New Song: "Speak, Memory Speak" – How Vladimir Nabokov, Michael Jackson, & The Mad Scientist inspired me

Back in college, I took a Modern English literature class that included books by authors such as Vladimir Nabokov on the reading list. “Speak, Memory” was one of the books by Nabokov; it was an autobiographical memoir. Years later, more than the details of Nabokov’s life, what stayed with me is the title of the book.

Now let’s fast forward to last week when I learned that Michael Jackson died. The “King of Pop” had passed on suddenly, unexpectedly. Although I had not followed him or his music career after the release of “Bad”, I was drawn like a magnet to his songs on that album and his previous two solo albums. His death took me back to a time when I was a pop music fan and listened to “Casey Kasem’s Top 40” weekly radio show, eager to find out which artist or band would capture the #1 slot. I reflected on the positive qualities of popular music, such as its ability to convey a message and draw masses of people together.

The next day – which was last Friday – I was inspired to sit at the piano and, seemingly out of nowhere, three things converged à la Bridging Hemispheres: the title of the aforementioned book by Nabakov, the memory of Michael Jackson & his memorable songs and my own desire to connect with others through music, and the idea that without our memory, we are empty vessels.

The last point is an issue that is explored frequently in our home, as a result of the work of my husband, hereinafter referred to as The Mad Scientist. Day in and day out, The Mad Scientist labors to apply his vast knowledge of proteins to the mission of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease and other diseases to which his research may also be relevant.

And so, the chorus of a new song was born. Today I finished the music and lyrics. I dedicate this song to The Mad Scientist and his team and to all individuals and families who have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease.

I may very well debut this song at the FREE show tonight, Friday, July 3, at 10:30pm (one set only) at Room 5 Lounge in Los Angeles – but I don’t make any promises.

“Speak, Memory Speak”
By Manisha Shahane
Music & Lyrics completed on July 3, 2009

Verse 1
Looking left, then right
That’s when I encounter the mysteries of my mind
Dusk turns to night, and still I cannot find
My way back home

Verse 2
In the dark, I run
Through empty closets where once my memories hung
But now they are gone; Alone, I carry on
Until dawn, I roam

CHORUS
Speak, Memory Speak
Speak, Memory Speak
Loud & clear
So I can hear you

Verse 3
Now the games unfold
Hide-n-seek with the faces I have known
Your sad eyes belie what you try so hard to hide
What was ours is no more

CHORUS

Verse 4
I hear a whisper of the past
But my thoughts have lost the strength to grasp
The words fall away; the scenery fades
Nothing left to bemoan

CHORUS

BRIDGE
Feel the rain wash over my face
In the here & now, I leave all the traces behind….

CHORUS