For Rebecca is a love letter.

I think everyone can recall a time when they had love pangs. Whether your man left, your woman cheated, your husband died, or your gal just don’t want nothin to do with you, your heart has been hurt.

The particulars of my story are not important. But, this is my letter to Rebecca. She’s an angel. Her eyes are bigger than any eyes I’ve seen, and they’re beautiful and kind. She loved well and perfectly.She’s precious and gorgeous.

My knowledge of music is far from exhausted. So, I need your help. Take a look/listen to these songs to catch the general theme, and let me know some other good songs I should add to the list.

I appreciate your help.

Let’s get started. For Rebecca

Ryan Adams and The Cardinals – Always On My Mind – Jacksonville City Nights (2005)

I begin with this song because I feel like it is the epitome of the list. “Always On My Mind” was originally recorded by an artist named Brenda Lee years ago. It has been covered by Elvis, Willie Nelson, David Hasslehoff, Michael Buble, and even Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Ryan Adams’ version is pretty solid. To be honest, it’s not my favorite. However, it is a clean track. My favorite recording of the song is either Willie’s version, a live version by Iron & Wine, or a live version by M. Ward, Jim James, and Conor Oberst. I’ve included Iron & Wine and Ward/Oberst/James’ version for your listening pleasure.

Conor Oberst, Jim James, and M. Ward – Always On My Mind
Iron & Wine – Always On My Mind Rebecca, you were always on my mind.

Hank Williams – I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You) – Hank Williams Unreleased Recordings (2008)

Hank struggled with pain his whole life. At an early age his mother’s beatings coupled with spinal bifida forced him into alcoholism at the young age of 11. No stranger to heartache, his songs suggest that his most painful struggle was with women. In “I Can’t Help It” Hank sings to the woman he just can’t stop lovin.

Buy The Album Here

Rebecca, I can’t help it if I’m still in love with you.

Radiohead – House of Cards – In Rainbows (2008)

Radiohead has always been an interest of mine. It started with an obsession with a couple of their songs. I then progressed into listening to entire albums, and realizing the surprising lyrical content of each album. Some of the songs get a bit too dark for me, but this song is phenomenal.

The first time I heard “House of Cards” I was sitting on my windowsill, overlooking a busy New York City street in the morning. Snow covered the cars and the streets like blankets, and the sun jumped on its’ back to blind my eyes. I thought of Rebecca after only the first few words.

Buy The Album Here

Rebecca, I don’t want to be your friend. I just want to be your lover.

Elliott Smith – Everything Reminds Me of Her – Figure 8 – (2000)

Elliott Smith is a man that needs no introduction. He’s been renowned as one of America’s best songwriters. Although usually known for his darker, personal lyrics,  he always shines in his songs. He didn’t need a Grammy for his work on the “Good Will Hunting” soundtrack to secure his spot as a great songwriter. The title of this song says everything.

Buy The Album Here

Rebecca, everything reminds me of you.

Bob Dylan – Mama, You Been on My Mind – The Bootleg Series Vol. 1-3 (1991)

Do I even need to say anything about this? Bob Dylan is the man. The first verse of this song is tattooed on my side.

Buy The Album Here

There are also a few honorable covers of this song, each artists’ first name beginning with the letter ‘J’. Coincidence? Probably. But, it’s cool. These artists are Jack Johnson, Johnny Cash, and Jeff Buckley.

Jack Johnson is known for his carefree lyrics and mellow vocals. I like a few of his songs, but I don’t listen to him often. He does a pretty nice version of this song, and at the end of the track he even dabbles in a little Woody Guthrie covering.

Johnny Cash is known for many different things; his persona, his charisma, his stage presence, his personal struggles, his haunting voice, etc. So, Mr. Cash has no trouble covering this phenomenal song and really doing his own version of the song.

Jeff Buckley is well known for many of his songs, but his most popular is likely, “Hallelujah” written by Leonard Cohen. It’s been featured in a ton of movies and tv shows.

Check out their covers:

Jack Johnson – Mama, You Been on My Mind
Johnny Cash – Mama, You Been on My Mind
Jeff Buckley – Mama, You been on My Mind

Rebecca, Mama, you been on my mind.

Relient K – I Hate Christmas Parties – Let It Snow Baby…Let It Reindeer (2008)

I feel foolish mentioning Relient K along with the likes of the previous artists. But, this is a personal list, and this song is called for. It reminds me of this past Christmas. It was a lonely Christmas. I guess the song speaks for itself.

Buy The Album Here

Rebecca, I hope it snows this week. A snowflake on your cheek would make this Christmas so beautiful.

Frightened Rabbit – My Backwards Walk – Midnight Organ Fight (2008)

Frightened Rabbit is new to me. But, they’re a Scottish folk group. The lyrics are simply amazing and use few words to tell vivid stories. “…and the time rewinds to the end of may. I wish we’d never met then, met today.” I can relate to that. Further,

“I’m working on my faults and cracks, filling in the blanks and gaps. And, when I write them out they don’t make sense. I need you to pencil in the rest.”

These are a mere first few words in this lyrically packed song. Buy The Album Here

Rebecca, you’re the shit and I’m knee-deep in it.

Terry Urban – Lil Wayne & Buffalo Springfield – Thinking of What Its Worth – How My Brain Works Vol 2 (2009)

This is the second set of songs that Terry Urban has put together. Get the whole album here, which features Beyonce, The Cure, more Lil Wayne, Coldplay, and many more.

“Thinking of What Its Worth” is the first hip hop song on the list. But, perhaps, not the last. The two songs blend together well, creating a tune that goes quite well with this theme.

Rebecca, you can make me smile when ain’t a damn thing funny.