Music is one of the single greatest human creations.

The emotion it can instill is beyond reason... The right song can make the happiest person weep, or bring cheer to an otherwise dreadful outlook. I am someone who experiences frissons, a sort of chill that can come on when the melody and harmony of a piece of music come together just right, in an unexpected or fantastic way.

Lyrics only add to the lasting emotional impact of music, creating a link to personal memories. You can listen to a particular song for the first time in years, and almost be taken right back to the last place you were when last you heard it.

I want to share some of my favorite songs, and explain why they hold a spot in my heart. With some of these posts, I'll likely bring tears to your eyes. In others, I'll almost certainly offend more than a few people. Many of these posts will have you falling from your seat laughing, but every one of them will give you a little bit of insight into the quirk that is Sweeney.

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The first song I want to break down is one that has recently become one of my favorites, and made me cry the first dozen or so times I listened to it.

Relationships can be difficult, especially when those relationships start out in a less than scrupulous way. The stresses of daily life can weigh on individuals, and a difference of opinion on serious matters can create animosity between people who would do anything for one another. Even with the weight of the world on their shoulders, those who experience true love can push past the darkest of days, to better appreciate the sun when it shines.

I dedicate this song to my beloved and beautiful @cryptomomma, who through thick and thin, continues to stand "Next to Me".
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MO! I LOVE YOU!

Somethin' 'bout the way that you walked into my living room

Right off the bat, the lyrics start making sense on an esoteric level...

Casually and confident lookin' at the mess I am
But still you, still you want me

She carries herself as if she belongs no matter where she is, and I'm quite the opposite. I am a mess of awkward social interactions, unpopular opinions, and an undeserved ego, but none of that mattered, and she was always interested in knowing more.

Stress lines and cigarettes, politics and deficits
Late bills and overages, screamin' and hollerin'
But still you, still you want me

We are no stranger to stress. With an 11 month old baby, living from paycheck to paycheck, and in my case, from post to post, with at least one bill collector breathing down our necks at any given time. It doesn't help that our beliefs and politics rarely align. I fight and argue with this woman more than anyone I've ever been with, but through it all, here we are, standing strong.

Oh, I always let you down
You're shattered on the ground
But still I find you there
Next to me

I rarely seem to follow through on my promises. It's a character flaw I've always had, and have always struggled to overcome. I say I'll help with chores, or spend less time working, but time seems to wipe all short-term memory of the agreement, and it creates problems that end in the same fights over and over. No matter how bad it ever gets, or when I start thinking she's on her way out, I look into her eyes and know she'll be here forever.

And oh, stupid things I do
I'm far from good, it's true
But still I find you
Next to me (next to me)

I'm incredibly compulsive and spontaneous, to a fault. My rash decisions are often made without consulting with, or even talking to, those whom the decisions would affect. I am by no means perfect, far from it. I have a dark past, and continue to be less than altruistic, but she loves me none-the-less, and accepts me for who I am.

There's something about the way that you always see the pretty view
Overlook the blooded mess, always lookin' effortless

This most beautiful of creatures can always see the light at the end of the tunnel. Often, it doesn't even occur to her that the world can be anything but wonderful. I'm a little bit older, and my upbringing was no where near as good, and my youth created an adult who can't help but believe the world is full of pain at every turn. I love the way she loves, and I sincerely hope the ugliness of the world never veils her shining outlook.

I got no innocence, faith ain't no privilege

I'm not always a great person, and I have a very hard time believing things will always be better another day for the sake of believing it. I'm very often a pessimist, because pragmatism has come to be a close friend of mine.

I am a deck of cards, vice or a game of hearts

She gave me a deck of cards for my birthday a couple years ago. Written on each card is a different reason why she loves me. This line stands out to me more than any other in this song, and still puts a lump in my throat.

So thank you for taking a chance on me
I know it isn't easy
But I hope to be worth it (oh)

I know I'm not perfect, and I'm not always great at showing you how I feel, but I love you more than anyone I've ever had the privilege of knowing. You saved my life, and I will be eternally grateful. I hope that all of the struggles that come from my inability to express myself, and my lack of consideration, will all be outshone by the life, and the happiness, that we build and grow together. I'm so proud of what you're accomplishing, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for MOJO

Thank you for letting me pour my heart out to you guys!

As I said, not all of these posts will be nearly as sappy as this one, but today is @cryptomomma's birthday, and I wanted to start this series off on the right foot.

If you like this song, support Imagine Dragons, and purchase their album, Evolve!