Pandemic Playlist: Our Top 5 Bill Withers songs that will speak to your soul during this coronavirus lockdown
Hello there, my dear friends - how are you holding up during this ongoing coronavirus pandemic? Millions of people the world over are now sequestered at home, unable to go out and meet their loved ones, while struggling to come to grips with this harrowing COVID-19 crisis.
You've probably already heard the sad news by now, but we lost a giant of the music industry this week to heart complications. Bill Withers was an extraordinarily gifted singer-songwriter whose smooth voice and soulful classics from the 70s managed to speak to the hearts of multiple generations across the world.
Some of his better-known hits included 'Ain't No Sunshine', 'Grandmas Hands', 'Just The Two Of Us', 'Lovely Day' and 'Lean On Me'. Over a million folks worldwide have already been affected by the viral infection, and it's now up to us to lean on each other as friends, neighbors, family, and countrymen.
It may only be a matter of a few more weeks or a few months, but if we stay positive and resolute, there will be solace at the end of this dark road. Considering the news of Withers' passing just broke yesterday, we're going to pay a fitting tribute to the music legend by handpicking five of his songs that are guaranteed to soothe your soul, ease your stress, and uplift you emotionally during this difficult time for our planet.
Pandemic Playlist: Bill Withers Edition
'Ain't No Sunshine'
Written in 1971, this smash hit is probably Bill Withers' best-known song, and it's a classic tale of sorrow and being unable to enjoy any warmth in one's life when your loved ones are away. "Ain't no sunshine when she's gone / And this house just ain't no home / Anytime she goes away."
It's probably the best song to remember Withers by, and his sadness on the track mingles with ours as we bid goodbye to the 81-year-old music icon. This simple song might only be two minutes long, but its impact will be felt forever, and rightfully so.
'Can We Pretend'
This gorgeous 1974 song is a hopeful number in the midst of all this ongoing stress, turmoil, and uncertainty, making it an ideal vision for the world to aspire to. "Can we pretend / That from now on / There is no yesterday / Paint a portrait of tomorrow / With no colors from today" go the optimistic opening lines.
Withers' soaring vocals and the urgent nylon string guitar lead on this track are incredibly heartfelt and moving. Hit play and feel free to close your eyes or gaze outside the window as you dream of better days.
'Just The Two Of Us'
Performed by Bill Withers and Grover Washington Jr, this sublime number from 1980 even won the duo a Grammy Award for Best R&B song. The forward-thinking lyrics are exceptionally appropriate for this current global climate as well, considering we're all isolated and longing to be with the ones we love. "When I think of you sometime / And I wanna spend some time with you / Just the two of us / We can make it if we try." The extended saxophone solo and twinkling synths are wondrous works of beauty by themselves.
'Hope She'll Be Happier'
This 1971 song is a study in earnest yearning. Although originally written as a sad lament for a departed lover, the sincere sentiment still rings through in his fervent voice. "Maybe the lateness of the hour / Makes me seem bluer than I am / But in my heart there is a shower / I hope she'll be happier..." Interestingly enough, a record number of people have confessed that they texted or at least made an effort to connect with their exes after the coronavirus lockdown came into effect. Love truly is a strange mystery.
'Lean On Me'
A well-meaning classic from 1972, this track is beloved by millions worldwide, and its timeless lyrics are more timely than ever before. "Lean on me, when you're not strong / And I'll be your friend / I'll help you carry on..." It's a balm for our distraught souls and deserves to be adopted as an international anthem for our current troubled times. And don't forget the message of eternal hope that the song offers either - "We all have pain / We all have sorrow / But if we are wise / We know that there's always tomorrow."
RIP Bill!
Pandemic Playlist is a daily list of songs that will keep you entertained instead of feeling drained while you're isolated at home. Look out for a fresh selection of great tunes from MEAWW to refresh your mood every day!