This is not the first time I have written about Luke's binary sunset and will certainly not be the last. We can all connect with this scene on some level, which is part of its timeless beauty, and I have enjoyed reading the various opinions on it throughout the vast blogosphere. I happen to identify with the scene so much at this point in my life that my heart forced me to write a song about it. The song ended up being obscure enough to trick people into thinking it's about life and such, when in reality, it's about Star Wars. Luckily, George wrote Star Wars in such a fashion that it frequently relates to real life, often on frightening levels.

I am a singer. The text is what sets my instrument apart from the others, therefore it is of constant precedence. Words are what allow me to immerse myself in the story of the music and communicate my own interpretation on an indispensable level. My song was always meant to be about Luke, but also about you...and me. (The terrifying levels of reality in Star Wars strike again.) I wanted to express the longing, hope, fear, uncertainty, and pending excitement I was (am) feeling, being at one of life's major turning points. Knowing that the future is right there, just a little further. Perhaps I feel stuck now, but I know life is about to take a sharp turn. I don't know when, or where, or how, but I feel the storm coming all the same. Change, even good change, can be hard to accept. But that is a blog for another day...

Concerning the song, I initially wanted the two verses to show the two parts of Luke's consciousness engaged in a sort of conversation about his present and future life. One part of Luke talking to the other part, telling him that he is holding himself back, and that a journey, a future is out there. Just beyond...something. At first, Luke is simply talking to himself, trying to convince himself that there is more to him and to his life. Don't lose yourself in your dreams, Luke. Truly dream. Don't trap yourself in that sunset. See beyond it. Don't hold onto what you think you are. Let go.

Go ahead and gasp for air
Just don't forget to breathe
The friction in your mind
Is generating too much heat
Let go of your past
Keep watching that purple sky
'Cause only setting suns
Know where dreams go to die

Where are you going?
Nowhere?

Next comes the chorus. This had been in my mind throughout the entire process and went through little revision. I won't bore you with loads of music theory, but know that the jump from a dark, minor/altered progression, to a distantly-related major key was deliberate. Quite frankly, it sounds like hope. One part of my mind (and I'd imagine Luke's too) is feeling the darkness of feeling trapped and desperate and the fear of an uncertain future. I did not want this darkness and uncertainty to be the focus of my piece, however, but the hope that resided in the other part of my/Luke's mind. You can't see it, or touch it, or hear it...but you can feel it. It's meant for you. Let it happen.

I can see it
A journey in the making
Somewhere in this setting sun
A new dawn is breaking

The second verse is where things get really interesting. Remember how I wanted to "speak" the lyrics through each of Luke's subconscious voices? Well, I tapped into the voices in my own head (no loose wire jokes) and began writing and revising. All seemed well and good until I realized something: the more I started writing as Luke's other voice, the more that voice started sounding like...Leia. Once I caught onto this unintentional concept of mine, I ran with it. I became enthralled with the idea that Leia could have been speaking to Luke. What if she was that subconscious pull in his mind, urging him toward the adventure on the brink? What if the connection between the twins was so great, that their minds worked as one? I've always held the belief that they became more together than they ever could have as individuals; the whole was far greater than the sum of their parts. Even their individual selves became great because they were brought together. What if, on some level, they knew they needed each other? Leia somehow knew her path depended on Luke, so her mind called to him. After all, Leia knew, remember? Somehow, she always knew.

I ran this by a dear friend, because his opinion, especially concerning this scene, matters more than I can express. His eloquent reply stated that Leia's knowing was "perhaps not just a tingling of her as-yet-unrealized Force sensitivity as a passive response to Luke's presence, but instead a feeling of being an active agent of the 'destiny' that brought them together." Perhaps she was the urge in his spirit, pushing him toward the adventure he could not see. Luke, if your fear wins, I suffocate. If you can't let go, I'm trapped. If you can't reach your destiny, neither can I.

I'm gasping for air
'Cause I'm dreaming your dreams
My broken record cry
Is less certain than it seems
Let go of your past
Or we're both going nowhere
Our fear left unsurpassed
Enslaves us, strips us bare

Why can't we just let go?
Just go.

But they do let go, though one could argue destiny forces them to. Regardless, the hope of the chorus, of a new dawn, returns. It builds until a strange peace settles itself over the excitement of accepting that a future is just beyond...something.

Can't you see it just beyond?
A future in the making
Somewhere in this setting sun
A new dawn is breaking

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*If I truly want to make it in this business, I had better start letting go of reservations and getting my passion out there to whoever will listen. Here is the link to my myspace page on which you can find a live (therefore not even close to perfect!) recording of this song. The balance is poor (due to a unique performance space & limited recording equipment) and my voice is exhausted, but I'm hoping you still get the idea. I'm going to stop making excuses for myself now.*
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I certainly don't feel ready and I'm slightly terrified, but I'm letting go. See you on the other side.

Forcefully,
JP