By Gary Bennett
Spring is the season of renewal and rejuvenation. Sure, it has taken its sweet time getting established this year, but I think it’s finally here.
The crack of the bat means baseball is underway. Kids are out playing on jungle gyms again. The sweet smell of freshly cut grass, lilacs and dogwoods are in the air. People are out and about with big smiles plastered on their faces. Carroll Creek, Culler Lake and Market Street are alive with activity. Folks begin to grab outside tables to enjoy a dinner downtown. The thwack of tennis balls and clack of bocce balls punctuate the daily hum of activity. Windows are open at night. Butterflies and robins have returned.
And, as often is the case, the sound of music enhances this sweet atmosphere. I offer up here my top 10 picks for classic spring songs that will make you glad you made it through another tough winter.
1. “PIECES OF APRIL”
Three Dog Night, 1970
A slow and sweetly wistful song about remembering springtime and an early love.
“April gave us springtime, and the promise of the flowers, and the feeling that we both shared, and the love that we called ours.”
2. “I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW”
Johnny Nash, 1972
This reggae-infused anthem is hopeful and optimistic. Problems can now be faced squarely in the brightness of a new day.
“I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that made me blind. It’s gonna be a bright, bright, bright sun-shiny day.”
3. “IT’S A BEAUTIFUL MORNING”
The Rascals, 1968
Carefree and optimistic, the song perfectly captures all the possibilities of a beautiful spring day laid out before you.
“It’s a beautiful morning. I think I’ll go outside for awhile and smile.”
4. “SPRING VACATION”
Beach Boys, 2012
If you didn’t know the Beach Boys were still releasing songs in 2012, this lilting song with the unmistakable harmonies will likely leave you wanting more.
“Driving around, living the dream, I’m cruising the town, digging the scene. I’m not gonna stress, not gonna worry, doing our best, no need to hurry.”
5. “APRIL COME SHE WILL”
Simon & Garfunkel, 1966
A quiet, simple, acoustic song (with artistically-licensed grammar), comes in at under 2 minutes and reminds me of a child’s nursery rhyme.
“April come she will, May she will stay, June she’ll change her tune, July she will fly. August die she must.”
6. “MR. BLUE SKY”
Electric Light Orchestra, 1977
This bouncy, happy-go-lucky song features an electric guitar and robotic voice. It always makes me smile.
“Sun is shinin’ in the sky. There ain’t a cloud in sight. It’s stopped raining. Everybody’s in the play.”
7. “SEASON SUITE: SPRING”
John Denver, 1972
This typical John Denver guitar song pulls me closer to nature and somehow makes me feel better about myself, too.
“Open up your eyes and see the brand new day. The clear blue sky and brightly shining sun.”
8. “A FATHER’S FIRST SPRING”
The Avett Brothers, 2012
This sweet, haunting, melancholy song proves that spring songs don’t always have to be peppy.
“Sweetest surrender of winter, she put up her flag. It is waving. The thunder of summer is rumbling in.”
9. “PRIMAVERA”
Carlos Santana, 1999
A Latin, syncopated song from this other-worldly guitar virtuoso pays homage to planet Earth at the best time of year.
“Como la Semilla, Lleva nueva vida, Hay en esta primavera, Una nueva era.”
10. “APRIL”
Deep Purple, 1969
A 12-minute, mesmerizing rock opera with a sweeping guitar intro. Lyrics finally kick in at the 9-minute mark and are not kind to April or springtime.
“April is a cruel time, even though the sun may shine and world looks in the shade as it slowly comes away. Still falls the April rain.”
Honorable Mentions: Tori Amos’ “Spring Haze,” Coldplay’s “Up with Birds,” Dawn’s “Here Comes the Spring,” Donovan’s “The Lullaby of Spring,” Jack Hartmann’s “Springtime Dance,” Elvis Presley’s “Spring Fever,” Chris Rea’s “Fires of Spring,” Carly Simon’s “Spring is Here,” Frank Sinatra’s “It Might as Well Be Spring” and Donna Summer’s “Spring Affair.”
Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.
