We thought our very hearts would up and melt away

My gentleman friend and I were recently discussing albums that changed our lives. On the top of my list was Joanna Newsom's Ys. The 5-song cd was released when I was in highschool and I remember checking the clock constantly (which I did anyway) because I was so anxious to go home and listen to it. She had an entire orchestra accompanying her and the language was so rich and the vocals so desperate, I had never experienced anything like it. For a few days I would just sit and listen through with the lyric sheet in front of me until I had memorized every word. The best part is, years later I still melt when I play those songs.
Here, a little taste of Newsom's brilliance:

Say, say, say in the lee of the bay; don't be bothered
Leave your troubles here where the tugboats shear the water from the water
(Flanked by furrows, curling back, like a match held up to a newspaper)
Emily, they'll follow your lead by the letter
And I make this claim, and I'm not ashamed to say I knew you better
What they've seen is just a beam of your sun that banishes winter

Let us go! Though we know it's a hopeless endeavor
The ties that bind, they are barbed and spined and hold us close forever
Though there is nothing would help me come to grips with a sky that is gaping and yawning
There is a song I woke with on my lips as you sailed your great ship towards the morning...

Pure poetry! From the song Emily.

Plus, Joanna is so so pretty and and she rocks the harp.