To Be
Eolian Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Starting off with eye to eye
Blink sent. Blink reply
Seconds now, skin to skin
All from one, one from all that's been
We don't know how much we don't know
Are we there already? Are we to be?
Are we there already? Are we to see?

Coming down from top of hill
Steep enough to get a thrill
A feeling in the deepest gut
Of why and when, of where and what
We don't know how much we don't know
Are we there already? Are we to be?
Are we there already? Are we to see?
This is here. This is now. You are here. You are now

Rising up from down below
The changes made have come so slow
We try and try to best survive
Love will help keep us all alive
We don't know how much we don't know

Are we there already? Are we to be?
Are we there already? Are we to see?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "To Be" by Eolian speak about the idea of self-discovery, exploration, and the desire to understand the world around us. The song starts with the phrase "Starting off with eye to eye, Blink sent. Blink reply," which could symbolize a moment of connection between the self and the world, and how this connection is made through communication, whether it's verbal, non-verbal, or intuitive.

The second stanza talks about exploring the unknown and taking risks, using the metaphor of coming down from a hill that's steep enough to get a thrill. This feeling of excitement and curiosity is contrasted with the lingering questions that remain unanswered, such as: "We don't know how much we don't know, Are we there already? Are we to be? Are we there already? Are we to see?"

The final stanza highlights the idea of personal growth and the changes we can make within ourselves to better understand ourselves and the world. The line "Love will help keep us all alive" suggests that it is through love and connection with others that we can fully embrace our human experience and find meaning in our lives.

Overall, "To Be" is a thought-provoking and introspective song that encourages listeners to question their own understanding of the world around them and to embrace the beauty of the unknown.

Line by Line Meaning

Starting off with eye to eye
Beginning with a direct exchange of glances

Blink sent. Blink reply
Quick communication accomplished through eye movements

Seconds now, skin to skin
Intimate contact established in a matter of seconds

All from one, one from all that's been
Everything is interconnected and stems from a common origin

We don't know how much we don't know
Awareness of the vastness of what remains unknown

Are we there already? Are we to be?
Questioning whether or not we've reached our destination or purpose

Coming down from top of hill
Descending from a high point, both physically and metaphorically

Steep enough to get a thrill
The experience was intense enough to be exciting

A feeling in the deepest gut
A visceral, instinctual reaction

Of why and when, of where and what
Questioning the fundamental aspects of existence

This is here. This is now. You are here. You are now
Emphasizing the importance of being fully present in the current moment

Rising up from down below
Ascending from a low point or starting position

The changes made have come so slow
Progress has been gradual and perhaps difficult to see

We try and try to best survive
Striving to overcome obstacles and thrive

Love will help keep us all alive
Having love and compassion towards others is essential for survival

We don't know how much we don't know
Reiterating the vastness of what is unknown

Are we there already? Are we to be?
Repeating the question of whether or not we have reached our destination or purpose

Are we there already? Are we to see?
Questioning whether or not we have found clarity or understanding

Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Ian ODougherty

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

Nahre Sol

4y↑77

Very informative and beautiful examples throughout!! :)

D P

3y↑33

My favorite 5 words through covid:
"Hey everybody, I'm Rick Beato!"

Thank you for teaching me so much, and having so much fun doing it. Seriously appreciated.

stevepxs

4y↑6

Carpenter is underrated as a musician. The fog, Halloween, Christine, Escape From New York, and Prince of Darkness are all great scores.

Abdul Alhazred

Not underrated by me

Klongeiger

4y↑29

About twenty-five years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to "I Burn for You", which in his opinion is the most beautiful song in the world. Since then, whenever I need to wallow in sweet melancholy, this is my go-to tune. Thank you for this insightful analysis into the reasons why.

