Music Inspired by The Odyssey
Believe it or not, many musicians were also inspired by the Odyssey. Creatures that involved music like the Sirens often appeared in lyrics throughout the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Some of the songs were as following: The Siren Song, by Margaret Atwood; Song of Aeolus and Son of the Odyssey, by Karl Jennings; Dangerous Eyes and Sacrifice, by Charlene DiCalogero; Calypso, by John Denver; and "Home at last, by Steely Dan. These songs had many references to the Odyssey, including a few lyrics from Margaret Atwood's, The Siren Song. Part of the song goes, "The song nobody knows, because anybody who has heard it, is dead, and the others can't remember. This is factual because when you hear the Siren's song, you will do anything possible to get to it. If you are restrained and you do not make it to the Sirens, then you cannot remember their melodious tune afterwards.
Another set of lyrics with direct correlation to the plot of the Odyssey is the lyrics of "Home at Last" by Steely Dan. Well the danger on the rocks is surely past, Part of the song goes, "Still I remain tied to the mast, Could it be that I have found my home at last, Home at last!" The song is talking about a voyage home with obstacles along the way. This last stanza talks about how miraculously, he has made it home, despite all of the forces that stood against him. In the Odyssey, Odysseus felt this way to, with Poseidon against him, he still managed to overcome all adversity to get where he needed to be. Clearly, this song was inspired by themes that appeared in the Odyssey, mainly the idea of returning home.
Below is the Music Video for Home at Last, Enjoy!
Another set of lyrics with direct correlation to the plot of the Odyssey is the lyrics of "Home at Last" by Steely Dan. Well the danger on the rocks is surely past, Part of the song goes, "Still I remain tied to the mast, Could it be that I have found my home at last, Home at last!" The song is talking about a voyage home with obstacles along the way. This last stanza talks about how miraculously, he has made it home, despite all of the forces that stood against him. In the Odyssey, Odysseus felt this way to, with Poseidon against him, he still managed to overcome all adversity to get where he needed to be. Clearly, this song was inspired by themes that appeared in the Odyssey, mainly the idea of returning home.
Below is the Music Video for Home at Last, Enjoy!