Saturday, December 31, 2011

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you. But in your dreams, whatever they be Dream a little dream of me

Favorite: All time song
Artist: Mama Cass
Song of the day: Dream a little Dream of me

Though sure it may have actually taken over a year, I thought it only fitting to finish off my 365 days of music on the last day of the year with my favorite all time song. I don't quite know what makes this song so special? It has the voice, the melancholy melody, and that hint of how I always feel in poetic lyrics that make it the song I always have in the back pocket of my mind. And hey it also makes a pretty good ending song. This blog has been quite a gift for me and my rants, music obsessions and therapeutic thoughts. I hope at the very least it got the chance to soundtrack on of your days. Happy New Year listeners. This one's for you.



Stars shining bright above you;
Night breezes seem to whisper æ…– love you?
Birds singing in the sycamore tree.
Dream a little dream of me.

Say nighty-night and kiss me;
Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me.
While I'm alone, blue as can be,
Dream a little dream of me.

Stars fading but I linger on, dear---
Still craving your kiss.
I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear,
Just saying this...

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you---
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you.
But in your dreams, whatever they be,
Dream a little dream of me.

Stars fading but I linger on, dear---
Still craving your kiss.
I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear,
Just saying this...

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you---
Sweet dreams that leave all worries far behind you.
But in your dreams, whatever they be,
Dream a little dream of me.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

The stars are brightly shining

Favorite: Day of the Year
Artist: The Parson Red Heads
Song of the Day: Oh Holy Night

As I sit in my Texas home watching christmas movies, wrapping presents, seeing snow fall out my window and getting ready for my favorite night of the year it's easy to forget the trials of the past year and easier to dwell on the present and joys and celebration the night represents. Today's song usually brings me to tears every time I hear it, but I also love this twangy version by the adorable Parsons and sums up my current holiday happiness. Merry Christmas Eve to you and yours!

Friday, December 16, 2011

It's not about hanging on It's making my deal with God If I could call one last truce We've given it all we've got

Not My Favorite: pre test songs
Artist: Brandi Carlile
Song of the day:The Heartache can wait

So I have also noticed throughout the year my song moods tend to fit wherever I am school wise, and I had hoped this would be over once I graduated but with one last impending test I'm not quite through my melodic hurtle yet. I awoke singing this song in my head and not just because it's a fantastic christmas song, but also because my subconscious is doing everything in it's power to stop me from fully panicking. The heartache can wait just might be my current christmas anthem as I try to not give in to my own worst enemy of worry. So here's to those just holding on this holiday season and searching for one more chance to be inspired. This one's for you.



You're talking about leaving

It's right about Christmas time

Thinking about moving on

I think I might die inside



I'm thinking about years gone by

I'm thinking about church at midnight

I'm thinking about letting go

I think that might finally be alright



But this is where we shine



Silver bells and open fire

And songs we used to sing

One more chance to be inspired

Is what I'm offering if love is not enough

Then stay with me because

The heartache can wait



It's not about hanging on

It's making my deal with God

If I could call one last truce

We've given it all we've got



Then I'm gonna catch my breath

And make it a long December

If we've got nothing left

This could be worth remembering

With a smile upon my face



Silver bells and open fire

And songs we used to sing

One more chance to be inspired

Is what I'm offering if love is not enough

Then stay with me because



Silver bells and open fire

And songs we used to sing

One more chance to be inspired

Is what I'm offering if love is not enough

Then stay with me because

The heartache can wait

Sunday, December 11, 2011

May all your troubles soon be gone Oh, Christmas lights, keep shinin' on

Favorite: Holiday
Artist: Coldplay
Song of the day: Christmas lights

I don't really mean to always do what my sister tells me to but she tends to just have this power over me...and that power is usually her good taste. With only a few songs left in my blog I wasn't going to focus too much on christmas songs, but seeing as it is my fav holiday it is difficult to resist. Even more difficult when Coldplay writes such a great holiday song, it's exactly how I'm feeling, and my sister tells me to post it. But as I'm spending the holidays in the library trying not to stress about taking a test that determines my future and keeps being described as the "most important test of my life" the chirsmas spirit seems to be sucked right out of my soul and as I'm waiting for this impending snow to fall, it doesn't really feel like christmas at all. I actually keep forgetting it's christmas. But even if i'm fortified in my own humbug reality, it's hard to escape the magic of the holiday just around the corner. Just walking into a store full of christmas music, the streets lined with decorations, a church merrily celebrating advent, and the lights at night. When the lights turn on tends to ignite the christmas spirit in me and has always been my favorite activity (minus eating mexican food for christmas eve) during the holidays. Candle light service and looking at christmas lights on all the houses carries that unspeakable magic and joy from childhood. May you find the holiday joy in your own christmas lights, or coldplays.


Christmas night, another fight
Tears, we cried a flood
Got all kinds of poison in
Of poison in my blood

I took my feet to Oxford Street
Trying to right a wrong
Just walk away, those windows say
But I can't believe she's gone

When you're still waiting for the snow to fall
Doesn't really feel like Christmas at all

Up above, candles on air flicker
Oh, they flicker and they float
And I'm up here holdin' on
To all those chandeliers of hope

Like some drunken Elvis singin'
I go singin' out of tune
Sayin' how I always loved you, darlin'
And I always will

Oh, when you're still waiting for the snow to fall
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/c/coldplay-lyrics/christmas-lights-lyrics.html ]
It doesn't really feel like Christmas at all
Still waiting for the snow to fall
It doesn't really feel like Christmas at all

Those Christmas lights light up the street
Down where the sea and city meet
May all your troubles soon be gone
Oh, Christmas lights, keep shinin' on

Those Christmas lights light up the street
Maybe they'll bring her back to me
And then all my troubles will be gone
Oh, Christmas lights, keep shinin' on

Oh, Christmas lights, light up the street
Light up the fireworks in me
May all your troubles soon be gone
Those Christmas lights keep shinin' on

Saturday, December 10, 2011

I wanna settle down Baby there's no need to run I'll love you well

Favorite: Dance
Artist: Kimbra
Song of the day: Settle Down


Also reflecting on a year of songs, my favorite discovery was learning to embrace my dance and love of dance music. Amidst the empty beats and excessive electronica to cover up bad singing, certain artists out there have taken the club sound into their own creative hands and made it a genre worth reckoning with and if you don't believe me check out Robyn and her Grammy nominated self on SNL tonight. As a music listener known for her enjoyment of the darker mood side, it's always a happy surprise to discover a tune that I can't help busting a move to every time it comes on. This happened when discovering Kimbra and today's song. The mere beginning "boom bas" bring a smile to my face and my shoulder's can't be stopped once the clapping chime's in (as we know I'm a sucker for a good clap!). And any artist that can turn the female obsession of settling down into a little girl dance off just might be a genius and at the very least became my hero while dancing as scary dolls are being set on fire. I can't even grasp all the symbolism but my phobia of doll heads appreciates it. That is why I love dance and dance songs, they can be about anything, happy, sad, frustrating, excited why limits these emotions to just one genre? When you can settle down with dance.



I wanna settle down
I wanna settle down
Won't you settle down with me?
Settle down

We can settle at a table..
A table for two
Won't you wine and dine with me?
Settle down

I wanna raise a child
I wanna raise a child
Won't you raise a child with me...
Raise a child

We'll call her Nebraska
Nebraska Jones
She'll have your nose
Just so you know

I wanna settle down
I wanna settle down
Won't you settle down with me?
Settle down

Run from Angela Vickers
I saw her with you
Monday morning small talking on the avenue
She's got a fancy car
She wants to take you far
From the city lights and sounds deep into the dark

Star so light and star so bright
First star i see tonight!
Star so light and star so bright
Keep him by side!

I wanna settle down
I wanna settle down
Baby there's no need to run
I'll love you well
I wanna settle down
It's time to bring you down
On just one knee for now
Lets make our vows

Friday, December 9, 2011

And I don't even need your love But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough

Favorite: Suggestions
Artist: Gotye featuring Kimbra
Song of the day: Somebody that I used to know

So reflecting over a year of music blogging, my favorite part about having a blog is shockingly not an outlet for my own psychosis in song, but the bundle of new songs I've been introduced to while on my music of the day hunt, but also from people who know my passion for good music and keep introducing me to better and better things. The most recent came from my friend Tim in today's song. I not only appreciate the use of curly hair, body paint and a good duet, but the power of angst and art mixed together. These two artist make it work seamlessly and caused me to become instantly obsessed. Which is everything I look for in new artists so keep sending them my way!

One thing that has become hardest growing up is the people in your life, how they form so much of who you are but time changes you move away or move on and the people you were once so close to, who once knew you better than you knew yourself can become just people that you used to know. It took me a while and several moves to realize this and perhaps is a big reason why I became reluctant to move again so soon. It makes me want to live more in the here and now and appreciate what/who i have currently in my life, before I have to go and cover myself in paint to get over them. If you're in need of a paint job, this one's for you.





