Richard Marx & The Tarot

Richard Marx & The Tarot: Songs of Love, Loss, and Strength

Richard Marx is known for his adult contemporary and soft rock hits of the late 1980s and early 1990s. His music is characterized by emotionally charged power ballads, strong melodies, and heartfelt lyrics. Many of his songs explore the complexities of love, loss, and longing, often carrying themes of personal strength and resilience. With these characteristics in mind, let’s explore how his music connects with the Tarot.

General Tarot Connections

Richard Marx’s music naturally aligns with the Cups suit due to its emotional and romantic nature. His songs frequently explore the nuances of love and relationships, making the fluid and heartfelt energy of the Cups a perfect match. Songs about heartbreak and regret align with the Five of Cups, while those that celebrate love and emotional fulfillment resonate with the Ten of Cups. Many of his lyrics also explore themes of endurance and personal strength, aligning with the Strength card. Additionally, the Swords suit plays a significant role, as his well-crafted lyrics often capture the intellectual and emotional struggles associated with love and relationships.

Songs & Their Tarot Connections

“Right Here Waiting” – Queen of Cups, The Hermit

This song expresses deep emotional connection and unwavering devotion, aligning with the Queen of Cups’ nurturing love. The theme of waiting patiently in solitude embodies the introspective and enduring strength of The Hermit. The song captures both the deep emotional essence of love and the patience required to endure separation.

“Now and Forever” – The World, Ten of Cups

A declaration of eternal love, this song resonates with The World’s themes of completion and lasting fulfillment. The Ten of Cups highlights the emotional happiness and harmony described in the lyrics, making this song a powerful representation of lasting love and commitment.

“Angelia” – The Devil, The Moon

The song’s themes of longing and fixation align with The Devil’s energy of obsession and unhealthy attachments. Meanwhile, The Moon represents hidden desires and illusions, adding to the song’s mysterious and emotionally charged atmosphere. The interplay of these two cards captures the song’s intense and haunting nature.

“Hold On to the Nights” – Ten of Swords, Five of Cups

A song about loss and regret, it aligns with the Ten of Swords’ painful endings and the Five of Cups’ sorrow and longing for what once was. The combination of these cards perfectly encapsulates the song’s themes of emotional grief and the struggle to let go.

“At the Beginning” – The Fool, The Star, The Devil Reversed

This song is filled with optimism and the excitement of a new journey, making it a natural fit for The Fool. The Star brings an element of hope and inspiration, while The Devil Reversed symbolizes breaking free from past negative patterns. Together, these cards reflect the uplifting and transformative nature of the song.

“Oceans Apart” – Six of Swords, Strength Reversed

This song explores the difficulty of moving away from a relationship, aligning with the Six of Swords’ themes of transition and change. However, the emotional struggle to overcome distance and separation is reflected in Strength Reversed, capturing the pain and self-doubt that accompany the loss.

“Hazard” – Five of Swords, The Moon

A song filled with mystery and suspicion, “Hazard” aligns with the Five of Swords’ themes of paranoia and conflict. The Moon enhances the song’s eerie atmosphere, symbolizing hidden truths and uncertainty. These cards together create a sense of unease and unresolved tension that mirrors the song’s haunting narrative.

Richard Marx’s music provides an emotionally rich soundtrack for exploring themes of love, longing, and resilience within the Tarot. His songs are deeply connected to the energies of the Cups and Swords suits, as well as major archetypes like Strength, The Moon, and The Hermit. Whether expressing the joy of love, the sorrow of loss, or the power of endurance, his music offers a deeply introspective and heartfelt connection to the Tarot.

You can find other Singers/Songwriters in this Series here.