This month, all my A to Z Challenge posts will feature a song that is on my personal list of “deep cuts.” These are songs that my husband often razzes me about, that there’s no one else who has ever heard of them or is listening to them, or they’re songs that possibly are just not that mainstream. If we are of the same era or run in the same musical taste circles, none of these may seem that off the beaten path, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t fun songs! Enjoy!

My appreciation for Olivia Newton-John didn’t start until after I saw Grease (probably about 10 times when it was in the theaters — not exaggerating!) and decided I wanted to be Sandy! One of my favorite songs by her is “Carried Away.” The song came out in 1981, which is maybe important for some context! At that time, I was 13 years old, boy crazy, and an exceptionally dramatic emotional teen girl. I had big feelings all the time (I still kind of do, I’ve just learned to manage them better), and music spoke to those big feelings (still does).

Anyway, this particular song just punched me right in the feels. The wistfulness in her voice — which is so beautiful all the time — is what first hooked me in. Then the lyrics delivered the final punch. First, there was a line of French (c’est la vie) and I was obsessed with French when I was younger (I think it’s because I learned that my name was French and I decided that it was exotic or sophisticated). I also loved the angst in the song of being afraid of losing someone.

But as someone who was an avid poetry writer (especially as a teen), I was inspired to write a poem in the style of that song, and it is truly one of the most awful things I have ever written or read hahaha! I titled it, “Swept Away.” Check it out:

I see you standing in the door.
Why are you here, I wonder?
Every time I look at you,
You look away.
But now I see you.
I’m swept away.
I see you!
I’m swept away
By a springtime breeze.

I love you.
Every day, more and more.
Why you hate me, I wonder?
Every time you look at me
I want to look away
And hurt you like you do me.
But I love you.
I’m swept away.
I love you!
I’m swept away by a springtime breeze.

So, yeah, when you’re 13 or 14, you probably think it’s a masterpiece, but 40 years later, not so much! But it’s part of my history, so I accept it in all it’s mediocrity!

If you’ve never heard “Carried Away,” it’s quite pretty, but the video is puzzling, so if needed, close your eyes to focus on the song. Enjoy!