It's a Miracle

Do you have a list of desert island discs? The idea comes from a BBC radio show, aptly titled Desert Island Discs. The programme first began broadcasting in 1942, and it has continued to the present day. For the few who are unaware, it's premise is simple - you are stranded on a desert island, and can only have 8 pieces of music with you.

What songs would you find so essential that you could not survive without them?

Well, I'm not going to bore you with all 8 of my choices. I only need one. One song that could sustain me through searing heat, gnawing hunger, dehydrating dehydration, and separation from my loved ones.

Those who know me well, will already know the answer.

Have a listen.


That song, is a slightly obscure 1980's CanCon Classic, Miracle, written and recorded by a Winnipeg band known as Orphan in 1983. More than any other song, this simple, 3 chord ballad hits me like no other.

It's got a steady driving beat, a lush layering of synthesizers, and a couple of explosive guitar chords that make it impossible to keep from pumping your fist in the air. Add to that the main synth melody that evokes Big Ben's hourly chimes, and you've got a winner. Also, have a listen to the background vocals that finish off the song - it's the part I like to call the "heavenly choir of angels". It's beautiful.

This masterpiece exemplifies everything that I need in a good song. A catchy beat. A memorable chorus. Musicians who would rather serve the song than treat it as a showcase for their flashy talents.

When I hear this song, I'm reminded of a quote by one of my favourite photographers, Stephen Shore that I had up on my office wall when I was doing my Fine Arts Thesis at the U of M.

"Chinese poetry rarely trespasses beyond the bounds of actuality. Whereas Western poets will take actualities as points of departure for exaggeration of fantasy, or else as shadows of contrast against dreams of unreality, the great Chinese poets accept the world exactly as they find it in all its terms, and with profound simplicity find therein sufficient solace. Even in phraseology they seldom talk about the things in terms of another, but are able enough and sure enough as artists to make the ultimately exact terms become the beautiful terms."
-Stephen Shore

I don't know Chinese poetry from Adam, but I think I think his meaning is clear. Miracle stays away from exaggerated metaphors and hokey analogies. In it's first verse, it immediately flirts with the tried and true cliches of sunshine, rain and clouds, but only to pose a question. Following that is a chorus that has no need for hyperbole to get it's point across. It does so in the simplest, yet most effective manner.

If the sun don't shine
If the rain don't fall
Is there anyone who would notice
the world at all?

If the clouds don't roll
Who would never know
The thing we take for granted
Ain't so sure

You don't know
the way I feel
It's a mixed up bit of emotion
but it's something real

Oh Oh... It's a miracle
Oh Oh... It's a miracle

There's a place I've been
No one's ever seen
'cause it's way inside my head
and it can't be seen

You don't know
It's the way I feel
It's a mixed up bit of emotion
but it's something real

Oh Oh... It's a miracle
Oh Oh... It's a miracle

It's the way I feel

Oh Oh... It's a miracle
Oh Oh... It's a miracle

Miracle succeeds because it's honest, direct, and to the point. It's repetitious at times, but only because there is no need to clutter the chorus up with frivolous meanderings. I'm proud to say that it's my favourite song - if my life was a television show, this would be my theme. (Do TV shows even HAVE theme songs any more?)

The song can currently be found on It's a Miracle (they're still alive) - The Very Best of The Pumps/Orphan. Do yourself a favour, and check out this great Winnipeg band.

More info on the band itself can be found by visiting The Pumps/Orphan official website.

Who needs 8 songs on a desert island? I'll settle for one.

Currently playing - Queen City Kids - Excitement of Love
Now entering my two-hundred and fifty-second Cola free day!