Hands Down

 Friday, I went to dinner with Jay and his wife. We went to a local pub and caught up. The discussion turned to music. Jay's wife said, "I like love songs. He doesn't."

Jay piped up and insisted he likes love songs and tried to prove it by pulling up the lyrics to a country song about a guy who loved his ex until the day he died.

"Sounds like a cautionary tale, not a love song," I noted. "I think Dashboard Confessional writes a good love song."

It was the same thing I'd said here before. Neither of them had heard of Dashboard Confessional. I wasn't surprised Jay's favorite band is U2. 

At dinner, I'd go into why I think so.

Breathe in for luck
Breathe in so deep
This air is blessed
You share with me
This night is wild
So calm and dull
These hearts they race
From self control
Your legs are smooth
As they graze mine
We're doing fine
We're doing nothing at all

My hopes are so high
That your kiss might kill me
So won't you kill me
So I die happy
My heart is yours to fill or burst
To break or bury
Or wear as jewelry
Whichever you prefer..Hands Down, Dashboard Confessional

His songs remind me of times with Billie. This isn't a sad post reflecting on the past with rose-colored glasses, though. It is just the truth. 

I watch you spin around in your highest heels

You are the best one, of the best ones

We all look like we feel

You have stolen my

You have stolen my heart... Stolen, Dashboard Confessional

I still listen to these songs. I like them. I like love songs. Stolen reminds me of the time Billie and I went to a local festival. Billie wore this long lyrca sundress that hugged every curve. 

I'm cuddling close to blankets and sheets

But you're not alone, and you're not discreet

Make sure I know who's taking you home

I'm reading your note over again

There's not a word that I comprehend

Except when you signed it

"I will love you always and forever"

As for now I'm gonna hear the saddest songs

And sit alone and wonder

How you're making out

And as for me, I wish that I was anywhere with anyone

Making out

And so I am.

I'm missing your laugh

How did it break?

And when did your eyes begin to look fake?

I hope you're as happy as you're pretending...Screaming Infidelities, Dashboard Confessional

Hands down, the best.