Song of the Day #8: Hook by Blues Traveler
Okay, admit it: How many of you have listened to Blues Traveler’s 1996 hit “Hook” and never realised what it was about? The beauty of this song is the way it reenforces the phenomenon described in the lyrics:
It doesn’t matter what I say
So long as I sing with inflection
That makes you feel I’ll convey
Some inner truth or vast reflection
But I’ve said nothing so far
And I can keep it up for as long as it takes
Yes, kids, the joke really is on us, and that’s what makes this song a true work of genius. I went for years without knowing what this song was about; I just knew I liked it. Brilliant.
Interestingly, the song’s hook is apparently the same harmonic structure of Pachelbel’s Canon in D, a song that I and countless other people have gotten married to. No wonder it’s so inherently catchy and memorable.
I feel entirely stupid for never realising either of those things, especially since I can now pick out the refrain as spot on for Canon. (The entire cello part for most versions of it consists only of those eight tones, so I know it too well.)
@bzzinglikeneon
17 November 2009 at 7:43 pm Permalink
Don’t feel too bad about it; I usually pay special attention to lyrics, and never realised until the husband pointed it out to me. Now every time I hear it, I’m amazed. XD
Hee, I love this song! And speaking of Canon in D, have you seen this? It’s very funny. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdxkVQy7QLM
@bzzinglikeneon
17 November 2009 at 10:40 pm Permalink
I hadn’t, that’s fantastic!