Jim Atkins

2y↑1

I'm right there with you!!!

drewper73

4y↑13

I’m glad you used “I Burn For You” as an example. Every time I hear it I have the same reaction that you did in the video. One day about 30 years ago, I went out and bought the Bring On The Night soundtrack after seeing the movie on PBS on night. I was bummed out at first because the version of “I Burn For You” in the film is different from the version on cd. In the film, drummer Omar Hakim just goes off at the end of the song and, being a drummer myself, I was blown away and was looking forward to having that version on cd because up until then I had never heard drumming like that. However, after hearing both versions many times, I think the version on the soundtrack is the better version. It’s just haunting. And It should be because the song originated on the soundtrack to a movie called, “Brimstone and Treacle,” where Sting plays the devil in human form. It’s a doozie. The Police recorded a version of the song along with a couple other songs for the soundtrack to the movie. It’s a great recording but I think the best version is the one you played which is the version from “Bring On The Night.” Great melody and lyrics too.

Jim Atkins

2y↑1

I concur with everything you wrote except I much prefer the live version from the film. Its power can't be denied, and Omar's drumming climax at the end of the song can't be topped. What a great song!!!

Daniel Gauper

4y↑209

Been teaching music for 30 years and I’m realizing I don’t know crap. Got your book, though, so I am working on it. Thanks for what your doing, Rick!!!!!

Julie Odler

Can you help me with a question I have about a Bosnian song?

Krwiomocz.Bogurodzicy Ⓥ

3y↑1

Recommend Mick Goodrick's Advancing Guitarist too.

timothy holmes

4y↑2

I've known all the modes and there unique sounds for 30 years but always find new ways to be completely brought back down to earth. there's always a very cool way to apply theory that we haven't tried.

Wayland

4y↑1

Teach them more than they need to know and they'll remember more because of it even though it'll be more challenging.

Gurpreet

4y↑3

Well. Daniel thats do honest of you to admit that👍.

3 More Replies...

AuralVisions

4y↑7

"I burn for you" is one of my absolute favorites. Go check The Bob Belden Ensemble version also. Jimi Tunnell on vocal and guitar + Dennis Chambers, Darryl Jones etc.... Incredible!

LydellC

Stunning cover

The Keyboardess

4y↑2

Sting's "I Burn For You" was recorded live in a "jazzy" style, but was first recorded in studio in '82 by The Police for a UK movie OST (Brimstone & Treacle).

Richard Howes

3y↑4

I believe I remember Sting saying that I burn for you was the first song he ever wrote, whilst students took a maths test in a class he was teaching. As much as I love his music, this remains my favorite song of his.

Larry

3y↑7

Rick's body of work on YouTube is like a master course in music appreciation. Even though I play guitar and love music, I hear things in music that I never noticed or appreciated before I started watching his videos. Both my technical knowledge and enjoyment of music are improving as a result.

Steven Roach

4y↑58

I like that you used the terminology "Sadness, Melancholy, and Longing" because I always hear music in terms of emotions. I always wondered why I responded to Prokofiev's ballets so negatively as compared to Tchaikovsky's ballets. Prokofiev's ballet music always felt mostly oppressive while Tchaikovsky used negative emotions more selectively and allowed more elated resolves to relieve the negative tensions. Does any of this make sense? I never studied theory, so I am only saying this based on listening.

Karen Nyere

I love both- but Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet is like a perfect musical narration of the story. It’s genius and gets me every time.

lordybomb

4y↑2

I should have read this before I replied above... there's this thing in music about how do you portray happiness and sadness in context... nothing exists in a vacuum, and it's obviously a very particular art, but I'd love an analysis of how you get to happiness through discomfort... I love hearing those barely perceptible dissonances... because that's life... the three sounds of two claps...

masquenada 75

Me too buddy..

Tom Acosta

4y↑4

Me too. I wrote a line. Music is emotion flowing like the ocean always moving always soothing. To me this put Randy Rhoads into perspective. His music matched the songs perfectly and I know he used Aeolien.

Dr. Lyle Evans

4y↑4

Makes perfect sense; I am very similar

Soul in Sadness

4y↑1

I am almost 40. Why was this not in ANY of my musical education (school, guitar, Keys and singing Lessons). So many possiblies to play moodshifts.
Looking Forward to the Rest of the series. You're a good and passionate teacher, Mr. Beato!

Matt

4y↑18

I love Sting, but this song was new to me. Which made me think... I follow some writers online and all of them of course have a "recommended books" section on their homepage. How about a "recommended listening" segment on your channel? Discovering great music should be quite easy with Spotify and the internet, but ironically I find it to be a quite frustrating task. With your taste being so versatile and good, I am quite sure it would give us all some profound musical epiphanies. I think people would love it. Than you for showing me a new Sting song!

Certain Event

4y↑524

Fun fact: Rick doesn't even have a beard in this video, it is all a photo-morphological effect that springs naturally from the Aeolian mode.

Krwiomocz.Bogurodzicy Ⓥ

True

adksherm

4y↑2

This is why Gandolf has such an epic beard.

venus samady

😂😂😂

Mary Hopes

@John E. Smit Ahh yes, a very technologically correct assumption.

Duane Blake

Great catch. I might add that Rick's Aeolian beard is at once lifelike and introspective!

7 More Replies...

deeceetee

4y↑1

I Burn For You is one of my all time favourite songs, although I prefer the original Police version, which is difficult to find. I think it was a B side to Wrapped Around Your Finger. That version does not appear to be widely available.

Tubes12AX7k

4y↑7

Always love hearing Sting's music broken down. Would love to hear something like Fortress Around Your Heart reviewed. Love his first album.

DejaSenti

4y↑3

Halloween is such an awesome composition! The first time I heard it was at a Secret Chiefs 3 show, they performed an absolutely electrifying rendition of it. That 5/4 rhythm and haunting harmony, coupled with SC3's amazing live sound, blew me away so bad!

Chasing Skylines

3y↑12

Dorian has always been more melancholy to me. The raised 6th is like seeing a glimpse of sunlight far away in the distance while you're in a deserted city on a grey day.

deafghost52

One of my favorite uses of this mode is in the bridge and chorus of Dream Theater's "In the Name of God," which does use V7 from time to time, but is mostly in F Aeolian. The electric guitar riff after the acoustic intro is pretty badass, though, in C Harmonic Major (C - D-flat - E - F - G - A-flat - B-flat).

Swartwood Art

4y↑1

Always loved that sting song, him and Peter Gabriel have some great stuff that gets overshadowed by the radio stuff.

Telum Atramenti

Using this scale in EDM, particularly "Alternative EDM" like Prodigy, Autechre, Affex Twin can create very unique, powerful and ominous sounding melodies, and it's not just true for trance where stuff like that is often a must, I've been experimenting a lot with Aeolian in F major and F minor sound sequences in Acid House and they sounds awesome. And of course, it's incredibly natural to Indo-European Ethnic music with may be exception of Balkans and some of the Middle East so it's perfect for throwing in a few spontaneous ethnic samples.

John Grunwell

One of the greatest uses of natural minor/Aeolian in all of music history is Arvo Part's "Fur Alina." An extremely simple and short piece, but it's brilliant. The left hand traces out a nothing but a B minor triad for all but one note, while the right hand spans the full scale/mode, and the together, it's like a voice of peace and calm below, with a voice of questioning, consternation and searching on top. Find it, learn it and love it!

Keith Terrett

Such a lovely mode to write in, love all the examples; shall be listening to more ''Sting'' now for sure!

Simon Pollen

4y↑1

Good God Mr B, not only do you do your usual insightful tuition on a the mastery of music but you drop in one of my all time favourite love songs 'Burn for You'..which is achingly beautiful. Listen to the remaster of this...no doubt straight from the mixing desk without the audience sound but still the same great performance. And thank you , another superb video.

tossedpenny

4y↑2

Rick, don't know if you'll see this but speaking of Sting, please do a synopsis of "When We Danced" by him. Fantastic intriguing chords and weaving melodies in that one. I'd love to see your take on it. Thanks for what you do and all best!

