Story Songs: December Snow

Ten years ago the Moody Blues released a Christmas album called "December." Among the songs were the traditional "White Christmas," John and Yoko Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" as well as some of their own compositions.

My favorite is Justin Hayward's "December Snow," probably the only entry that can be played other times of the year. Those who've been to a Moodies concert in the past 10 years have probably heard Justin perform this bittersweet song.

For me, Hayward's heartfelt lyrics about the seasons are metaphors about warmth of friendship and love and the coldness that comes when that person has left your life.

The song begins:

"Like December snow

That lays in the wood

You're gone too soon

I knew you should"

And then he writes:

"With October skies

You brought your love

But November came

Taking  all I have

And

Time,  take this sadness from me

Time, bring my heart back safely

Hold on to warm September

'Cos life can be like December snow."

There is a piano solo, probably by Danilo Madonia, that conveys the bleakness and emptiness of the time. 

And the song closes with:

"Time,  take this sadness from me

Time, bring my heart back safely

Hold on to warm September

'Cos life can be like December snow."

For lots of folks, there is a sadness that comes during this time of the year when many reflect on their blessings as well as their losses. And there is seasonal  affective disorder -- or SAD -- that people experience during the winter months.

I hope your holidays are filled with joy and happiness.

"December Snow" lyrics

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Until the next time...

Tapping Into Emotions

Do you ever have trouble conveying emotion in your writing? I believe most of us do at times. It may be one of the most difficult aspects in producing fiction and nonfiction that moves the reader to a deeper level and an understanding of the characters.

So how do you convey emotions? For me, it's as easy as looking into my own emotional experiences. I've got lots of them. I suppose that comes with age.

Sadness? I remember something sad in my life that corresponds with the story I'm writing. Some examples of sadness can be the death of a friend or relative, the breakup of a relationship, moving to another town and leaving friends (and vice versa), or the loss of a beloved pet.

Happiness? Some things that touch the core of my emotions have been the  births of my sons and grandchildren, watching them open presents at Christmas and celebrating their birthdays; attending a family reunion; getting back in touch with old friends; and completing another book and seeing it in print.

Pain? How about an injury, toothache, migraine headache, or any kind of ache, for that matter. And I've experienced it vicariously when my wife and children have been hurt and when I've witnessed the pain suffered by others. 

My life has run the gamut of emotions so I tap into my feelings to a particular time in my life while I'm writing.

As noted above, that's easy for me to do.

But let me offer this caveat -- it's not always painless. I've been brought to tears at times so proceed with caution.

Until the next time...