Where The Sea Used To Be

2020 Letters: #8

This is the eighth instalment of a series, 20 Letters, where I share letters I wrote and sent via the post, throughout 2020 and 2021, to people in my life. Read more about the project here.

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Dear AH,

One of the positive outcomes of this bizarre and challenging year is that I’ve spent loads of time discovering, rediscovering and recontextualising music. As you know, music’s always been an enormous passion of mine, but this year it’s also been a major therapeutic resource. In particular, I have found solace in what I call “evolution anthems” – songs which promote and celebrate self-awareness and growth. Florence and The Machine write the best ones – their two biggest hits are triumphant hymns to shaking out your demons, moving beyond dark, dog days, and embracing You v2. Fiona Apple's “Better Version of Me” has gotten me through many temporary down-trodden times, too. Another song I've listened to dozens of times, and only recently looked closely at the lyrics, reflects that sentiment:

"Now that the lake’s in place
Where the sea used to be
It seems that I'm ceasing to be
In the season of the old me
I wouldn't trade my place
I got no reason to be
Weathered and withering
Like in the season of the old me"

- Grandaddy, “Now It’s On”