I had to start this off right with one of my favorite songs by my favorite band. This is "Hajimemashite" by Umphrey's McGee. These guys form an incredible band like no other. They focus heavily on improvisation, breaking off into completely improvised sections during their live shows. Each band member has some form of classical training in music while some even graduated with bachelor's degrees in musical composition and performance.
"Hajimemashite" is a very uplifting song set firmly in the key of E major. This song begins slowly with just an acoustic guitar. However, it quickly builds into long sustained, soaring melodies and harmonies. As great as the music is, the words are just as good. The lyrics seem to suggest a transitional period in ones life:
"I didn't know things were supposed to be this way. I wasn't told of this before."
"I once was dropped among this crowd."
"It's alright was all I heard. It will blow away"
"It's fading fast. How could we make this last."
"All things must pass I guess- I didn't know."
The band never nailed down a real meaning to these lyrics. However, the word Hajimemashite (Japanese) is used to introduce yourself to someone for the first time. Could this song be about a struggling relationship? Or maybe about the introduction to the real world and a slow exit from our youth? Either way, these lyrics can touch home with anyone and apply to any sort of transitional period where the future seems uncertain, the past fades from our minds, and we question the world around us. I hope you enjoy it as much as I still do!
Studio Version
Live Version: Summer Camp Music Festival 2011
Thanks for reading/ listening! Much more to come!
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