Tune my heart to sing thy grace

Artist- Sufjan Stevens
Song of the day- Come Thou Font of Every Blessing

As Christmas settles down and we start cleaning up the kitchen, and the presents aftermath and the last flickers of Holiday lights begin to dim, I like to put on Sufjan Stevens album and reflect in my cozy Christmas pajamas. There's something about the acoustic instruments and old hymns like today's song that slows down my heart and resets my mind. The blessings in my life abound while others long to find the meaning of the word. And still we all long to be filled even after the blessings of the holidays pas. So for the longing in our hearts all year round and the ending of a Merry Christmas, this one's for you.

Come, thou Fount of every blessing, 
 tune my heart to sing thy grace; 
 streams of mercy, never ceasing, 
 call for songs of loudest praise. 
 Teach me some melodious sonnet, 
 sung by flaming tongues above. 
 Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, 
 mount of thy redeeming love. 

2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer; 
 hither by thy help I'm come; 
 and I hope, by thy good pleasure, 
 safely to arrive at home. 
 Jesus sought me when a stranger, 
 wandering from the fold of God; 
 he, to rescue me from danger, 
 interposed his precious blood. 

3. O to grace how great a debtor 
 daily I'm constrained to be! 
 Let thy goodness, like a fetter, 
 bind my wandering heart to thee. 
 Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, 
 prone to leave the God I love; 
 here's my heart, O take and seal it, 
 seal it for thy courts above. 

Faithful friends who were near to us Will be dear to us once more

Artist- Sam Smith
Song of the day- Have yourself a merry little Christmas

So I've succomed to the magic that is Sam Smith's voice or who I like to call male Adele. So on this Christmas Eve let this liquid gold of an old Judy Garland classic warm your heart. Be safe and warm and bright.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
Next year all our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yule tide gay
Next year all our troubles will be miles away

Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who were near to us
Will be dear to us once more

Someday soon, we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now

 

 

Let's turn on every love light in the place

Artist- Nashville Cast
Song of the day- Celebrate me home

I've already told you how much I"m obsessed with the Nashville Christmas album, which I promptly decided when I heard the final song.  And as I am on my way home to see my family I've been playing this on repeat. If my family and god family could all sing I guarantee we would chant this. Coming home is always a big deal for us and so is the celebration, pretty much because we demand it, which I find is basically what this hilarious song is implying. So for all those coming home and demanding celebration, this ones for you.



Home for the holidays,
I believe I've missed each and every face,
Come on and play my music,
Let's turn on every love light in the place

It's time I found myself,
Totally surrounded in your circles
Whoa, my friends

Please, celebrate me home,
Give me a number,
Please, celebrate me home
Play me one more song,
That I'll always remember,
And I can recall,
Whenever I find myself too all alone,
I can sing me home.

Uneasy highway,
Traveling where the Westerly winds can fly,
Somebody tried to tell me,
But the man forgot to tell me why,

I gotta count on being gone,
Come on home, come on daddy,
Be what you want from me,
I'm this strong, I'll be weak

Please, celebrate me home,
Give me a number,
Please, celebrate me home
Play me one more song,
That I'll always remember,
I can recall,
Whenever I find myself too all alone,
I can make believe I've never gone,
I never know where I belong,
Sing me home.

Please, celebrate me home,
Give me a number,
Please, celebrate me home
Play me one more song, y'all

Celebrate, celebrate
Celebrate, celebrate
Celebrate, celebrate
Celebrate me home

Please, celebrate me home,
Please, celebrate me home,
Well I'm finally here,
But I'm bound to roam,
Come on celebrate me home
Well I'm finally here,
But I'm bound to roam,
Come on celebrate me home
Well I'm finally here,
But I'm bound to roam,
Come on celebrate me home
Please, celebrate me home,
Please, celebrate me home,
Please, celebrate me home,
Please, celebrate me home,
Please, celebrate me home,
Please, celebrate me home.

How much fun it's gonna be together This Christmas

Artist- Donny Hathaway
Song of the day- This Christmas

We are days away can you even believe it? So today let's bring a little funk into the mix with this little 1970s classic. To me the best part about Christmas is the anticipation that the holidays bring, which is pretty much what today's song is about. Thinking of all the people you get to see, all the activities ONLY done on Christmas, the smells the goodies, all the various incarnations of sugar. It reminds me of when I was at Disneyland last weekend (Be jealous) and it was the worse crowds I've ever seen and I was ran over by people and wheelchairs and strollers, oh the strollers, moving at an ants pace grumpily going along. Then it snowed (fake snow mind you) and everyone stopped in their tracks, the best of friends or as Hathaway sings "shake a hand shake a hand". It's what makes the holidays even more fantastic when everyone around is excited with anticipation as well. So here's to what you are excited about this Christmas.



"This Christmas"

Hang all the mistletoe
I'm gonna get to know you better
This Christmas
And as we trim the tree
How much fun it's gonna be together
This Christmas

The fireside is blazing bright (whoa)
We're caroling through the night (whoa)
And this Christmas will be
A very special Christmas for me (whoa)

Ha
Let's go
Woo

Presents and cards are here
My world is filled with cheer and you
This Christmas
And as I look around
Your eyes outshine the town, they do
This Christmas

[Chorus]

Alright, break it down, ha ha ha

Ooh yeah, yeah yeah, alright

Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah
Alright now, right now, now

Fireside, oh, is blazing bright
We're caroling through the night, yeah
And this Christmas will be, oh
A very special Christmas for me yeah
And this Christmas will be
A very special Christmas for me oh oh

Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Merry Christmas, oh yeah
Gonna have a merry Christmas, oh yeah, oh oh
Merry Christmas, oh it will be
Oh, a very very very special Christmas
A very special Christmas (this Christmas)
Alright now, right now, yeah oh
It will be now, oh (this Christmas)
Oh, this will be, this will be, baby
A very special
Have a merry merry Christmas (hey yeah)
And a happy new year
Oh hey, alright, yeah yeah yeah
Merry Christmas
This Christmas
Oh this will be, this will be, baby 

Just remember, they could be us Remember, we all are brothers

Artist- New Kids on the Block
Song of the day- This One's for the Children

Today I want to take you back to my childhood where I have a vivid memory of listening to this cassette tape non stop while playing with my sister's He-Man toys...I'm pretty sure He-Man and Skeletor were putting on a benefit show for some of My Little Ponies at the time, don't get me started on  the Jasmine and Aladdin powerhouse concert of Celine Dion's "Colour of My Love" album I used to put on...I digress. Full of cheese and synth and a child choir, I ate it up. And as an added bonus I am also including their Arsenio Hall holiday performance of "Funky Funky Christmas" so there is proof I wasn't the only kid at the time eating it up. What butt shaking and not shirts under jacket dancing has to do with Christmas I still don't know, but in any case, this one's for the child in all of us.



