This is an ongoing series of written explorations into songs/music in general that has somehow significantly contributed to how we remember our past selves. Importantly, understanding these sonic memories will go onto colour one's preferences for a future that is yet to come. This series sets out to chronicle some of these musical milestones that are intimately biographical yet somehow universal - miles through tones.
Mystery of Love, Sufjan Stevens (2017)
There are seldom songs, that entice you from the word go. There are even fewer songs that stay fresh as they grow older in one's ears. Mystery of Love - in all of its lyrical and melodic essences is a perpetual fountain of beauty, youth and togetherness. In the movie, the song explores a molten expanse in Elio & Oliver's relationship - where they are allowed to experience all possible joy that the present has to offer however aware of impossibilities that lie ahead.
And what difference does it make
When this love is over?
Shall I sleep within your bed?
River of unhappiness
Hold your hands upon my head
Till I breathe my last breath
...
Oh, will wonders ever cease?
Blessed be the mystery of love
The song exposes this duality of bubbling, new love in its constant refrain of mandolin and guitar strings; a tinge of sorrow and incandescent beauty through Sufjan Stevens' wispy voice, interspersed with the grounded-ness of sustained piano notes. It is possible that one is completely enamoured by its visuals - that lends meaning to the composition. Possibly why a sea of aquamarine blue gushes into my mind whenever this song plays. And play it did - endlessly, like waves. Spotify calls it my Top Song of the Year 2019.
In the end, Elio's father, Samuel Perlman says to him
If there is pain, nurse it. And if there is a flame, don’t snuff it out. Don’t be brutal with it. We rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster, that we go bankrupt by the age of thirty and have less to offer each time we start with someone new. But to make yourself feel nothing so as not to feel anything - what a waste!
This song in a way is Samuel's lyrical advice - persuading listeners to feel something - anything that is worth experiencing right now. In a world that's constantly hell-bent on burying emotions, egging one to move on - it is a four-minute portal into quiet contemplation, into the awareness of sensations.
Comments