This week’s song choice is for the ladies (but men should read it too)…
Upon reviewing my last few blogs, I realized the songs I’ve chosen lately are inspirational, positive and encouraging. Perhaps that’s because I’ve always been a somewhat chipper, optimistic person. However, I don’t want to ignore the fact that it’s also okay to be frustrated, burnt out, or exhausted. Life is full of ups and downs and music can be so cathartic, helping you tap into those inner emotions and really experience repressed feelings. So this week I wanted to devote a song to those of you out there who may feel a little lost, tired or just down right annoyed.
My mind took me to the old joke, what do you get when you play a country song backwards? Answer: your wife back, your dog back, your house back and your job back. Yes, it’s cute. But I grew up listening to country music, so I also know of all the great songs about love, redemption and strength. In it’s most basic function, country music speaks to and for the every-man or -woman in a simple, accessible way. Many songs tell a story about a relationship—and you know, it ain’t always so pretty.
I used to be single. And I used to get frustrated with some of the guys I would meet, or date. Sound familiar? Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun to be single and I think it’s important to enjoy it as much as you can. But there were times when I’d think, “I know exactly what I want in a guy, and I’m NOT going to settle for anything less. And that may mean I never get married.” And I didn’t settle, thank goodness! Now I’m blessed to have met an amazing man who truly is my soul mate—exactly what I was looking for, and more!
But this week’s song choice isn’t about love. It isn’t about lost love or even being IN love. It’s about knowing what you want, and not being able to find it.
So, let’s get down to it! This week’s song choice is “Take it Like a Man” sung by Michelle Wright and written by Tony Haselden (a man!).
Wikipedia states, “Michelle Wright is a Canadian country music artist. She is one of the country's most widely recognized and awarded female country singers of the '90s….She followed up with her most successful album, Now and Then, in 1992. The first single, ‘Take It Like a Man,’ was her first Billboard top 10 hit and the video reached #1 on Country Music Television (CMT).” For more information visit www.wikipedia,org or www.michelle-wright.com.
Simply and boldly stated, here are the lyrics:
___________________________________________
Take it Like a Man by Michelle Wright
Boy meets girl, it’s a delicate thing.
So much time spent wondering
If what you see, is what you get.
I keep looking for a friend and a lover.
When I find one he ain’t the other.
Sometimes, I just want to quit.
One wants a maid, one needs his mother.
They either want space, or they want to smother me
And my poor heart needs somebody who…
Can take it like a man, steady and strong.
Not a lot of fuss and carrying on.
True to a promise I can ride in a storm.
Take it like a man, who knows about love
And every little thing that a girl dreams of.
Someone wise enough to understand.
If you want this woman’s heart,
Take it like a man!
I met somebody the other night,
Started thinking he was Mr. Right…
Wrong!
I might have never known
If a friend hadn’t brought it to my attention.
He’s got a wife he forgot to mention!
Girl, leave that fool alone.
I keep hoping and telling myself,
Somewhere there’s one good one left
’cause my poor heart need somebody who…
Can take it like a man, steady and strong.
Not a lot of fuss and carrying on.
True to a promise I can ride in a storm.
Take it like a man, who knows about love
And every little thing that a girl dreams of.
Someone wise enough to understand.
If you want this woman’s heart,
Take it like a man!
*Lyrics provided by www.tsrocks.com
________________________________________
Do you know what you want, and can’t find it? Did you settle for less due to frustration or fear? Or maybe you’re looking for something right now—a job, a significant other. Did you ever date Mr./Ms. Wrong?
This week’s challenge: Don’t give up! If there’s something you want, wait until it’s right. Make a list of what it is you’re looking for in a spouse, a job, or a goal. Stay true to yourself and don’t compromise your principles, but keep in mind that sometimes our priorities and expectations change.
Whatever you do, don’t settle for less.
Click on the YouTube link below to see the music video:
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Say it!
This week's song choice is "Say" by John Mayer.
The first time I heard this song, I loved it. Not only is John Mayer a great singer/songwriter, the words to this song are so powerful. Wikipedia states, “'Say’ is a song by John Mayer written for the Rob Reiner film The Bucket List in 2007. It was released as a single on November 20 and is the first commercial single in Mayer's career that was not originally released on one of his albums but added to the special edition re-release of his album Continuum.”
If you have seen The Bucket List (starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) you should already have an understanding of what this song was written about. The movie is about two men who find out they are dying, and decide to live out all their wildest adventures before they go—and take care of some important business with loved ones.
The words to this song are simply stated and easy to follow, so there's not much interpretation required. In this case what I’m interested in are your experiences, and how you can relate to this song.
___________________________________________
Say by John Mayer
Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
Better put 'em in quotations.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say!
(Repeated)
Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead,
If you could only...
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say!
(Repeated)
Have no fear for giving in.
Have no fear for giving over.
You'd better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never say what you need to say again!
Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say!
(Repeated)
*Lyrics provided by www.azlyrics.com
_________________________________________
What do these lyrics mean to you? Have you ever been in a situation where you finally said something that you had been holding inside for a long time? How did it feel to get it out? Are you holding something in now? What is your favorite line?
This week’s challenge: Say it! Do you need to reconcile with a loved one? Do you need to apologize to a coworker? Do you need to tell your significant other something that you’ve been holding back? Do you need to say something out loud to yourself to finally be free of an emotion or thought? This week, I say do it!
Click on the YouTube link below to hear the song:
The first time I heard this song, I loved it. Not only is John Mayer a great singer/songwriter, the words to this song are so powerful. Wikipedia states, “'Say’ is a song by John Mayer written for the Rob Reiner film The Bucket List in 2007. It was released as a single on November 20 and is the first commercial single in Mayer's career that was not originally released on one of his albums but added to the special edition re-release of his album Continuum.”
If you have seen The Bucket List (starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) you should already have an understanding of what this song was written about. The movie is about two men who find out they are dying, and decide to live out all their wildest adventures before they go—and take care of some important business with loved ones.
The words to this song are simply stated and easy to follow, so there's not much interpretation required. In this case what I’m interested in are your experiences, and how you can relate to this song.
___________________________________________
Say by John Mayer
Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
Better put 'em in quotations.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say!
(Repeated)
Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead,
If you could only...
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say!
(Repeated)
Have no fear for giving in.
Have no fear for giving over.
You'd better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never say what you need to say again!
Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say.
Say what you need to say!
(Repeated)
*Lyrics provided by www.azlyrics.com
_________________________________________
What do these lyrics mean to you? Have you ever been in a situation where you finally said something that you had been holding inside for a long time? How did it feel to get it out? Are you holding something in now? What is your favorite line?
This week’s challenge: Say it! Do you need to reconcile with a loved one? Do you need to apologize to a coworker? Do you need to tell your significant other something that you’ve been holding back? Do you need to say something out loud to yourself to finally be free of an emotion or thought? This week, I say do it!
Click on the YouTube link below to hear the song:
Monday, August 10, 2009
Parachute
This week’s song choice is a dedication to a couple friends of mine who are making big, life-changing decisions. Good luck ladies!
Guster is one of my all-time favorite bands. I find their music funky, fun, inspiring and smart. Though I love so many of their songs, "Parachute" is at the top of that list. Not only is the music great, but the words are perfect. They fill me with strength and security.
Not only is Parachute the name of a song, it’s also the name of the album. Wikipedia states, “Parachute was the first album released by the band Guster. The album was mostly recorded in 1994…” The group was in college at the time, and they wrote these songs in their dorm rooms. For more information, go to wikipedia.org or Guster’s website at guster.com.
What do the words say to you? You may have to read them a few times–there’s so much there!
_________________________________
Parachute by Guster
There we stand about to fly.
Peeking down over land
Parachute behind.
What was that moment for which we live?
Without a parachute about to dive
I find myself convincing.
Blindly falling faster
How easy!
Know the place I’m leaving
And the rest just is gone!
Oh the adoration!
But how much strength does it take?
For exploration?
For split decision?
Or are you stronger to remain?
I find myself convincing
Blindly falling faster
How easy!
Know the place I’m leaving
And the rest is just gone!
It crept up on me–
Ignored all my pleas
Begging to leave
No justice to name me.
Fell out of the sky
Cease it to be
Without a reply
Gravity fails me!
And when I awoke
I knew what was real.
Hope to convince you.
Lies they all torture me.
Opened the door
Knew what was me.
I finally realized
Parachute over me!
Parachute over me!
*Lyrics provided by www.azlyrics.com
_______________________________________
What/who is your parachute? Where do you feel comfort and support–is it a place, with a loved one, or doing something on your own? Do you remember a time in your life when things seemed scary? Or thrilling? Do you like the song?
This week’s challenge: Do something exciting! You don’t have to go sky diving, but try a new restaurant, or go on a road trip, or attempt a new sport. If you already have too much excitement going on in your life, then attempt to be someone else’s parachute this week.
To hear the song, click on the link from YouTube below:
Guster is one of my all-time favorite bands. I find their music funky, fun, inspiring and smart. Though I love so many of their songs, "Parachute" is at the top of that list. Not only is the music great, but the words are perfect. They fill me with strength and security.
Not only is Parachute the name of a song, it’s also the name of the album. Wikipedia states, “Parachute was the first album released by the band Guster. The album was mostly recorded in 1994…” The group was in college at the time, and they wrote these songs in their dorm rooms. For more information, go to wikipedia.org or Guster’s website at guster.com.
What do the words say to you? You may have to read them a few times–there’s so much there!
_________________________________
Parachute by Guster
There we stand about to fly.
Peeking down over land
Parachute behind.
What was that moment for which we live?
Without a parachute about to dive
I find myself convincing.
Blindly falling faster
How easy!
Know the place I’m leaving
And the rest just is gone!
