This song is from Carolyn's first album and it was the first album that I listened to when I first heard her. She so very much is a prolific lyricist and songwriter. I believe this song in particular embodies these qualities. In storytelling fashion she talks about knowing a girl who 'reads dusty books and learns phrases in latin'... 'a genius it's just this world doesn't know it'. We then listen to the chorus that says to 'Seize the Day'.
Her verses cover several life stories. She goes on to talk about a doctor and his scenario. 'He works in an African clinic' and 'writes home to the cynics'. What wonderful lyricism and storytelling. She sings this fluidly with instruments weaving in and out almost unnoticeably. After the chorus she talks about somebody else who has gone 'bitter and cold' and who wishes somebody said to him such good words as the chorus expounds. Both stories are vivid and are good examples of what we see in everyday life.
The chorus itself wraps everything up. It has overall uplifting words and really just saying what we have is now, today, and make the best of it, for once a day is done it is done. Her overall musical intonation says to do it with joy and a positive attitude. This is a wonderful song from such a gifted songwriter. The chorus is full of meaning and is a very profound on a kind of outlook on life.Overall this song also embodies the style of the rest of the album.
On the rest of the album,the songs are encouraging, upbeat and they are stories taken out of everyday life. However one song that stands out in particular, is 'Father Thy Will be Done'. It starts out with an unusual percussion, very interesting guitar playing and almost whispering, thoughtful like background singing. There is wonderful instrumentation throughout the album, with none other than Phil Keaggy on guitar on the live songs. Rich Mullins plays the hammered dulcimer.
We hear a violin, viola, cello and accordion at different points throughout and background vocals wonderfully placed. The instrumentation is such that it simply adds to the prolific and creative song writing of Carolyn Arends and to the dynamics to the music. This is an alternative folk album."Seize the day" is a wonderful song to a great album, which is aptly called "Seize the Day and other Stories" and is a first in a long line of albums that Carolyn Arends has done. I look forward to hearing more.
There is a link that you can go to hear more music. If you are interested, click here. Going to this link will avail you of a free download. This download was nominated for best gospel performance by a musician in a similar genre. Enjoy!
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