[Gotye:]
Now and then I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy you could die
Told myself that you were right for me
But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it's an ache I still remember

You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness
Like resignation to the end, always the end
So when we found that we could not make sense
Well you said that we would still be friends
But I'll admit that I was glad that it was over

But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough
No you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

[Kimbra:]
Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over
But had me believing it was always something that I'd done
And I don't wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know

[Gotye:]
But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough
And you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Somebody
(I used to know)
Somebody
(Now you're just somebody that I used to know)

Monday, December 5, 2011

Well, I crippled your heart a hundred times And still can't work out why

Favorite: Stolen band
Artist: Frightened Rabbit
Song of the Day: Modern Leper

I've stolen many things from my sister...DVDs, clothes, cities, part of a personality, but often prided myself on my own favorites in music. However, when returning from oversees a few years ago my sister dumped a load of new artists on me which included today's artist. Now I am obsessed with music, clearly to a sometimes ridiculous extent waiting hours before a concert to be front row and becoming googly eyed just talking about fav musicians and the only time I've ever seen my sister come smidgen close to this ounce of ridiculousness (minus coldplay obviously) is for Frightened Rabbit. I've pushed and pulled my way to the front, stood dumbfounded at the sight of them alongside her. And happily so. For today's song was the first of theirs and any song I became obsessed with when returning from a hiatus of music and seeing them live only caused an obsession with every song. The lyrics are smart, the energy is high and the band is dreamy. So yes this is my favorite stolen band, but to be fair I'm pretty sure she stole them from somebody else. So I guess you are allowed to steal them too.



A cripple walks amongst you
All you tired human beings
He's got all the things a cripple has
Not working arms and legs
And vital parts fall from his system
And dissolve in Scottish rain
Vitally he doesn't miss them
He's too fucked up to care
Well, is that you in front of me?
Coming back for even more of exactly the same
You must be a masochist to love a modern leper
On his last leg
On his last leg
Well, I crippled your heart a hundred times
And still can't work out why
You see, I've got this disease I can't shake
And I'm just rattling through life
Well, this is how we do things now
Yeah, this is how the modern stay scared
So I cut out all the good stuff
Yeah, I cut off my foot to spite my leg
Well, is that you in front of me?
Coming back for even more of exactly the same
You must be a masochist to love a modern leper
On his last leg
Well, I am ill
But I'm not dead
And I don't know which of those I prefer
Because that limb which I have lost
Well, it was the only thing holding me up
Holding me up
Well, I'm lying on the ground now
Walking through the only door
Well, I have lost my eyesight
Like I said I would
But I still know
And that is you in front of me
And you are back for even more of exactly the same
Well, are you a masochist to love a modern leper
On his last leg
And you are not ill
And I'm not dead
Doesn't that make us the perfect pair?
Just you and me
We'll start again
And you can tell me all about what you did today
What you did today

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Favorite: Emotional Songs
Artist: Brandi Carlile
Song of the day: That Year

Now after a year of song blogging you know I like emotionally deep songs, the closer I am to crying the better. It might have something to do with my passive personality that likes to hold it all in as much as I can which either eventually turns into weird outbursts or ugly public crying, but more hopefully finds an outlet in these types of songs. The lists of artists who master this could go on forever, but recently seeing a back to back acoustic show (thanks to my amazing friend Sean) I don't think any artist I have seen live creates that type of raw emotion in every single song she writes and sings. I've been in a constant goose bump state for the past 48hours because of it. It is the type of "self centered" writing that makes me want to hear ever person's song in the world, because it's so revealing so telling in who that person is deep down. Too bad we all don't know how to share our own songs like this. But if you are in the need of some goose bumps as an outlet for your own story or a strangers, get ready to shiver.



I must have been sleeping,
I must have been drinking,
I havent been dreaming about you for years.
There was a sharp turn and a sunburn
I was too cool for high school that year.

Must have have been new years, no one invited you,
You took things too far but i missed you
And your antics. you were lonesome and
Blue-eyed and so special to us.

You should have taken a long break
Instead of a long drop from a high place.
Ten years i never spoke your name.
Now it feels good to say it. your my friend again.

Said he forgave you, i said i hated you,
He was the bigger man, i was sixteen.
All the innosence it took well
I guess you finally made the year book. that year.
That year.

You should have taken a long break
Instead of a long drop, instead of a leap of faith,
Ten years i never spoke your name,
Now it feels good to say it youre my friend again.

I was angry
I was a daughter
I was a baptist
I was wrong

Monday, November 28, 2011

Ohh, If the right one came, along

Favorite: New Song
Artist: The Civil Wars
Song of the day: I've got this friend

I've finally been able to come out of the abyss of holidays, family travels, and graduating graduate school just in time to wrap up my year of song of the day (give or take a few disappearances) blog. And what better way to leave than on a high note of favorites, from favorite artists, videos, songs to cry to, songs to eat to and whatever other favorites I might think up. Any ideas, let me know. But today I wanted to start out with some profound favorite but when I find a new favorite song I can't get it out of my head and must replay it over and over leaving very little time for other songs to take hold. My most current new fav is from fantabulous new duo The Civil Wars who I can't stop raving over.

And usually when I listen to the lyrics of a song I love it even more, however I cannot lie that my brow cringed a bit at the singing of two friends wanting to pair up their sad lonely single friends. I'm not denying the good naturedness, correctness and as my sister argued with me later that I totally missed what was going on in the song...it was too late and I had already reverted to an earlier in the day instance where my dear little cousin who I was visiting several states away informed me that her preacher I had met was young and single, and before I could respond, she added, "he's also awkward and fat and I think he liked your sister more." I promptly thanked her and told her to stop talking him up so much. And though I may never understand the mystery or magic involved in two people finding each other I like to assume it doesn't involve the feelings I get with these type of set ups but more fits with the chorus of today's song. If the right one came along there'd be a harmony involved and it would just fit and sound like a beautiful mix of melodies you sing and have no words for. That's what I still hope for and like about the song. To wait for the harmony and not settle for the fat awkwardness that's not that into you. So here's to your new favorite that is filling your head with melodies.



I've got this friend
I don't think you know him
He's not much for words
He's hidden his heart away

Oh I've got this friend
A loveless romantic
All that he really wants
Is someone to want him back

Ohh, if the right one came
If the right one came along
Ohh, If the right one came, along

I've got this friend
I don't think you know her
She sings a simple song
It sounds a lot like his

Oh I've got this friend
Holding onto her heart
Like it's a little secret
Like it's all she's got to give

Ohh, if the right one came
If the right one came along
Ohh, if the right one came, along

It'd be such a shame
(If they never meet)
She sounds lovely
(He sounds right out of a dream)
If only
(If only)
If only

Ohh
Ohh, if the right one came
If the right one came along
Ohh, (I've got this friend) if the right one came
If the right one came along
Ohh, (I've got this friend)
If the right one came, along

Monday, November 14, 2011

Come laugh away who you are and get down Who you are, who we are now you're foun

Artist- Lykke Li
Song of the day- Youth Knows no pain

So I'm not quite sure what artist I've played on my blog the most but I would make an educated guess as it being Lykke Li. But it must be today's song choice as I celebrate school ending by the only way i Know how: a Lykke Li concert. And well, as I finished my internship hours as a pediatric nurse and seen a lot of youth in pain, witnessed most of my classmates in pain trying to finish the program, and experienced general pains trying to become and adult with a job and a home...I realized youth is painful. But perhaps the best quality and for sure the reason why I love working with kids is how they manage to hold on to the innocence and playfulness of themselves in the face of adversity. Crying fits one minute, lego fights and dance marathons the next. Really it's the best coping mechanism I've seen. And maybe it's not that youth knows no pain, they are just better at dealing with it. So I'd like to take a note from my patients and get down at a concert in celebration of finishing one of the hardest times of my life and seeing / experiencing some tough stuff and some amazing people. Come on get down.