Oh the adoration!
But how much strength does it take?
For exploration?
For split decision?
Or are you stronger to remain?
I find myself convincing
Blindly falling faster
How easy!
Know the place I’m leaving
And the rest is just gone!
It crept up on me–
Ignored all my pleas
Begging to leave
No justice to name me.
Fell out of the sky
Cease it to be
Without a reply
Gravity fails me!
And when I awoke
I knew what was real.
Hope to convince you.
Lies they all torture me.
Opened the door
Knew what was me.
I finally realized
Parachute over me!
Parachute over me!
*Lyrics provided by www.azlyrics.com
_______________________________________
What/who is your parachute? Where do you feel comfort and support–is it a place, with a loved one, or doing something on your own? Do you remember a time in your life when things seemed scary? Or thrilling? Do you like the song?
This week’s challenge: Do something exciting! You don’t have to go sky diving, but try a new restaurant, or go on a road trip, or attempt a new sport. If you already have too much excitement going on in your life, then attempt to be someone else’s parachute this week.
To hear the song, click on the link from YouTube below:
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Gabriel at His Finest
This week's song choice is a special treat—one of my favorite pop songs, "Solsbury Hill".
Peter Gabriel is a fantastic performer, whether he's singing, writing, or playing an instrument. As most of you know, he used to be the lead singer for Genesis, until departing from the group in the 1970s. Wikipedia states, "Gabriel recorded his first self-titled solo album in 1976 and 1977... His first solo success came with the single 'Solsbury Hill', an autobiographical piece expressing his thoughts on leaving Genesis." This information and more can be found at www.wikipedia.org.
I think the lyrics to this song can be looked at from so many different angles; it seems everyone can relate to it somehow. And that's the beauty of a song that tells a story without plainly stating the message. This song uses imagery and metaphor to communicate a very strong, urgent message. What do you think that is? Read closely. Then read it again.
___________________________
Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel
Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light.
Wind was blowing, time stood still.
Eagle flew out of the night.
He was something to observe.
Came in close, I heard a voice.
Standing stretching every nerve
Had to listen had no choice.
I did not believe the information!
(I) just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom boom boom!
"Son," he said "Grab your things,
I've come to take you home."
To keep in silence I resigned.
My friends would think I was a nut.
Turning water into wine.
Open doors would soon be shut.
So I went from day to day
Tho' my life was in a rut.
Till I thought of what I'd say
Which connection I should cut.
I was feeling part of the scenery.
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom boom boom!
"Hey" he said "Grab your things
I've come to take you home."
(Back home.)
When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be.
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free.
Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see.
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me.
Today I don't need a replacement.
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant.
My heart going boom boom boom!
"Hey" I said "You can keep my things,
they've come to take me home."
*Lyrics provided by www.azlyrics.com
____________________________
What is the song saying to you? Can you relate? What is literal, and what is metaphor? What is your favorite part?
This week's challenge: Take a stand! If there's something you've been meaning to say, or something you've wanted to learn about, do it this week! Make it happen.
If you'd like to hear the song, click on the YouTube link below:
Peter Gabriel is a fantastic performer, whether he's singing, writing, or playing an instrument. As most of you know, he used to be the lead singer for Genesis, until departing from the group in the 1970s. Wikipedia states, "Gabriel recorded his first self-titled solo album in 1976 and 1977... His first solo success came with the single 'Solsbury Hill', an autobiographical piece expressing his thoughts on leaving Genesis." This information and more can be found at www.wikipedia.org.
I think the lyrics to this song can be looked at from so many different angles; it seems everyone can relate to it somehow. And that's the beauty of a song that tells a story without plainly stating the message. This song uses imagery and metaphor to communicate a very strong, urgent message. What do you think that is? Read closely. Then read it again.
___________________________
Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel
Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light.
Wind was blowing, time stood still.
Eagle flew out of the night.
He was something to observe.
Came in close, I heard a voice.
Standing stretching every nerve
Had to listen had no choice.
I did not believe the information!
(I) just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom boom boom!
"Son," he said "Grab your things,
I've come to take you home."
To keep in silence I resigned.
My friends would think I was a nut.
Turning water into wine.
Open doors would soon be shut.
So I went from day to day
Tho' my life was in a rut.
Till I thought of what I'd say
Which connection I should cut.
I was feeling part of the scenery.
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom boom boom!
"Hey" he said "Grab your things
I've come to take you home."
(Back home.)
When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be.
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free.
Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see.
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me.
Today I don't need a replacement.
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant.
My heart going boom boom boom!
"Hey" I said "You can keep my things,
they've come to take me home."
*Lyrics provided by www.azlyrics.com
____________________________
What is the song saying to you? Can you relate? What is literal, and what is metaphor? What is your favorite part?
This week's challenge: Take a stand! If there's something you've been meaning to say, or something you've wanted to learn about, do it this week! Make it happen.
If you'd like to hear the song, click on the YouTube link below:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
