The following are very short stories inspired by various songs on my MP3. I've tried to write them in as few plays as possible. Some of them are only tangentially related to the song - I've just written whatever popped into my head whilst listening.
I'll just add to this page as and when I write more.
16th November 2012
Just Me Before We Met – Noah and the Whale
They were sat on the floor of their living room, his photo albums spread out around them. She reached the end of one of the albums and closed it with a sigh.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah.. I just wish I’d met you earlier. There’s so much stuff I’ve missed in your life.”
“I think you’re lucky. I mean, look at this douche – I wouldn’t have wanted to know him!” he held up a photo and they both laughed, “And I was an awful boyfriend back then.
”
I Have Nothing – Glee version (Whitney Houston original)
“I can’t deal with you when you’re like this!” there was a silence then she spoke calmly:
“Are you in love with me?”
“Of course I am.”
“Then love me. All of me. Because I’m not going to change anytime soon. Not for you, or anyone.”
Emily – Mika (sequel to Pride, 4/9/12)
“Dance with me, Emily,” Amy held out her hand to her girlfriend. The final slow song was playing, the school hall was decked out with cheesy Christmas decorations and the dance floor was filled with couples. Emily looked round, shifting in her seat nervously.
“But… everyone will see! I’m not sure I’m ready,” Amy sat down next to her, leaning in towards her.
“I think you are. You’ve told your family and they’re supportive – no one else’s opinion matters. And you’re not alone here – I’m right by your side,” Emily took a deep breath then nodded decisively. She took Amy’s hand and led her onto the dance floor.
Rent – Rent movie cast
In the corner of his room stood his guitar, his notepads filled with lyrics stacked on the chair next to it. He turned away and sat down at the table, opening the newspaper. Job adverts. He had no choice but to look for what his family described as a “proper job”. Even if it meant he wouldn’t be able to do what he loved.
Being a musician wasn’t paying.
5th October 2012
Candle In The Wind – Elton John
She looked up to him – he was so confident and sure of who he was. He was the character she identified with most. When the show had finished, she still looked back on it for inspiration and support through her teenage years.
One day she opened the paper to find a picture of the actor in the obituaries section. She read about the actor’s chaotic lifestyle, the issues he’d had with alcohol that claimed his life. The article made no mention of how the character he had played had inspired millions.
But she never forgot.
I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton
“She’s better for you,” they were sitting in his living room, reading. He looked up sharply.
“I love you.”
“You love her too,” she held his gaze, her voice stronger than she felt, “She’s better for your dreams – I don’t want the high society, big city life,” she shrugged then gave a small smile, “You and her together would be unstoppable.”
“What about you?” he took her hands in his, she squeezed them gently before standing to leave.
“I’ll always love you and I wish you the best.”
Don’t Cry For Me Argentina – Evita
“I feel so uncomfortable in this suit,” he tugged at his tie nervously.
“You look amazing, honey.”
“I don’t fit in at these functions. You’re so good at small talking,” he sighed, “You should date someone who belongs in Hollywood.”
She took his hands and turned him to face her directly, “Listen, I’m not leaving you. I love you, my high school sweetheart. You knew me before all this which means you know who I really am, every part of me. And you know that I’m here because I love acting, not because I want fame and fortune.”
Blue Eyes – Mika
“You are coming out tonight,” her best friend burst into her room and opened her wardrobe.
“I don’t feel like it.”
“No excuses. You’ve been moping ever since he broke up with you,” she opened her mouth to protest but she was cut off, “You have. Now, put on this top and your black skinny jeans,” she tossed the clothes over, “We are going to go out and you are going to show everyone that it takes more than this to floor you.”
Go The Distance – Hercules
Her first curtain call. A high school production of West Side Story. She beamed as she curtseyed and thought:
“I can do this, I am going to work hard and I will be successful. Because here, on this stage, I finally feel like I belong.”
Not even the standing ovation for her first West End lead role ten years later would sound as sweet.
Mull of Kintyre – Paul McCartney
She rested her forehead on the glass of the train window. Six months she’d been travelling. She’d visited so many different places, seen the sun set over wonders of the ancient world and had so many once in a lifetime experiences. She wouldn’t trade it for anything but she couldn’t deny that she was glad to be back on a British train with familiar countryside rushing past.