Funky Funky Christmas



This is a very serious message so all of you please listen.
There are some people living in this world
They have no food to eat
They have no place to go
But we all are god’s children
We’ve got to learn to love one another
Just remember, they could be us
Remember, we all are brothers

I’m not trying to darken up your day
But help others in need
And show them there’s a better way

This one’s for the children
The children of the world
This one’s for the children
May God keep them in his throne

Many people are happy
And many people are sad
Some people have many things
That others can only wish they had
So for the sake of the children
Show them love’s the only way to go
’cause they are tomorrow and people, they’ve got to know

I’m not trying to darken up your day
But help others in need
And show them there’s a better way

This one’s for the children
The children of the world
This one’s for the children
May God keep them in his throne

This one’s for the children
The children of the world
This one’s for the children
May God keep them in his throne

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

Artist- The Civil Wards
Song of the day- O Come O Come Emmanuel


Though this great musical pair are no longer together, let's rejoice today in one of their great holiday creations. Though a celebratory song, this haunting version always gives me the right kind of chills. It has that heir of something ancient and holy but that longing for something great that is universally relatable. And the mood kind of fits cuz it's from the point of view of captivity, of longing for the day we'd be set free, the day the darkness is over, the day division no longer rules the world, that's something to rejoice. So let's do some broody celebrating Civil Wars style.




O come o come emmanuel
And ransom captive israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the son of god appears

Rejoice rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee oh israel

Oh come thou day-spring come and cheer
Our spirits by thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight

Rejoice rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee oh israel

Oh come desire of nations bind
In one the hearts of all mankind
Bid thou our sad divisions cease
And be thyself our king of peace

Rejoice rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee oh israel

Rejoice rejoice
Emmanuel has come
Rejoice rejoice
Emmanuel has come

Rejoice rejoice
Emmanuel has come
He has come
He has come

O come o come emmanuel
And ransom captive israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the son of god appear

Rejoice rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee oh israel

It's that time of year Leave all our hopelessness aside

Artist- Imogen Heap
Song of the day- Just for now

 Today's song I at first did not realize was a holiday song, though it played on "The Holiday" and landed a pretty sweet cover on Kelly Clarkson's Christmas album as well. But listening to the lyrics I realized it sums up a pretty big part of the season, where "just for now" we leave the trouble of the world, all our craziness and hopelessness aside to enjoy each other to enjoy peace and hearth though the bickering and crowds and hustle and bustle, it's difficult and something we have to continuously remind ourselves to come back to which Heap covers perfectly. And also it's insane to watch her first and craft an entire song with just her voice. So just for now, take time to enjoy an artist's amazing holiday creation.



Just for now, just for now, just for now
Just for now, just for now, just for now
It's that time of year
Leave all our hopelessnesses aside
(If just for a little while)
Dear, stop right here
I know we'll follow the bumpy ride
(I'm secretly on your side)
How did you know? It's what I always wanted
Could never have too many of these
Will ya quit kicking me under the table?
I'm trying, will somebody make us shut up about it
Can we settle down please
It's that time of year
Leave all our hopelessnesses aside
(If just for a little while)
Dear, stop right here
I know we'll follow the bumpy ride
(I'm secretly on your side)
Bite tongue, deep breaths
Count to ten, nod your head
I think something is burning now you've ruined the whole thing
Muffle the smoke alarm
Whoever put on this music had better quick, sharp, remove it
Pour me another, oh, don't wag your finger at me
It's that time of year
Leave all our hopelessnesses aside
(If just for a little while)
Dear, stop right here
I know we'll follow the bumpy ride
(I'm secretly on your side)
Get me out of here
Get me out of here
Get me out of here
Just for now

But this Christmas I'm gonna risk it all

Artist- Kelly Clarkson
Song of the day- Wrapped in Red

My favorite Christmas album last year had to be today's artist. We obviously know she's got the pipes to hit those Christmas classics, but her new original holiday anthems were quite enjoyable, my favorite being today's song. It's basically its own holiday rom-com, longing, using the holiday's to make grand gestures, wrapping paper analogies, it has got the works. So for all of you longing for and preparing your own holiday grand gestures, this one's for you.



Everybody's happy
Snow is falling down
Prayers are being answered
Miracles all around

From afar I've loved you
But never let it show
And every year another
December comes and goes

Always watching
Never reaching

But this Christmas
I'm gonna risk it all
This Christmas
I'm not afraid to fall

So I'm at your door with nothing more
Than words I've never said
In all this white, you'll see me like
You've never seen me yeah
Wrapped in red (ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)

Blue is where I've been
Green can't buy me you
Silver bells remind me
That mistletoe's for two

So I found a color
That only tells the truth
That paints a picture
Of how I feel for you

This Christmas
I'm gonna risk it all
This Christmas
I'm not afraid to fall

So I'm at your door with nothing more
Than words I've never said
In all this white, you'll see me like
You've never seen me yeah
Wrapped in red (ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)

I'll never feel you
If I don't tell you

This Christmas
I'm gonna risk it all
This Christmas
I'm not afraid to fall

So I'm at your door with nothing more
Than words I've never said
In all this white, you'll see me like
You've never seen me yeah
Wrapped in red (ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)
Wrapped in red (ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)

A song, a song, high above the trees With a voice as big as the sea

Artist- Idina Menzel
Song of the day- Do you hear what I hear?

