Sylvia's long distance relationship blog

An LDR song that speaks to me

Whenever I hear this song, I get that bittersweet feeling that comes with long distance relationships.

From the Jimmy Kimmel Live show last week.

 

Across the evening sky all the birds are leaving...

That feeling of bittersweetness that accompanies long distance often carries me back to this haunting but lovely song.

Fairport Convention was one of the most innovative and influential 1960s British bands and still record and tour today. The lead singer during their greatest period was Sandy Denny. Perhaps the greatest female vocalist of any era, the dynamic emotional range of her voice has been unsurpassed by any other singer. Thanks to Elfman101 on YouTube for posting.

 

 

Another long distance relationship song "See you in the Spring"

This moving long distance relationship song is "See you in the Spring" by Jakob Dylan and the Court Yard Hounds. This one is edgier than "Hey There, Delilah," but I like it because it shows the disharmonious struggle that sometimes happens when trying to figure out how to together. I think the couple in this song should learn something about compromise or they might not ever manage to come together, don't you? 

 

A long distance relationship song "Hey There, Delilah"

I dedicate this song to Marcia and Joe :) Lately I've heard a couple long distance relationship songs emerge on the air. "Hey There, Delilah" by the Great White Ts is one of them. It has the kind of pining and anxiety that go hand-in-hand when you're braving your way through an LDR. Embedding isn't allowed, so you'll have to click on the "Watch on YouTube" link. I hope you enjoy listening to it. OH-OH: Embedding has been disabled, but you can still click on the YouTube link.  

Crazy About Layla?

 Ever wonder if there is meaning behind the name Layla? By 'Layla' I mean as in the song by Derek and the Dominos (i.e. Eric Clapton). And that maybe it's more than just the code name for Pattie Boyd, who was the object of Eric Clapton’s obsession, and the wife of George Harrison (a former Beatle)?

   

Pattie Boyd & George Harrison

 

Well, there is.

 

As you might already know, I teach English at the UAE University in the Middle East. The other day I asked my students how to pronounce the ‘q’ sound in Arabic, as in the name ‘Qais,’ a common Arab boy’s name in the old bedouin days.

 

This led to a discussion of the ultimate long distance relationship love story ‘Qais and Layla,’ of which I had seen hanging pictures in the hallways drawn by students in the past, but thought it was a modern romantic creation.  My students informed me that this love story stems from an ancient Arab oral tradition that has been passed down for over a thousand years.

 

What I came to find out following this discussion was mind-boggling.

 

According to Wikipedia, the story of ‘Qais and Layla,’ also known as ‘Majnun Layla’  (Driven mad by Layla) was a true story created in 7th century Arabia.

 

Two versions of this love story exist. In the first one, Qais the poet tended the flocks as a boy with Layla and came to fall in love with her. In the second version, Qais the poet falls in love with Layla at first sight. He writes love poetry to her, but Layla’s father rejects Qais’ marriage proposal, (scholars disagree as to why: either because they were from separate tribes or due to his love poetry having caused a disgraceful scandal) thus driving Qais absolutely crazy.

 

Layla’s father forces her to marry another older man and they go to live in what is now Iraq. When Qais hears the bad news, he begins wandering the desert day and night heartbroken and devastated, writing poetry for Layla. Meanwhile, Layla becomes sick and dies. Not long afterwards, Qais is found dead near her grave. Before he dies, he carves three verses of love poetry into her tombstone.

 

Here is an example of one of his many romantic poems Qais wrote to Layla:

 

“I pass by these walls, the walls of Layla

And I kiss this wall and that wall.

It’s not Love of the houses that has taken my heart

But of the One who dwells in those houses.”

 

Nizami, a 12th century Persian author, wrote a famous adaptation of their love story in which the young virgin lovers meet at school and fall desperately in love, but are forbidden to marry due to a family feud. Some scholars debate as to whether this love story influenced Shakespeare’s 17th century Romeo and Juliet.

 

Below is an illustration from Nizami’s Khamsa of Nizami, titled Laila and Majnun at (mosque) School, published cerca 1432 A.D.

Layla & Majnun at School

 

Getting back to modern day culture, Eric Clapton learned about the love story ‘Qais and Layla’ from a friend during the time he was driven mad with passion over Pattie Boyd. Fueled by unrequited love, the classic Arab/Persian tale helped inspire the creation of his album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. He even credits Nizami for his contribution on his album.

   

 

I Am Yours - Derek and the Dominos

 

Aside from its title track Layla, the song “I Am Yours” is a direct quote from a passage from Nizami’s adaptation of Layla and Majnun.

 

I Am Yours Lyrics:
I am yours.
However distant you may be,
There blows no wind but
wafts your scent to me,
There sings no bird but
calls your name to me.
Each memory that has left
its trace with me
Lingers forever as a part of me.

I am yours.

[ Lyrics found at www.mp3lyrics.org/J7K ]

 

To find out other love songs that have been attributed to her, and for more fascinating insights into their famous love triangle, you can read Pattie Boyds autobiography titled Wonderful Today, or visit this link to an article written by Pattie Boyd: www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-473174/Pattie-Boyd-My-hellish-love-triangle-George-Eric--Part-One.html

   

Eric Clapton & Pattie Boyd

Long Distance Relationship Guidebook review & LDR DVDs

Today I received in the mail a literary review from Writer's Digest for my published book, The Long Distance Relationship Guidebook, for entering it in a worldwide contest (alas, I didn't win the Grand Prize:). The following are the Judge's comments on what she liked the best about my book The Long Distance Relationship Guidebook:

You offer an interesting, needed, easy-to-read product. I like the personal stories (Case studies) sprinkled throughout, and the practical tips. The book's title are complimentary and front cover graphics helps portray romance.

So, while we're on the topic of romance, here are a few of my favorite romantic films for couples in long distance relationships:

French Kiss

The Holiday

Ladyhawke

Under the Tuscan Sun (Full Screen Edition)

Before Sunrise

The Princess Bride (20th Anniversary Edition)

Letters to Juliet

 Thanks for stopping by my long distance relationships blog!:)

Arj and Poopy "Long Distance Relationship"

If you're currently in a long distance relationship, you'll probably think this video clip The Long Distance Relationship is cute, witty and funny. Here is an adorable award-winning animation short I found on YouTube that is spot-on when it comes to sharing all the mixed feelings of someone in a long distance relationship who has been hit over the head with a loving frying pan.

This is Arj Barker's Long Distance Relationship, Winner of the 2005 Annecy Animation Festival. All you couples in long distance relationships, I hope you enjoy watching it!

  

Arj and Poopy: Long Distance Relationship