Seasons of Love

Well hello my patient followers! It has been quite awhile since my last post. Life became very busy after my wedding, traveling and then the holidays. And since this is the last day of the year (have a happy New Year!) this will be my final post. I hope you have enjoyed Sing to Me! and that you will continue to further your musical education on your own.

Since this is to be the last song choice, I have decided to use one of the best songs I know. "Seasons of Love" from the award winning musical "RENT" is not only beautiful to listen to musically, but sung in a chorus with bittersweet haunting lyrics makes this song a must hear! (And if you haven't seen RENT, a must see!) So now, here is a little about RENT from Wikipedia:

"Rent is a rock musical with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La bohème. It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of AIDS.

The musical was first seen in a limited three-week Workshop production at the New York Theatre Workshop in 1994. This same New York City off-Broadway theatre was also the musical's initial home following its official January 25, 1996, opening. The show's creator, Jonathan Larson, died suddenly the night before the off-Broadway premiere. The show won a Pulitzer Prize, and the production was a hit. The musical moved to Broadway's larger Nederlander Theatre on April 29, 1996.

On Broadway, Rent gained critical acclaim and won a Tony Award for Best Musical among other awards. The musical is largely responsible for helping to increase the popularity of musical theater amongst the younger generation."

Jonathan Larson was truly a man ahead of his time, which shows not only in RENT but in other shows he wrote and composed. This show is about so many things including the lives of a starving artists, poverty, AIDS, love. There are so many stories to tell in this show, that I dare not try to scrape the surface. But this is a musical that has touched so many hearts, including mine, and put words and sounds to emotions that aren't always easily understood or expressed. Larson didn't get to see RENT rise to fame, he died the night of the final dress rehearsal after the show, but his words and stories will be shared for years to come.

I first learned about RENT when we sang "Seasons of Love" and other RENT songs in my high school showchoir. I became instantly infatuated and my love and respect for this show has continued. I even had "Seasons of Love" played in my wedding!

RENT is not only my favorite musical, but was also turned into a fantastic motion picture film. I have seen RENT on stage, in a movie theater, and at home on my television screen. I simply can't get enough of it.

So now you see, this song is only fitting to be the last song that I showcase. I hope you enjoy it, listen to it more than once, and see the show if you haven't already.

And here are the lyrics, in all their glory. Enjoy.

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Seasons of Love

“525,600 minutes,
525,000 moments so dear.
525,600 minutes,
How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights,
in sunsets,
in midnights,
in cups of coffee?
In inches,
in miles,
in laughter,
in strife?

In 525,600 minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?

How about love!
How about love!
How about love!
Measure in love!
Seasons of love.

525,600 minutes!
525,000 journeys to plan.
525,600 minutes!
How can you measure the life of a woman or man?

In truths that she learned,
or in times that he cried?
In bridges he burned, or
the way that she died?

It’s time now to sing out, though the story never ends
Let's celebrate remember a year in the life of friends!

Remember the love!
Remember the love!
Remember the love!

Measure in love.
Seasons of love!
Seasons of love.”

*Lyrics provided by www.stlyrics.com
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What do you think? Did you like the words?
Did the song speak to you?
What does the line "measure your life in love" actually mean?
How do YOU measure your life?

Thank you all for taking the time to read my posts. I hope you have enjoyed the journey. And now on to the next!

To hear "Seasons of Love" click on the youtube.com link below:

Young at Heart

This week, boys and girls, I’ve chosen quite the classic for you. “Young at Heart” performed by Frank Sinatra is a beloved song that has stood the test of time.

Wikipedia states, “‘Young at Heart’ is a pop standard, a ballad with music by Johnny Richards and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. The song was written and published in 1953, with Leigh contributing the lyrics to what was originally a Richards instrumental called ‘Moonbeam.’ Frank Sinatra was the first performer to record the song, which became a million-selling hit in 1953 (and spilling over with popularity into 1954). The song was such a hit that a movie that Sinatra was filming at the same time with Doris Day was renamed to the song title, and the song was included in the opening and closing credits of the movie, which was released as Young at Heart.”

Youth has meant different things throughout the years. Now people are trying to stay so “young” that they are filling their bodies with unnatural fluids, and stretching their skin in ways in was not meant to be stretched! What is this fascination with looking “young” and where did it come from? What does “young” really mean? Are we going about it in the right way?