Helen Bryant

2y↑1

I would, too! The first time I heard it, I was dozing, and it woke me up with a start and a kick in the guts - I think it's the note/chord when he sings "you" at the end of the first line.

Moises505130

Glad you talked about aeolian, it was the first mode I learned and still is my favorite (alongside phrygian) to play. Never understood why it was left out of music theory conversations so much

Dream the producer

I think the 2 is everything in Aeolian, in it's relationship to the flat 3rd. When I think of Aeolian, I think of the 5, the 3, and the 2 intervals. I like using the flat 6 to resolve to the octave 1 (6-7-1 is so damn popular in modern melodic hardcore music but I can't get enough of it)

Becks Vlogs

This mode reminds me of some of the sadder pieces throughout the Harry Potter movies, especially Flight of the Order I think it's called from Order of the Phoenix. And Rick's improv in the beginning reminded me very much of the end of Return of the KIng, where Frodo and Sam are on Mount Doom when it erupts.

Perilous Temple

Fantastic. That Brecker/Orgarman was amazing. I'll be checking that out - and don't know how I missed. Even though I was a music minor in college and spent years playing out, i have benefited more from the Beato Book and your vids when it comes to playing with understanding. Thanks for what you do.

David Marcus

This is really interesting - a rock/pop take on the so-called modes! I used to teach college music theory around Atlanta, and although always frustrated by the lack of non-classical music examples and theory in our textbooks, I still understood the modes slighlly differently than Mr. Beato presents them. As you mention, another name for Aeolian mode is indeed "Natural Minor" - i.e., no leading tone, but rather the "subtonic pitch" (or to use your framework, the note b7, a whole step below tonic). So although the b6 is indeed very much part of minor key music, it does not particularly distinguish Aeolion from classical "Minor"- i.e. both "D minor" and "D aeolian" have a Bb. But only "D minor" consistently uses C#, the leading tone (as in Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative").D aeolian uses C natural exclusively. In classical theory class, the conistent use of the C natural, whether melodically or harmonically marks D aeolian, not the b6. Nonclassical examples of aelian mode (in other keys) include Prince's When Doves Cry, the guitar intro to Judy Collins' In the Heat of the Summer, Alicia Keys Falling, and a million Irish jigs and reels (Morrison's Jig). So chords that use this subtonic pich (like in D minor, the chords C7 or A minor, which use C natural), and their Roman Numerals, are typical of Aeolian vamps. Alicia Keys' song is I think in E minor, and vamps on Emin7 - B min7 (which has the subtonic, D natural), over and over. Yes, the b6 very much does distinguish Aeolian from Dorian modes (D Dorian uses B natural, not Bb,the opening camp to Michael Jackson's Billie Jean is in Dorian mode.)
My two cents, happy holidays y'all, , David M

John Ulrich

4y↑45

When I was in high school orchestra and band in the early 60's our band diredtor predicted that in the future the greatest orchestral music would be scored for films. How correct he was. At that time Hollywood composers like Maurice Jarre (Lawrence of Arabia) , Elmer Bernstein, Alfred Newman, Dimitri Tiomkin and others were writing some great music. Thanks, Rick for your insights and for sharing your knowledge with us.

Gene Whitman

And the best of them all, Ennio Morricone.

Diego Soto Miranda

4y↑2

@KarMa maybe a lot will disagree but i think videpgames are the natural next (and current btw) place to orchestral music, theres tons amazing and original orchestral music in videogames since at least 2 decades

KarMa

well sadly now film music is degrading. ;(. not to say there isn't lots of good stuff, but overwhelmingly it is becoming poor quality.

Tom Acosta

4y↑1

So true. Even the cartoons in those days had great music.

john pierson

4y↑5

My favorite mode of the Major scale for a long time. This really opened my mind to see that the b6 and b3 can be used in non-diatonic chords to add the Aeolion tonality to them. So beautiful!

