H is for Hendrix

Terri Hendrix that is.

















The songwriters that I most admire write about very personal observations that, somehow, have universal impact. John Lennon remarked that he often realized long after a song was written, that it was about him - even though he might not have realized it as it was being composed. And I've previously mentioned how Ray Davies' songs were built from his observations - describing the world as viewed from his London flat, in a way that everyone can relate to.

Terri Hendrix's songs have the same effect. She sings about her life growing up with her sister; her relationships with friends and lovers; struggling to get a mortgage when you are an independent artist; and dealing with life's ups and downs as they occur. She sings these songs with a voice that proclaims the honesty of the lyrics, and music that echoes the rhythms of life's every day dramas.

Terri writes a newsletter almost every month, describing her current goings on, along with stories from her past. These are available in the goatNotes section of her web site - www.terrihendrix.com. In her June 2005 newsletter, Terri revealed her ongoing struggles with epilepsy. Reading her story gave new insight to many of her songs. Her album The Art of Removing Wallpaper speaks of tearing away the facades we build to hide things from ourselves, and learning to deal with the realities of our lives.

When Terri sings about the things she truly loves, her friends, her dogs, her family - you can feel the passion and the joy in every note. I invite you all to visit Terri's site. There are some free downloads and many soundbites in the discography section, and some great photos in the Aquarius pages.

These days when I need to be
Stronger than I am
I explode in the dark
No one hears a word
It's like the dream when you scream
But you can't be heard

Now you can cover it up with wallpaper
Cover it up with paint or
Hang a masterpiece on the wall
Sooner or later the days gonna come
When you have to face
What's underneath it all

Breakdown

Lyrics and Music (Terri Hendrix)