Come laugh away who you are and get down
Who you are, who we are now you're found
To the sun or the bears or the guns
We taking all our vows with your frown

Come on get down
Come on get down
Make a mess, make a bow
Come on get down
Come get down
Mighty youth, here and now
So come on honey cut yourself to pieces
Come on honey give yourself completely
And do it all though you can't believe it
Youth knows no pain
Youth knows no pain

Come together and join the parade
And get back walk on lost in the trade
With the plants and the shimmering beats
With the wind in my hair, you're free

Come on get down
Come get down
Make a mess, make a bow
Come on get down
Come get down

Mighty youth, here and now
So come on honey cut yourself to pieces
Come on honey give yourself completely
And do it all though you can't believe it
Youth knows no pain
Youth knows no pain

I said youth don't know
Youth knows no pain
I said youth don't know
Youth knows no pain

Mighty youth, here and now
So come on honey cut yourself to pieces
Come on honey give yourself completely
Come on honey cut yourself to pieces
Come on honey give yourself completely
And do it all though you can't believe it
Youth knows no pain
Youth knows no pain

Saturday, November 5, 2011

I am done with my graceless heart So tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart

Artist- Florence + The Machine
Song of the day- Shake it out

I can't properly express my excitement for Florence's new album and my utter horror in realizing a missed getting tickets to her holiday concert, oh the utter tragedy! And as I've been inhaling the new album all day I've become quite obsessed with the new single and how I believe it most perfectly sums up how I'm feeling as nursing school comes to and end and my mindset after these few years. I keep talking with my fellow classmates about the constant tight rope it feels as though we are walking on and at any moment might land into total breakdown mode. But like the wise non nursing Florence says, "it's always darkest before the dawn." And really this past year I've learned the absolute must in shaking things maybe not "off" but "out". So if you're walking that tight rope above a breakdown and find yourself with a devil on your back, listen to me and Florence and shake it out...shake it out!



Regrets collect like old friends
Here to relive your darkest moments
I can see no way, I can see no way
And all of the ghouls come out to play

And every demon wants his pound of flesh
But I like to keep some things to myself
I like to keep my issues strong
It's always darkest before the dawn

And I've been a fool and I've been blind
I can never leave the past behind
I can see no way, I can see no way
I'm always dragging that horse around

And our love is pastured such a mournful sound
Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground
So I like to keep my issues strong
But it's always darkest before the dawn

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

I am done with my graceless heart
So tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart
Cause I like to keep my issues strong
It's always darkest before the dawn


Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

And given half the chance would I take any of it back
It's a final mess but it's left me so empty
It's always darkest before the dawn

Oh woah, oh woah...

And I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't
So here's to drinks in the dark at the end of my road
And I'm ready to suffer and I'm ready to hope
It's a shot in the dark and right at my throat
Cause looking for heaven, for the devil in me
Looking for heaven, for the devil in me
Well what the hell I'm gonna let it happen to me

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

Thursday, November 3, 2011

But I will hold on hope And I won't let you choke On the noose around your neck

Artist- Mumford and Sons
Song of the day- The Cave

So my friend Suzanne has had the keen ability lately to soundtrack my life the past couple of weeks. Though the majority of songs are country ballads and or sassy country jams, she also threw in this most fantastic Mumford and Sons hit. And hitting the home stretch of the hermit cave life of school and back into perhaps a functional life, this song seems appropriate on many a level. So here's to pushing through the finish line even when we have to claw our way out to it.



It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears
And all the faults you've left behind

The harvest left no food for you to eat
You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
But I have seen the same
I know the shame in your defeat

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind

So tie me to a post and block my ears
I can see widows and orphans through my tears
I know my call despite my faults
And despite my growing fears

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

So come out of your cave walking on your hands
And see the world hanging upside down
You can understand dependence
When you know the maker's hand

So make your siren's call
And sing all you want
I will not hear what you have to say

Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be

And I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread

Artist- She & Him
Song of the day- Fools Rush In

I don't think I have to explain the effects of the breakup of Death Cab's Ben Gibbard and queen of adorable hipster's Zooey Deschanel has on this little hipster's heart. How am I supposed to believe in true love now? Perhaps the whole world is just full of fools who rush in...though as this fantastic cover of my mother's favorite dreamboat Ricky Nelson's knowledgeable hit explains, wise people like myself makes sure to avoid such foolish decisions. Who's smarter in the end? I'm still not sure. I find your heart hurts either way. But I do envy the fools of the world cuz if it feels anything like this song, it must be worth the gamble. So to all you fools out there, this one's for you.



Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
And so I come to you, my love, my heart above my head.
Though I see the danger there
If there's a chance for me, then I don't care

Mm-mm-mm-mm
Fools rush in where wise men never go
But wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?
When we met, I felt my life begin
So open up your heart and let this fool rush in



Fools rush in where wise men never, never, never go
Eh, but wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?
Ahh, when we met, girl, I felt my life begin
So open up your heart and let this fool rush in

Just open up your heart and let this fool rush on in
Just open up your heart because I-I-I-I-I-I-I am coming in
Open up your heart and let this fool rush in!!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Many times I've gone without a home a meal A pair of shoes, if you had three you'd give me two

Artist- Joshua Radin
Song of the day- Friend like you

so I feel as though I've been through quite alot this week, I've actually felt like a nurse at one point, felt like a vampire coming out only at nights, felt homeless, felt sick to my stomach, felt wronged, felt stupid, felt relieved, felt confused but by the end of the week the most important feeling I've felt is loved. Cuz when shit actually hit the fan I got real people problems I turned my back and wasn't alone, not for a second. And when I look back on this time that is what I will remember and that is what will make me thankful for it. So here's to those hellish weeks and the people who literally pick you up off the ground and get you through them.



I like the way you're not afraid
You got the world planned in your mind
People say you cannot do well
They don't know a friend like you

The girl you love has gone away
Still too young to know her heart
She'll return her love renewed
'Cause she'll never find a friend like you

When I had no one to call
All the world had shut me down
I showed up at your door so blue
Thank god I had a friend like you

Many times I've gone without a home a meal
A pair of shoes, if you had three you'd give me two
There ain't no other friend like you

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Been beat up and battered round Been sent up, and Ive been shot down

Artist- Jenny Lewis, Ben Gibbard, Conner Oberst
Song of the day- Handle Me with care

It seems only appropriate I play a Jenny Lewis song to send me to sleep the night before my last test in nursing school. And after this rough and tumbling week and the stress of tomorrows test I can't express how true this anthem is. At times much of nursing school and a lot of this week felt a lot like getting beat up every day till a few weeks till graduation has me hoping that my fragile body can possibly be handled with care. If you are feeling the same this one's for you. And if you care to remember, shoot some major prayers up for me tomorrow cuz I'm in need of major care handling from the man upstairs!



Been beat up and battered round
Been sent up, and Ive been shot down
Youre the best thing that Ive ever found
Handle me with care

Reputations changeable
Situations tolerable
Baby, you're adorable
Handle me with care

(chorus)
Im so tired of being lonely
I still have some love to give
Wont you show me that you really care

(bridge)
Everybodys got somebody to lean on
Put your body next to mine, and dream on

Ive been fobbed off, and Ive been fooled
Ive been robbed and ridiculed
In day care centers and night schools
Handle me with care

Been stuck in airports, terrorized
Sent to meetings, hypnotized
Overexposed, commercialized
Hand me with care

(chorus)

(bridge)

Ive been uptight and made a mess
But I'll clean it up myself, I guess
Oh, the sweet smell of success
Handle me with care

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

I turn the music up I'm on a roll this time And heaven is in sight

Artist- Coldplay
Song of the day- Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

Now I've come to realize you either can't stand coldplay or you love them with all your heart. And though I shall always fall under the love them with all my heart category, I was not a fan of this song when I first heard it. I pretty much couldn't get through it when I heard it on the radio, thought Coldplay had lost their mind and was wondering where my ballad soaked with emotion was that both empowers me to run on the treadmill and cry at the same time. Yet, I can tell you the instant I finally "got" this song and was forever reminded why I love Coldplay with all my heart. Better yet, I can show you the instant it happened this summer at Lollapalooza. Now I won't deny that the energy from 1,000's of fans, fancy lasers and fireworks didn't help, but maybe like I came to realize this summer, Coldplay too just needed to dance some things out. And as I am in the midst of wanting to ball up in the corner and cry every other minute, I might just take a tip from Coldplay instead. So if you happen to be in the library in Chicago today, you might pass a closed study room door where I've turned my music up, I've got my records on, I've shut the world outside...and I've decide to dance around about teardrops instead of have them. If you feel the same, come find me in the library, this one's for you.