Alright kids, it's time to crank it up to full holiday music count down extravaganza and I know just who to take us there.  You may know her as the voice of that famous Disney ice lady, but to me she is the fuel to my Broadway obsession started decades ago when I would spend my friday nights blaring the RENT soundtrack driving around my small Texas town with my friend Paul, singing our faces off....and yes this was our life, clearly the coolest people in town. I've attempted many things to capture Menzel's big voice, perming my hair, buying plastic pants, reciting the entire "over the moon" monologue inappropriately during a Christmas church pageant rehearsal, dyed my skin green and dragged everyone I knew to any form of WICKED i could get my hands on. Though my catalog of bootleg concerts and Broadway VHS tapes have never let me hit that high note, I still might have peed a little when my friend Sean sent me her holiday album. Cuz her voice is a goldmine both musically and now literally. ... But I digress, today's song is one of those true Christmas classics I first heard singing in dusty hymnals at church that make me treasure it all the more now. The excitement people had at what was about to come, that would save them all. That's true Christmas excitement, do you hear it?
If not let Idina Menzel shout it at you while little kids stare in awe.

Said the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Said the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

Look around Leaves are brown There's a patch of snow on the ground

Artist- The Bangles
Song of the day- Hazy Shade of Winter


So I may have forgotten a deep passion I had for today's artist and song till Susanna Hoffs appeared onstage at the Aimee Mann Christmas show, which was pretty much the greatest thing ever. Suddenly memories came flooding back to my first cassette tape I overplayed dancing ecstatically in my room. And sometimes in the hazy shade of winter (or 60 degree rain weather if your California) you need to dance around. So I leave you this retro gem for the week as I do some out of town gallivanting, then it's holiday hard core till Dec 25. Look out and get those cow bells and big hair out, today's song is for you.

p.s. also, this is a Simon and Garfunkel song?! thanks blog research and also how did I miss this with my dad's garfunkel education?..thoughts for another time



Time, time, time
See what's become of me...

Time, time, time
See what's become of me
While I looked around
For my possibilities
I was so hard to please

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Hear the Salvation Army Band
Down by the riverside
It's bound to be a better ride
Than what you've got planned
Carry a cup in your hand

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Hang onto your hopes my friend
That's an easy thing to say
But if your hopes should pass away
Simply pretend
That you can build them again

Look around
Grass is high
Fields are ripe
It's the springtime of my life

Seasons change with their scenery
Weaving time in a tapestry
Won't you stop and remember me

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground

'Cause I can't live loaded and I can't live sober

Artist- Aimee Mann
Song of the day- I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas

One of my favorite holiday traditions of old is Aimee Mann's Christmas show after she started them almost a decade ago. It's been several years since she had one but tonight I get to enjoy her sarcastic fantastic self doing Christmas the only way she can. Though today's song is not on her Christmas album, it is one of my favs and she often still plays it for her holiday show. Though it can be argued that a song about an addict making life goals doesn't scream happy holidays, Everyone needs a Christmas song, and it's pretty catchy. So for all of us cleaning up, setting goals, or helping others get to the best Christmas possible, this one's for you!



I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas
And then, baby, I'm through
Four more weeks that couldn't make any difference
Except maybe to you

But I've tried to use that trick
Like a carrot on a stick
So I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas
Then, baby, I'm through

I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas
And then, baby, I'm done
One less fucker trying to get in the business
Of the prodigal son

Where I know I can't compete
Once I'm off of Hastings Street
So I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas
Then, baby, I'm done

'Cause I can't live loaded and I can't live sober
And I've been this way since the end of October
And I know enough to know
That, baby, when it's over, it's over
And it's over
'Cause, baby, I'm done

I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas
And then call it a day
Tell you I'm sorry that I made you a witness
To my moral decay

And that, once upon a time
I believed it was a victimless crime
I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas
Then call it a day
Then call it a day
Then call it a day

My love a beacon in the night. My words will be your light

Artist- Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles
Song of the Day- Winter Song

I love it when artists write new Christmas songs that are actually good. And I imagine it is quite difficult, it has to sound slightly familiar or classic, have that warm spirit and well there is only so many times holly jolly and other descriptions can be incorporated. And though I don't want them dominating the radio stations and bringing me down, I do appreciate a good melancholy holiday tune. There's a lot of crazy crap going on in the world. A lot of people against other people and sometimes you have to wonder if love is still alive as you long for the arms around you that care. For all those longing arms, this one's for you. Let's liven up some love.



Bum bum bum bum bum bum bum bum
bum bum bum bum bum bum
bum bum bum bum bum bum

This is my winter song to you.
The storm is coming soon,
it rolls in from the sea

My voice; a beacon in the night.
My words will be your light,
to carry you to me.

Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love

They say that things just cannot grow
beneath the winter snow,
or so I have been told.

They say were buried far,
just like a distant star
I simply cannot hold.

Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?

This is my winter song.
December never felt so wrong,
cause you're not where you belong;
inside my arms.

bum bum bum bum bum bum bum bum
bum bum bum bum bum bum
bum bum bum bum bum bum

I still believe in summer days.
The seasons always change
and life will find a way.

Ill be your harvester of light
and send it out tonight
so we can start again.

Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?

This is my winter song.
December never felt so wrong,
cause you're not where you belong;
inside my arms.

This is my winter song to you.
The storm is coming soon
it rolls in from the sea.

My love a beacon in the night.
My words will be your light
to carry you to me.

Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?

Peace on Earth, can it be? Years from now, perhaps we'll see

Artist- Bing Crosby and David Bowie
Song of the day- Drummer Boy / Peace on Earth

So I found through this awkward recorded small talk between two music legends, that I have something in common with David Bowie's son. Drummer Boy, at least when I was growing up, was my favorite Christmas song and my grandmother agreed with me. Pretty much we are exactly like Bing Crosby and David Bowie. One weird, one classy, one in to glam rock the other...well, classy, but both super fans of Christmas. So for all the mixing of generations, of songs, of cookies and quality time, this one's for you and for my grandma I miss just a little bit extra on Christmas.



