Dark Horse

Music has always played a huge part in my life. As long as I can remember, my Dad has always played guitar, and his dedication to the instrument has always inspired me in my playing and love of music. I can still smell the strangely calming aroma of stale cigarettes and laundry detergent from our basement where Dad used to practice every night when I was little.

I remember the first time I picked up the violin, my first guitar; Listening to almost every type of music ever composed, and adoring close to all of it. 

Whether it be the wail of an electric guitar, the haunting sound of a sitar, or the enticing melody of an ocarina, the soul that is behind music is what makes it great.

Music that speaks such wisdom to me is the work of George Harrison.

George's work has always held a special place in my heart. With every song, he put his love, dedication, wisdom, faith, and humour. Listening to songs like Isn't it a Pity and Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) bring tears to my eyes, simply because of the heart and soul behind it. What speaks to me is not only the love within, but how George had changed millions of lives, including my own, with something as simple as song. 

"Love one another" 

Three words, their meaning clear as day.
Beautiful words from a beautiful man.
Spiritual in the truest sense of the word, though I myself am somewhat off the beaten path when it comes to religion, George Harrison gave me faith when I needed it most.

Music has an odd way of releasing emotions, no matter what they may be. When you're sad, you listen to mopey, sappy songs; When you're angry, you listen to hard rock and kick random shit. (Or I do, at least...)
When you're happy, you listen to music that makes you feel good. (As I write this, I'm listening to Layla by Derek and the Dominos, which, ironically, is about Eric Clapton's borderline obsession with George Harrison's then wife, Pattie Boyd)

Songs like this, with such feeling behind them that you can close your eyes and almost see yourself standing next to the musician in the studio, is what makes life so great, in my opinion.

If one can realize the true beauty of music that speaks not only to the heart, but to the soul, then one has truly reached a state of bliss, forever immortal in the romanticism of rock and roll's poetry.

George, you've changed my life. Rest in peace, love.