I turn the music up,
Got my records on
I shut the world outside until the lights come on
Maybe the streets alight,
Maybe the trees are gone
I feel my heart start beating to my favorite song

And all the kids they dance
All the kids all night
Until Monday morning feels another life
I turn the music up
I'm on a roll this time
And heaven is in sight

I turn the music up,
I got my records on
From underneath the rubble sing a rebel song
Don't want to see another generation drop
I'd rather be a comma, than a full stop

Maybe I'm in the black
Maybe I'm on my knees
Maybe I'm in the gap between the two trapezes
But my heart is beating and my pulses start
Cathedrals in my heart

As we saw, oh this light
I swear you emerge blinking into
To tell me it's alright
As we soar walls
Every siren is a symphony
And every tears a waterfall

Is a waterfall
Oh
Is a waterfall
Ooh-oh-oh
Is a waterfall
Every teardrop
Is a waterfall
Ooh-oh-oh

So you can hurt, hurt me bad
But still I'll raise the flag

It was a wa-wa-wa-wa-waterfall
A wa-wa-wa-wa-waterfall

Every tear
Every tear
Every teardrop is a waterfall(5x)

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

And I'm stubborn and I shout and I'll cut you out And I'll make you feel like I never wanted to make you feel

Artist- Kate Nash
Song of the day- Navy Taxi

This song has been haunting me since I first heard it a few weeks ago on my way back from Madison, WI. I can't really explain why at the moment i can relate to this song 100% and think it has something to do with those times in your life where things just keep seeming to get worse and you can't really figure out how to overcome it even when you mean well. But how I've come to find the perhaps even harder part is under all the stress not turning into the worst version of yourself and letting yourself drown in every obstacle in your way. So for all those obstacles in your way, this one's for you. Take your time love cuz it's your life and it's no one else's.



Rain spat in my face, thanks a lot mate
And I lost a tenner on the way
Thinking about it, did I spend it last night
When I was drunk and I wanted to get more drunk

Missed the train, thanks a lot mate
I didn't want to be late today, cause I'm always late
And I really hate always being late
And now the other train's delayed... great.

Carrying bags and a navy taxi man said
"Take your time love
'Cause you don't have to rush
'Cause it's your life and it's no one else's, sweetheart
Don't let someone put you in a box."

So I take all that other stuff that I said before
And I'm gonna make it work
'Cause I'm losing my mind and it's driving me up the wall

So I tried to help you carry your shopping
But I wasn't concentrating, I was talking
And I got it caught on the side of this thing and it split
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
And I'd try to help you walk along but I'd probably end up pushing you over
But don't worry, I'll never let you fall

And I'm stubborn and I shout and I'll cut you out
And I'll make you feel like I never wanted to make you feel

And I'm stubborn and I shout and I'll cut you out
And I'll make you feel like I never wanted to make you feel

Carrying bags and a navy taxi man said
"Take your time love
'Cause you don't have to rush
'Cause it's your life and it's no one else's, sweetheart.
Don't let someone put you in a box."

So I take all that other stuff that I said before
And I'm gonna make it work
Because I'm losing my mind and it's driving me up the wall
And this time, it will be different,
This time, it will be different (x9)

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

And the lights will draw you in And the dark will take you down

Artist- Ryan Adams
Song of the day- Lucky Now

Attempting to transition my body to work night shifts seemed like an easy process with my history of insomnia. Though I'm realizing that my past late nights have not prepared me at all for being productive during a time when the rest of the population is sleeping. Ever since I was young I found the late nights and wee hours of the morning to be the most magical time of day. I'm not quite sure why, though I suppose having a forced bedtime at 8yrs old and watching movies with young people going on grand adventures while I slept probably had something to do with it. But that feeling always stuck with me, I loved waking up at 3am to go on family road trips, I love having deep conversations with people when you should be in bed because for some reason people become less guarded, I love leaving a concert as the city calms down for the night and it feels like anything is possible in it...however these times of grandeur are far between and I spend most of my restless nights awake in bed in the dark over contemplating every aspect of myself and my life till my heart is so heavy and my head so full I beg for sleep to come or something to distract me.

And what I've realized in the past few days is that distraction does not include any form of productivity. I can't seem to study or work at anything that involves part of my brain not busy with self indulgence. I apparently only know how to lay awake in bed all night long and not put my insomnia to actual use. So hopefully that can change by tomorrow night and maybe I have found my grandiose life of night living with the graveyard shift....more likely I'm assuming that won't be the case, but for all you nocturnal worker bees, this one's for you.



I don’t remember were we wild and young
All that faded into memory
I feel like somebody I don’t know
Are we really who we used to be
Am I really who I was

The lights will draw you in
And the dark will bring you down
And the night will break your heart
But only if you’re lucky now

Waiting outside while you find your keys
Like bags of trash in the blackening snow
City of neon and toes that freeze
We’ve got nothing and nowhere to go
We’ve got nothing and nowhere

And the lights will draw you in
And the dark will take you down
The night will break your heart
But only if you’re lucky now

And if the lights draw you in
And the dark can take you down
And love can mend your heart
But only if you’re lucky now

I don’t remember were we wild and young
All that’s faded into memory
I feel like somebody I don't know
Are we really who we used to be
Am I really who I was

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

When I am alone When I've thrown off the weight of this crazy stone When I've lost all care for the things I own That's when I miss yo



Artist- Alexi Murdoch
Song of the day- Orange sky

After hearing about the crazy dust storm going on in my hometown I wanted to find a song to match it so i could talk about it. i found myself once again drawn to Alexi Murdoch and a song that I didn't expect to fit but ended up being kind of perfect. Cuz again it selfishly matches how I feel and has the kind of melody I think my brain meloncholly stays at unconsciously. But there's something about the song that reminds me of home and reminds me of how too that we go about our daily lives completely unaware of the world around us until you see something like this and realize just how big and powerful the world really is. How small and insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things. I'm making it sound like a bad thing but it's really quite needed and humbling. To know cuz i forget, that I'm not in charge or responsible for every single thing, i'm not the center of the universe, i'm not in control. it's kinda scary and kinda nice. To know my salvation doesn't lie with me cuz I'm pretty small and powerless against some things so vast. If you're feeling a wee bit small today, embrace it with me. This one's for you and the west texas Haboob...man i hate that word.



Well I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
Yes I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
With my brother standing by
With my brother standing by
I said brother, you know you know
It's a long road we've been walking on
Brother you know it is, you know it is
Such a long road we've been walking on

And I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
With my sister standing by
With my sister standing by
I said sister, here is what I know now
Here is what I know now
Goes like this
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, in your love, in your love

But sister you know I'm so weary
And you know sister
My hearts been broken
Sometimes, sometimes
My mind is too strong to carry on
Too strong to carry on

When I am alone
When I've thrown off the weight of this crazy stone
When I've lost all care for the things I own
That's when I miss you, that's when I miss you, that's when I miss you
You who are my home
You who are my home
And here is what I know now
Here is what I know now
Goes like this
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, in your love, in your love

Well I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
Yes I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
With my brother and my sister standing by
With my brother and my sister standing by
With my brother and my sister standing by

Monday, October 17, 2011

By the way all my body really needs Is a spirited soul for the pain to ease

Artist- The Lonely Forest
Song of the day- (I Am) the love addict

So I was going to play a different Lonely Forest song that is far more angsty and how I feel at the moment barely having a moment the breath with impending graduation, 12 hour hospital shifts, tests that can stop me from graduating and the all impending doom of trying to find a job, having a career and being a grown up. This has been taking up most of my time as you can tell by the lack of song posts that will probably be sporadic throughout my new sporadic schedule the next few weeks.

But as I took a tiny break to go see them live with a few friends, I could feel just the tiny bit of relief during their set and especially during this song. 1) because live music just makes me enjoy life more 2) If my philosophy on life had a theme song I think today's song would be it. I have no idea of the band's background but I find many of their lyrics highlight my beliefs system and if I could somehow articulate in a poppy rock song how I see my life being lived out as a Christian, it'd be this. plain and simple. And when I'm actually able to let go of all this stress and worry and guilt and fear about myself and really live in this belief of being addicted to love, the all encompassing agape kind of love for everything in our path...when I can I live in that, the type of feeling I feel is the kind this song gives me when I hear this song: happiness, optimism, no fear, a mission, the desire for other people to feel that way cuz it's freeing and makes me wanna go love on people and remember that in the end that's what this is all about not the other stuff. And when I hear this song I remember that and smile instead of worry. And if you're like me, right now I'd rather smile than worry.