Paolo Ribaldini

4y↑1

This is a great video as usual Rick, thank you very much! May I suggest to edit the title by removing the 'unexplored' word? It gives the idea that aeolian is rarely used when in popular music it's really common. Heavy metal has (ab)used the aeolian cadence bVI bVII I (in mixed order) and also a lot of riff-based music such as Eurodance has a great deal of this mode. Hugs from Italy/Finland and keep up the great work!

Stephen Woolf(TheTurdroy)

I've been learning modes. And this was a wonderful and informative video outlining not only the notes of the mode but how they can be used. Love the examples, and I really have been enjoying these videos! Thank you sir!

Michael Elam

Love it! I know you're not a huge proponent of video games, BUT the music in The Legend of Zelda series (especially the incidental music during gameplay--like in Breath of the Wild) might be worthy to present on your channel, maybe? Love the videos and the work you do!

bbbro34

An interesting thing happened to me on the way to the Aeolian, and it was via a misprint/error in the book I was learning from (this was years ago). And what happened was they had it listed as a flatted 7th but it was really just a 7th position, and I played it that way not paying attention to that misprint, this gave it a very middle eastern sound. Serendipitous for sure, but by simply playing the Aeolian scale with that one difference (raising that flatted 7th to a proper 7th) it gave it a very different vibe...I later realized it was a misprint.

tomcat2

I have this album (Cityscapes)....it is impossible to describe the ups and downs it pushes and pulls you through. Your video explaining this is truly wonderful phenomenon is God sent.

MIA Micro-FLIGHT

What a great composition, Sting - Burn 4 you. I play this song often because it is such a beautiful and soul fulfilling melody, along with Fragile and They Dance Alone. I like the way you explain music, you are quite gifted yourself. Great videos.

Gio M.

Rick, your extraordinary teachings have opened a new world of comprehension for me. I do not know how to thank you enough. I have bought all your educational products which I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who wants to understand music. It is a joy. Thank you again. Giovanni

Max Suslov

The beauty of the flat 6th, taken over the tonic triad is that it gives the imminent characteristic of "minor", thus clearly demonstrating it. As it is actually the 3rd step of a minor subdominant triad, which, if taken in sequence with a tonic minor triad (usual progression) particularly stresses the tonal characteristics of the mode. But instead of taking a subdominant triad, accompanying the flat 6, staying at the tonic in low voicings brings the essence of stability to the sad mood without resolution, which in psychology is called "state of grief".

TacticsTechniques&Procedures

You're the only teacher ive had who has explained this with such clarity but made it accessible. Thank you u for all your hard work.

Jules JWG

3y↑1

I Burn For You - Sting has always captured me as most hauntingly beautiful - along with Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, my two favourite Police/Sting tunes

Ngozi Pole

I am in the process of writing my first album. I have the skeleton for a lot of songs. I really appreciate these theory videos to remind me to snap out of my normal power chord habits

Jerome Blanchet

4y↑1

Super episode as usual , +100000 for the i burn for you thing , i still regularly listen to that live since it came out especially children crusade , i burn for you and brin on the night.
By the way what's new in the Beato Book v 3 ? i have the v 2.6

Geoff Casias

I love Aeolian but also including an additional flat 2. One of my fave scales

Marb's Music

I find I use Aeolian quite a bit for guitar solos if the progression has the flat 6th, it adds much more feeling. I personally thought it was very common. Great video as always Rick!

Lary Dixon

4y↑5

Hi Brother Rick, I loved this video ! It really stirs the savage soul.. It's always bothered me though to hear Aeolian habitually mispronounced, since many music theory professors and students are so well educated.. The word is of Greek origin, and whenever you have three vowels in a row, the first letter is silent.. The proper pronunciation is
EE-Oh-Lee-Ann, the A is silent, no matter how many people in the music industry pronounce it incorrectly.. I know that this will probably piss off a lot of people, but, on well.. Check out your Webster's Collegiate Dictionary for verification.. Later.... Lary

Alain Dubois

So, these notes have names. It's amazing how the well tempered electronic keyboard makes them harmonious and colourful, and when spread over a keyboard range with different timbres, even more notes differing from the usual major and minor keys can be introduced.

