Posted on by loia

Human Jukebox e̷d̷i̷t̷e̷d̷

What’s a song lyric that has stuck with you forever?

Umm… all of them? 🤷‍♂️

Being a musician that has specialized in covers from many different genres for almost 40 years now, it’s hard for me to give you just one. Most days I wake up with a different song on my lips and in my heart. Throughout the day, more lyrics come to me. I’m like a human jukebox with thousands of songs memorized.

I’m the same way with books, poems, and literature. I’ve memorized so much over the years. For example, when I first read Julius Caesar by Shakespeare as a teenager, I memorized the parts I really liked. In 7th grade, I auditioned for All-State Chorus and had to sing a solo. I chose the song version of Thomas Ford’s poem, There Is a Lady Sweet and Kind.

The Bible is no different for me. I have many chapters memorized in several translations. Psalm 91, for example, I know in three different translations and recite almost every day.

The reason I mention all this is because, to me, songs and lyrics are just like reading a book. You often hear writers and others talk about how important reading is. Well, I think songs are the same. They tell stories, they make you feel, they paint pictures with words, and I believe they can even help you become a better writer.

I’m constantly walking through lyrics, poems, Scripture, and literature in my mind. It’s always changing, always flowing. I’ve always been like this.

But I don’t want to send you away empty handed, so here’s some lyrics I’ve been thinking about some today… Jackson Browne, In the Shape of a Heart. I’ll probably cover this one soon.

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People speak of love, don’t know what they’re thinking of
Wait around for the one who fits just like a glove
Speak in terms of belief and belonging
Try to fit some word/name to their longing

People speak of love, don’t know what they’re thinking of
Reach out to each other through the push and shove
Speak in terms of a life and the learning
Try to think of a word for the burning

People speak of love, don’t know what they’re thinking of
Wait around for the one who fits just like a glove
Speak in terms of a life and the living
Try to find the word for forgiving

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© 2026 Bryan Loia Hudson. All Rights Reserved.

`’.,°~

33 Replies to “Human Jukebox e̷d̷i̷t̷e̷d̷”

    1. Haha I hear ya. I occasionally forget parts of some songs and I will pull them up and glance at them a time or two and then I’m normally ok… but some are challenging for me

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    1. Yeah he’s something else. So I was familiar with a handful of his songs in the 90s but early 2oO0s I really dug in with him and was upset that I waited so long. He just has it all. Great lyrics, musically great with the songs themselves, he’s an incredible musician both piano and guitar and as singer he’s about as good as they come… he’s just on another level… and so many great songs

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      2. Your hubby has great taste… I would love to see him also before he hangs it up for good. I saw him online recently and I was surprised how old he looked. I didn’t even recognize him

        Liked by 2 people

  4. This was a really enjoyable read! Great work. I’d love for you to check out my latest work at lucazani.ink, if you’re interested! Appreciate any feedback.

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      2. Oh that’s so cool. Yeah from what I’ve learned of him over the years he’s a great guy and his musical ability and talent and lyrics are elite… I don’t know of anyone better.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. My best friend and I saw Jackson Browne when he was very young playing in a college gymnasium —we were all just sitting on the floor. We fell in love with his music and still love him to this day. He never disappoints. He’s so talented. Poetic. Saw him in Chicago at Ravinia maybe 10 years ago. It was brilliant. Anyway! 😂

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    1. Oh wow! How cool! I never got to see him in person but I’m a huge fan. He’s probably my favorite solo artist. I love when it’s just him and a guitar or the piano and no band. That’s so great that you’ve seen him twice. I’m jealous
      😫😄😁

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      1. I have been lucky in that way! I hope you can find a way to see him perform. I was so moved at Ravinia I cried through a couple songs. Then, a man and his wife who had fantastic seats up front had to leave the concert suddenly and the man for some reason walked straight up to me and gave me the pass to get in and take his seats. Unforgettable.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Wowza! Yeah thats definitely unforgettable. I saw some recent photos of him and I didn’t even recognize him. He’s aged so much since I last saw pics of him, 5 or more years ago, I believe it was

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      1. Well done on your newbie status! I’m getting into it, there are so many blogs to read, relish, learn from, laugh with, nod to. It takes time but it’s so enjoyable and the reciprocating is rewarding 😊

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  9. The idea of lyrics as a form of literature really resonates with me, especially how you compare memorizing songs to reading books. I’ve found that when I write, the rhythm and imagery from songs I love often seep into my prose in unexpected ways. It’s like having a mental library of emotional shorthand. Speaking of which, I’ve been experimenting with turning some of my written scenes into video using Seadanse, and it’s fascinating to see how the visual interpretation adds another layer to the words.

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    1. Absolutely. I think music has a way of shaping us creatively long before we ever realize it. A lot of what we absorb through songs probably stays with us and eventually finds its way into our own voice.

      And that’s really cool about turning your scenes into video. Also I just found your comment. It was in spam. Sorry about that.

      thank you so much for sharing.

      Like

      Reply

  10. The comparison between memorized lyrics and memorized literature is interesting, especially the note about reciting Psalm 91 in three translations. Does the blog treat song lyrics as a form of reading practice in the same way as books and poems, or is the memorization process different for each? The Jackson Browne lines about trying to find a word for the burning seem to sit right at that overlap. song lyrics as a form of reading practice

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