Come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
A new-born king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum

David: Peace on Earth, can it be
Bing: Come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Years from now, perhaps we'll see
Bing: A new-born king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: See the day of glory
Bing: Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: See the day, when men of good will
Bing: To lay before the king pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Live in peace, live in peace again
Bing: Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Peace on Earth,
Bing: So to honour him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Can it be
Bing: When we come

David & Bing:
Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can

David: I pray my wish will come true
Bing: Little baby pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: For my child and your child too
Bing: I stood beside him there pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: He'll see the day of glory
Bing: I played my drum for him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: See the day when men of good will
Bing: I played my best for him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Live in peace, live in peace again
Bing: Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Peace on Earth,
Bing: And he smiled at me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Can it be
Bing: Me and my drum
David & Bing: Can it be

The room was togged out gorgeous - with mistletoe and shawls

Artist- The Killers
Song of the day- The Cowboy Christmas Ball

Today is #givingtuesday and today's artist have been writing a new holiday song every year to raise money for (RED) working to put an end to AIDS. So in honor of this great tradition and to promote the most excellent of # days I chose today's song, an older Killer's holiday jam, because well I only heard about this grand tradition today and I like Cowboys. So feel free to discover the other grand Killer Christmas anthems of past and present and Give back this Tuesday. You can use the links I provided to find out more or donate to many other great organizations out there. Today I donated to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of my friend and fabulous nurse Fatima Patel. So for all those we remember and honor for today, and for all the giving I hope today brings. This one's for you.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Way out in Old Nevada, where the Truckee's waters flow,
Where the cattle are "a-browzin'" an' the Spanish ponies grow;
Where the Northers "come a-whistlin'" from beyond the Neutral Strip;
And the prairie dogs are sneezin', as if they had "The Grip";
Where the coyotes come a-howlin' 'round the ranches after dark,
And the bluebirds are a-singin' to the lovely "meadow lark";
Where the bighorns are a-grazin' and the lonely plovers call —
It was there that I attended "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball."
(whoo!)

The boys had left the ranches and come to town in piles;
The ladies — "kinda scatterin'" — had gathered in for miles..
The room was togged out gorgeous - with mistletoe and shawls,
And candles flickered frescoes, around the airy walls.
The women folk looked lovely - the boys looked kinda treed,
Till the leader got to yellin': "Hey, fellers, let's stampede!"
And the music started sighin', an' awailin' through the hall
As a kind of introduction to "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball."

Their leader was a feller that came from Swenson's ranch,
They called him "Windy Billy," from "little Deadman's Branch."
His rig was "kinda careless," big spurs and high-heeled boots;
He had the reputation that come when "a fellers shoots."
His voice was like a bugle upon a mountainous height;
His feet were animated an' a mighty, movin' sight,
When he commenced to hollerin', "Now, fellers stake your pen!"
"Lock horns with all them heifers, an' russle 'em like men.
"Salute yer lovely critters; now swing an' let 'em go,
"Climb the grape vine 'round 'em — all hands do-ce-do!
"You Mavericks, join the round-up - Just skip her waterfall,"
Huh! It was gettin' happy, The Cowboys' Christmas Ball

Don't tell me 'bout cotillions, or Germans, no sir'ee!
That whirl at Carson City just takes the cake with me.
I'm sick of lazy shufflin's, of them I've had my fill,
Just Give me a frontier break-down, backed up by Wild Ol' Bill.

McAllister ain't nowhere, when Windy leads the show,
I've seen 'em both in harness, and so I sorta know —
Oh, Bill, I sha'n't forget ya, and I'll oftentimes recall,
That lively gaited soiree — "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball."

Oh, Bill, I sha'n't forget ya, and I'll oftentimes recall,
That lively gaited soiree — "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball."

They're putting up reindeer And singing songs of joy and peace

Artist- Sam Palladio
Song of the day- River

Sure I've posted a version of this song in Christmas blogs of past, but one of the great things about Holiday music is that nobody minds listening to a million different versions as long as it has the same spirit behind it. And we all know how much I like good covers. My sister and I always love finding out every year which artist will come out with a Christmas album. And when I texted my sister a picture of this CD I could hear her jubilant squeal via holiday emojis. Now no matter how ridiculous the drama, the show Nashville was at least smart enough to (mostly) cast phenomenal singers like today's artist, swoon. And when I heard his version of today's song I was swooning all over the place. Sure it's kind of a holiday downer, but this Joni Mitchel classic sung by a Brit playing a country singer, might sound confusing, but really is a breath of fresh air in all of the seasonal hubub. So for all of the seasons swooning and hububing, this one's for you.

It's coming on Christmas,
They're cutting down trees.
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace,
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

But it don't snow here,
Stays pretty green.
I'm gonna make a lot of money
And and then I'm gonna quit this crazy scene.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

I wish I had a river so long,
I would teach my feet to fly.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.
I made my baby cry.

he tried hard to help me,
he put me at ease.
lord,he loved me so naughty,
made me weak in the knees.
Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

I'm so hard to handle,
I'm selfish and I'm sad.
Now I've gone and lost the best baby
That I've ever had.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

I wish I had a river so long,
I would teach my feet to fly.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.
I made my baby say goodbye.

It's coming on Christmas,
They're cutting down trees.
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace,
I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

So if you really love Christmas, C'mon and let it snow

Artist- Billy Mack
Song of the day- Christmas is all around

It's that time of year everybody! When I finally allow myself to listen to Christmas music. And really what better way to bring in the holiday cheer than this ridiculous cover? Full of cheese, forced lyrics and overproduction, sometimes it's just what you need to start your romantic comedy, I mean holiday season. So if you really love Christmas, or Love Actually, or Holiday Music, this one's for you.



I feel it in my fingers,
I feel it in my toes,
Christmas is all around me,
and so the feeling grows

It's written in the wind,
It's everywhere I go,
So if you really love Christmas,
C'mon and let it snow?

