Ricky Nelson Performs His Saddest Tune Which Still Pulls On Heartstrings Years Later
Aug 24, 2020
In 1984, the legendary British musician Elton John released a hit that he had written with Bernie Taupin on a whim. "Sad Songs (Say So Much)" was not a major hit, but it did a decent job of explaining why we like listening to sad music. The thing about "Sad Songs" is that it is not sad at all; however, it gets the point across.
When we hear late Ricky Nelson's emotional performance of "Lonesome Town" from 1958, we may not cry, but we will certainly feel a tug on our heartstrings. But why is it that we will find this kind of pleasant?
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For the most part, we do not wish to feel sad, but this is mostly a matter of social conditioning. Think about it: We are constantly reminded to be happy because this is an informal part of the American Dream and its ethos. For British people, the optimism is more understated, but the whole "keep calm and carry on" attitude subtly implies that happiness is expected.
The fact of all matters is that we cannot be happy all the time; there will be occasions when we will feel blue, and sad songs such as "Lonesome Town" will be there to help us get through the downtimes.
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When do we prefer listening to sad songs? When we are sad, of course, and we do so because this is part of a process. According to Science ABC, we need to feel the pain; it is better that way, and we need this because it is part of the human condition.
If we go through a breakup or through the loss of a loved one, we need personal space to deal with the pain, and we also need the comfort of sad tunes. Psychologists will tell you that this is a great way of coping; it is a matter of emotional health, states Science ABC.
Musicians are traffickers of emotions. They know that music can be uplifting as well as haunting. Ricky Nelson liked rock and roll, but he was very appreciative of the power of blues. He knew "Lonesome Town," written by Baker Knight, would be weepy, but he also knew about the emotional power of the blues.
How did Ricky Nelson's emotional performance of "Lonesome Town" make you feel? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this classic sad song onto your friends so that they can add it to their playlists.