Rediscovering a Forgotten Tune: The Quest for "Jessica"
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Chapter 1: The Mystery of the Wordless Tune
Have you ever found yourself trying to identify a song that has no lyrics? This is a challenge many face, especially when the melody lingers in your mind without a name to accompany it.
During my youth, a particular song echoed through the classic rock station I listened to, but as an adult, its title eluded me. With its country-western rhythm and captivating guitar riffs, the tune has resurfaced in my thoughts during quiet moments. Despite my attempts to hum it, neither my teenage son nor my partner could recognize the melody.
The dilemma lies in the fact that this song is not searchable online. It lacks lyrics and has left no trace in the vast digital landscape. Remarkably, it seems to be one of those rare tracks that gained radio play solely for its guitar riffs. Its length and complexity make it even harder to articulate, leading to confusion when I try to share it with others.
This situation became frustrating, as I longed to introduce my son to this piece of music. He had recently developed a budding interest in the songs I enjoyed during my own adolescence, particularly those featuring impressive guitar solos. This was the ultimate guitar solo—a perfect opportunity for us to bond over music. However, I was unable to share it with him.
In hindsight, this issue could have been resolved with the help of a smartphone and a music identification app. I’ve heard that besides Shazam, there's now an app that can recognize a well-hummed tune. Unfortunately, I had given up my iPhone several years ago, a decision I chronicled in The New York Times and later in a book. I refused to return to that device solely to retrieve a forgotten song.
Section 1.1: A Serendipitous Encounter
As fate would have it, my moment of reckoning arrived unexpectedly. On one of the first warm days of 2024, I found myself crossing Union Square in Lower Manhattan when the familiar melody filled the air. A musician, reminiscent of singer-songwriter Dan Seiden, was passionately playing the song live. He navigated intricate riffs while a portable speaker provided the perfect backbeat.
I parked my bike nearby, swaying to the rhythm and almost breaking into a freeform dance, reminiscent of my days as a Grateful Dead fan. The guitarist occasionally acknowledged me, subtly lifting his chin towards his open guitar case, which was filled with coins and bills. Regrettably, I had no money with me—not even a phone to record this moment.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Emotional Revelation
After he finished playing, I approached him, nearly overwhelmed with emotion. "Thank you! That song has haunted my thoughts for years. I’m so grateful to hear it again. But sadly, I have no money on me. Would you mind telling me the name of that song?"
He smiled and replied, "Jessica."
Chapter 2: The Power of Connection
The first video, titled "What Was That Song," captures the essence of searching for lost melodies and the emotions tied to music discovery.
The second video features "Thelma Houston - What Was That Song," highlighting the connection between music and memory.