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.
____________________________________
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
______________________________________
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:
Showing posts with label song interpretations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label song interpretations. Show all posts
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
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!
______________________________________________
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
_____________________________________________
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:
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!
______________________________________________
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
_____________________________________________
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:
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:
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:
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Welcome and First Entry
Hello everyone! Welcome to Sing to Me—a new weekly blog that explores music lyrics and meanings.
One of my favorite things to do, since childhood, has been to listen to the words being said in songs. And not just listen to them, but really try to digest them—break them down and listen to the stories being told. I think I must get this from my parents. Growing up, I'd get in the car with my mom or dad and they'd have a song. "Steph, I just found this song and it's so cool! Listen to the words..." (They still do that to this day.) So at a very young age, I grew up listening to everything from Patsy Cline to Pink Floyd. Broken heart ballads to antiestablishment rock songs. So when I was old enough to drive, I took on that tradition—when friends would get in my car, sure enough, I'd have them listen to a song and tell me what they thought. It's one of my favorite pastimes. Thus a blog is born...
Initial information: most entries won't be so long, I promise!
Before we go any further, I should tell you this blog will only be around until December. This is an exercise for me—preparing me for a big project next year. While going to grad school, I plan on issuing a blog about my other passion: health care. It will be a big project, interviewing various professionals, writing about what I have studied in my degrees, independent research, and discussing all types of health care philsophies. So consider this a learning exercise, and a fun one at that! Just know it won't continue after the new year.
Now the important stuff. The purpose of this blog is to take songs that you may or may not know, and discuss them. I will post the lyrics, and probably a brief history of the band. I ask that you please comment with your thoughts and ideas as to what the song means to you—if you like it or dislike it and why, or if you can personally relate to it.
One thing I do want to quickly address: this is not an appropriate place to get on a soap box on politics, religion, etc. This is just for fun—an exercise. Something to do when you have a spare moment. You may not like or agree with the songs I choose, the lyrics, etc. But that's okay, we all come from different backgrounds and like or listen to different bands and songs for different reasons. And that's a great thing! Music breaks down barriers and allows you to step into a story and just imagine. Some are meaningful, some not. I certainly can't relate to all the songs I listen to, but it's fun to listen anyway—to put yourself in another person's shoes. Again, I welcome feedback, and hope you will let me know what you think! Just respect the opinions of others, as your posts will be shown to everyone after reviewed. (I will be viewing all the posts before they are published in case you would like to leave a personal comment just for me.) Also note, when posting song lyrics I may use punctuation at my discretion.
That being said, let's begin! I plan on using songs from all different genres. If you don't like the genre one week, wait until the next and it will be something totally different. And let me know if there is a band or song that you think would be good, and I will absolutely consider it. Music is communal—it's for everyone!
Our first song choice: Teach Your Children performed by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
I dedicate this week's song to my parents.
Parenting isn't easy. Though I'm not a parent myself, I remember my childhood well and know I was quite the handful. When raising a child, there are so many questions, challenges and decisions to make.
Here is some information on the song from Wikipedia:
__________________________
Teach Your Children
by Graham Nash
You, who are on the road
Must have a code
That you can live by.
And so, become yourself
Because the past
Is just a goodbye.
Teach, your children well
Their father's hell
Did slowly go by.
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's
The one you'll know by.
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would die.
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you.
And you (Can you hear and)
Of tender years (Do you care and)
Can't know the fears (Can you see we)
That your elders grew by (Must be free to)
And so please help (Teach your children)
Them with your youth (You believe and)
They seek the truth (Make a world that)
Before they can die (We can live in)
Teach your parents well
Their children’s hell
Will slowly go by.
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's
The one you’ll know by.
Don’t you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would cry.
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you.
*Lyrics provided by www.azlyrics.com
______________________
What are your thoughts? Do you agree with the lyrics? What's your favorite line? Can you relate?
My challenge for this week: Think of one memory you have of either being a child or of raising your own child, and share that with a friend or family member.