You know I love Christmas
I always will
My mind's made up
The way that I feel
There's no beginning
There'll be no end
Cuz on Christmas,
You can depend

You gave your presents to me
And I gave mine to you
I need Santa beside me
In everything I do

You know I love Christmas
I always will
My mind's made up
The way that I feel
There's no beginning
There'll be no end
Cuz on Christmas,
You can depend

Cuz on Christmas,
You can depend

It's written on the wind
It's everywhere I go
So if you really love me
C'mon and let it snow?
C'mon and let it snow?
So if you really love
C'mon and let it
If you really love me
C'mon and let it
Now if you really love me
C'mon and let it snow?

Nothings gonna change my mind, I'm walking a different highway

Artist- The Avett Brothers
Song of the day- Nothing Short of Thankful

Though I rarely spend Thanksgiving back home in Texas, today always makes me miss that down home feeling of the south and family and bad for me foods and all that southern charm that makes me grateful for where I grew up. And as I was listening to Spotify's "Give Thanks" playlist (I highly recommend) today's song grabbed me with that folky delight that is the Avett Brothers, full and thankfulness of a crazy journey of up and downs and missing home. So for everything you are grateful for today, this one's for you.

Hey man (yes)
Do you think we? ll ever get back home?
Well I (guess)
We choose our battles one by one.
How I need (rest)
One more day of travel on the road.
How we? ve been (blessed)
Some times I don? t feel that way.

Nothing? s gonna change my mind,
I? m walkin? a different highway.
Nothing? s gonna change my mind.
I? m travelin? a different line.
Oh, nothing? s gonna change my mind.
You? ll find what you need if you want it.
Nothing? s gonna change my mind.
I? ll find mine.

Brothers (yes)
I know I? m up and down.
Please, try to (accept)
Apologies for the sadness that I? ve found.
The years we? ve (spent)
Nothing short of grateful for our trip.
And those we? ve (met)
Nothing short of thankful.
Nothing? s gonna change my mind,
I? m travelin? a different highway.
Nothing? s gonna change my mind.
I? m walkin? a different line.
Oh, nothing? s gonna change my mind.
You? ll find what you need if you want it.
Nothing? s gonna change my mind.
I? ll find mine.

Boss man said work your way
Put it off for another day
I? m not listening tomorrow may not come
Lazy men find an easy way
Easy work for easy pay
I? m not listening there ain? t no such a thing
Boss man said work your way
Put if off for another day
I? m not listening tomorrow may not come
Lazy men find an easy way
Easy work for easy pay
I? m not listening there ain? t no such a thing as that

Hey man (yo)
Do you think they? re listening
To a thing? (no no no)
I wonder what? s on their mind.
We all should (go)
Break down the walls being built around us.
We? ll make a (show)
Make it for our sons and our daughters.

Nothing? s gonna change my mind,
I? m walkin? a different highway.
Nothing? s gonna change my mind.
I? m travelin? a different line.
Oh, nothing? s gonna change my mind.
You? ll find what you need if you want it.
Nothing? s gonna change my mind.
I? ll find

Don't believe me just watch

Artist- Bruno Mars and  Mark Ronson
Song of the day- Uptown Funk

So I've been having some technical difficulties most of the day so I shall make this short and sweet. I friggin love the holidays. From food, decorations, family time and everything themed, I'm pretty much ecstatic about it's arrival. How excited am I? I think this song sums it up. And since I don't have the funk, style or dance moves of Mr. Mars I'll let him do the talking. So let him help you and me get our celebration on.



This hit
That ice cold
Michelle Pfeiffer
That white gold
This one, for them hood girls
Them good girls
Straight masterpieces
Stylin', while in
Livin' it up in the city
Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent
Gotta kiss myself I'm so pretty

I'm too hot (hot damn)
Called a police and a fireman
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Make a dragon wanna retire, man
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Say my name you know who I am
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Am I bad 'bout that money
Break it down

Girls hit you hallelujah (whuoo)
Girls hit you hallelujah (whuoo)
Girls hit you hallelujah (whuoo)
'Cause Uptown Funk gon' give it to you
'Cause Uptown Funk gon' give it to you
'Cause Uptown Funk gon' give it to you
Saturday night and we in the spot
Don't believe me just watch (come on)

Doh
Doh doh doh, doh doh doh, doh doh (Hah!)

Don't believe me just watch

Doh
Doh doh doh, doh doh doh, doh doh (Hah!)

Don't believe me just watch
Don't believe me just watch
Don't believe me just watch
Don't believe me just watch
Hey, hey, hey, oh!

Stop
Wait a minute
Fill my cup put some liquor in it
Take a sip, sign a check
Julio! Get the stretch!
Ride to Harlem, Hollywood, Jackson, Mississippi
If we show up, we gon' show out
Smoother than a fresh jar o' Skippy

I'm too hot (hot damn)
Called a police and a fireman
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Make a dragon wanna retire, man
I'm too hot (hot damn) (hot damn)
Bitch, say my name you know who I am
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Am I bad 'bout that money
Break it down

Girls hit your hallelujah (whuoo)
Girls hit your hallelujah (whuoo)
Girls hit your hallelujah (whuoo)
'Cause Uptown Funk gon' give it to you
'Cause Uptown Funk gon' give it to you
'Cause Uptown Funk gon' give it to you
Saturday night and we in the spot
Don't believe me just watch (come on)

Doh
Doh doh doh, doh doh doh, doh doh (Hah!)

Don't believe me just watch

Doh
Doh doh doh, doh doh doh, doh doh (Hah!)

Don't believe me just watch
Don't believe me just watch
Don't believe me just watch
Don't believe me just watch
Hey, hey, hey, oh!

Before we leave
I'm a tell y'all a lil' something
Uptown Funk you up, Uptown Funk you up
Uptown Funk you up, Uptown Funk you up
I said Uptown Funk you up, Uptown Funk you up
Uptown Funk you up, Uptown Funk you up

Come on, dance
Jump on it
If you sexy than flaunt it
If you freaky than own it
Don't brag about it, come show me
Come on, dance
Jump on it
If you sexy than flaunt it
Well it's Saturday night and we in the spot
Don't believe me just watch

Doh
Doh doh doh, doh doh doh, doh doh (Hah!)

Don't believe me just watch

Doh
Doh doh doh, doh doh doh, doh doh (Hah!)

Don't believe me just watch
Don't believe me just watch
Don't believe me just watch
Don't believe me just watch
Hey, hey, hey, oh!