As you read the lyrics below, ask yourself what being “young” means to you.
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Young at Heart by Frank Sinatra

Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you
If you’re young at heart.
For its hard, you will find, to be narrow of mind
If you’re young at heart.

You can go to extremes with impossible schemes.
You can laugh when your dreams fall apart at the seams.
And life gets more exciting with each passing day.
And love is either in your heart or on its way.

Don’t you know that it’s worth every treasure on earth
To be young at heart.
For as rich as you are it’s much better by far
To be young at heart.

And if you should survive to 105
Look at all you’ll derive out of being alive!
Then here is the best part:
You have a head start
If you are among the very young at heart.

And if you should survive to 105
Look at all you’ll derive out of being alive!
Then here is the best part:
You have a head start
If you are among the very young at heart.

*Lyrics provided by www.lyricsfreak.com
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How does this song make you feel?
When was the last time you felt like “young”?
What does this song remind you of?
In the busy, crazy world that we live in, what can we do to stay young?

This week’s challenge: Go have some fun! Try doing what you did as a kid: go to a park, play a board game, watch a cartoon, or get some ice cream! Just get out and enjoy life, and see if it makes you feel any younger.

Click on the YouTube link below to hear the song:

Does Your Cat Have a Mustache?

Well, it’s been two weeks since my last post. My most humblest apologies to all of my readers…all five of you. But this week I bring to you a fun, funky modern indie rock song that is sure to have your brain a’bubblin!

This week’s song is called “Does Your Cat Have a Mustache” by The Format.

Here is some information on the band from Wikipedia: “The Format was an indie pop band formed by Arizona natives Nate Ruess and Sam Means [2001]. The band announced a hiatus on February 4, 2008. Their style can be considered a mixture of indie, alternative, punk and folk music, with elements of 1960s and 1970s pop music. … The Format chose their name to make fun of the music industry's inclination towards a cookie-cutter ‘format’ for a hit.” You can find more information at www.wikipedia.org or www.theformat.com. The chosen song is from their 2007 album “B-Sides and Rarities.”

I have no history on the meaning of this song, so this will be fun! No right or wrong answer or interpretation (not that there ever is). It’s just a fun, quirky song that you like more with every play.

So as you read the words below, keep your mind open and free. It may sound like nonsense to you. Or it might be confusing. Or maybe it’s trying to tell a story. I don’t know, you tell me!

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Does Your Cat Have a Mustache by The Format

I want it all.
Even the raindrops won't fall in my way.
I'm parting the seas.
I'm setting the standard for living a dream
By staying awake
And counting the days.
I'm falling in love by the side of the road.

Mrs. Math do you always count to thirteen?
Holding sunsets
Voting on pieces of string?
Wishy-wash, tabletop, one, two, three.
Does your cat have a mustache?
Does it remind you of me?

I want it all.
Even for me the autumn leaves stay green.
And all of the clams that is holding your hand
Could never, ever take the place all like me.
But now forget the time.
It's a crime
That the pearl of a girl
Has been waiting to be set free...

Mrs. Math do you always count to thirteen?
Holding sunsets
Voting on pieces of string?
Wishy-wash, tabletop, one, two, three.
Well, does your cat have a mustache?
Does it remind you of your cat with a mustache?
Does it remind you of...

The ships that sail towards the west
The largest guard the treasure chest.
The water never harms the mast.
It's the clouds that fool the sun to set.

…

Cover your eyes.
Try and walk a straight line.
I dare you, the darkness is robbing us blind.
And although I can't see your heart
I can still hear it beat from your breast.
It's like a lighthouse.
It's like a lighthouse.

I'm gonna find you.
I'm gonna find you.
I'm gonna find you.
I'm gonna find you.

*Lyrics provided by www.songmeanings.net
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What do you think this song is saying? Does it NEED to say anything? Do you like songs like this that don’t seem to necessarily go anywhere, or do they just annoy you? Did you like the song? Does your brain hurt?

This week’s challenge: Do something JUST for the fun of it! Cook marshmallows over your stove top. Ask to walk a friend’s dog for no reason. Write a silly song or poem of your own. Just find a way to get creative and enjoy the silliness and spontaneity in life!

To hear the song (and trust me you do), click on the YouTube link below:

Take it Like a Man!

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:
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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
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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:

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.
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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
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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:

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!
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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
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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:

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.

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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
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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: