Finding a song that just hits right, that just feels breezy and fun, is a delightful experience, to be sure. To find that the same song has a meaningful backstory makes it all that much better — it lends a depth and a certain cachet. “Dancing”, the latest single from Canmore, AB-based singer-songwriter Nurdjana (released today) illustrates this beautifully.
On the surface, “Dancing” is summery and light on its feet. It’s a love song bursting with appreciation for a loved one, carried along by a brilliant melody highlighted by bossa nova guitar and marimba accents. Nurdjana’s lead vocals deftly maneuver this musical geography, through a key change coming into the chorus and leaving that section with an unexpected and intriguing transition back to the verse key.
The backing vocals “ooo” and “ba-ba-ba” along in a fashion reminiscent of fellow Canadian Kelsey McNulty’s ‘Good Fortune’ project. The tune comes across like a Kings of Convenience and Feist collaboration and gracefully unfolds and concludes in just under three minutes.
But there is more here. The foundation of this piece was written by Nurdjana’s late father, Dutch musician Rob de Rijcke, during a time when he was slowly succumbing to a terminal illness. And it was a musical valentine to Nurdjana’s mother. Both have since passed, and Nurdjana took up this testament to her parents’ durable love and put her own touch to it.
This composition isn’t merely a sprightly and smooth tune — it stands as a grateful tribute from a songwriter to two of the people who most shaped her by their shared affection. The lighthearted chorus takes on a fresh dignity in this light: “Sometimes I worry / And you hold my hand / Whisper sweet things / In my ear / You don’t have to buy me anything / Precious things / Loving me is all you have to do / Loving me is all you have to do.” And the closing lines of the song take on a poignancy in the context: “If I were to fall / You’d pick me up.”
There’s nothing wrong with a song that is simply an enjoyable tune. But how much more rewarding when such a piece not only has a pleasant, easy-going vibe but also carries the gravity of a sturdy love.
Matt Wheeler is a Lancaster County, PA-based singer, songsmith, stage-banter conversationalist, husband, & special-needs father. And an avid vinyl record collector, a purveyor of random facts, & tour-er of Canada (southern Ontario is a favorite destination). Ever since being introduced to Great Lake Swimmers' music through Pandora in about 2009, he has had an appreciation for Canadian music.
Matt's songs & stories, including his classic literature-based project "Wonder of It All," can be found at www.mattwheeleronline.com.
