I’ve neglected Lend Your Ear since April. Not for any particular reason, only that I’ve welcomed a new daughter, put work into several other essays and have also waded into the waters of fiction with my other publication,
. But I’ve felt a pull lately to return and give this section more attention. While it may be of little interest to others, I really can’t be sure, music and the writing about music is something very close to my heart. Read why here.These Lend Your Ear works are intended to be shorter, fun and light reflections on my favorite songs, artists and albums and the meaning I glean from them. If nothing else, I hope they give you something to ponder and beautiful music to listen to.
Thanks for reading.
Two years ago I sent a rather routine group text to my brother and close friend asking for new music to check out. My friend replied with a suggestion I listen to “Thinking About You” by Cody Fry and I can honestly say I’ve been wonderfully confused by Fry ever since.
That day I perused his album Pictures of Mountain, was thoroughly impressed, and intrigued enough to keep digging. Upon early investigation (a Google search of his catalog) I learned Fry had actually already gone viral on one of the video sharing platforms that is rotting our children’s brains TikTok. Although I was a long time away from my first digital detox, the idea of a musical TikTok-star made me scowl and I almost gave up on him on the spot. But I decided unless I listened to his hit song for myself I wouldn’t know if he was actually talented or had become “famous” for pandering to the masses. The hit song in question was “I Hear a Symphony” and by the end of the song I was in disbelief about what I’d heard.
From the very beginning of “Symphony” it is clear Fry understands the craft and structure of a song. He opens with a simple a cappella melody alongside appropriately simplistic lyrics to match.
I used to hear a simple song That was until you came along Now in its place is something new I hear it when I look at you
As the first verse fades the piano trickles in and Fry begins to show us his talent and skill. Talent in the creation of a wholesome, yet catchy, musical-esque tune he’s created and skill enough to hold back the intensity of the keys.
The lyrics pick back up and the piano remains content in the background. However, the piano is no longer alone but accompanied by the faint sweeping of strings.
With simple songs I wanted more Perfection is so quick to bore You are more beautiful by far Our flaws are who we really are
While Fry admires the perfect imperfections that make his other half all the more beautiful, he becomes more playful on the piano and the orchestra becomes more pronounced. The final words of verse two pass and the music takes center stage. Fry continues to take more liberties with the keys, the orchestra follows and brings us to a place reminiscent of Gershwin, never looking back.
I used to hear a simple song That was until you came along You took my broken melody And now I hear a symphony
In a glorious swell the piano and orchestra coalesce and we’re given what I can only describe as a pure romantic whirlwind. As an embrace of true lovers, the music and words marry becoming one emphatic exaltation of the true, the good and the beautiful. Because all good things come from God, I can’t help but consider the divine when I listen.
I’m not saying this song needs to be played in church or that Fry should be dubbed a Christian artist (I do not know of his faith), but I’ll echo Saint Paul who told the Philippians that we are to think about things that are lovely or commendable because this song is certainly all those things and more.
While I love this song and have listened to it many times since my first encounter, what stands out to me most is the song’s journey. “Symphony” went largely unnoticed for four years. Originally released in 2017, the song was consigned as the last track of a little-known album by an unsigned artist. By today’s standard of stardom a song without 808’s, a chorus, only carried by love and an orchestra, shouldn’t stand a chance of getting attention. Yet in 2021, in the midst of the turmoil of a global pandemic, a work of true beauty showed itself and brought happiness and wonder to a world deprived of hope. May this song serve as a reminder to us all that light will always break through darkness.
It may surprise you at this point to learn “I Hear a Symphony” is not my favorite song by Cody Fry. That honor (at least for today) belongs to the pair “Photograph” and “Fantasietta on a Theme From "'Photograph'" which must be played consecutively in their respective order to be fully appreciated. Preferably from Fry’s album Symphonic.
“Photograph” is the type of song you feel has always existed. It doesn’t belong to Fry but somehow he was the person chosen to give it to us. It’s the song every man wishes he could write for his wife about the moments of bliss they share as one. The lyrics, again, are beautiful in their simplicity. They are the perfect image of times in which we all find ourselves, wanting to arrest the moment you’re in while also pondering what’s to come. On “Photograph” Fry allows the music a bit more space throughout the song than he did with “Symphony, and we should be thankful he does. The composition is as evocative and timeless as you can imagine. It’s hard for me to believe these songs are originals of the 21st century and not covers of the more magical eras gone by. And just for good measure, Fry composed a beautiful medley of “Photograph” and the classic work of “Clair de Lune” by the classical giant Claude Debussy. I think Fry just wanted to make sure “the kids” know where he comes from.
And herein lies the conundrum of Cody Fry. While composing his own classical music combined with wholesome lyrics, Fry has commanded the attention of a youthful audience who we’re conditioned to believe have no interest in such things. You know what they say about those who assume…Now, obviously attention isn’t necessarily a measure of success but it’s also not nothing; you don’t garner 2,561,556 monthly listeners on Spotify for being a talentless hack. On the surface his notoriety makes no sense, but can also teach us a lesson. If you believe in your craft and can muster the courage to share yourself with the world, you will make the world around you a better place. The change will likely take time and likely not make you a global sensation, but you’ll have given something back to God you can be proud of and trust He will use it for good.
Not Just Classical-Pop
A brief note here: Cody Fry is an all around musical talent and is not limited to the range of classical pop. Below, I’m leaving a short list of other worthy listens by Fry. Some of which are classical works including a cover of a legendary Beatles tune. Others are more on the jam/ rock/adult contemporary side of things. All songs are safe for work so turn it up if you have cool understanding coworkers.
And please, let me know of your favorite songs by Cody Fry or share songs you think I’ll take a fancy to.
Thanks for reading and God bless,
Derek
A Few of My Fry Favorites:
If you enjoyed this reflection on Cody Fry, please consider reading through my other music musings cataloged under the section Lend Your Ear here at Seeking The Narrow.