David Gray

I've always wondered where songwriters get their inspiration. Ever tried to write a decent song? Where does David get his? what or who is his muse? Who ripped this guys heart out of his chest? We should THANK THEM! OK, that'd be a bit harsh for David. But seriously...

 I'm relatively new to his music and I must say I have never been so moved by one artist. I've been looking for music like this my whole life. Nemesis? Fugitive? Babylon? Please Forgive Me? Breathe? You're the World To Me? The One I Love? Hospital Food??? (COME ON!!) and on and on, I know. The lyrics are incredibly poignant, but the music is so sensitive. Damn. I can't wait to buy and listen to his older stuff. Just bought Foundling and love it. Might just be the time in my life (been a pretty rough year) but this guy is writing my songs. I'm sure a lot of you feel the same way.

Damn. Going to see him at Dodge Theater in Phoenix. Good venue, should be a good crowd. 

One shot and I'll never miss....

haha nice post!!

but nothing as you may suggest...........his muse is his wife Olivia to whom he has been married for some 18 years........and now that extends to his two daughters Ivy and Florence (who btw went to their first dg performance last night.......)

I think the genius of David's lyrics is that he writes about life and understands things at their deepest core.......sure he had lean years in the beginning and struggled and fought and it is well documented his marriage has grown through the turmoil any marriage experiences...........at the end of the day though David just calls it like he sees it - and he does with great perception!

and very sorry to hear about your loss............seems like you have accepted it with proper perspective - now on that david would be very proud!

Deepest core...yes, sir, from crippling pain to greatest joy - that says it all. He's not afraid to put ALL of himself (and the rest of us too) out there. His soul is exposed. I hope to paint a picture like he paints music one day. Olivia must be one spectacular woman, to help bring this out of a man. God bless them both. 

Hi and welcome to the forums...great screen name.

like many here, I can attest that David's music has profound healing powers...and it seems you found it when you needed it most...

if you havent already...be sure to check out his collection on Lost Songs....

 and then there is here....

http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=collection%3ADavidGray&sort=-publicdate

Thank you! This link is awesome! I could kiss you, er, but that would be inappropriate. :o)

The screen name was a tough choice, so many great phrases from the man. 

Thanks again! So looking forward to this concert! I haven't "felt" real music in a long time. I am a former musician, I have picked up the guitar and drums again with this inspiration.

Maybe I'll finally write "that" song. 

good on you.......in no way would I ever try to suggest anything otherwise - my only point was you seem to be taking the proper perspective through your loss............and I think you are correct you will never get over it.............but in time of course it becomes more tolerable.........the crying every morning in the shower eventually goes away and then it leads to more fleeting moments.....looking at a picture or hearing a song or driving by a restaurant...............for me it wasn't the one but my best friend on 9-11.....I am sure everything I felt gets magnified by a minimum of 100 for such a loss

but ultimately you realize you have to carry on.........because that is what we do and what he or she would have wanted and expected............and to that regard it does sound like you are on your way

there is a huge volume of work out there on mr gray and your new friend janet is a great source........and I am sure she wouldn't mind a little peck on the cheek haha - if you are this drawn to the artist then it is a must to explore all of his official releases but once you go live you are gone..............there are tons and tons of really good gigs out there available to download

and enjoy phoenix..........I can definitely tell that after that gig you be fully indoctrinated lol!

Pain is a crucial and unavoidable part of life. Those who try to deny it, or suppress it, are the worse for their efforts. It is how we grow, how we become complete human beings rather than cyphers. Like DCA, I lost my two best friends (10 years apart), as well as "losing" a healthy normal child to autism, and am still not "over it" years later. I will never get "over it" and that will always be a part of me. However, life goes on. The pain fades, but the imprint on your life does not.

What makes David so great is his ability to explore that side of life along with the more pleasant aspects. The entire range of human experience - from intense pain to intense joy - is encompassed in his music. Those not interested in investing the time or emotion in truly listening to him don't get it and dismiss him, but for those willing to really listen, it is an incredible and (for me) liberating experience.

I am excited for you that you will get to see him live, as I liked his music for years without really paying much attention, but seeing him live was a tranformative experience. Be prepared to be hooked for life!

Welcome to this great group of people, some of whom I now have had the pleasure of meeting in person, and who will welcome you with open arms, hearts, and minds. Enjoy Phoenix!

Hello Smellofit and a heartfelt welcome onboard!

