This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)” by Talking Heads
I think an essential love song has to be true. I think the ingredients of it have to be real. Just as the best love is real love. I also think that love song ought to deal with more than feeling, just as love plunges deeper than emotion and reaches deeper than the heart. I think that song should also make you want to dance. Whether a slow, close dance or a swing-your-arms-around-because-you’re-so-darn-happy dance.
This has long been one of my favorite love songs for all these reasons. It’s seriously true and sincere (there doesn’t seem to be any irony at all). It includes, but goes far beyond, the feelings. And just try not dancing (or at least tapping your fingers) to it.
I know these words. I know these sounds. Deeply. They reveal what I’ve experienced about love. It gives voice and groove to a part of my soul. And love songs don’t have any better job than that.
Here’s the live version from one of the best (if not THE best) concert films ever made:
What!?! You’ve never seen Stop Making Sense? Shut up! Do it now:
