Music and Lyrics

 

I remember that when I was 13 I loved Take That.

Man, did I love Take That… And I knew all their songs by heart, too – or that’s what I thought!

I have to admit that this uncontrollable love was what really motivated me to learn English. This and the fact that I felt the urge to write a letter to Mark Owen to tell him it was OK if he wanted to date his girlfriend.

After a couple of years, Take That split up. I cried my eyes out. I wrote another letter to Mark Owen asking him to reconsider his decision, but nothing, they didn’t listen to me.

Eventually, I gave in and went on with my life.

Years passed by, I kept studying English thinking that once I was done I would become a super English song-listener and that I would be able to translate the lyrics to my mum.

How cute.

Blur, Nirvana, U2, Jeff Buckley, the Beatles (and the Rolling Stones)… I really loved listening to songs in English. I always felt very comfortable with the connection between English and music, and in some way, when I translate the lyrics into Italian, they don’t quite make the same sense.

Now I’m 32, I’ve lived in Australia and Ireland and have travelled quite a lot. English is the language I think in. Let’s say that mission is accomplished. I could probably write another letter to Mark Owen.

A couple of days ago, I decided to listen to Take That on Spotify. First time in 15 years. And I could understand. Everything.

OMG!!!

Ok, I had to admit going back in time was nice, I loved those songs anyway and the 13-year-old in me felt soooo proud she understood the lyrics!

So I danced!