Fun fact, find the answer at the bottom of this email.

Just how powerful is the vocal on “Unchained Melody”?

Time can do so much, are you still mine?

For those who understand how absence makes the heart grow fonder.

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Read time: 5 minutes

Lyrics

Woah, my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?

Poignant lyrics, “I’ve hungered for your touch”, and “are you still mine”? Longing and loneliness going hand-in-hand.

These lyrics getting to the heart of the matter at the start.

Over 2,000 years ago, Romain poet Sextus Aurelius Propertius wrote;

^{_{“Always toward absent lovers love's tide stronger flows” which translates to “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”.}}

Lonely rivers flow
To the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea, yeah
Lonely rivers sigh
"Wait for me”

This is an eloquent analogy; “the open arms of the sea”. The lyrics carry the weight of longing as the “lonely rivers sigh, wait for me”. I don’t know about you, but I can literally feel this ache.

Lyrics

God speed your love to me

I’ve heard it said that we cannot truly appreciate joy without knowing pain and loss. Perhaps this is true. If so, we can deduce that exquisite joy can only be appreciated with exquisite pain and loss.

My first thought is of a couple’s reunion. Something similar to what you see when military couples are reunited. Now that is a beautiful thought!

Instead of “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”, it should say, “Absence makes the heart grow stronger” as the relationship, as well as the individuals, are being tested and strengthened.

The suffering in “Unchained Melody” is expressed through touching lyrics and melody, swirling violin strings, and a build up that is masterful. If you are missing someone right now, be careful with a listen. It literally squeezes your heart.

Think about this…

As you were pondering this song and meaning, who came to mind?

How has your story played out?

Are you thankful for the experience? Is it a cherished memory, or does it bring pain and grief?

If it brings pain and grief, what have you gained from this perspective?

Key Takeaways

• Longing is a universal human experience.

• Longing is only one part of who we are.

• Missing someone is both a difficult and delicious experience.

• The pain associated with longing may be necessary in order to be able to experience deep joy.

• Practicing detachment and resolution reduces our fear of loss, and can bring some comfort.

Fun Fact Trivia:

Just how powerful is the vocal on “Unchained Melody”?

Answer: According to the Encyclopedia of Great Song Recordings; Bobby Hatfield’s vocal is epic, full of romantic hunger and yet ethereal. Hatfield's emotion-packed tenor is soaring to stratospheric heights, it's a record designed to reduce anyone separated from the one they loved to a "pile of mush”.

Love is the greatest adventure!

Enjoy your day,

LaDena

Best Relationship Advice “Unchained Melody” on YouTube