Uptown Funk you up, Uptown Funk you up (say whaa?!)
Uptown Funk you up, Uptown Funk you up
Uptown Funk you up, Uptown Funk you up (say whaa?!)
Uptown Funk you up, Uptown Funk you up
Uptown Funk you up, Uptown Funk you up (say whaa?!)
Uptown Funk you up, Uptown Funk you up
Uptown Funk you up, Uptown Funk you up (say whaa?!)
Uptown Funk you up
Aaaaaaow!

Although, although we're apart You're part of my heart

Artist- Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters
Today's song- Tonight you belong to me

So I've come to a horrible realization...are you ready?...Here it is. I don't think I've ever seen the Jerk. I thought I had I swear! I certainly didn't know Bernadette Peters was in it or that this song existed or I would have remedied this ages ago. Thank goodness I stumbled across it today. It's adorable, it makes me kind of giddy, it doesn't take itself to serious and therefore is hilarious at the same time. And we all know how I feel about a ukulele, swoon. But what am I telling you this for? I'm sure you already knew all this. But just in case you forgot here is a little bit of adorableness for your Tuesday. I know what I'll be watching this holiday weekend. Also who's in for learning this duet with me?



I know, I know you belong
To somebody new
But tonight
You belong to me

Although, although we're apart
You're part of my heart
And tonight
You belong to me

Lay down
By the stream
How sweet
It will seem
Once more
Just to dream
In the moonlight

My honey, I know, I know
With the dark
That you will be gone
But tonight
You belong to me

Lay down way down along the stream
How very very sweet it will seem
Once more just to dream
In the silvery moonlight

My honey, I know, I know
With the dark
That you will be gone
But tonight
You belong to me

Just a little old me

For all the things that you're alive to feel

Artist- Paramore  featuring Joy Williams
Song of the day- Hate to see your heart break

I just heard this song for the first time about 5 minutes ago and well, had to share it. I instantly adored those ol' harmonies that made Joy Williams of the Civil Wars famous mixing with the crazy vocalist in her own right Haley WIlliams of Paramore. Having both come from former Christian contemporary music scenes, today's artists have been close friends for decades which really shines bright in this ode to friendship. Beside just being a great throwback groovy tune, I had realized that lately just about every woman in my life has been going through crazy life changing events, whether giving life, making life, fighting for life, or fighting hand in hand for someone close, or just fighting. Basically it's been tough. And today's song celebrates those times in your life that may be the roughest and is probably when we need each other most. So for all of those fighters and givers in my life and yours, this one's for you.



There is not a single word in the whole world
That could describe the hurt
The dullest knife just sawing back and forth
And ripping through the softest skin there ever was

How were you to know?
Oh, how were you to know?

And I, I hate to see your heart break
I hate to see your eyes get darker as they close
But I've been there before
And I, I hate to see your heart break
I hate to see your eyes get darker as they close
But I've been there before

Love happens all the time
To people who aren't kind
And heroes who are blind
Expecting perfect scripted movie scenes
Who wants an awkward silent mystery?

How were you to know?
Well, how were you to know-oh-oh?

And I, I hate to see your heart break
I hate to see your eyes get darker as they close
But I've been there before
And I, I hate to see your heart break
I hate to see your eyes get darker as they close
But I've been there before

For all the air that's in your lungs
For all the joy that is to come
For all the things that you're alive to feel
Just let the pain remind you hearts can heal

Oh, how were you to know? (How were you to know?)
Oh, how were you to know?

And I, I hate to see your heart break
I hate to see your eyes get darker as they close
But I've been there before
And I, I hate to see your heart break
I hate to see your eyes get darker as they close
But I've been there before

I never watch the stars, there’s so much down here

Artist- Lorde
Song of the day- Yellow Flicker Beat

During my air travels i was stopped by the flight attendant while reading "Mockingjay" and was asked how far I was in the book. I snobbishly told him I was merely re-reading it to prepare for the movie, then promptly opened my laptop to watch "catching fire" when the altitude allowed. Now you might ask if I'm embarrassed that my favorite book of all time is Hunger Games? But I would more embarrassley retort on my love of them years before popular opinion and go into commentaries on war and blah blah blah nerd alert stuff. However what is cool as hell is how the latest film got Lorde to "curate" (check out that arty word) the entire soundtrack with other cool ass musicians. And your final question may be how excited am I to see the latest move (TELL ME NOTHING) ? I would cue the street fog and randoms with flashlights and break into an ecstatic red jumpsuit Lorde dance. For all you nerds equally ecstatic, this jams for you.



I’m a princess cut from marble, smoother than a storm.
And the scars that mark my body, they’re silver and gold,
My blood is a flood of rubies, precious stones,
It keeps my veins hot, the fire's found a home in me.
I move through town, I’m quiet like a fight,
And my necklace is of rope, I tie it and untie.

And now people talk to me, but nothing ever hits home
People talk to me, and all the voices just burn holes.
I’m done with it (ooh)

[Chorus:]
This is the start of how it all ends
They used to shout my name, now they whisper it
I’m speeding up and this is the red, orange, yellow flicker beat sparking up my heart
We're at the start, the colours disappear
I never watch the stars, there’s so much down here
So I just try to keep up with the red, orange, yellow flicker beat sparking up my heart

I dream all year, but they’re not the sweet kinds
And the shivers move down my shoulder blades in double time

And now people talk to me, I’m slipping out of reach now
People talk to me, and all their faces blur
But I got my fingers laced together and I made a little prison
And I’m locking up everyone who ever laid a finger on me
I’m done with it (ooh)

[Chorus]

And this is the red, orange, yellow flicker beat sparking up my heart
And this is the red, orange, yellow flicker beat-beat-beat-beat

He'd like to come and meet us But he thinks he'd blow our minds

Artist- David Bowie
Song of the day- Starman

When I was in Chicago I got the most fortunate opportunity for this avid glamrock fan, to see the only U.S. stop on the David Bowie museum exhibition. The only real way I can describe it is, mind blown. It made me want to go back to school and prepare a thesis on the art that is David Bowie....though I guess that is why there is an exhibit about it. And since I can't do it justice or even begin to delve into the crazy genius that is Bowie, I'll begin with today's song. As you turned a corner and this video begins blasting in your museum rented headphones you see the rise of a rockstar come to life. And also seeing this (and every) outfit up close I think I would only ever wear this jumpsuit if someone will just make it for me! One commentary pointed out that when he looks at the camera and points at "you" thousands of "weirdos" across the globe found their icon and realized they weren't alone. They could be whoever or whatever they wanted only imagination was the limit. So to all those thankful that the Starman came and met us and blew our minds, this one's for you.

And for an extra treat below, check out this early mime art piece called "The Mask" that is one of the most clever commentaries I have ever seen. And also never thought I'd say this about anyone...but boy can mime.





Didn't know what time it was and the lights were low
I leaned back on my radio
Some cat was layin' down some rock 'n' roll 'lotta soul,
he said

Then the loud sound did seem to fade
Came back like a slow voice on a wave of phase
That weren't no D.J. that was hazy cosmic jive

[CHORUS]
There's a starman waiting in the sky
He'd like to come and meet us
But he thinks he'd blow our minds
There's a starman waiting in the sky
He's told us not to blow it
Cause he knows it's all worthwhile
He told me:
Let the children lose it
Let the children use it
Let all the children boogie

I had to phone someone so I picked on you
Hey, that's far out so you heard him too!
Switch on the TV
we may pick him up on channel two
Look out your window I can see his light

If we can sparkle he may land tonight
Don't tell your poppa or he'll get us locked up in fright

[CHORUS (x2)]

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

The doors are open, the wind is really blowing The night sky is changing overhead

Artist- Tegan and Sara
Song of the day- Closer

After coming off the high and freezing low (temperature) of visiting old great friends it's hard to face the real world and you are left looking forward to the next time you can be with friends again because the days get a little more adventurous, moments are filled with a little more laughter and the nights are a little more electric. Every time I think of hanging with my best pals today's song pops in my head. Though the thought of a Tegan and Sara dance album filled me with fear and dread of a girls go to emo musicality, I was more than relieved to hear such grand upbeat ditties and concluded that the twins can pretty much do it all. And though partying with those close to you may not always look like a karaoke, fort slumber party with awesome makeovers, PDA and trampolines, the delightful feels in my heart are still the same, even when my toes freeze off due to ridiculous winter vortexes. So for all those closest to you who make your nights electric and days worth looking forward to, this one's for you.



All I want to get is a little bit closer
All I want to know is, can you come a little closer?

Here comes the breath before we get a little bit closer
Here comes the rush before we touch, come a little closer

The doors are open, the wind is really blowing
The night sky is changing overhead

It's not just all physical
I'm the type who won't get oh so critical
So let's make things physical
I won't treat you like you're oh so typical
I won't treat you like you're oh so typical

All you think of lately is getting underneath me
All I dream of lately is how to get you underneath me

Here comes the heat before we meet a little bit closer
Here comes the spark before the dark, come a little closer

The lights are off and the sun is finally setting
The night sky is changing overhead

It's not just all physical
I'm the type who won't get oh so critical
So let's make things physical
I won't treat you like you're oh so typical

I want you close, I want you
I won't treat you like you're typical
I want you close, I want you
I won't treat you like you're typical

Here come the dreams of you and me
Here come the dreams
Here come the dreams of you and me
Here come the dreams

It's not just all physical
I'm the type who won't get oh so critical
So let's make things physical
I won't treat you like you're oh so typical

I want you close, I want you
I won't treat you like you're typical
I want you close, I want you
I won't treat you like you're typical

I won't treat you like you're typical
I won't treat you like you're typical

All I want to get is a little bit closer
All I want to know is, can you come a little closer?

That look that lasts a bit too long

Artist- Ryan Gosling
Song of the day- Wake

Since I shall be out of town and away from blogging for a few days I thought I would leave you with a special treat. Today celebrates the glorious day when God created Ryan Gosling. I really don't need to explain myself more because, well I know you get it. And to add to all the grandiose things that make up Gosling, I found a solo song he wrote years ago. And yes his voice is as pretty as he is with tragic lyrics and longing that are pretty much all the things I fall in love with. Happy Birthday Mr. Gosling, to you and to all of us thankful for you, this one's for you.
t;
That look that lasts a bit too long it's gone
That touch that burns a bit too strong it's gone

Oh no
I think I recognize the song and
Oh no
I think I know just what is wrong

Wake me up when the sad part ends
Wake me up when we were just friends
Wake me up when the hard part's over
Wake me up when my cup aint running over
Babe

That dance that dances out of time
It's sad to say it's mine
That song that sings without a rhyme
It's mine

Oh no
I think I recognize the song and
Oh no
I think I know just what is wrong

Wake me up when the sad part ends
Wake me up when we were just friends
Wake me up when the hard part's over
Wake me up when my cup aint running over
Babe

Forever in debt to your priceless advice

Artist- Asgeir
Song of the day- Heart Shaped Box

I first heard of today's artist from my musical wise friend Norman who told my sister and I if we liked Bon Iver we should check out this guy, only days later my other friend Kate who is too wise to my musical taste told me to check him out, and they were more than right. If this voice was a jewel I believe explorers would spend years in search of this wondrous enigma. I have been hunting to hear it live and keep just missing it, still waiting for our kiss met moment. My desire only grew more when I discovered today's cover fueling not only my love for today's artist but the resurgence of a Nirvana obsession never fully realized. The hunt of both is about to begin. If you feel like going on an exertion with me, this one's for you.



