Soundtrack to The Grace of a Nightingale

Introduction

I discovered music on the radio as a young girl and immediately noticed how rhythms, melodies and lyrics stirred my inner world. I started to feel alive in ways I had not experienced before. I was hooked. Initially artists such as Bowie, T. Rex and Stevie Wonder were some of my favourites. From about the age of 14, I discovered others such as Led Zep, Neil Young, Rickie Lee Jones, and Talking Heads. Disillusioned by state education, these artists inspired me to learn about life in ways beyond the school walls. I was rescued from a life of drudgery and boredom. I found the courage to believe there were alternative opportunities waiting for me to explore. Since then many eclectic musicians have enabled me to find hope, healing, consolation, beauty and love during some of my darkest and joyful moments. The sustaining power of music is sublime.

Music has been both my doorway to perception and the house I live in.

David Bowie

I have compiled this small collection from some of my favourite artists. Certain tracks pertain to a particular time in my life, others have been chosen for their lyrics regardless of the circumstances whilst some artists and bands never cease to evoke a sense of deep soulful equanimity. I remain grateful and humbled by their commitment and talent – thank you.

There is a link to my Spotify playlist at the bottom of this post which offers a more extensive collection.


Chapter 1 – The Unmothered Child (1962-1969)


Chapter 2 – The Vulnerable Child (1969-1973)


Chapter 3 – Cigarettes, Whisky and Firearms (1973-1976)


Chapter 4 – Wild, Wayward and Wandering (1976-1979)


Chapter 5 – Welsh Seagulls (1979-1980)


Chapter 6 – Longing and Belonging (1980)


Chapter 7 – An Irreversible Ending (1980)


Chapter 8 – The Call of the Nightingale (1980-1983)


Chapter 9 – Carpe Dium (1983-1984)


Chapter 10 – Pride and Prestige (1984-1989)


Chapter 11 – The Prelude to Illumination (1989-1991)


Chapter 12 – Priests, Ships and Hounds (1991-1994)


Chapter 13 – Paradox and Paranoia (1994-1996)


Chapter 14 – Forgiving Dreams (1996-1997)


Chapter 15 – Tormented to Death (1997)


Chapter 16 – Bare Dreams (1997-1998)


Chapter 17 – The Prophesy is Realised (1998-2000)


Chapter 18 – A Secret Lie (2000-2001)


Chapter 19 – A Widowed Spinster (2001-2003)


Chapter 20 – Sophia (2003-2004)


Chapter 22 – Herons and Horses (2008-2011)


Chapter 23 – A Sanctimonious Halo (2011-2013)


Chapter 24 -Surviving Through the Stitch Up and Smiling Through Pain (2013-2014)


Chapter 25 – The Song of the Nightingale (2014-2017)


Final Song


Below is an extended Spotify playlist for you to enjoy.


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