She was on her way home. A cosy fire with a dog curled up on a rug and the people she loved the most.
All Those Years Ago – George Harrison
Her friends thought she was odd for loving that old music so much. They liked it of course, everyone did, and they appreciated its place in music history but they didn’t see how it was still relevant.
She did. She lived her life by the messages written by a different generation. All these years later, the music spoke to her still.
Two Of Us – The Beatles
She realised that she would lose contact with her best friend one morning in her last year of high school. They didn’t say a single word to each other on the way to school and she realised that they had outgrown each other and would go their separate ways.
But she would never forget her.
20th September 2012
Don’t Marry Her – The Beautiful South
“It’s perfectly normal to be so nervous now, right?” he asked his best man whilst tugging at his bow tie. The brunet came over and smoothed the shoulders of his jacket, his fingers lingering a little longer than absolutely necessary.
“Are you sure you want to go through with this?”
“We’ve had this conversation enough,” his voice was firm.
“You’re about to marry a girl to please your family,” the brunet’s eyes flashed in fury.
“I have to! Why are you even doing this? My brother would’ve been best man – he wouldn’t be making me doubt myself.”
“Don’t you dare turn this back on me! I love you, I can’t let you commit yourself to a loveless life,” the brunet kept eye contact with him.
“I’ll lose everything,” his voice was small, uncertain.
“You’ll have me.”
Foundations – The Beautiful South
“What’s the point in me trying this? Hardly anyone actually makes it in the music industry, one in a million… If I study science, at least I have a solid foundation for a job.”
“But what if you’re that one?”
That’s Livin’ Alright – Auf Wiedersehen Pet theme
“But what else do you do?”
“What do you mean, kid? I work in the week then spend that money at the weekend. Sometimes I get lucky, sometimes not. What else is there?”
“Plans, family… The future?”
“I’ll do the same. This is my life, kid, and I like it.”
Beautifully – Jay Brannan
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have been so stupid as to think you would find me attractive,” she ducked her head to hide the tears forming in her eyes.
“Hey,” he caught her chin and turned her to face him, “You’re beautiful and if I liked girls I’d be yours in a heartbeat. But I could never be what you deserve.”
13th September 2012
Somewhere In Brooklyn – Bruno Mars
She caught his eye – stylish clothes, a pin badge of his favourite band, a certain glint in her eye. He turned round and watched her board her train to Brooklyn.
For a brief moment he considered running after her or looking for her again. He went back home to his girlfriend.
“What could have been” – no point wasting time on them. Not when they’re as uncertain as that.
Greatest Love – Kate Walsh
He got the promotion – this meant so much to him. He finally felt secure enough to propose to his girlfriend, prepare for a family with her.
He came home from work, the ring box in his pocket. The flat was empty and there was a note on the fridge:
I can’t do this anymore. You spend so much time at work and even when you’re here, your mind is always at the office. I want you, not your job, but we haven’t had a proper conversation in months.
I have to walk away now.
All my love x
Half As Afraid – Kris & Alix
“What do you see in your future?” They were sharing a romantic dinner at his flat. Her question broke the comfortable silence.
“Well, if I was successful at today’s interview, I’ll be another step closer to my dream job.”
“What about in your personal life?”
He hesitated. This was all the confirmation she needed. This was what she’d been afraid of.
When I Get My Name In Lights – John Barrowman
Audition after audition. He got several small roles but they never led to anything more. A few months at one theatre, then the run would finish and he’d be back where he started. No one remembered him.
Seven years of this, of struggling by on chorus roles and shifts at cafes and bartending work, living from pay check to pay check with no recognition. Then he found a director who recognised him and wanted him for a bigger role. And if the guy wanted more than the ordinary audition, what of it? He’d promised he’d do anything to get to the top where he belonged.
Concerning Hobbits – The Lord of the Rings
Their life settled down into a comfortable rhythm – work, meals, family time. There was the infrequent burst of excitement – visits from relatives, their single friends’ drama, the occasional accident and the subsequent panic, worries about promotions. But on the whole the years passed by smoothly along with the inevitable milestones that stem from raising a family.
