Even though it was not nominated for best picture at the Oscars "Tick Tick Boom" was without a doubt my favorite movie from last year, and I will definitely be talking more in depth about the film, its themes, as well as its songs. I still have not sat down and watched "West Side Story" but I will say I am beyond overjoyed that the incredibly talented Ariana Debose won. Today I wanted to dive deep into the song "Come To Your Senses" from "Tick Tick Boom" a song that moves me whether watching in the context of the film or on its own. This song is powerful and I want to dive and talk about it. Spoilers are ahead for the movie and if you have not yet seen it, I can not recommend it enough, for fans of theaters, artists, and people who love movies.
This song is nothing short of an amazing, in the context of the story our lead Jonathan Larson, yes, the mind behind RENT, Jonathon Larson has been struggling with creating the one song he needed to write to complete the show. Through the writer's block he was also dealing with problems arising in real life, in his relationship and more. As his workshop begins and this song is performed, he realizes what or should I say who he is letting go for his art. The song is his art reflecting real life and how he finally can see how his girlfriend has been feeling about him, and the mistakes he is making.
In the case of the film this song is so well shot, flashing back and forth between the performer singing this song in the workshop, and his girlfriend singing this just to him in the space of his mind. The settings flashing between a crowded room to an intimate rooftop with only two people. It is so well cut, and the settings are so drastic that much like all the songs in this movie, make the songs stand out even more. The songs were already incredibly memorable and stood out, this was going the extra mile in the best way possible and is a fantastic watch or listen.
The song itself is full of powerful lyrics, whether listened to on its own or paired with the amazing visuals in the film. The song is full of authentic emotion from start to finish. A lover calling for the one they love to open their eyes and see them. That love is sometimes all we need and that sometimes the dreams we are looking for can change. A deep and true call that relates back to the person listening whether they have been the one calling, who the one who is being called to, in my case I have been both in life. Seeing the songs from both perspectives also helps bring the narrative to an emotional head that left me awestruck the first time I listened to.
The song is a not calling out of a place of desperation but rather hope, hope that the one you love can see all that you two can have together if they just look up. As the beauitful instrumentation pairs with it, the melody sweeps and soars with the song. The film version is so incredibly sung that I have chills still even after repeated listens. With many of the songs focusing on John's art, this one focuses in deeper. This isn't through his eyes, the song is for him, thus still pushing the narrative but giving another performer time to shine. The lyrics are intimate, carrying a heavy weight that will imprint on the heart of the audience.
Sometimes shows have grand, sweeping, love songs that make our hearts soar, this is a song that makes you think. It makes the listener reflect on their priorities while still being wrapped into a beauitful song about love. This is indeed a love song, but far from your traditional confession between the characters, it shows wants, desires, and sacrifices made along the way, embodying some of the many themes in the show or film.
Give this song a listen, or the movie a watch, not only to see this masterpiece of a song, but the masterpiece as a whole. The song is powerful, full of amazing lyrics, and an unforgettable melody. Great instrumentation make this song something to keep on your mind long after it has finished.
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