Richard Mercer
Want to get inside the Love God’s head? Find out what he thinks about Love Song Dedications and more…
While I host a program about love it is in no way a testimony to my own skills or lack of in the field. I see Love Song Dedications as a wonderful opportunity to highlight a common thread that runs through all of humanity. Almost without exception we are all either in love, have lost love, or dream of finding a special someone to share our lives with. It’s one of the beautiful, positive similarities between all people.
There is also the aspect of hearing people expressing a little of what they’re going through in love and life and if you’re like me you would hear situations and feelings expressed that relate to your own life. This can be comforting simply from the point of validating your own feelings, particularly if you’re suffering the loss of love. When you’re going through a painful break up, the people around you may expect you to, ‘just move on.’ Although they may have the best intentions, this lack of empathy can further add to your misery. Whereas on Love Song Dedications it’s about how you feel rather than what you should do.
Q. What is your favourite love song?
Well I have many favourites because I am a sucker for a beautiful melody and a lover of language so the clever wordplay, which abounds in many songs, allows me to appreciate a wide cross section of music. Personal favourites though would have to include; ‘When You Say Nothing At All’ from Ronan Keating, although an earlier version of the song performed by American Bluegrass singer Alison Kraus is just exquisite. ‘Immortality’ from Celine Dion and the Bee Gees is another simply beautiful song. I think Celine possesses one of the most magnificent voices of our time and unfortunately cops much unfair criticism. But my all time favourite love song would have to be the original version of ‘Have I Told You Lately That I Love You’ from Van Morrison.
Q. What is the best line you have heard in a love song?
My favourite line from a love song is from ‘Colours Of The Wind’ by Vanessa Williams; “If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew, you never knew.” I think there is much truth in that line. Many times when in a relationship, glimpsing yourself through another’s eyes, often teaches you something about yourself that you had no prior awareness of.
Q. What is the greatest love story you've heard?
Often just the feeling that is inherent within the telling of the story moves me the most. The situation and the details are often minor compared to the emotion I sense from the caller. Although at times there are love stories that are littered with coincidences that almost appear to have been orchestrated by fate. They’re fascinating, particularly when it leads to former lovers’ paths crossing again for an encore liaison. But really a great love story is quite subjective, to you while you’re living it; it’s the greatest love story ever.
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