If they occasionally wondered idly if they were missing some greater purpose, what of it? They were content.
The Return of the King – The Lord of the Rings
She was standing in the crowd for the coronation of the new king. No matter the circumstances leading up to that point, this was a story she would tell to her grandchildren.
The ceremony gave her hope. Their kingdom could be peaceful again, she could raise a family who never had to go through what she had.
When the king knelt down to the true heroes she felt her heart swell with pride. A true and just leader; this had been something worth fighting for. Her brother hadn’t died in vain.
All I’ve Got To Do – The Beatles
She was working in the library in her free period when her phone vibrated:
I’m bored. The teacher’s disappeared and I’ve finished the work… Meet me outside? Early lunch? x
She packed up her stuff and exited the library. Her boyfriend was leaning against the wall; he smiled at her and offered her his hand.
“Hey gorgeous,” she took his hand.
“I was actually working, you know,” her eyes glinted and he knew she was just teasing.
“You know I’d do the same for you.”
I’m Happy Just To Dance With You – The Beatles
They were inspired to start ballroom dancing classes by watching Strictly. Three weeks in, once they had started to get the hang of it, he twirled her whilst dancing and watched her hair fly out and her excited smile and he thought:
“I love you. I could do this forever just to see you smile like that.”
Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs – Brian and Michael
“You never used to be interested.”
“Well, I never realised what a talent we had under our roof, son. You never showed me your paintings when you were young.”
“I did! You told me that painting wasn’t a suitable pastime.”
“No need to raise your voice, lad.”
“Don’t you dare patronise me! I’ve worked my way up on my own and I am not suddenly going to acknowledge you and spout off a load of sentimental crap about you supporting me!”
And Your Bird Can Sing – The Beatles
He was on top of the world – rich, famous, successful, a beautiful, talented wife. He had everything.
But she had always eluded him. The only girl he loved more than his wife, she had never returned his affections.
“Oh well, her loss,” he admired his reflection in his bathroom mirror. He didn’t really believe that either…
On The Radio – Scouting For Girls
He was driving to work one morning, the radio tuned to a station playing “Golden Oldies”. A song came on, opening chords so familiar – the sound of that summer. He was instantly transported back to being 18, parties with friends. He could almost taste the cocktail that had been his first taste of alcohol. As the chorus started a face floated to the front of his mind – that girl, a friend of a friend who had been his first kiss, late at night, drunk in a club.
He thought he’d forgotten how that felt.
Mannequin – Katy Perry
He was usually so easy to read. If he was acting differently, she would work it out and be able to help him. That was what being best friends meant to them.
This time though, he was shutting her out. This meant that there was a serious problem or she was the problem.
Either way, she couldn’t help. However much she wished otherwise.
Mrs Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel
She had changed his life. He had been struggling – living in hostels and under bridges, earning a pittance singing and playing his guitar on the street. She had spotted him, recognised his talent and realised that he couldn’t do anything with it where he was.
She, in a massive leap of faith, opened up her house to him. It gave him the security to chase his dreams and use his talent. She never asked for anything in return, just company.
Nobody – Eliza Doolittle
She didn’t “get” the current trends. She watched the TV she enjoyed, read the books she found interesting, listened to music she appreciated, wore what she felt comfortable in.
She was a “nobody”. She was herself.
Snow – Kate Walsh
Christmas was the one day of the year where the outside world didn’t intrude. Snow outside, a roaring fire indoors, good food, family traditions.
They didn’t have to worry about their future plans. They could just enjoy each other’s company.
Pride – Amy MacDonald
Amy took her girlfriend’s hands in hers: “Emily, will you come with me to the Pride march this weekend?” her girlfriend’s smile faded but she continued, “I’ve wanted to go to a Pride march with my girlfriend ever since… well, ever since I knew who I was.”
I can’t,” Emily gripped her hands tighter, “What if someone sees us?”
“You could tell your parents…”
“I can’t!” her girlfriend was more insistent. Silence fell briefly and then Emily sighed, “I love you. I’d do anything for you – defend you, go anywhere you asked, move mountains for you. But this? This would change everything.”
