Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by the Total Book Geek. The purpose of this bookish variant is to match a book with a particular song; whether it is character defining, a narrative element, or just an overall book defining track.

So why am I doing this? Well if I had to choose to only have one of the five traditional senses, it would be sound perception above all else. And hey I think it’d be neat to share music I listen to on a daily basis!

This Week’s Song:
Keep Me Watching – Jason Walker

Book Selected:
Nearly Gone – Elle Cosimano

 

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Initial Thoughts:

Alright. My explanation drawn in this pairing might be a stretch in metaphorical analysis. So just bear with me as I try to make sense in what the point I’m trying to get across.

If you need some background information on Nearly Gone by Elle Cosimano, you can check out my review by clicking the image or the above link.

Let me be the first to say that the lyrics can certainly take the angle of being about a relationship (I mean…what song doesn’t have the potential for that angle anyways). But let’s take this consideration a step further: when a visually provocative accident or event occurs, as an onlooker, sometimes you know you shouldn’t see it through—but your eyes can’t seem to pull away. This song draws the same comparison.

In the entirety of the novel, Nearly Boswell endures constant tribulations being offered by this unknown entity (or “you” for the sake of song reference)—sending her clues which often mock her intelligence as she’s incapable of solving the cryptic puzzles laden before her. As crimes begin surfacing and coming back full circle to her as the primary suspect, there’s an increasing sense of urgency (for Nearly) to be completely engrossed in the effort of resolving the personal problems before it escalates and more people get hurt.

The desires shift from a want to a need; such that the basis has evolved from engaging the passivity of the situation into one that requires full attention—often disregarding everything around the character to give her all in resolving what’s before her. Whether it’s physical or mental strain, the fact is tried and true: Nearly needs to keep following (or watching) the personal classified ads for any cryptic updates. Only by playing along and focusing her attention toward the endeavour will she be able to seek the revelation she desires and can her mind be cleansed of the unhealthy obsession.

We can agree to disagree, but that’s just my passing interpretation.

Excerpt from lyrics:

Paralyzed, I’m caught in the headlights
Unexpected but it feels like you already know
What you’re doing to me

You’re a hit and I’m addicted
Couldn’t quit you if I wanted
But I don’t… ever wanna turn away

One look and I’m frozen
And I lose track of time
You move in slow motion
And I can’t close my eyes
Takin all of my attention
But I don’t want you to stop it
No oh

You keep me watching
You keep me watching

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Afterthoughts:

This song was legit staring at me for the longest time when I was trying to find a match. Jason Walker is one of those randoms that I wouldn’t have heard of if it weren’t for Vampire Diaries featuring this artist as an insert track. If you enjoyed this track and want to check out some of his other tracks, “Echo” and “Down” are both pretty stellar too. As always, happy listening!

Cheers,
Joey