88 - That's Why I Hold

This band is coming in a close second favorite of mine.  If their future releases continue to blow me away they may take the lead at some point.  For now, they are contentedly at number two.

I've given a lot of love to their new album since this series started.  But I haven't doted on their first release as much as I thought I would have.

Song 88
        "After the Storm" from Mumford & Sons on their first album, Sigh No More

This song is one of the stand out songs for me on a stand out album.  I mean, just about every song on both of their albums is amazing, but this one continues to stay with me.  Again, this song is just ripe with hope.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

I can't get enough hope.  I know I sound like a broken record.  So be it.

Another thing about this song I love is the build up, like the rise to the hero accomplishing his task at the end of a story.  Shivers man.  Shivers.

I see a dark barren wood.  Someone, maybe me, maybe not, has to cross it.  And they push through.  It's dark, cold, damp and ugly.  No life.  It takes a long time.  And there is a storm that sets in.  Cold, biting rain and steady wind.  When it clears, they have reached the other side of the woods and there is a clean white valley of snow, and a little house down in the bottom, with lights glowing and an inviting fire sending smoke out the chimney.  Go for it.

I don't know what else to say about them.  I've said a lot.  Their music gets under my skin, and into my heart.  It moves me. Challenges me.  Even encourages me.  I hope it can do the same for you.  Or maybe it'll send you asking questions that lead you to those things.

Either way, go for it!

grace, peace + hope
-Jesse

69 - Your Light's Always Shining On

I just can't get away from this band.

Mumford & Sons is a band that just gets under my skin.  In the best possible way.  From the sweeping songs like Babel and Holland Road to the simple ones like today's choice.  There are few bands that really feel like a part of me.  And I know that's an odd thing to say, but the music and lyrics to almost all of their songs resonates deeply with in me.

I am  forever grateful to my boss out in Illinois for sharing them with me.  Thanks Richie!

Song 69

        "Reminder" Mumford & Sons, Babel

I love to sing along with this song in the car.  I don't sing well, so...I just kinda crackle along, but hey, the people riding with me don't seem to mind.  Oh wait, no, that doesn't happen.

This song kinda breaks my heart a little, and sometimes I need that.  But it has this whole upswing of hope, which if you've been reading, is very important to me.  So heartbreaking but hopeful.  Yes please.

Then there is the plea for his love to not fade away, as it is the beacon that leads him.  There are far worse things to follow than love.  I don't hear this song just as a man loving a woman, or a memory of her.  But that love is what he doesn't want to fade.  The ability to love.

Least that's what hear.  Enjoy some lyrical beauty...

A constant reminder of where I can find her
A light that might give up the way
Is all that I'm asking for
without her I'm lost
But my love, don't fade away

 Alright folks, that's it.  Go forth, enjoy.  Share.  Love.

grace, peace + hope
-Jesse