"Someone Saved My Life Tonight" by Tom Mason todemason@comcast.net
As a grade school boy, there were many
artists of the time that shaped my youthful memories. Born in 1965, the 1970’s
were perhaps the most influential years of music for me. Many a song, still
today can spawn memories, which take me back to that very time in my life. Only
songs and smells can do this for me.
In the 1970’s Elton John was larger
than life. His song, "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" has always ranked
high atop my favorites list for the memories in which it induces. A sad ballad,
it first registered with me as I was finding out that a young friend my age was
dying of cancer. I remember crying later, as the song played. His young body lay
still in the casket, never to ride a bike again, or to laugh and run free as the
wind, as only a child can do. His life was cut short, and it was my very first
introduction to the realities of life.
The passion in which John sails through
the high notes, the resounding piano enveloped in an almost over-bearing tempo
of drum beats, to me this song grabbed all of my emotions. Perhaps the death of
my young friend assisted in the power of this piece, but it wasn’t the only
allure of the song. Later, in my adult life, it would once again stir emotions
within me.
In my early twenties, and a soldier in
the United States Army, I served part of my four years in the beautiful southern
town of Savannah, Georgia. The incredible memories from those years, once again
decorated with significant songs, brought "Someone Saved My Life
Tonight" back to the forefront from my emotional cellar.
A friend and I often frequented
"The Exchange Tavern" on Savannah’s historic River Street. A rather
small, dungeon-like bar with worn wood floors and uneven brick walls, it
provided the absolute perfect backdrop for a talented folk singer who performed
his magic every weekend night there. Though his name escapes me after almost
twenty years, his talents were second to none. He played an electric keyboard, a
folk guitar, and a harmonica while singing songs from the sixties and seventies.
The patrons would belt out requests that he’d honor with impeccable emulation.
He played them all; Billy Joel, Joe Cocker, Don McClain as well as Harry Chapin,
America, The Little River Dirt Band, and of course Elton John. And of course he
played, to my request, "Someone Saved My Life Tonight."
I’m right back there now, as I listen
to the song at this very moment. The musty smell of tap beer, and the dingy
yellow lights through clouds of cigarette smoke authenticated his performances.
He belonged there, doing what he was doing. A calling from God in my opinion, he
roused audiences night after night, and he did so by stirring our souls. Playing
the songs that broke loose our memories, he captivated us, yet united us at the
same time. We would sing along, and sway to his art. And more often than any
other requested song; it seemed to me he’d play "Someone Saved My Life
Tonight."
God I miss my youth. I’m only 36 now,
and I realize that I am still young. I try not to live in the past, but certain
songs can pick me up and carry me away from what I am currently focusing on, and
kindly drop me down into the middle of an altogether different reality. A
reality that I once experienced. A reality so real in my mind that my other
senses kick in to aid the adventure. I can almost smell the smells, and taste
the tastes. I can see the sights, the setting, the people, and the facial
expressions. Funny how powerful music can be.
About five years ago, my wife and I
experienced Elton John first hand. I had always wanted to see him perform live,
and though Debra and I aren’t Elton roadies or anything extreme, we do
appreciate talent in the music industry. He played for well over two hours. His
energy level topped any expectations we may’ve had going into the show. He
truly is a blessed talent. His love affair with the audience cemented a
permanent grin on his joyous face, and I knew more than ever that he was born to
perform. Somewhere in the midst of his accomplished song list, he brought the
house to its feet as the thunderous piano notes of "Someone Saved My Life
Tonight" began. Chills ran up and down my spine. Overcome with waves of
energetic emotion, I hugged my wife hard, and for an instant, we danced together
from the efficacy of that very moment. Another memory forged. Another time to
look back upon. Another sight and smell to relive.
How often do we hear it said that,
"The only thing you can take with you are the memories"? I love
memories. I love the dizzying feeling of deja vu. The instinctive conception
that I’ve been here before, and the somewhat hollowing conclusion that
physically I can never go back. Elton John’s "Someone Saved My Life
Tonight" is by far and away the most memory inducing song in my life. I can
only wonder when it may reappear. Will I look back on past times? Or will I find
myself in the midst of creating yet another memory?
My name is Tom Mason. Currently I am an unemployed auto designer, living of course, in the Detroit area. I love to write, and would be thrilled at the chance of becoming published.