an even couple

Aphoristics and pop music are two forms that go together particularly well, for several reasons. For one thing, both rely on a superficial sort of catchiness which is bound to give way to a more profound punchline. The impact and content of the punchline however is something highly subjective in each case; it is formed in the mind of the recipient. We agree that a certain aphorism / a pop song is meaningful, but we may differ when it comes to explaining what this meaning is, how to capture it descriptively. This is unlike with e.g. jokes, where the point can be made explicit in an intersubjective way. (Particularly with respect to songs, I am constantly amazed at how people differ on their judgements about whether a given song conveys sadness / melancholy or happiness / recklessness!)

Another thing that pop songs and aphorims have in common is that their distinctive charm is based not so much on what is expressed, but rather on how it is expressed. What is important is that something that may already be known or familiar – an idea, a melodic pattern - is conceptualized from a new, different angle. This is what creates the momentum of pleasurable surprise in a good aphorism and a good pop song. - Neither aphoristics nor pop music is the stronghold of conceptual or artistic innovation; it is the realm of the playful, sometimes outrageous, sometimes unassuming.

Come on over,the future's here.

(Teenage Fanclub, "Fallen Leaves")

It’s like 10.000 spoons when all you need is a knife.

(Alanis Morissette, “Ironic”)

You’re all whores, and I’m a fag.

(The Smashing Pumpkins, "Tales Of A Scorched Earth”)

I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.

(Bob Dylan, “My Back Pages”)

Just kick my feet off the ground, I’ll embrace the sky.

(Teenage Fanclub, “Going Places”)

Don’t it make you smile when the sun don’t shine.

(Pearl Jam, “Smile”)

I’ve been waiting in the desert for my ship to come in.

(Gun, “One Reason”)

Here comes the girl with the perfect teeth – I bet she won’t be smiling at me.

(Therapy, “Trigger Inside”)

Life it seems so easy when it’s from my easy-chair.

(Goo Goo Dolls, “Burning Up”)

It’s hard to sing with someone who won’t sing with you.

(The Jayhawks, “Blue”)

Your smile is worth its weight in gold.

(The Black Crowes, “Better When You’re Not Alone”)

I’ll be better when I’m older.

(Edwin McCain, “I’ll Be”)