Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Power of Words

I don't know about you, but I am a sucker for anything that does an outstanding job of using words. For example, I love the line "set fire to the rain," from Adele's new song, even though I'm not a huge fan of the actual song. There are just certain combinations of words that just "do me in" big time and I instantly fall in love. Who doesn't fall for, or at least refer to, this immortal line, whether we understand it or not?

But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief
That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she.
Romeo and Juliet Act 2, scene 2, 2-6

There is just something about words and the way that some people know how to use them. I appreciate great users of words in just about any setting, whether it is a poem, script, movie, tv-show, random saying, comment, poster, book, or even a comedian. Comedians make a living off of knowing how to use their words in just the right way. I wanted to share such case with you. This video was brought to my attention last week and I have watched it several times, showing it to everyone in my family, and in each case we were all laughing. Check out this link. Hopefully it livens up your day a little!

So, are you a sucker like I am? Where have you been inspired? What lines have taken your breath away?

8 comments:

  1. My favorite song lyric:
    'Cause I want to be more than the mud in your eye. I want to be the clay in your hands.

    I love great lyrics, good poetry (my favorite is Bukowski but my friend Josh Fernandez is a close second), and good dialogue in a movie or play.

    I have found that there are some hip hop artists who have a way with words while rhyming that is quite extraordinary.

    So I guess my answer is yes. :)

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    1. Nice line! I forgot to mention that the lyricist I am most inspired by is Adam Young.

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  2. The most inspirational words I've ever been totally familiar with are the lyrics to Amazing Grace. I don't think anyone can top that for me.

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  3. Nice post and I really loved the link. It made me smile and I needed that today.

    As for favorite lines that inspire me? I'm not sure, but I'll throw out my favorite Shakespeare passage that is often overlooked in the movie versions:

    I have of late, but wherefore I know not, lost all of my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises; and indeed, it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory; [...]

    Hamlet Act 2 Scene 2

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  4. I love words and word combinations too. :)

    I smile every time I hear a statement at the end of the BBC movie Pride and Prejudice: Mr. Bennett says, "But for what do we live but to make sport for out neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn!"

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  5. Yes, definitely. I'll listen to a song just for one line.

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