Ok, I totally got inspiration for this song through a very geeky source: Jurassic Park. I might have an unhealthy obsession with the movie. Every time I’ve seen it (15 times, or so, and counting: 7 times in the movie theater, and 1 recently for the IMAX 3D 20-year anniversary, the rest of the times on TV), I come out totally believing there’s an abandoned island with dinosaurs in it. Come on! They look SO REAL!!!
But I digress, this week’s word prompt for the Ignition Lab was ILLUSION. There was a conversation in Jurassic Park, that I thought was pretty impactful:
John Hammond: When we have control again…
Dr. Ellie Sattler: You never had control, that’s the illusion! I was overwhelmed by the power of this place. But I made a mistake, too, I didn’t have enough respect for that power and it’s out now. The only thing that matters now are the people we love. Alan and Lex and Tim. John, they’re out there where people are dying.
Sometimes, we get so obsessed with an idea, we have a hard time letting go and keep trudging–at the expense of others. This is not to be confused with putting in extra effort to make things work– but when you need to ABANDON SHIP, or maybe rethink the whole idea altogether. So this is the subject/topic for this song.
Musically, for some reason, I’m really enjoying singing in a lower range. I find it quite dramatic. The beginning “melody” (which is not very melodic) sounds dangerously close to Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face”, which was a little distracting, but I had keep going to find out exactly what I was hearing. As it was unfolding, I heard bits of lyrics and bits of melody. Sometimes I would just hear a melody (in my head, in case you wondered) and would have to find what lyrics would go there. Other moments, I understood what lyrics belonged and had to find the melody for it.
I really enjoyed playing the descending bass line, that depending on which part of the song you’re in, ends differently.
Here’s the video, and the lyrics below. Enjoy!
Illusion
You think you have control
You feel so strong and bold
You think you have a hold
Of this situation
Is this part of your plan?
What you don’t understand
It’s not in your hands
No, it never was
So many lies you tell yourself
And when your shit comes all undone
Will you be the first to turn and run
Oh when, oh when will you finally learn
That all of your plans have taken a turn
Oh when, oh when will you finally see
You can never predict how the future will be
Maybe you’ve met your match
Maybe you’re too attached
Maybe there was a catch
In your documentation
This shit’s gone way too far
You’re acting so bizarre
I don’t know who you are
Anymore
Don’t hid away from your mistakes
And when you hang your head in shame
You’ll be the only one to blame
Let go a little
Just think a little
Adjust a little
Let go of the illusion