Welcome to Music Monday! As many of you know, music contributes a great deal to my writing process. Whether it’s a song’s lyrics, beat, rhythm, or tone, I find myself constantly inspired by it.
I have to admit something: I didn’t do any writing last week–ahhh! Trust me, I wanted to, but I was too sick to do anything but lay on the couch and watch TV…Thankfully, I’m feeling much better and am able to function once again!
With that said, for today’s Music Monday, I decided to keep things general and choose a song that offers me inspiration no matter what story I’m working on. I have quite a few “go-to” songs I rely on when searching for inspiration, and “Nobody’s Side” from the musical Chess is one of them.
There are many versions of “Nobody’s Side” out there (including those by Idina Menzel, Kerry Ellis, and Julia Murney), but my favorite is the original. Judy Kuhn sings it with the perfect amount of emotion and attitude that its embittered message demands.
This is a great song to listen to when you’re working on character conflicts, or a plot twist (i.e. a terrible betrayal), or a particularly emotional scene full of anger and resentment. Why? Because it’s brimming with conflict and betrayal and anger/resentment. Just read some of the lyrics and you’ll see what I mean:
Never take a stranger’s advice
Never let a friend fool you twice
Nobody’s on nobody’s side
Never be the first to believe
Never be the last to deceive
Nobody’s on nobody’s side
And never leave a moment too soon
Never waste a hot afternoon
Nobody’s on nobody’s side
Never stay a minute too long
Don’t forget the best will go wrong
Nobody’s on nobody’s side.
So, if you’re looking for “one of those songs” that offers motivation for a variety of stories, then check out “Nobody’s Side” from the musical Chess!
What song(s) are you in love with right now? Which one(s) offer you inspiration? Let me know! I’m always searching for songs that motivate my writing.
Photo credits:
Jen's Pen Den 
Here’s a song that I just found and it gives you a lot of different emotions. Watch the video and it adds even more. Seriously. I know I sometimes seem to randomly suggest a song but this one is it. It gives you that, pardon me, screw you feeling. But if you are just listening to the sound of it all you feel good about things in many ways.
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I like that even though she’s saying not to trust anyone, it sounds like she’s got everything taken care of anyway.
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