s ‘Reflections of My Life,’ which is one of my favorite songs of all time. The message is so sad, but with astounding beauty in the melody. Both songs have been on repeat throughout my life.
Thinking that the classical piece was in the public domain, Carmen used it in his work. However, the maestro’s estate demanded royalties, and eventually got 12% of the royalties, as well as payment for ‘Never Gonna Fall in Love Again’ which incorporated the third movement from the same symphony.
(You can also hear Rachmaninoff’s influence on ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’ and Elvis Costello’s ‘Oliver’s Army.’)
LISTEN: ‘All by Myself’ Eric Carmen
https://youtu.be/h0KdR8bKHNQ?si=ywU__BkNbptqyKZQ
Also see my story:
ABOUT A SONG: TAKE ME BACK… REFLECTIONS OF MY LIFE – MARMALADE
https://madelinex.com/2019/05/08/about-a-song-take-me-back-reflections-of-my-life-marmalade/
© Madeline Bocaro 2024. No part of this text may be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or re-blogged in whole or in part, without written permission. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. All text written by Madeline Bocaro is protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without prior written permission.
See more in my Playlist category:
https://madelinex.com/category/playlists/
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About A Song
https://madelinex.com/category/about-a-song/
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Related:
Eat to the Beat
https://madelinex.com/2019/06/25/eat-to-the-beat/
Orange Sunshine
https://madelinex.com/2019/05/29/orange-hangover/
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very deflated to learn of Eric Carmen’s death via your tribute to this masterpiece (your writing is as groovy as always – know yer stuff backwards, succinct and to the point, and bring in the correct amount of (very interesting) personal reminisce).
I love the King’s Singers version of ABM. The Carmen epic I love most though, is the humongous Don’t Wanna Say Goodbye – opera for 8-track! love on ya!
Thanks Bill. Yes ‘Don’t Wanna Say Goodbye is epic as well!
M