“It wouldn’t change us. They can hurl all the abuse they like at us but they can’t stop me loving you.”
“But we work fine as we are.”
“True,” Amy nodded, “But imagine walking into school hand in hand. Or joining my family for Sunday dinner and meeting them as my girlfriend. Or being able to go on a proper dinner date without driving miles. I’m not going to force you to do anything,” Amy pulled her girlfriend into a hug, “Just think about it because I think it would turn out okay.”
Raise Your Glass – P!nk
As long as she was dancing, the pounding beat of the club’s music vibrating the floor, she could forget her problems. She could forget the mess she was in.
She couldn’t move on from it. And the night couldn’t last forever.
I’m Still Standing – Elton John
She was never going to walk out of this relationship with anything less than heartbreak.
But she did survive him.
Go Your Own Way – Glee version
She watched him walk off with yet another one night stand, leaving her to make her own way home. Alone and thinking:
“Unrequited love sucks. Especially when it’s your best friend. I should let him go.”
When I Get Home – The Beatles
Everything was in his way. His flight was delayed by an hour, his bag was one of the last off the baggage carousel. Someone took the taxi he was about to use. The driver couldn’t drop him off outside the flat due to road works and he was stuck behind a group of the slowest walkers ever!
He finally raced up the stairs of his building, fumbled with his keys and dumped his luggage in the hall. She came out of the kitchen, flour on her hands and he rushed towards her, spinning her around.
“Careful! You don’t want to mess up your suit!”
“I don’t care. I love you and that was far too long for us to be apart.”
I’ll Remember – Glee version
The break-up was hard, of course. There was an empty space in their lives for months and so many tears. But they both knew that their high school romance couldn’t survive in the real world.
At the time they appreciated what they’d gained from their first relationship – learning to trust someone enough to cry in their arms and knowing that love wasn’t out of reach for them.
Years later they looked back and saw what they’d gained from the break-up – the inner strength they used to move on and the knowledge that they could come back from something like that.
Good Day Sunshine – The Beatles
Neither of them paid any attention to the clouds on the horizon. For them it was a perfectly sunny day, walking hand in hand in the park with the one they loved.
Marry You – Bruno Mars
Lying in bed together on the last night of their holiday, he propped his face up on one arm and said, “I think I want to marry you.”
She smiled slyly, “You ‘think’?”
They both chuckled, “No, I already know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I mean, I think we should get married now.”
“Why not?”
2nd September 2012
My Eyes Adored You – John Barrowman
He had it all. His ideal job, a perfect family. He was adored by the general public and those he worked with.
Occasionally he looked back on his best friend at school. The first girl he’d had a crush on. He had never said anything and they had long since lost contact but he couldn’t help but wonder what might have been.
Your Song – Elton John
A cassette. That was all his boyfriend left him. He settled down on his bed, headphones in his ears and clinging to one of the shirts his boyfriend had left in his room.
The cassette started to play. The sound of his love’s voice, speaking:
“Merry Christmas! I’m making this far too early really but you know me – always over prepared. I love you so, so much. This is for you.”
He started to sob into his pillow as he listened to his boyfriend sing their song. When the tape finished he closed his eyes and conjured up all the memories of them as a couple. He drifted off to sleep thinking of the way those beautiful blue-green eyes changed with the light and inhaling the scent from the shirt.
How long would it be before the scent wore off? Before the only images he could recall of the boy he loved were those where they’d had a camera? Before those eyes changed to just blue?
Here You Come Again – Dolly Parton
She thought she’d regained her confidence. She had bought new clothes, changed her hairstyle and felt on top of the world. Then he walked into the bar where she was enjoying a night out with friends.
He hadn’t changed a bit and still looked as gorgeous as ever. He looked round, caught her eye and just raised one eyebrow before ignoring her completely for the rest of the evening.
The new persona she’d constructed cracked.
I Want To Hold Your Hand – Across The Universe version
She didn’t have a crush on her. She was gay but this was her best friend.
She just wanted the comfort of holding someone’s hand.
Grace Kelly – Mika
The first day at school after she started using make-up and straightening her hair she was asked out.
A couple of weeks later she was in a rush one morning so she didn’t bother. Her boyfriend gave her a funny look when he saw her and suggested she borrow her friend’s make-up. She dumped him.