When I thought I had nothing
Nothing good to give.
You appeared, won my heart
And Showed me I must die to live
Take my pride
Please remove these selfish thoughts
Save me from the world,
I wanna be addicted to love
I wanna be addicted to love
I wanna be addicted to Love (oh oh oh oh)
By the way all my body really needs
Is a spirited soul for the pain to ease
But I know that this road, it isn’t going to bring me peace
Give me something new For my soul to use
Something beautiful for my heart to abuse
The drugs are never enough
I wanna be addicted to love
I wanna be addicted to love
I wanna be addicted
And why are we so, Love-less?
I’m worried, please hurry
And why are we so love-less?
I’m worried, please take me home
I wanna be addicted to love
I wanna be addicted to love (I want to be) X8
I want to be addicted to love (oh oh oh)

Friday, October 7, 2011

And if you feel the failing of the light And you’re too weak to carry on the fight

Artist- James Morrison
Song of the day- I won't let you go

I've always seemed to avoid James Morrison somehow, I think cuz I'd always see his name when looking up Van Morrison and or think he was Chris Martin then realize he wasn't. But being confused for two fantastic musicians is no reason to avoid this one, in fact should have made me seek him out sooner because of the random similarities of awesome. But I started listening to him a bit more after my friend told me she was using his song as her first wedding dance. And I'm realizing more and more that hey the boy can ride a good love song. But it wasn't just about the song itself that made me pick today's song. There was something about the video, minus soft lighting and need to sing all over someone's face to feel emotion. It was about someone hurting, mentally, physically, emotionally, we don't know and it kind of doesn't even matter how. But the way this pain is dealt with the way they won't let go is not what you expect but is kind of perfect. It reminds me of my favorite movie, "Lars and the Real Girl" how this guys pain manifested in something odd isn't shunned or tried to be convinced out of him, but they go with him on the journey, they sit with him, they believe with him, they in a sense lay in the middle of the road with him. I think sometimes the most powerful way to "help" someone during a hard situation isn't trying to fix it, but the lay there with them through it. There's something kind of perfect about it. So if you're in need of someone to not let you go, this one's for you.



When it’s black,
Take a little time to hold yourself,
Take a little time to feel around,
Before it’s gone
You won’t let go, but you still keep on falling down.
Remember how you saved me now,
From all of my wrongs.
And if there’s love just feel it,
And if there’s life we’ll see it
This is no time to be alone, alone, yeah
I won’t let you go

Say those words, say those words like there’s nothing left.
Close your eyes and you might begin that there is some way out
Open up, open up your heart to me now
Let it all come pouring out,
There’s nothing I can’t take

And if there’s love just feel it,
And if there’s life we’ll see it
This is no time to be alone, alone, yeah
I won’t let you go
(Won’t let you go, won’t let you go)
And if your sky falling,
Just take my hand and hold it
You don’t have to be alone, alone, yeah
I won’t let you go

(Won’t let you go, won’t let you go)

And if you feel the failing of the light
And you’re too weak to carry on the fight
And all your friends that you care for have disappeared
I’ll be here now darling, forever, holding on
Woah

And if there’s love just feel it,
And if there’s life we’ll see it
This is no time to be alone, alone, yeah
I won’t let you go

(Won’t let you go, won’t let you go)
Woah no

And if your sky falling,
Just take my hand and hold it
You don’t have to be alone, alone, yeah
I won’t let you go

(Won’t let you go, won’t let you go)
Woah no, yeah

I won’t let you go, no I wont let,
I won’t let you go, no I wont let,
I won’t let you go, no I wont let you g

Thursday, October 6, 2011

But now it's like the night is taking sides With all the worries that occupy the back of my mind

Artist- City and Colour
Song of the day- Sleeping sickness

I've become quite OCD about listening to City and Colour at least once a day. I don't know if it helps or hurts my study habits but I like to think his voice and soothing melodies keeps me a bit emotionally stable and that the fact he is covered in tattoos keeps me a bit bad ass at the same time. It really is the perfect combination. This song especially perfection mostly because I basically can't escape this exact feeling and perhaps I think if i played it over enough times I'll finally feel rested. But beginning 12 hour shifts including nights i think perhaps this might not be the case. So I'll just keep playing it to keep getting me through the day. If you're needed some rest today, this one's for you.



I awoke only to find my lungs empty,
And through the night, so it seems I'm not breathing.
And now my dreams are nothing like they were meant to be,
And I'm breaking down, I think I'm breaking down.

And I'm afraid to sleep because of what haunts me,
Such as living with the uncertainty
That I'll never find the words to say which would completely explain
Just how I'm breaking down

Someone come and, someone come and save my life
Maybe I'll sleep when I am dead,
But now it's like the night is taking sides
With all the worries that occupy the back of my mind
Could it be this misery will suffice?

I've become a simple souvenir of someone's kill
And like the sea, I'm constantly changing from calm to ill
Madness fills my heart and soul, as if the great divide could swallow me whole
Oh, how I'm breaking down

Someone come and, someone come and save my life
Maybe I'll sleep when I am dead,
But now it's like the night is taking up sides
With all the worries that occupy the back of my mind
Could it be this misery will suffice.

Someone come and, someone come and save my life
Someone come and, someone come and save my life
Someone come and, someone come and save my life
Could it be this misery will suffice.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

But at least when you're at your worst, you'll know how to feel things.

Artist- Adele
Song of the day- Right as rain

so i was recently told that my taste in music has an abnormally heavy variety of female artists. And though i was at first offended I realized this year it is true. And is mostly due to the fact that this year female artists are rising higher and pushing more barriers and frankly are making the fantastic music i want to listen to. They are also winning the majority of music awards and the ones breaking records mostly thanks to my reluctant love, Katy Perry. And who I think has the best album this year, Adele. And though I had planned to try hard to post a male artist today, the news of Adele having to cancel all U.S. touring or risk losing that amazing voice for good, I felt it only appropriate to want to listen to her today. Plus I got reprimanded by a guy in the library as this song popped up on my pandora and I was unknowingly jamming way too hard through my headphones to it for his liking. But I couldn't help it, it's my jam. Cuz sadly though when i say all i want is for things to go right and be happy and lalala...I think i secretly like it when things aren't right as rain. I may like feeling right but i don't like when someone is then wrong and they feel bad, or i like when things aren't going great and people need my help or i can say something to make them feel better (that feels nice), i love and hate my keen ability to see why a relationship won't work out so I can avoid it all together, i don't wanna be on top of the world cuz the only place to go is down. this might make zero sense but I never said I was rational, and like I said I don't have to be right about it...if you aren't right as rain either, this one's for you.


Who wants to be right as rain, it's better when something is wrong.
You get excitement in your bones and everything you do is a game.
When night comes and your on your own you can say I chose to be alone.
Who wants to be right as rain, it's harder when you're on top.

'Cause when hard work don't pay off and I'm tired,
There ain't no room in my bed, as far as I'm concerned.
So wipe that dirty smile of, We
won't be making up, I've cried my heart out
and now I've had enough of love.

Who wants to be riding high when you'll just crumble back on down.
You give up everything you are and even then you don't get far.
They make believe that everything is exactly what it seems.
But at least when you're at your worst, you'll know how to feel things.

'Cause when hard work don't pay off and I'm tired,
There ain't no room in my bed, as far as I'm concerned.
So wipe that dirty smile of, We
won't be making up, I've cried my heart out
and now I've had enough of love.

Go ahead and steal my heart to make me cry again,
'cause it will never hurt as much it did then,
when we were both right and no one had blame,
but now I give up on this endless game.

'Cause who wants to be right as rain, it's better when something is wrong.
I get excitement in my bones, even though everything's a strain.
When night comes and I'm on my own, you should know I chose to be alone.
Who wants to be right as rain, it's harder when you're on top.

'Cause when hard work don't pay off and I'm tired,
There ain't no room in my bed, as far as I'm concerned.
So wipe that dirty smile of, We
won't be making up, I've cried my heart out
and now I've had enough of love. (2x)

Monday, October 3, 2011

Out of chaos, life is being found in You

Artist- Gungor
Song of the day- Beautiful things

I've had one of those days where the light seems harder to see and everything I think i have answers for I'm left speechless. I saw a harder side of caring for the sick in death, in mourning in those pleading to die, those questioning beliefs and i begin to forget what it's all for. And somewhere in the middle this song found me again. and there's something about it that let me breath out again. That there's something worth hoping for, that out of the dirt something beautiful can be made. That amoungst the bad I've gotten to see the good, amoungst the hopeless I've gotten to see miracles that every life you pass by while you're living can be those little miracles if you let them and how maybe we can be miracles too despite our own dust. It's a beautiful thing. If you're looking for something beautiful, this one's for you.



All this pain..
I wonder if I'll ever find my way.
I wonder if my life could really change, at all.
All this earth..
Could all that is lost ever be found?
Could a garden come up from this ground, at all?

[chorus:]
You make beautiful things,
You make beautiful things out of dust.
You make beautiful things,
You make beautiful things out of us.

[verse 2:]
All around,
Hope is springin up from this old ground.
Out of chaos, life is being found in You.

[chorus:] 2x

[bridge:]
You make me new,
You are making me new.
You make me new,
You are making me new. (making me new.)

[bridge & chorus together]3x

[chorus]

[bridge]2x

Sunday, October 2, 2011

What comes is better than what came before

Artist- Cat Power
Song of the day- I found a reason

I've been obsessed with this song since I heard it on "V for Vendetta" and am usually blown away by Cat Power in general but I just listened to the original version of today's song by the Velvet Underground and I couldn't believe it. Power somehow managed to make a completely original song out of this cover and total change the feel of it using the same wording. There's something so beautiful, so spiritual about the version and yet somehow still heartbreaking. It's that longing mixed with hope but sung like you sadly already know how it will end. And I have no idea how can articulate so much in so simple a tune. But when I'm in a static state longing to feel something I know I'll find it in Cat Power, and can't seem to escape it in this song. If you're longing for some longing, this one's for you.



