Shores of Sorrow

by Domenic Cicala

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“Shores of Sorrow” was intentionally written to draw on Gospel traditions but the perspective of the lyrics is admittedly agnostic, so we get a sound that will call many of us back to the roots of religious music while the lyrical exploration brings us very much into the present day. With a persistent piano melody that carries the insistence of a person sifting through their life experiences for something to hold onto, and a light, almost ethereal organ component, Cicala creates another interesting duality that makes this a song of contrasts.

As for Cicala’s specific lyrics and vocal delivery, there’s a familiar world-weariness to their tone, but also a digging deep that makes this song even more confessional than you might at first expect. With the directness of many Johnny Cash songs, including creating surprising turns of phrases while using simple language, Cicala pieces together a life’s journey from the perspective of someone who’s aware they are “standing guilty as accused” and that they don’t have much truck with a higher power, if there is one.

But despite the uncertainty about that higher presence, the speaker continues to use language that originally comes from Biblical sources, however is still used in secular society to great impact, for instance the imagery behind “reaping what you sow.” The speaker also supports an anti-materialistic message, rejecting the value of “silver and gold”. One of the biggest traits of the song, given the subject matter, is the lack of arrogance. But in searching for a few things that he can adhere to, the speaker sketches out what you might call a humanist message which is, in essence, a merciful message of treating oneself, and others, with respect. The song aptly illustrates that deciding what you stand for in life is hard work and may take plenty of looking back before we can feel confident giving others advice about how to live. But that is nevertheless an exercise that is worthwhile and meaningful.

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released January 26, 2024

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Domenic Cicala Frederick, Maryland

Hailing from the D.C. area, Domenic Cicala - A singer/songwriter with a love for the 3 minute song. Largely influenced by the holy musical trinity of Hank, Elvis, and Bruce. Domenic is a 6 time Wammie Nominated Roots Rock/Americana artist who performs his own compositions as well as digging deep into the covers catalog. ... more

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