Evan Hubbard

Loved the visual representations of each key at the end. Each one has its own color

E.C. Ramos

One of the most fantastic and informational theory clips I’ve ever seen. What a treat!

2spooky

This and Lydian mode describe me well. I love these two; practically all I play on my synth when I'm just messing around.

RyanCX

Hey Rick. Great video! Is the Aeolian Mode used in "Cause We Ended As Lovers"? I think it might be so. Jeff Beck did a great cover version of that. The Crusaders also recorded this tune with Marcus Miller & Steve Lukather.

Lancelot Dufrane

Thank you. I’m drawn to these parts of soundtracks. They convey so much emotional communication without words. Very expressive. Always wondered why it caught my attention in film..... nice to know it has a “name”.

Dante Busquets

There's an Andy Summers track that's called “A Piece Of Time” from one of his first solo records, that sounds to me a bit like your guitar improvisation over D Aeolian. It's a beautiful piece, do you know it?

WOLFGANG PANDER

I started watching you through your chart reviews where you play along and now I'm realising that was just the tip of the iceberg of your competence. Your knowledge and understanding of music is phenomenal.

lliivviill

Would Rush's Losing it, off their Signals album, be considered arranged in the A eolian mode? First song that I had to listen to when I heard of Neil's passing. That song has always connected with my sense of Sadness and Melancholy whenever I felt my need of Longing. In either case, once again, such a great example of the brilliance of The Professors. The lyrics shine so fitting to the feel of that songs hauntingly beautiful arrangement.

PistolPete63

Absolutely fascinating! Really well done Rick!

Josh

So this is cool. When Rick asked initially what the signature tone is for E Aeolian, I was thinking either flat 3 (G) or flat 7 (D). Once I wrapped my mind around the significance of the flat 6 (C), it dawned on me the significance not merely of the C, but of the C-D duo, but then also the F#-G duo. For you guitar players out there, those two combos form the same little box everywhere on the fretboard. Thank you, Rick, for being this force behind me studying rather than just playing.

Big Dave K.

For someone who knows virtually nothing about music theory, I feel like I've learned quite a bit here with just this video.
Rick, I'd love to hear your commentary on Hans Zimmer's soundtrack from the film Interstellar.

John Wolf

Hey Rick! Subscribed to your channel for a long time now and I wanted to firstly thank you for your content. You’ve been a huge inspiration and source of knowledge.
I do have a little problem with this video. As I learned modes describe the tones used in a melody, and your examples fit all those, but I still wouldn’t call it aeolian because the range that you provided Doesn’t include a focus on the b7 in Aeolian mode. because the b6 is also in melodic minor mode I would say that the significant sound is the b7 in aeolian.
And the sound that you describe is a minor 6 sound, I mean it would work to add the dominant in major or in minor as the next harmonic move, and that for me would show the mode.
However modes are always a little bit in the eye of the beholder, and really this is just nit picking. I’m thankful for sharing your idea and I will definitely check out these sounds today

Greetings from Germany

Peter Trast

Rick this is great!! You just inspired something to test in 2 of my newer songs to fix a progression that just was not doing it for me. I can hear it in my head already. Thanks!!

J C

Great video, Rick. You are a human library. Sadly, I can't break away from the Aeolian sounds - sometimes it's like painting with tears! Euphoric, revelating, sadness, longing, you name it; it's simply gorgeous. Even then, the music speaks better itself than I can describe it.

Anyway, thanks for your time. All the best.

Jim Rieder

@Rick Beato Brilliant Rick. As a composer for mostly trailers, I really appreciate your lessons on "Modes". I have such a bad case of muscle memory when I start searching for a new direction and inspiration. Like so many, I end up starting in Am and only using the rule of 5ths as progressions. Understanding modes better helps my lack of theory knowledge. Mainly because I have NOT been classically trained and I'm only able to play by ear and not read a note of music. But hey, I started out in music as drummer. What can I say? Keep these coming. Excellent inspiration!!!

Christina Pierce

Wonderful video Rick. While there are still only a few comments here I wish to call your attention to a song called Honeybee by the band Steam Powered Giraffe. I may be venturing a guess, but I am nearly certain that you would love it. It is a fine example of a bittersweet work which brings a certain longing to the listener, though I do not think it uses this mode. It would be incredible for this song to receive more notoriety, as I think it deserves.

Joerg Kutter

Thanks, Rick! Once you get to the DORIAN mode, check out The Aristocrats' latest album, the song "Last Orders" - beautiful dorian melody and a cool minor arpeggio walkdown to the low C by Bryan Beller on bass.

Timothy Powell

I've been working on creating songs in unusual modes.. Looks like Aeolian is next on the list.. What a fun way to write music. :)

Thomas Wright

I still reel in amazement with that Ogerman piece you shared; especially with all the additional information you taught along with it. I am still inspired by it. That was a few years ago (already!).

Sorav

This channel is pure gold for any serious musician. Rick was placed on this Earth to save music for sure, and guide the next generation of composers and musicians. The hero we need in this world of clowns and jokers who do not respect the craft that is-... Music Composition. Be well friend. May God bless your family and legacy for generations. Doing God's work here

Logan M P E

Occasionally I hear a small part in a progression both up and down that instantly makes me think of Dan Fogelberg, from his "Souvenirs" album. He must have used Aeolian modes! Cool.

laurentco

Loved "Bring on the night"! It really is a fantastic sounding mode. I don't know why, but the music playing over the video of the car driving down the road reminded me of the opening from "The Shining". I was waiting for the Dies Irae to begin. LOL

forgedby2112

4y↑11

Stands to reason that minor chords and notes create a sense of longing since being incomplete is the very nature of the minor

sunsetman22

4y↑3

allow me to point out that this is quite a genius observation

Tencate Custom

Such a great musician, Rick. Thanks for all your hard work.

Mike Irving

Rick, you are an awesome musician and teacher! I just discovered your channel. Thank you for this excellent demonstration of modal application.

Will K

Really cool episode. As well as movies, I feel like I've heard this scale in some videogame soundtracks.

sipzter

Great stuff. Wish I could afford the ear training - maybe someday. At any rate keep it going Rick, really enjoyable.

Mitchel Evans

great examples. really gives the feel of the mode and what it can help evoke.

LearnToReason

4y↑6

Wow that's so cool about Halloween using Aeolian! Amazing content as always, thank you.

ForbiddenPlanet

Great video Rick.
I really enjoyed your explanation and examples of this mode. It was a sound that I thought would be great for a song I wrote long ago. I was surprised when I looked that I had actually written in the Aeolian mode. With you helping me to understand the mode, I can now arrange the song for my home recording. Thanks again Rick.

Michael Brown

Incredible examples! Great musicianship.

Richard Salisbury

Beautiful modulations in your improv at the end. The Aeolian captures something that is basic to my musical sensibility.

garry brown

Absolutely tremendous! I truly did not want this to stop.
Thank you.

Steve Silver

4y↑25

I believe that Stephen Sondheim uses the Aeolian a great deal in Sweeney Todd to great effect. And great example of Sting -- what a songwriter he is.

Helen Bryant

@Steve Wood he's just left the planet, sadly, so maybe it's time.

Phil Hopkins

3y↑1

I was percussionist in several Sondheim shows in London in the 90s. To be paid to be surrounded by those amazing harmonies for a few years was a privilege. Been downhill ever since but never forgotten.

Steve Wood

4y↑1

@MonolithTMA Sondheim's harmonic language is so rich. An analysis of just "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" would prove quite a substantial video.

MonolithTMA

4y↑2

@Steve Wood I would love it. I actually fell in love with Sweeney Todd via Forbidden Broadway's spoof, Teeny Todd. I just had to find out what the original song was.

Steve Wood

4y↑4

So much of Sweeney Todd utilizes the Dies Irae. I'd love a Rick video on Sondheim (Sweeney in particular) but I'm not sure how the audience would feel...

jeorge bennett watson

Sir, what you do is indeed music ministry. Continued blessings to you.

Bilb Ono

Does anyone else have bursts of inspiration but almost never fully finish and polish the idea/sound/mood you was originally chasing due to the inspiration fading? Kinda like trying to recall a dream days after it happened.. I think that would be a good Beato topic. This episode reminded me of how this is one of my biggest issue. How do I hold on to my moments of inspiration?

PANTECHNICON Recordings /Guy Hatton

Hey Rick! Can you recommend a mode that best expresses feelings of exasperation and disbelief at other people’s crass stupidity? Lots of us here in the UK could do with that right now...

Julius Augustino

I dont use much else than the aelion mode :D I love flat 6. It is definitely a very common sound in my country Finland's traditional folk music.

Se7enwonders

4y↑4

This is very interesting and informative thanks. As an aside, I believe that Losing My Religion - R.E.M and All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix are both in Aeolian mode.

Sharon Lia Band

I think I learned something new about myself in listening to this! yes, I went to music school...but I forgot a lot, and I struggle to explain the technical aspects.. my music almost all if it rests on Aeolian scales. Haunting is a word I use a lot to explain my style, and now, I think I am going to explain further now that I know... thank you for this...!!!!

A Large Lamp

That guitar solo is beautiful
And so is every time you touch the keyboard in this video.

Extremely helpful stuff. Sting/The Police are my all time favorite

Jeffrey Grant Sr

If I could choose 1 persons knowledge and talent, It would be yours Rick as I never lose any interest in all I see from you. I love all your videos and these particular ones are my favorite, so if you would, keep them coming. I appreciate you immensely.

valven76

4y↑8

This is the reason why your channel is one of the best! Amazing inspirational, great contents, help to discover and rediscover the joy of Music! Thanks.

Mr Bungle

Great work again Rick. I burn for you is one of my fav Police songs. It was on the soundtrack to the movie Sting starred in, Brimstone and Treacle. Love the original versions and the live one, especially the section towards the end of the song, very powerful. Cheers

AURAL FIXXATION

4y↑1

Without a doubt the mode to evoke an emotional response. The mode of remembrance and wanting to forget, a joyous sorrow and a heartbreaking realization and yet.., they become one in the same.

Themistocles

I think John Lennon was asked about this when he wrote and The Beatles subsequently recorded Not A Second Time. I think he responded by saying Aeolian is some type of an exotic bird of some sort. Also I'm wondering if Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield was done in aeolian mode as well, a perfect complement to a horror movie.

5 Minute Poetry Analysis

4y↑1

Rick, you should start a series called "Why is this album great?" and begin with Sting's The Soul Cages.

RicanSamurai

4y↑3

Hey Rick, you should really check out / do a "what makes this song great" for some of the composer Marty O'Donnell's works. He is known for the Halo and Destiny soundtracks. The track Another Rain from Halo 3: ODST is a gorgeous Aeolian piece

Dave Jones

4y↑1

I agree, that version of Burn for You is stunning. Just stunning. So pleased it's appreciated by others!

Daniel O'Hear

4y↑1

another example of the aeolian mode is the first movement of Claude Debussy's suite burgamasque where he uses F aeolian in the B section of the prelude

Archeal Koen

Nightwish, the poet and the pendulum have an Aolian in it in second part "pacific". That's very powerful for an emotional song.
If you could make a "this is why this song is great about it."
I like your cobtent rick, keep up the work.