Oh I do believe
In all the things you see
What comes is better than what came before
And you'd better come come, come come to me
Better come come, come come to me
Better run, run run, run run to me
Better come

Oh I do believe
In all the things you see
What comes is better than what came before

And you'd better run run, run run to me
Better run, run run, run run to me
Better come, come come, come come to me
You'd better run

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Forget all your politics for a while Let the color schemes arriv

Artist- Mates of State
Song of the day- Get Better

So I'm seeing this band tomorrow, and even I can't grasp how excited I should really be for it. Besides having the ability to be a total adorbs couple and total rock stars at the same time, this duo is able to create pretty excellent jolly music. And we all know how I like to lean towards angsty more than jolly when I have the choice. But every song of theirs manages to make me flat out thrilled about life, even when there are creepy animals heads with bombs in them. I often think of today's song when I need some cheering up. It's about forgetting all your issues, taking a break and realizing even if things might not get better they won't always stay the same, time changes and moves the earth around where you can never guess what might can happen. That heavy load you've been carrying, maybe it won't go away, but it'll get lighter. maybe a bear will crash your party and blow up the place, but just dance it out with your friends...hmm maybe I'm taking this lesson too literally, but either way it still leaves me smiling. I hope it does the same for you.



Forget all your politics for a while.
Let the color schemes arrive.
Come onboard, it's a curious sight.
Absorbing sound that's never been right.
Never ahead of, never behind it.
Occasionally guarded, just keeps us surrounded.
It's luck.

Everything's gonna get lighter, even if it never gets better.
Ahhh.

I propose a less serious boat.
But don't mistake it for a party of jokes, who are never ahead of, never behind us.
Floating in circles there's more to remind them of less.

Everything's gonna get lighter, even if it never gets better.
Done. I'm done. I'm done.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

I'm capsized, staring on the edge of safe

Artist- Tegan and Sara
Song of the day- The Con

At any given moment I believe there is a 64% chance I feel like a Tegan and Sara song. In fact I consistently felt like the entire The Con album after the first two years of it's release. It is forever on my top ten album list and usually on my emotional feelings via song list in heavy rotation. And I'm pretty sure this last quarter of school the percentile will only increase. I'm not saying they only have stressed out songs, but I just can't think of any other non angst type song of theirs at the moment. I feel like I, and pretty much everyone I'm in current contact with is being hit at every angle with death, mourning, sadness, doubt, anger, pressure, fear, exhaustion, worry, am I leaving anything out? oh probably, maybe like all the good and loving awesome stuff that is also happening but tends to get lost in the mess. That's why I like today's song. Similar to my ever annoying logic, their songs seem to always be fully aware of every emotion even the ridiculous ones and the one's you can't quite see but you know you need to be encircled and taken down by the people that care about you and the things that you love and that truly matter, you sometimes need to get your butt kicked into perspective so you can get out of your "con" funk and put on a different tune..more Marvin Gaye or "walkin on sunshine" esque type tune. But I do always appreciate the Tegan and Sara songs in my life till I can get back to walking on sunshine. If you're in a similar soundtrack, this one's for you.


Tegan and Sara - The con by shane707

I listened in
Yes I'm guilty of this
You should know this
I broke down and wrote you back
Before you had a chance to
Forget forgotten
I am moving past this giving notice
I have to go
Yes I know the feeling,
Know you're leaving
Calm down, I'm calling you to say
I'm capsized, staring on the edge of safe
Calm down, I'm calling back to say
I'm home now
I'm coming around, I'm coming around
Nobody likes to but I really like to cry
Nobody likes me
Maybe if I cry
Spelled out your name and lists the reasons
Faint of heart
Don't call me back
I imagine you when I was distant
Not insistent
I followed suit and laid out on my back imagine that
A million hours left to think of you
And think of that
Calm down, I'm calling you to say
I'm capsized, staring on the edge of safe
Calm down, I'm calling back to say
I'm home now
I'm coming around, I'm coming around
Nobody likes to but I really like to cry
Nobody likes me
Maybe if I cry
Encircle me, I need to be, taken down
Encircle me, I need to be, taken down
Encircle me, I need to be, taken down
Nobody likes to
But I really like to cry
Nobody likes me
Maybe if I cry
Nobody [x9]
Encircle me, I need to be, taken down

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Let's write a song for us And sing until we're old and grey

Artist- The Civil Wars
Song of the day- Forget me Not

I can't believe how fast the Civil Wars have jumped to musical stardom. I remember when my friend from Lubbock recommended I check out the duo and I was immediately smitten with them. In a few months I noticed them on VH1 then opening for Adele and on and on. They can sing heart breaking tunes and on a flip of a dime sweet melodies that make every part of me twinkle. I think it has something to do with their insane harmonies that make me think every song in the world could benefit from having them. And even if this technically might not be the case, these two with their bare bones instruments and voices are able to make sweet sweet music together. Today's song especially somehow makes me forget all the worries of life and focus on the forget me nots of lovin life instead. If you're in need of some forget me nots, this one's for you.



I've been awaiting for you
And you've been awaiting for me
Tell me that you'll always be true
And you'll be the only one for me
Forget me not my dear, my darling
Forget me not my love
I just wanna hold your hand
Hang on every word you say
Let's write a song for us
And sing until we're old and grey
Forget me not my dear, my darling
Forget me not my love
I'm coming home real soon
Please leave a light on for me
Tell me that you'll always be true
And you'll be the only one for me
Yes, you'll be the only one for me

Monday, September 26, 2011

The only time for love is right now Forgive all of the mistakes we’ve made

Artist- Lady Antebellum
Song of the day- love remains

I know the questions must be circling in your head..where have I been all your life? or more accurately where have I been for like two weeks?? I wish I could answer this simply but can best describe it as mentally and physically running around frantically. My life basically looks exactly like this video minus a disappearing family and more closer to freak out mania than happy mania...


But let's get back to why you are really here. lately I've been spending about 45% of my life in a car, this has really altered and depending on who you ask, messed up my usual authentic music ears to mostly consuming the radio on either dance music or country. There is a fine line between my love and hate for both and currently I'm leaning towards the love. And though I can delve into why I've discovered I have "moves like Jagger" or am busy grabbing somebody sexy to tell them "hey" I'll let you turn on your own radio for it will take about 3 minutes for either song to start playing.

Focusing more on my country roots, I can't seem to avoid my ever growing affection for Lady Antebellum. I mean who wasn't on the "need you now" train? But their new single, already being overplayed to my liking on the radio, made me seek out the rest of the new album which I currently overplay it the other 55% of my life. This song I especially like to dramatically sing in my room as I do homework. Though it's about a breakup, I can't escape the emotional ties I feel for school and being on the cusp of finishing, the feeling of losing all this love I've acquired from it, wanting to give up the fight cuz it's feeling too overwhelming, convincing myself to keep breathing and go through it, and finding what remains when it's all over. This is why I love country and my emotional instabilities to ridiculous things...they find a way to go hand in hand. If you are feeling the same and want to sing it out, this one's for you...or if you wait long enough it will probably be playing in your car nonstop soon!




Here we go again
Sitting on the edge of leaving
You don’t have to speak
I can see it in your eyes
I know you too well
You know I can tell your hiding
Something inside

Baby just breathe in
Breathe out
Before you turn around
Just slow down
Think of all the love we’ve made
If we give it just one more try
Maybe we could stop this goodbye
I know through all this pain
Somehow somewhere love remains

You say don’t walk away
But baby give me one good reason
More than just a line
You better make it count this time
You told me but you never really showed me
That I’m worth the fight
Oh I’m worth the fight

Baby just breathe in
Breathe out
Before you turn around
Just slow down
Think of all the love we’ve made
If we give it just one more try
Maybe we could stop this goodbye
I know through all this pain
Somehow somewhere love remains

Love takes time to build its defenses
And trust takes time to tear down those fences
And love remains that’s stronger than ever before
So don’t walk out that door
I don’t wanna hurt anymore

Baby just breathe in
Breathe out
The only time for love is right now
Forgive all of the mistakes we’ve made
If we give it just one more try
Maybe we could stop this goodbye
Through the fire and rain
Somehow somewhere
I know through this pain
Somehow somewhere love remains

So baby just breathe in
Breathe out

I never wanted to give up this fight
What if we give it baby one more try?
Let’s try
This time
Baby this time
Baby this time
Baby this time

Friday, September 16, 2011

I'm fancy free and free for anything fancy

Artist- Fred Astaire
Song of the day- No Strings

My roommate was shocked to find me jamming to some Fred Astaire on vinyl in my room. And though not my usual genre of constant musical rotation, I like to play the soundtrack to "top hat" when I want to feel fancy. It was an impulse buy one day at Amoeba Records bargain bin and perhaps still the best $3 I spent on vinyl. I didn't grow up on Astaire and Ginger Rogers but really should have since I tend to be obsessed with dancer boys. But I especially enjoy today's number not just because I attempt to dance around my room in a much clumsier fashion and prefer to end any word with an -ancy that i can, but also I'd like to live my life fancy free and free for anything fancy. If you feel the same, or dancy, or romancy, this one's for you.



