JDIZZY's 365 # 365: The Luckiest

The Luckiest - Ben Folds (2001)

Here we are.

When I started this project a year ago, I knew that this song would end the list. I think that's what made me keep going, more so than stubborn determination or wanting to follow through with something of this scope for the first time in my life. I knew that "The Luckiest" was waiting for me.

And it deserved to be praised.

On September 11, 2001, Ben Folds released his first proper solo album, Rockin' The Suburbs. After a few weeks, when our nation had a chance to breathe again, people began to take notice of this brilliant little set of tunes. It's now become regarded by fans as his greatest work. The wiley prankster of "Song for The Dumped" and "Army" seems to grow up here into a songwriter of extraordinary depth, only hinted at before on his biggest hit single, "Brick".

We are shown a elderly man being forced into retirement against his wishes.

We are given the Savior-like delusions of an acid casualty.

We meet a bored suburban girl who spelled her name without an H.

And we were given the most beautiful love song of the 21st Century.

"The Luckiest" captures everything holy about two people's love for each other better than any Sonnet of Shakespeare, any Song of Solomon or any Soliloquy of Sondheim. Questions are asked, alternate realities are proposed and comparisons are made, yet the one constant truth that this song shows us is that soulmates exist. There's no sense in trying to explain it away with science, psychology or cynicism. The love of your life is out there, and they will feel the same way about you.

The idea of one person being made for you can sometimes feel like the most naive , antiquated myth to ever grace the hopeful minds of human existence.

Then you meet them.

In just a few months, the woman that has made every word of this song true for me, Candice Marie Brechbiel, will change her name to Candice Marie Jewell. After she does, we will follow in the time-honored tradition of our forefathers and dance our first dance as man and wife.

And it will be to this song.

And I'll cry.

And she will too.

And that's ok, because both of our lives have been leading up to this moment.

Thank you fate, from the bottom of my heart.



Thanks to everyone who's stuck with the 365. It's been an honor.