Why should she have to change?
Blackbird On The Wire – The Beautiful South
They were all the same. Her “admirers” looked at her like she was a sack of meat, ogling the way her dress showed off her elegant shape.
He didn’t. He was her best friend and he loved her strong personality, her grace and wit. But he was scared she would take any advances the wrong way so he simply waited.
Aftermath – Adam Lambert
He screwed up again. Another failed relationship. Every time, he tried to take it slower, he tried to do things differently. It hadn’t worked. Yet.
Every time, his friends picked him up. They got him to stop dwelling on the past, to move forward. That was a blessing – he never had to deal with his mess on his own.
When I’m Sixty-Four – The Beatles
They both signed the form. This was the promise that they’d always look after each other, that they’d raise a family together, that there’d be many more date nights and anniversaries and lazy Sunday mornings in bed and waiting up after nights out with friends. Even when they were both old and grey.
They both signed the form. This was the agreement that they couldn’t keep the promise they had made.
1st September 2012
Baby It’s You – The Beatles
The rumour mill was buzzing. Gossip magazines announcing that his boyfriend was “enjoying a fling” with a co-star. Even some of their acquaintances had called him up offering support.
But he knew better. He trusted his boyfriend and, to be perfectly honest, would love him anyway.
Don’t You Remember – Adele
She came home to find his belongings gone. They’d had a few arguments but she hadn’t realised it was at this stage. She contacted his friends and family and was told he was fine but didn’t want to see her or talk to her.
Years later, getting coffee on her way to work, he was sitting in the corner reading. She wondered if it was worth asking why he’d left. She wondered if it really mattered.
Rain – Mika
First it was the coloured nail polish. He implied that it wasn’t good for her nails. Then he suggested that being quite so attached to a TV show wasn’t very grown up. Then, item by item, her brightly coloured clothes were gradually supplanted.
Five years after meeting him she looked in the mirror and didn’t recognise the average, ordinary woman staring back at her. A few weeks later she found her old photos with her lively and vibrant teenage self. A month after that she left, to find someone who wanted who she really was.
I’m OK – Olly Murs
He’d gone so she was free. She could go out and do anything. She could start again.
She had to start again.
I Won’t Send Roses – John Barrowman
He looked up at her from where he was kneeling, ring box in his outstretched hand.
“I can’t promise to be perfect. I’ll probably forget our anniversary and give you presents that aren’t really suitable. I’ll forget to thank you for making dinner or ironing my shirts. But I will love you for as long as you want, and even then.”
Revolution – The Beatles
“What happened to all our plans?” she was quieter now, the flames of anger had died down, “We were going to change the world.”
“I’m not so sure it needs changing. Not the way we were planning.”
I Want You Now – The Feeling
No one approved of his lifestyle. Going out most evenings, picking up lovers and spending the night. Fine. It’s his life. He was still young and free.
He was just so scared of ending up alone, he couldn’t stop searching.
I Have Nothing – Noah and the Whale
She had no one anymore. She cut all ties just to get out of that godforsaken village. Away from the sympathetic and pitying looks that had haunted her ever since that day.
She wanted to look forward to her new life, the people she’d meet, the things she’d experience. She gazed at the passing scenery and wondered if she’d find another to share her heart with.
You Give Love A Bad Name – Bon Jovi
The change from loving sweetheart to scheming, cheating heartbreaker.
This was why he’d always been so cautious about women.
Hey Bulldog – The Beatles
She stormed out of the flat, she had to get as far away as possible from the woman who no longer made her happy just by being with her.
The smile that had once enchanted her had turned sour.
Uptown Girl – Glee
To him, she was a mortal angel. Sweet, caring, out of place in her stuffy social circle.
To her, he was a way to rebel against her high class life. A way to refuse to be defined by the circumstances of her birth.
At first. But they kind of worked together.
Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
She’d been alone for so long. She had her young daughter, but not someone to confide in. Not someone who could take care of her.
Not anymore. Things were looking up and she was feeling more positive with every new experience with the woman she was slowly starting to trust.