I wake up every morning with a smile on my face
Everything in it's place as it should be
I start out every morning just as free as the breeze
My cares upon the shelf
Because I find myself with

No strings and no connections
No ties to my affections
I'm fancy free and free for anything fancy
No dates that can't be broken
No words that can't be spoken
Especially when I am feeling romancy

Like a robin upon a tree
Like a sailor that goes to sea
Like an unwritten melody
I'm free, that's me

So

Bring on the big attraction
My decks are cleared for action
I'm fancy free and free for anything fancy

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Something Old and New, Memories for You and Me

Artist-Paul McCartney
Song of the day- Junk

So one of my favorite current shows, Parenthood start back and only fueled my current state of being homesick for my family as it tends to do. And somehow the missing feeling of loved ones, the past, childhood, old memories is trickling through today's song almost more in the music than the words sung. It subtly played at the end of the episode. And I feel like it's been subtly playing in the back of my head ever since. If you have a trickle of similar emotions, this one's for you.



Motor Cars, Handle Bars
Bicycles for Two
Broken Hearted Jubilee
Parachutes, Army Boots
Sleeping Bags for Two
Sentimental Jamboree

Buy Buy
Says the Sign in the Shop Window
Why Why
Says the Junk the Yard

Candlesticks, Building Bricks
Something Old and New
Memories for You and Me

Buy Buy
Says the Sign in the Shop Window
Why Why
Says the Junk in the Yard

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

This is you pay back, money grabber

Artist- Fitz and the tantrums
Song of the day- MoneyGrabber

I think this song has been following me for a while, or more probably it's just Fitz and the Tantrums is on the rise. And with one of the best band names ever, plus avid tambourine playing, I am already on board! They are quite the good time, however when i was watching an old lady with dementia fold and fidget with a newspaper for 2.5 hours mumbling about money and how she couldn't afford things in the Kohls sales add, I kept trying to figure out how to make time move faster and wondered what her reaction would be if I just broke out in today's song. I think if I gave her a tambourine I might just have the most interesting band to date...or more likely tantrums would be a closer outcome. I still might try it next week. But for all your tantrums or moneygrabbers, this one's for you.





Don't come back anytime I've already had your kind.
This is your pay back, money grabber.

Don't come back anytime, you've already run me dry.
This is your pay back, money grabber.

Teardrops fade.
Then I saw, blue hands in the pocket.
'Cause you were always made to want it all.
But now you got to make it on your own.
This ain't your home.
So I'm showing you the door.
Wave goodbye now, it's time for you to go.

Don't comeback anytime, I've already had your kind.
This is you pay back, money grabber.

Don't come back anytime, you've already robbed me blind.
This is your pay back, money grabber.

Blue rhinestone glass.
All I see.
You talking double.
Like the time you set fire to me.
'Cause I'm in trouble.
Here's my advice .
I don't think twice for the price of a cheap time whore .

Don't comeback anytime, I've already had your kind.
This is you pay back, money grabber.

Don't come back anytime, you've already robbed me blind.
this is your pay back, money grabber.

One. Two. Three.
One is for the money.
Two is for the greed .
And three times that I told you you're the one,
I just don't need .

Don't comeback anytime, I've already had your kind.
This is you pay back, money grabber.

Don't come back anytime, you've already robbed me blind.
This is your pay back, money grabber.


Money grabber.
Money grabber
Don't come back anytime, I've already had your kind.
Don't come back anytime I've already had your kind.
This is your pay back, money grabber.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

won't you come on over for a slice of pie?

Artist- The Watson Twins
Song of the day- Southern Manners

I've tried to post this song several times but could never find a proper video of it till now. The twins were apart of the mafia of musicians in Los Angeles that made up the beginnings of my musical outings. I learned this song by standing front row at enough concerts to figure out how they played it. And it became a sort of anthem of my friends who I dragged to these concerts and in turn was introduced to another obsession of pies most delicious at House of Pies when eaten past midnight. So when I hear this song now I not only miss my southern upbringing noting my fantastic manners, but also LA music and friends and pie, god do i miss pie! So if your missing something, someone or some food product, this one's for you. And if you know of a good pie place in Chicago, fill me in!



well I can't tell you why I left you
and I don't quite know why I'm here
but nothing has moved my spirit
since I saw you late last year

every lover knows a reason
and every woman has felt the same
although our minds record each heartache
a little lovin' can take away the pain

(chorus)
hold me, hold me, hold me close
caress my shoulders and my toes
make forget what I can't
be my lover and my man

a man he gives you all you need
(ooo)
some money to spend and a kiss when you please
(ooo)
when you're broke down on the road
(ooo)
he'll come on by and lighten your load

well I guess I owe you something too
well it seems you've finally come on through
and my southern manners do oblige
won't you come on over for a slice of pie?

Monday, September 12, 2011

So if you have something to say

Artist- Glen Hansard
Song of the day- Say it to me now

I had every intention of posting a different song, then my internet when out and I was forced to figure out how else to pass my time. Seeing as I easily ruled out homework and already ate half a dozen cookies, the next logical step was to scan my DVD collection which lead me to put in Once. To say I had loved this movie was perhaps the biggest understatement I've ever made. Never had their been more people come up to me after seeing the trailer to tell me that they had found the movie that was made just for me. 5 minutes into the movie I knew I would absolutely love it, not only because the simplicity of him playing this one song took me on an emotional rollercoaster I wasn't prepared for and may have produced a few tears in my eyes, but also it was one of the best "meet cutes" I'd ever seen. For those of you not versed in movie writing or haven't seen "the holiday" a meet cute is to quote wikipedia a "convention of romantic comedies in which two potential romantic partners meet in a contrived way in unusual or comic circumstances. Meet cutes are my most fav parts of movies besides a good music montage and or fashion show...for definitions of the latter terms, please view some of my fav examples below cuz I just went on a movie tangent!

But in this meet cute you immediatly care for and find these two characters irrisistably adorable. It's the innocent sweetness of their relationship mixed with heart gushing songs that made the movie a sensation, but it was the fact that they understood and revealed how just a basic song can express boiling emotions that two shy characters cannot fathom that made the movie just for me. If I could sing or more probably just show his performance of today's song everytime I was upset I'd never have to explain myself. So if you ever happen to be in a fight with me just know this is what I'm picturing. Hmmm almost worth starting a fight. So if you have something you can't say, let him say it for you now.

Glen Hansard - Say It To Me Now (Once Movie) from Liam Cooke on Vimeo.



I'm scratching at the surface now
And I'm trying hard to work it out
So much has gone misunderstood
This mystery only leads to doubt
And I didn't understand
When you reached out to take my hand
And if you have something to say
You'd better say it now

Cause this is what you've waited for
Your chance to even up the score
And as these shadows fall on me now
I will somehow

Cause I'm picking up a message Lord
And I'm closer than I've ever been before

So if you have something to say
Say it to me now
Say it to me now
Say it to me now

Fashion show, you know you've seen it, you know you've loved it:



Fantastically sad and very 80s music montage (skip to 2:34 where the real drama begins:

Sunday, September 11, 2011

But you are what you love And not what loves you back

Artist- Jenny Lewis
Song of the day- you are what you love

As I am inching quite closer to having a full 365 day music blog, i've started thinking of all the songs I'd wanna make sure were included. And as I've been playing open mics at one of the only country bars in Chicago lately, I started re listening to this album. If there was only one album in the world that defined me musically it would be Jenny Lewis' Rabbit Fur Coat. It is the rare instance in my life where I know exactly where I was (silverlake resevoir) and what I was doing (attempting to run around it and failing miserably). But by the time I made it around and back in front of the club Spaceland on my way back home I knew two things for sure: a) I still hate running b) I'd found my music. Thus is my musical origin story that tail spinned into music reviewing, music playing, music writing, and all around music obsession that makes up who I am now. Though I was obsessed with each song on the album from various times, the song writing in today's song is why I fell in love with her music. And it's difficult for a music addict to pick a favorite, but today's song usually leads the pack in this instance. It holds my favorite musical quote of all time. And though the album version is quite fantastic I just found this super early stripped down version that let's the writing shine. I could talk about everything I think the song means but it really does speak for itself: you are what you love and not what loves you back...it's at times a painful but true lesson to remember at least about myself and also sums up my love affair with music. It's quite usually a one sided love affair but in the end I am what I love. To all the things we love and we are, this one's for you.



