Mythology

One song frame I particularly love is to take a myth that’s rich and resonant, and write a song mining one aspect or point of view within it. I learned about this idea from Jean Cocteau, whose Orphic trilogy is a beautiful filmic version of the Orpheus myth.

My invitation to you: take a myth from any tradition that captures your imagination. Make a song (or another kind of art piece) that explores, with abundant poetic license, a theme within it that strikes you deep.

Here is an example. This piece was made in Ann Arbor, MI in 2009, with the Painted Room, and its textures are owed to the devotion and genius of Mike Billmire, who did all the producing, recording and arranging, and who played many of the instruments. Credit also to Mary Fraser on piano and vocals, Merilee Philips on cello and vocals, and Serge van der Voo on bass, for imprinting and coloring it with their music, gifts and personalities.

The song is a variant of the Minotaur myth, sung from the point of view of Ariadne to Theseus.

Lyrics:

You set your mind on the maze. You're type that puts a horse to plow. You'd give your body up to science and knotted ropes under the bed.

I love to see you standing there. You have no sense of your command. You have no sense of your weakness. Someone like me has to protect you. 

Here is the end of a long red thread. Hold it tight and don't let go. When you're lost, come back to me. You can follow it back. 

Your brow is set with crown of stones, a coronation in the sky. I'm known to love a happy ending. Corona Borealis up on high. What would you do without my strength? What would you do without my wit? 
Just another of the yearly ten, just another of the yearly ten

~~

Thumbnail image reverently stolen from Lin Wang’s illustrations for the Crane Girl adapted by Curtis Manley