About the song
The Everly Brothers, those celestial twins who harmonized their way into the hearts of millions. Their sound, a blend of rock and roll’s youthful rebelliousness and the smooth crooning of a bygone era, captivated audiences throughout the 1950s and 60s. Today, we delve into a lesser-known gem from their vast repertoire, a song that trades their usual doo-wop swagger for a more introspective melody – The Collector.
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Released in 1966 on the album Two Yanks in England, The Collector finds the Everly Brothers at a crossroads in their career. Their earlier, chart-topping hits like “Bye Bye Love” and “Wake Up Little Susie” had cemented their place as rock and roll icons. However, the winds of musical change were swirling, and the brothers were eager to experiment and explore new sonic territories.
The Collector is a fascinating example of this artistic evolution. The song shimmers with a melancholic beauty, a stark contrast to the playful energy of their earlier work. The acoustic guitar plucking sets a gentle pace, while the brothers’ signature harmonies take on a more subdued quality. There’s a sense of longing in their voices, a yearning for something just out of reach.
Lyrically, The Collector paints a captivating picture. The narrator, self-proclaimed as a “collector of beautiful things,” describes his pursuit of capturing fleeting moments of beauty – red butterflies, green dragonflies. However, the song takes a deeper turn as the narrator acknowledges the futility of his pursuit.
These “beautiful things” are inherently ephemeral, their wings destined to be “pinned down.” The song becomes a meditation on the impermanence of beauty, a poignant reflection on the human desire to hold onto fleeting moments.
The Collector stands as a testament to the Everly Brothers’ artistic depth. It’s a song that transcends the boundaries of genre, offering a glimpse into the introspective souls beneath the polished pop exterior. So, sit back, lend an ear, and prepare to be transported by this captivating ballad from the heart of the Everly Brothers’ remarkable career.