This is no great illusion
When I'm with you I'm looking for a ghost
Or invisible reasons
To fall out of love and run screaming from our home

Because we live in a house of mirrors
We see our fears and everything
Our songs, faces, and second hand clothes
But more and more we're suffering
Not nobody, not a thousand beers
Will keep us from feeling so all alone

But you are what you love
And not what loves you back
That's why I'm here on your doorstep
Pleading for you to take me back

The phone is a fine invention
It allows me to talk endlessly to you
About nothing disguising my intentions
Which I'm afraid, my friend, are wildly untrue

It's a sleight of hand, a white soul band
The heart attacks I'm convinced I have
Every morning upon waking
To you I'm a symbol or a monument
Your rite of passage to fufillment
But I'm not yours for the taking

But you are what you love
And not what loves you back
So I guess that's why you keep calling me back

I'm fraudulent, a thief at best
A coward who paints a bullshit canvas
Things that will never happen to me
But at arms length, it's Tim who said
I'm good at it, I've mastered it
Avoiding, avoiding everything

But you are what you love, Tim
And not what loves you back
And I'm in love with illusions
So saw me in half
I'm in love with tricks
So pull another rabbit out of your hat

Saturday, September 10, 2011

fear can make you compromise with the lights turned up it's hard to hide Sometimes I want to disappear

Artist- Foster the People
Song of the day- Houdini

I have been quite a fan of Foster the People and regretted not thuroughly enjoying their concert more do to the fact it was past midnight and I was struggling to hold myself on a House of Blues railing while attempting to stay awake for Lykke Li going on after at 1am. However they were quite the talk of lollapalooza and even my half conscious self could tell they put on quite the upbeat dancy show. Yet it wasn't until my friend sent me an acoustic concert they did including today's song that I was like, hold the phone, what is this voice? And who is it attached to so I may fall in love with them? Songs I had already heard and enjoyed they were able to mellow down and make me appreciate on a whole other level. This song is all about ability how fear gets in the way of it how fear can make you rely on it and how rising up to use it is what we all struggle to do as we fight the fear in using it. I've had several talks this week that reminds me of this song. How some of us feel like we don't have what it takes, how some of us are trying to figure out how to use what we know when others stand in our way. Both cases we just wanna disapear but the struggle is constantly rising above it. If you are struggling to rise, this one's for you.




Rise above gonna start the war
Whatcha want whatcha need whatcha come here for
Well an eye for an eye and an F for fight
Takin me down is a prisoners riot

Got shackles on my words are tied
fear can make you compromise
with the lights turned up it's hard to hide
Sometimes I want to disappear

When I feel kinda bad and dont want stress
I just Pass it off on ability
Well you got whatcha want whatcha never knew
it's a Perfect gift from me to you

Yeah yeah yeah

Got shackles on my words are tied
fear can make you compromise
with the lights turned up it's hard to hide
Sometimes I want to disappear

(Raise up to your ability)
Never knew what I could find
Why couldn't you realize
I don't want to compromise

(Raise up to your ability)
Can't stand when I disappear
Running around cuz I'm filled with fear
and I can't go cuz my lifes a wreck

(Raise up to your ability)
I know that you want me
Throw me into the sea
For my ability

(Raise up to your ability)
Yeah you're undecided
Yeah I just want to leave here
but I don't wanna run away

Focus on your ability
Focus on your ability
Now focus on your ability
Focus on your ability

Then they can't get what they want to steal
Can't get what they want to steal
Then they can't get what they want to steal
Can't get what they want to steal

Friday, September 9, 2011

You can bet your luck won’t follow me

Artist- Alison Krauss & Union Station
Song of the day- Lucky One

I've been feeling pretty unlucky lately with having the strange ability to have everything in my path break without moving a muscle. You think this would be a pretty sweet super power, but it doesn't stop there, I also have become a wiz at finding the most inconvenient way to fix all these broken things. And though I have been frustrated enough to be forced into therapeutic "angry running" as my friend calls it, at the end of the day I know it's not life shattering and I'm actually very lucky. Mostly I can be this optimistic cuz I get to see my most favorite vocalist tonight aka today's artist so pretty much I can't be annoyed today. But if you are dealing with annoyances or a bout of unluck, this one's for you.



Verse 1
You’re the lucky one so I’ve been told
Free as the wind blowindown the road
Loved by many, hated by none
I’d say you were lucky cause I know what you’ve done
Not a care in the world not a worry in sight
Everything’s going to be all right
Cause you’re the lucky one

Verse 2
You’re the lucky one always havinfun
A jack of all trades a master of none
You look at the world with a smiling eye
And laugh at the devil as his train rolls by
Just give you a song and a one-night stand
And you’ll be looking at a happy man
Cause you’re the lucky one

Chorus
Were you blessed? I guess
By never knowinwhich road you’re choosing
To you the next best thing to playinand winning
Is playinand losin
Verse 3
You’re the lucky one I know that now
Don’t ask you why when where or how
You look at the world through your smilineye
And laugh at the devil as his train rolls by
Just give you a song and a one-night stand
And you’ll be looking at a happy man
Cause you’re the lucky one

Chorus

Verse 4
You’re the lucky one I know that now
Don’t ask you why when where or how
No matter where you’re at is where you’ll be
You can bet your luck won’t follow me
Just give you a song and a one-night stand
And you’ll be looking at a happy man
Cause you’re the lucky one.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

This much delight Fills columns to new heights

Artist- Joy Formidable
Song of the day- Whirring

Before looking up the word I assumed whirring was like welsh for worrying or like the kind of worrying fairies do. However the actual definition, "like the sound of rapidly vibrating wings" : sound of something in rapid motion, fits too perfectly for the sound of today's band. Though I may have been more concerned with feeling hot at the time, the whirring vibrations of music is exactly what I was looking for to cure me during lollapalooza. And on a gloomy day trying to avoid homework, whirring is exactly the cure I'm looking for again. And if I use Joy Formidable as an example I need to find a huge gong I can bang my guitar on and blow up cats. Or we can just let them do the whirring for us. If you're in need of escaping fairy worrying or wanna make a little whirring of your own, this one's for you.



This much delight
Fills columns to new heights
All these things about me you never can tell

Colours run prime
Paint a picture so bright
All these things about me you never can tell
You make me sleep so badly invisible friend

Turn the dial on my words
I can feel them fall short
Turn the dial, chime alarm
Watch these hands move apart
Turn the dial on my words

I can see you staying here

Fierce steps shadow, Life's will gone shallow
All these things about me you never can tell
You make me sleep so badly invisible friend

Turn the dial on my words
I can feel them fall short
Turn the dial, chime alarm
Watch these hands move apart
Turn the dial on my words

I can see you staying here

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

gonna take it all and set me free

Artist- Amos Lee
Song of the day- Black River

I was at my friend Bill's house the other night and we was telling me about this tribe that once a year would go down to the river and spend as much time as it took, sometimes all day, and everyone in the tribe could scream and shout and curse and let out any and every anger and frustration they had been holding inside. And when they felt they had gotten it all out, they'd pick up mud from the river, give it to a Shaman who would take it to the desert to bury it, to bury it. As I'm starting to feel that oh too similar feeling of anger, frustration, stress, freakout of school and the future building up inside me as I start my last quarter of school, I stumbled upon this song which reminded me of Bill's story. To not carry around all that gunk, but to try and find a way to release it. So if anyone wants to find a river and throw some mud with me, let me know! Till then I hope this song brings you a similar feeling.



Woah, black river,
gonna take my cares away.
Woah, black river,
gonna take my cares away.
Gonna take my cares,
gonna carry my cares,
gonna take my care away.
Gonna take my cares,
gonna carry my cares,
gonna take my care away.

Woah, dear saviour,
gonna take my cares away.
Woah, dear saviour,
gonna take my cares away.
Gonna take my cares,
gonna carry my cares,
gonna take my care away.
Gonna take my cares,
gonna carry my cares,
gonna take my care away.

Woah, sweet whiskey boy,
c'mon,
gonna take my cares away.
Woah, sweet whiskey boy,
you're gon,
you're gonna take my cares away.
Gonna take my cares,
gonna carry my cares,
gonna take my care away.
Gonna take my cares,
gonna carry my cares,
gonna take my care away.

You're gonna take my bottle, my bible, my mess.
You're gonna take all of my empty and my lonelyness.
Gonna take all of the sadness inside of me,
gonna take it all and set me free.

Woah, black river,
gonna take my cares away.