I would say it’s in the sound. I know almost nothing about music, though, so it will be hard for me to explain what I mean here…
Something about how music in a certain key tends to make people feel sad…(is it a minor key? I’m afraid I don’t know.)
Something about the harmonizing voices…(is it a “close harmony”? I don’t know what this type is called.)
Is this (or is it somewhat reminiscent of) what’s called a “high lonesome” sound?
Someone help me out here!
