hold your breath

till Nina's next note.
then breathe through her.

the last is arguably the best song of the album depending on how many nights it's been after the ultimatum in Love Me or Leave Me, a hopeful upbeat demand. in Wild is the Wind we feel the rationalization, the confusion then a delusional hope that somehow she's special in I Put a Spell On You. but we are already hearing her admission that even she is having a hard time fooling herself here. Work Song is do what you're asked and put your head down when it's raining; never give up (really?). you feel her chills, her forgiveness, the slow dance of his return in the intimacy of Don't Explain. The Other Woman is less jealousy, more empathy.

simply skip song seven and think alliteration here.
(or listen to it and think how much better we are now)

she's angry which is step what of grief.


the next two songs perfect both her anger and her empathy.
you'll agree.
 the music can now be seen.
      Four Women.
      Pirate Jenny.




back to our love affair. we're not at acceptance yet.
I Loves You, Porgy


she tries dating others, but it doesn't work in This Year's Kisses.
a comforting regression in Little Girl Blue. it's almost as if she ages here.

In Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood she's hoping we understand, and I want to.
my intentions are good.



I tell him to turn off all the lights before she begs Ne Me Quitte Pas.
maybe it would've changed things if she had added s'il vous plait, but I believe it is perfect as it is.



some of the best fairy tales were never about the ending, but this one ends well here.





Today I am grateful for hilarious and crazy girlfriends, two kids, an election, and a listen.




  and rain.
    sweet, sweet rain is simply water falling from the sky.