SOCIAL MEDIA

2/29/12

Blackbird: Challenge of Music Blog Hop

Erin Praiz-Hintz of Treasures Found: Inspiration is Everywhere issued a "Challenge of Music" blog hop that I couldn't resist participating in.  Music has always been a huge part of my life, and is probably the one medium that has spoken loudest to me ever since I can remember.

For this hop, we were to choose a song that is meaningful to us and create a piece of jewelry that expresses something about that song.  The song I chose is "Blackbird":

"Blackbird"
Made using a hand-etched and soldered copper bezel patinaed with white patina from MissFickleMedia on Etsy, handmade fused glass cabochon, beautiful lampwork beads from Firebabies on Etsy, a handmade clasp and a bit of etched copper chain and recycled sari silk.

"Blackbird was originally written by Paul McCartney for the Beatles after reading about the race riots in the US.  Here's a piece of an interview he did about the song:
McCartney told Mojo magazine October 2008: "We were totally immersed in the whole saga which was unfolding. So I got the idea of using a blackbird as a symbol for a black person. It wasn't necessarily a black 'bird', but it works that way, as much as then you called girls 'birds'; the Everlys had had Bird Dog, so the word 'bird' was around. 'Take these broken wings' was very much in my mind, but it wasn't exactly an ornithological ditty; it was purposely symbolic."
When I first heard this song, it touched me so deeply, but not in the way the Beatles intended.  These lines: 
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
have such a graphic quality to me.  I love the idea of someone broken who can still fly free - it is so much in line with the philosophy behind my blog and my life.


The version you are listening to now by Sarah McLachlan completely mesmerizes me - it is so haunting and clear and without pretense - so beautiful.


Here are the complete lyrics for you:


Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free

Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night

Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise



I hope you enjoyed the song and the reasons behind why I chose it for my inspiration in this hop.  You can find a list of the other wonderful participants on Erin's blog, Treasures Found: Inspiration is Everywhere!

Happy Hopping!
Skye said...

Gorgeous! I love every element to this bracelet... even that feather that promises to tickle ;)

Jo said...

What a beautiful bracelet - I love everything about it! I didn't have time to take part in Erin's challenge this time round, but I'm really enjoying seeing what everyone has made. Despite being a lifelong Beatles fan (encouraged by my parents!) I didn't know the story behind Blackbird, so thank you for sharing that.

My Life Under the Bus said...

Absolutely stunning! I also love this song for the same reasons you state rising up after a crisis. The bracelet is just as beautiful and haunting as the song.

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

That voice is mesmerizing....as is that bracelet! It is stunning! This is incredibly beautiful!

Courtney Breul said...

A really beautiful piece. I am loving the learning piece from each of the blogs along this hop. Thank you for that.

Melinda Orr - BANDANA GIRL said...

Nice Molly! Perfect fit to the song~ beautiful work ~

Unknown said...

Okay I am speechless! Your inspiration song brought goosebumps and the bracelet will forever be etched in my heart. You can fly with broken wings.

Bits of Learning said...

STUNNING Bracelet!! There is just something about the song "Blackbird", the way Sarah McLachlan sings the beautiful words is haunting. The bracelet you created interprets the song perfectly! Beautifully done!

steufel said...

That is so stunning. Love the dramatic touch! And my piece is about birds too:-)

Stephani Gorman said...

Molly another wonderful piece! I just love this song too! Brings back so many old memories! Hugs

LisaS said...

Extraordinary cab! The whole bracelet came together beautifully and is a perfect symbol for the song. You have an amazing talent ;)

Trishie said...

I had no idea of the inspiration behind this song or that it was written by Paul McCartney. I always loved it but being African American I'm hearing the song in a different way now. Your bracelet is a gorgeous interpretation.

TesoriTrovati said...

Miss Molly! I cannot imagine that you would choose any other song. Everytime I come here I am greeted by this lovely melody. I love Sarah MacLachlan. She has such an ethereal voice. But the lyrics are very powerful and your bracelet matches it so well. I feel the power even in the brokenness, the light even to the blind. You have a marvelous way of translating inspiration to beauty. Thank you so much for sharing in this hop! Enjoy the day!
Erin
P.S. Sorry about overlooking you in the list Miss Molly! Not sure what happened. I don't want anyone to miss this stop!

SueBeads said...

Love that song and your bracelet is beautiful!

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

The song came on when I clicked on your blog and my husband started singing :-)
That is one amazing bracelet. I am in awe at what you made. Just beautiful.
I will have to try the white patina someday.

Cece Cormier said...

One of my favorites. Stunning bracelet.

indigo heart said...

beautiful song, beautiful interpretation. love it.

Holly said...

Molly, Blackbird is one of my favorite Beatles tunes. It's just amazing. As is this version of it. Sarah's voice is just amazing...

And your bracelet? Just beautiful! It fits perfectly for this song...sort of dark with an inner strength.

Christine Altmiller said...

Molly, your bracelet goes wonderfully hand-in-hand with your song~it is so clear to see your inspiration...just gorgeous!!!

Tanya said...

Molly, that just takes my breath away. When I saw your post title, I immediately had the song running in my head. I am a huge Beatles fan and just yesterday, the kiddo and I were looking at Beatles videos on youtube. Your bracelet is just stunning and really does conjure images of the song.

Alice said...

Molly, I'm sorry I missed your post for the Challenge of Music! Your piece is just lovely and I appreciate the inspiration behind it. Thanks so much for passing along the history of the song you chose. I learned something new thanks to you!

Jenny said...

A day or two late, but I am glad I didn't miss this one! Love it. It looks like it would be satisfying to wear, feeling it present on one's wrist. The Sarah version is great - her voice is perfection and I love that she uses it resourcefully - never needing to show off with trills and runs.
Your bracelet is lovely. I love the metal setting you chose,and the glass is deep and rich.

Anonymous said...

Molly - I love this bracelet. It captures the song beautifully. I have to admit - I got all teary during the song.

Paige said...

What a beautiful bracelet! I love it. It completely reminds me of the song. Great job! And the song is a good one, too! :D Love it!

Charis Designs said...

I absolutely LOVE what you did with the beads in Forest. The wire loops/wraps give the beads so much character. You did a beautiful job
Christie

CraftyHope said...

Oh, I do love that song. Wonderful choice! Your bracelet does a great job of honoring and portraying it!

SoulsFireDesigns said...

I haven't the foggiest how I missed yours, Molly! But it is exquisite! I never knew the meaning behind the lyrics, but have always found this song very inspiring. Your bracelet is incredibly beautiful and wrought with thought and emotion.

Maneki said...

Gorgeous bracelet! Love the design and the colour palette. It looks fab!

Rebecca said...

Awesome! I absolutely love this cuff. And I never knew that was where one of my favourite Beatles songs came from.

Regina said...

Beautiful, gave me goose bumps...listening to the song and reading your post. Love the bracelet!

Sandi Volpe said...

Wow, gorgeous bracelt and love all your soup pieces, trying catch up on both hops:-)