By Priscilla Kunamalla<\/p>\n
Saudade<\/em> is a Portuguese word that describes a longing for someone or something that perhaps hasn\u2019t even happened. It\u2019s a dreaming wistfulness rather than outright sadness. It\u2019s that calm, quiet ache for something that may never return to you.<\/p>\n And as I stood amidst a packed crowd at Laura Marling\u2019s sold out Lincoln Hall show on Wednesday, July 29, 2015, I couldn\u2019t help but think saudade<\/em>. It radiated undeniably from Marling\u2019s haunting lyrics and echoing, dusty sound. It was a stark contrast from her easy and endearing onstage demeanor, but she sashayed effortlessly between these two worlds.<\/p>\n Marling opened with a patient medley of songs taken from 2013 album Once I Was An Eagle<\/em>, as well as a generous selection from her fifth and most recent album Short Movie<\/em>.<\/p>\n After Marling sang \u201cDavid\u201d she paused to address the audience, recalling with a smile that she penned David in the basement of Chicago\u2019s Athenaeum Theater back in 2013.<\/p>\n \u201cThough he won\u2019t see me anymore<\/p>\n I open gates that close his doors<\/p>\n Just to know he lives and breathes<\/p>\n Has to be enough for me\u201d \u2013 David<\/p>\n Never one for trite love songs, Marling is known for keeping the cadence and lyrics of her music deceivingly light. But listeners fortunate enough to hear her on stage, unrushed are often hit with the heft of her words, strewn with longing and homesickness for another time and place. Most notable are the lyrics that are left unsung.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat will I do then?<\/p>\n How did I sleep at night?<\/p>\n With you far from my side?<\/p>\n Hold me darling, make no sound<\/p>\n Silence speaks for me\u201d \u2013 Love Be Brave<\/p>\n Throughout the night Marling engaged fondly with the audience, sharing her fingerpicking progress and taking requests for songs like \u201cFailure,\u201d which she relied on the audience to remind her of the opening verses. She packed the night with her signature earthy tones, filling her set with gems like \u201cMaster Hunter,\u201d \u201cLove Be Brave,\u201d \u201cRambling Man\u201d and \u201cSophia.\u201d<\/p>\n Returning to Chicago felt like coming home, Marling remarked. Though she admitted she didn\u2019t have plans to move, she revealing having spent her holiday in the city just a few weeks ago.<\/p>\n The night ended with Marling bringing back opening acts Marika Hackman and Johnny Flynn on stage for a collaborative version of Steely Dan\u2019s \u201cDirty Work.\u201d<\/p>\n Those who have not had the pleasure watching Marling perform live are missing out on a wonderfully immersive experience. One that is oddly uplifting despite the air of melancholy that surrounds much of her material. It\u2019s saudade<\/em>. Marling seems to know this. And she embraces it lovingly and unapologetically.<\/p>\n For photo’s of the show, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n