Also, here is a performance on YouTube by Crosby, Stills & Nash.
One of my favorite things to do, since childhood, has been to listen to the words being said in songs. And not just listen to them, but really try to digest them—break them down and listen to the stories being told. I think I must get this from my parents. Growing up, I'd get in the car with my mom or dad and they'd have a song. "Steph, I just found this song and it's so cool! Listen to the words..." (They still do that to this day.) So at a very young age, I grew up listening to everything from Patsy Cline to Pink Floyd. Broken heart ballads to antiestablishment rock songs. So when I was old enough to drive, I took on that tradition—when friends would get in my car, sure enough, I'd have them listen to a song and tell me what they thought. It's one of my favorite pastimes. Thus a blog is born...
Initial information: most entries won't be so long, I promise!
Before we go any further, I should tell you this blog will only be around until December. This is an exercise for me—preparing me for a big project next year. While going to grad school, I plan on issuing a blog about my other passion: health care. It will be a big project, interviewing various professionals, writing about what I have studied in my degrees, independent research, and discussing all types of health care philsophies. So consider this a learning exercise, and a fun one at that! Just know it won't continue after the new year.
Now the important stuff. The purpose of this blog is to take songs that you may or may not know, and discuss them. I will post the lyrics, and probably a brief history of the band. I ask that you please comment with your thoughts and ideas as to what the song means to you—if you like it or dislike it and why, or if you can personally relate to it.
One thing I do want to quickly address: this is not an appropriate place to get on a soap box on politics, religion, etc. This is just for fun—an exercise. Something to do when you have a spare moment. You may not like or agree with the songs I choose, the lyrics, etc. But that's okay, we all come from different backgrounds and like or listen to different bands and songs for different reasons. And that's a great thing! Music breaks down barriers and allows you to step into a story and just imagine. Some are meaningful, some not. I certainly can't relate to all the songs I listen to, but it's fun to listen anyway—to put yourself in another person's shoes. Again, I welcome feedback, and hope you will let me know what you think! Just respect the opinions of others, as your posts will be shown to everyone after reviewed. (I will be viewing all the posts before they are published in case you would like to leave a personal comment just for me.) Also note, when posting song lyrics I may use punctuation at my discretion.
That being said, let's begin! I plan on using songs from all different genres. If you don't like the genre one week, wait until the next and it will be something totally different. And let me know if there is a band or song that you think would be good, and I will absolutely consider it. Music is communal—it's for everyone!
Our first song choice: Teach Your Children performed by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
I dedicate this week's song to my parents.
Parenting isn't easy. Though I'm not a parent myself, I remember my childhood well and know I was quite the handful. When raising a child, there are so many questions, challenges and decisions to make.
Here is some information on the song from Wikipedia:
"Teach Your Children" is a song by Graham Nash. Although it was written when Nash was a member of The Hollies, it was never recorded by that group, and first appeared on the album Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released in 1970." For further information on the history of the song, it can be found at www.wikipedia.org.
__________________________
Teach Your Children
by Graham Nash
You, who are on the road
Must have a code
That you can live by.
And so, become yourself
Because the past
Is just a goodbye.
Teach, your children well
Their father's hell
Did slowly go by.
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's
The one you'll know by.
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would die.
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you.
And you (Can you hear and)
Of tender years (Do you care and)
Can't know the fears (Can you see we)
That your elders grew by (Must be free to)
And so please help (Teach your children)
Them with your youth (You believe and)
They seek the truth (Make a world that)
Before they can die (We can live in)
Teach your parents well
Their children’s hell
Will slowly go by.
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's
The one you’ll know by.
Don’t you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would cry.
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you.
*Lyrics provided by www.azlyrics.com
______________________
What are your thoughts? Do you agree with the lyrics? What's your favorite line? Can you relate?
My challenge for this week: Think of one memory you have of either being a child or of raising your own child, and share that with a friend or family member.
Also, here is a performance on YouTube by Crosby, Stills & Nash.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
