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Music Challenge #29: “The Nights” by Avicci #musicchallenge #amwriting #MLMM

A few weeks ago I was saddened to learn that the talented DJ and musician, Avicci, had died at the age of twenty-eight. You might call him a collaborator, composer and (or) record producer. Most of his songs included vocals from other talented musicians of various genres, but also included Avicci’s unique style of music and lyrics. I’ve chosen one of his songs, which I think suits his passing, called “The Nights.”

Credit: Cosmopolitan

“The Nights” by Avicci

According to Aleksa Aleksic, “Swedish DJ Avicii (Tim Bergling)” had his “international breakthrough with his Progressive House track “Levels,” which became number 1 in Sweden and on US dance charts; he also earned a Grammy nomination for this song. In 2012, Avicci and David Guetta collaborated on the song “Sunshine,” earning Avicci a second Grammy nomination.

In 2013, Avicii released his debut album “True.” It featured the international hit “Wake Me Up” ft. Aloe Blacc. He mixed EDM, folk and country music, and the song reached number 1 in many countries. It was number 4 on the billboard Hot 100. His second album “Stories” dropped in 2015 and featured 21 diverse vocalists including Chris Martin (Coldplay), Zac Brown (Zac Brown Band), and many others.” Wikipedia states that “Avicci released his single “The Days” in 2014, a collaboration between he and Robbie Williams. Later, in 2014 on EA Sports, Avicci debuted the song the “The Nights” exclusively for FIFA 15 (professional soccer/football 2015).”

Also, Aleksic writes that “Avicii suffered from acute pancreatitis, in part, due to excessive drinking sin his teenage years. In 2014 he cancelled numerous shows to recover after having his gallbladder and appendix removed. He decided against touring entirely as in a 2016 as his health declined.

He told a Hollywood reporter: ‘To me [this] was something I had to do for my health, the scene was not for me. It was not the show and not the music. It was always the other stuff surrounding it that never came naturally . . . I’m more of an introverted person in general. It was always very hard for me’ (Aleksic).”

“Avicci died on April 20, 2018 and no cause of death was immediately given. The Omani police stated that there was ‘no criminal suspicion’ or evidence of foul play in Avicci’s death. His family released an open letter stating that the artist ‘struggled with thoughts about meaning, life, happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace.’ ” (Wikipedia.com).

Despite Avicci’s suicide, I think his music shares what he truly felt when he was in the right frame of mind and “The Nights” is an example of this .

Use “The Nights ”by Avicci as a source of inspiration for any form of creative expression (including but not limited to short stories, poems, lyrics, artwork, photography, (etc.).

Alternatively, if you are a musician, use this as an opportunity to showcase your own work.

Avicci had been a talented and well-known DJ since he was a mid-teenager. Do you think excessive drinking and poor health contributes to suicide? Why do many gifted musicians, actors, etc. die young (by suicide or drug overdose etc.) ? Does success and achieving one’s dreams have unexpected psychological and emotional effects? What does this song make you feel? Are you inspired, at a loss, ready to live your dreams?

You can always use pieces of the lyrics to inspire you, as well. Anything goes, well, within reason.

“The Nights” by Avicci

*****

Once upon a younger year,

When all our shadows disappeared,

The animals inside came out to play.

Went face to face with all our fears,

Learned our lessons through the tears,

Made memories we knew would never fade.

*****

One day my father—he told me,

“Son, don’t let it slip away.”

He took me in his arms, I heard him say,

*****

“When you get older

Your wild heart will live for younger days.

Think of me if ever you’re afraid.”

*****

He said, “One day you’ll leave this world behind.

So, live a life you will remember.”

My father told me when I was just a child,

“These are the nights that never die.”

My father told me,

*****

“When thunder clouds start pouring down

Light a fire they can’t put out,

Carve your name into those shining stars.”

He said, “Go venture far beyond the shores.

Don’t forsake this life of yours.

I’ll guide you home no matter where you are.”

*****

One day my father—he told me,

“Son, don’t let it slip away.”

When I was just a kid I heard him say,

*****

“When you get older

Your wild heart will live for younger days.

Think of me if ever you’re afraid.”

*****

He said, “One day you’ll leave this world behind.

So, live a life you will remember.”

My father told me when I was just a child

“These are the nights that never die.”

My father told me,

*****

“These are the nights that never die.”

My father told me.

My father told me.

*****

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©MindLoveMisery’s Menagerie. June 1, 2018.