In honor and in memory of my mom, here are two songs that have a very special place in my heart and make me think of her each time I hear them.
The first, is a most beautiful cover of the Leonard Cohen song “Dance Me to the End of Love”. My mom was a huge Leonard Cohen fan and she also really, really loved Jennifer Warnes’ album entitled Famous Blue Raincoat. Let me just say that we listened to this album a lot! If you have not ever heard it before, it is worth checking out. A wonderful collection of Leonard Cohen covers. And of course, a collection that I hold dear to my heart since each song reminds me so much of my mom. Well, flash forward a number of years and I am most certain that we should have truly loved this sweet and sultry version of “Dance Me to the End of Love” performed by The Civil Wars. They are a duo comprised of California-to-Nashville transplant Joy Williams and her Alabaman partner, John Paul White. I also highly recommend checking out their album entitled Barton Hollow. You won’t be disappointed.
Here is a live version of “Dance Me to the End of Love”
Amazing, right?!! Leonard Cohen is a poetic genius and the combination of their two voices together just takes my breath away.
The second song that makes me think of my mom is a sad, but beautiful song entitled “Wish You Well” by Katie Herzig. This is a song that I first heard on WMVY awhile back and I instantly fell for Katie’s rich, melodic voice. I downloaded it from iTunes and it was not until after a couple of months of listening to it that the lyrics grabbed me with such an intensity that I can’t quite describe. The flood gates opened and the tears just started to pour out. It is both unbelievably sad and very uplifting at the same time. My mom was truly an amazing woman who really did show me how to find my way. I thank her for so many gifts that she left me and am grateful to have had such a strong and confident woman for a mom.
Here is “Wish You Well” by Katie Herzig:
My Musical Muses 
beautiful. ❤
Your mom and I, in our own private world, were on a first name basis with Leonard Cohen referring to him as Lenny, perhaps inspired by the Famous Blue Raincoat CD also known as Jenny Sings Lenny. I don’t need to be reminded what an amazing woman your mother was and at the same time I so appreciate what you shared. You can not imagine how much I continue to experience her as I witness you and Eden.
Katie Herzig’s Wish You Well brought me to tears. Thank you for this gift.
Love Dad.
music is truly a gift for the soul, right?
your mama would be so proud of you, mama:)
xx
p.s i downloaded the civil wars after listening to them at your party saturday…love
Melissa.
Love “dance me..” i remember it as a wedding song.. a friends. It is so romantic.
“What do you think of Neil Diamonds.. ‘simply amazing grace’? Our little one loves it and rocks out to this beautiful song. She thinks it is written for her. Grace.
I love that Grace thinks that the song is written for her! I had not actually heard that song before (although I have it!). I have to admit, I’ve never really been a big Neil DIamond fan. Sweet Caroline (at the red sox games) and an interesting interview on NPR inspired me to check out more of his music.
Wish You Well is absolutely beautiful. A perfect song of remembrance and appreciation of your Mom.
Thanks for all the loving comments.