Connor Marshman

Period 4

Phantasmagoria – Transcendental

Playlist

“Imagine” by John Lennon (cover by

Eva Cassidy)

The song “Imagine” tells its listeners to dream of a transcendental world. In this world, there are no

worries of a heaven or hell. Instead, people worry for today. There are no evils like war and famine—

everyone respects one another. The world is peaceful. Furthermore, there is no materialism and greed.

“Fields of Gold” by Sting 

“Fields of Gold” evokes thoughts of nature. I visualize two young lovers running through sunny 

pastures and swaying, golden crops.

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles 

Like “Fields of Gold”, “Here Comes the Sun” brings to mind thought of nature, specifically early 

spring, with verses like “it’s been a long cold lonely winter…I feel that ice is slowly melting.” Also, the

phrase “here comes the sun” not only brings to mind thoughts of nature but also a hopeful optimism

for the future.

“100 Years” by Five for Fighting 

“100 Years” is all about focusing on the here and now. The phrase “you only have a hundred years to

live” expresses the transcendentalist focus on this life rather than an afterlife. Although the song may 

not be altogether dismissing an afterlife, it warns its listeners to appreciate what you have now before it

is gone. Be a participant in your own life!

 

Connor Marshman

Period 4

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane 

“Somewhere Only We Know” again calls to mind thoughts of nature. This is seen through verses such

as, “I felt the earth beneath my feet/Sat by the river and it made me complete.”  

“Vienna” by Billy Joel 

“Vienna” deals with idea of focusing on the here and now. The singer is reaching out to a person who

is rushing through his or her life. She or he is so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life

that they forget to appreciate what is going on in life right now.

“Virtual Insanity” by Jamiroquai 

“Virtual Insanity” criticizes the world we are becoming. This world has become overrun with

technology. However, this technology is really useless and often times harmful. Society has become

devoid of the beauty in nature by being forced to live underground. Mankind’s preoccupation with

technology has taken their attention from the more important things in life—such as spirituality and

nature.

“Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve 

“Bittersweet Symphony” again criticizes society. Like Thoreau, who felt mankind had become enslaved

to money, the song mirrors this sentiment with the verse, “Trying to make ends meet, you’re a slave to

money then you die.” 

“Forrest Gump (Feather Theme)” by

Alan Silvestri

 

Connor Marshman

Period 4

This piece is completely instrumental. However, I feel it conveys transcendentalism through its light,

swaying sound. The piece comes from the “Forrest Gump” soundtrack, and I feel that this movie

expresses a transcendentalist attitude towards life. Forrest Gump lives in the moment throughout his

life and has a constant optimistic attitude-despite the obstacles that he faces.

“End Credits (The Cider House Rules)” performed

 by John Lenehan and composed by Rachel Portman

I felt this fitting as the last song to my transcendental playlist, because it really feels as if you are

floating away or transcending this world. I see myself flying above wide open pastures and forests. I

feel empowered and optimistic about the future when listening to this!