31st August 2012
Knowing Me, Knowing You – ABBA
“I can’t do this anymore,” he sighed, turning away. She came close and placed her hands on his shoulders.
“But we’re good together, aren’t we?”
“We used to be. Now we only argue,” he stepped away from her and started out the door. As he picked up his coat he turned back, “I loved you. I don’t love who you are now. And I don’t think we can go back.”
We Are Young – Glee
She took a deep breath and looked at her reflection in the bar’s bathroom mirror. It was a choice – she could go back out there to new experiences, or she could go home with her friends and find a different way to get over him. She pulled out her mobile and dialled,
“Hey, where are you waiting for the taxi?”
Mean – Taylor Swift
Visiting her family in their (previously her) small town always felt strange. The streets were oh-so-familiar and yet so much had changed. She had changed.
She went into the newsagents and, picking up a newspaper, went to pay.
“50 pence,” a dull monotone, he looked up and his eyes widened, “Oh, it’s you! How are you doing?”
“Not bad,” she handed over her money.
“Good.” they smiled awkwardly, overly polite, and she left.
So much shared history. So much left unsaid.
You Got It – George Harrison
She steeled herself and entered the jeweller’s, heading for the engagement rings. She didn’t really see the point of them but her girlfriend loved weddings.
She had already given her heart to her love, she was preparing to offer her future to her. So she may as well give her the romantic proposal and big wedding.
Vincent – Don McLean
“That’s a great drawing. I love the colours,” his mother smiled at him as she passed.
He thought – it’s meant to be a scathing indictment of materialism, something you especially should take note of with your diamond and white gold wedding band and your weekly shopping trips, but sure, let’s go with it being a pretty picture.
Here’s To Us – Halestorm
They were both running. They’d made so many mistakes with friends, relationships, careers.
Together, they wouldn’t work. Not long term. But they did start to fix themselves, pouring out their souls at 3am, fuelled by alcohol and being away from familiar territory.
After a week, he woke up to a note on his pillow:
I’m going back. Wish me luck x
Last Friday Night – Katy Perry
“…and he saw me! So I’ll have to sort that out. And I think she broke her toe when she jumped off that wall. I’m so putting the photos on Facebook! I’m in so much trouble with him though… It was so worth it!”
She just listened and nodded and thought –
“How the hell is that fun?”
Mary – Noah and the Whale
He fell too fast. She didn’t fall at all, just pretended.
Story of the ages.
Skinny Genes – Eliza Doolittle
“Why do I stay with her? Oh, that’s right – because it’s her.” she sat down heavily on her sofa and switched on the TV, glass of wine in hand.
Somewhere in the course of the evening it clicked – she wasn’t dating her high school sweetheart anymore and she wasn’t the same girl she was back then. They had changed so much and no longer actually liked each other. She loved their shared history, that they were each other’s firsts.
She felt she wouldn’t be leaving her when they broke up – the girl she loved left long ago.
Silly Love Songs – Glee
“I’ve just broken up with him, the last thing I want to watch is a love story,” she scanned her movie collection, “Although – maybe there’s a reason everyone watches soppy chick flicks after a break up. Maybe I should try it.”
Blue As Your Eyes – Scouting For Girls
“It’s nice to meet you.” he stuck out his hand for her to shake.
“You too.”
There was never going to be anyone else for him.
Fifteen – Taylor Swift
“Stop worrying, she’ll be fine at high school,” she felt her wife’s arms snake round her waist, “We were, remember our first day.”
“Yeah, but I met you. That kind of thing doesn’t happen twice.”
Give It All Back – Noah and the Whale
“You ready for the show tonight? The World Tour starts here!” He looked up as his band mate entered his dressing room.
“Yeah, I’m nervous though. All this time and I’m as nervous as I was for our first school assembly.”
His best mate grinned, “Me too. I guess that means we’re still the same people we were back then.”
The pair looked up at their new apartment building. Slightly shabby but it was New York! She looked sideways at her girlfriend and took her hand.
They were both remembering their first visit here, best friends away from home without parents for the first time.
And now, lovers starting the rest of their lives.
Young Boy – Paul McCartney
A string of crushes, then dates, all fruitless. He always fell too fast.
But he never stopped trying to find someone. Hoping.
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