Part of growing old is understanding how the world works. We go through tons of experiences that shape who we are, which in turn prepares us for things to come. We become less surprised by the objects and events around us and develop a practical sense of the world. But what does that world look like to a younger you, or perhaps a child. Your understanding is small and the most minuscule of things are extremely interesting. There is a sense of mystery in every nook and cranny in the world. There is magic everywhere.
This is the core of Jonathan Wilson’s song “Magic Everywhere.” The world we live in is an incredible, ever-changing, ever-growing place but that idea feels accepted. Think about where you are right now, all the decisions you’ve made in your life have brought you to this exact moment. There’s something magical about that. How are we able to think, breathe or move? Again, all things we take for granted.
Wilson starts this song out with an acoustic guitar and a kick drum, setting a stripped down idea as his wispy voice glides over them like a lullaby. He sings about life as we get some percussion and extra drums hits, and when he says, “our bodies won’t need us when we’re there,” bam, the song drifts into a contemplative jam. We get multiple layers of whimsical strings seamlessly taking precedence of each other to give a musical understanding of this idea that magic is everywhere. The song continues on in this fashion for a few minutes of bliss with the reiteration of the word “magic” throughout. He really builds this idea and creates a wonderful representation of it through music.
This idea of magic Wilson presents us implies that there is something around us we cannot understand. Take that idea how you will, but it reminds me of a quote from Arthur C. Clark, “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
You can learn more about Jonathan Wilsonhere:
About the curator - Nick Malpezzi
Nick Malpezzi is a lover of nature, cats, beer, and music. When he’s not at his day job he is recording artists, working on films, writing music, taking pictures and enjoying life. He believes complexity is derived from simplicity, which is seen in his musical tastes and original productions.