So you have been asking for David's muse, as dca mentioned it is in fact his wife Olivia an I believe that the most spectacular thing about her is that she is absolutely inspectacular in meanings that she tries to lead a "normal" life with him, beside him, waiting for him.

Like you, I have been to my first live-date with Dave earlier this year, and I absolutely agree with these guys on here, telling about "David's music won't let you go anymore, David himself on stage will blow you away" and things like that. If you have open ears, open eyes and an open heart, your first Dave-gig will really change your life. I had been to many other concerts of many other artists before, but never before I felt like then. I just don't really know how to describe, sometimes just the right words are missing as english isn't my mothers language, but also it is: just go there and find out yourself, because you would believe nothing of what we could tell you about it.  

Have a great concert in Phoenix. All of us are hoping for some more visits of yours on this site.

Love, Birdie

I am deeply sorry for your losses. I can't even imagine.

I can tell from this forum that the fans of his music are of like mind when it comes to being "feeling" people (for the most part). I am looking forward to the show - and the indoctrination - immensely. 

 (I'll give Janet that peck if I ever meet up with her :o) 

Here again, my "loss" in no way compares to yours. I am sorry if have misled. 

I am already hooked on his music - it's ALL I listen to any more. Well maybe some Cat Stevens now and then. She actually first introduced me to David's music with Babylon (so she can't be all bad right? :o) I think that was the only song of his she knew though. I wish I could share it all with her now.

I am and always have been a very feeling person (might explain why I am such an artsy-fartsy type; painting, sculpting, drawing, stained glass, guitar, drums, koto, etc.) so I relate very strongly to his words and music. I hope to meet some of the great people here, I'm sure there are a lot of common threads.  

Thanks for the kind welcome! 

"...I'm life sweet life itself." 

Hello Birdie, thanks for the welcome! Surely there must be something more to Olivia than 'normal,' but perhaps only David sees it. Maybe she's the bright white light of joy for him?

My ears, eyes, and heart have not always been open, but they are raw at this moment in time so I am looking forward to the life-changing event :o) My life has been through some pretty drastic changes over the last 12 months already, some good, most not so good, unfortunately. I suspect this will be in the 'great' category.

I have watched some of the videos and the way he 'feels' and relates to his music is infectious for the crowd I think. I have been to many shows where the artist just plays by rote. Boring and totally forgetful. But David (at least by all appearances) 'feels' his words and music every time he plays it. How could he not though really? I mean, just try to sing one of his songs without feeling it. Impossible.

(your English is much better than my Mandarin :o) 

Hello and a warm welcome SmellOfIt. David's music and his lyrics especially may be poignant as you call it but actually it's his very unique way of calling things by what they are that makes him so special. It's a rare talent and gift and not everyone is bold enough to write songs as honest and down to the point like he does.

You asked how does one fully accept losing the one. The answer is very simple. You don't. All you can do is find a very personal way of dealing and living with it. Don't ask me though, I have no idea how to accomplish this. Maybe one day you will see what all this has been good for. All the best!

And please let us know about your first DG concert experience.

And I am deeply sorry for all the losses mentioned on this thread. Life can be hard to take at times.

Hi Rena,

thanks for the welcome. I agree, it's the rawness and often brutal honesty of his songs that grabs me. I love that you honestly state you have no idea how to fully accept the loss. I don't think anyone does, as you say we all just find a way to deal with it on our own terms. I've been looking for the good, and so far David's music is it.

Probably a bit late to the party for this, but the b-day is 11/20. 

Hi SmellOfIt,

I hope I am reading this correctly and you were referring to your birthday. I have added this to the list so please correct me if I'm wrong 

Hey SmellOfIt - thanks for the clarification and while I hear you on the disconnect I am sure in some ways it is even more difficult...............on our friends at least (small consolation but its something) there was a finality to it.........I will say though that was one of the most horrible parts of 9-11 - the waiting the anxiety the holding out hope that maybe just maybe he somehow made it that somehow he didn't know where he was etc......the vigil in his wife's apartment was something I will never forget........anyway and as David has said - we all have our own battles and certainly no one ever promised a cake walk nor would it be living without life's curveballs if you will.

I think you are correct on the board - for the most part we are a good group of fun loving folks who share a common stong interest in David's music - while there ar times it heats up around here - almost always like clockwork when there is a tour going on or a new cd out - generally speaking it is one nice community.

I hope she doesn't think that I am saying this out of turn but I do know she is one very nice gal going to your gig so you may want to just send a quick hello to klilycat............

anyway welcome again and have a great time at your gig!