She eyes me like a Pisces when I am weak
I've been locked inside your heart-shaped box for weeks
I've been drawn into your magnet tar-pit trap
I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black

Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Your advice

Meat-eating orchids forgive no one just yet
Cut myself on angel's hair and baby's breath
Broken hymen of your highness I'm left back
Throw down your umbilical noose so I can climb right back

Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Your advice

She eyes me like a Pisces when I am weak
I've been locked inside your heart-shaped box for weeks
I've been drawn into your magnet tar-pit trap
I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black

Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey! Wait!
I've got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice

Your advice [x3]

 

Turn down these voices Inside my head

Artist- Bonnie Raitt
Song of the day- I can't make you love me

Today's song has been covered by so many insanely talented  people from Adele, to Kelly Clarkson, George Michael and those are just the top people that are currently on my youtube page. And in fact I was going to post Bon Iver's most excellent version today but there's just something about the original that breaks my heart in the best way possible. I respect Miss Raitt on so many ridiculous levels and can remember when I was little and she was the first woman guitarist I ever saw and how it blew my mind to think women could be musicians. Today's song however showcases her pipes and I would argue is the greatest song ever written about one sided love, taking writing love songs to a whole other, three dimensional level. Plus, don't get me started on the piano melody, I can just hear those notes and have a healthy cry fest. It is not just a great lyrically written song, but I truly believe no note would need to be sung and you would trigger those exact same emotions with these simple keys. In fact it's probably for the best I can't really play piano or I just might whole myself up with a pint of ice cream, rom coms and this piano solo on repeat....ok I may do that anyway. But if you're in need of a three dimensional burst of emotion, this one's for you.




I Can't Make You Love Me By Bonnie Raitt by kecemot

Turn down the lights
Turn down the bed
Turn down these voices
Inside my head
Lay down with me
Tell me no lies
Just hold me close
Don't patronize
Don't patronize

'Cause I can't make you love me
If you don't
You can't make your heart feel
Something it won't
Here in the dark
In this final hour
I will lay down my heart
And feel the power if you want
No you won't

I'll close my eyes
Then I won't see
The love you don't feel
When you're holding me
Mornin' will come
And I'll do what's right
Just give me till then
To give up this fight
And I will give up this fight

'Cause I can't make you love me
If you don't
You can't make your heart feel
Somethin it won't
Here in the dark
In these final hours
I will lay down my heart
And feel the power if you want
No you won't

'Cause I can't make you love me
No
If you don't
Say you ain't gotta love
You ain't gotta love
You ain't gotta love it
I can't just make you love me
I can't
I can't
I can't
I can't

I tried my best
But you put my heart through the test
I can't make you love me
I tried
I tried to get through to you girl
Can't you see that I'm crying out to you girl
I can't make you love me, OH
If you don't

Living in a rhythm where the minutes working overtime

Artist- Empire of the Sun
Song of the day- Walking on a Dream

Every time I have to wake up at 2am to work I am so plagued with the fear of not being able to sleep and future exhaustion that it haunts my musical subconscious and even when I don't mean to I pick a sleep themed song...and here's where you realize this author worries about sleep about 35% of the time and therefore you will probably hear at least 43% of all the songs ever written concerning sleep and dreaming, lucky you.

Though not meaning to revisit today's most excellent song, it also stirs up a secret passion of mine, just between us and anyone who's celebrated Halloween with me. I love painting my face and or ridiculous costumes for no reason and if I was a musician I would totally pull an Empire of the Sun and wear crazy getups for the hell of it cuz nobody asks questions. Alas I realized that a) the music I can play only sub par is folk and, though groundbreaking, folk artists in full cosplay or painted crazy attire may not be well received, at least at the open mics I've attended, and b) costumes and paint may both scare hospital patients and be unsanitary. Thus I will have to live vicariously through Luke Steele and his electronica and leave my costume desires only for my dreams. To all those walking on their weird dreams, this one's for you.

Walking on a dream
How can I explain
Talking to myself
Will I see again

We are always running for the thrill of it thrill of it
Always pushing up the hill searching for the thrill of it
On and on and on we are calling out and out again
Never looking down I'm just in awe of what's in front of me

Is it real now
When two people become one
I can feel it
When two people become one

Thought I'd never see
The love you found in me
Now it's changing all the time
Living in a rhythm where the minutes working overtime

We are always running for the thrill of it thrill of it
Always pushing up the hill searching for the thrill of it
On and on and on we are calling out and out again
Never looking down I'm just in awe of what's in front of me

Is it real now
When two people become one
I can feel it
When two people become one

Is it real now
When two people become one
I can feel it
When two people become one

Catch me I'm falling down
Catch me I'm falling down

Don't stop just keep going on
I'm your shoulder lean upon
So come on deliver from inside
All we got is tonight that is right 'till first light

Is it real now
When two people become one
I can feel it
When two people become one

Is it real now
When two people become one
I can feel it
When two people become one

I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear

Artist- Eddie Money
Song of the day- Two Tickets to Paradise

I got to spend the day with my dear friend Whitney from Texas driving all around San Fransisco laughing our faces off and taking pictures. As we talked about our past adventures, today's song suddenly popped in my mind and the vision of us with friends at the county fair watching a much older Eddie Money sing today's song in a pajama silk top, half buttoned, shaking the same tambourine. It was one of the more random moments of my life, but filled with the same joy and laughter that comes with great friends you can have fun with anywhere. And plus this song is still being sung almost 4 decades later for a reason, it's a good time. So for all those you can laugh with and the good times to be had, here's two tickets for you.



Got a surprise especially for you
Something that both of us have always wanted to do
We've waited so long, waited so long
We've waited so long, waited so long

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here
I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear
We've waited so long, waited so long
We've waited so long, waited so long

I've got two tickets to paradise
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight
I've got two tickets to paradise
I've got two tickets to paradise

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here
I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear
We've waited so long, waited so long
We've waited so long, waited so long

I've got two tickets to paradise
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight
I've got two tickets to paradise
I've got two tickets to paradise

How long do you want to be loved Is forever enough

Artist- Dixie Chicks
Song of the day- Lullaby

When one of my bestest of friends told me she was pregnant I gave her this sweet song as one of my most favorite of lullabies because I knew it encapsulated what kind of mother she would be and what kind of great love was headed her way. And as one Mr. Reeve just graced us with his presence I realized I forgot to answer his mother's question when she asked me whose song it was...as I played it on my ukulele and wanted to pretend to take full credit for it. So I figured now's the perfect time to let the real musicians sing Mr. Reeve to sleep as his new mom and dad rock him, clueless of all this great love headed his way. To Reeve and to all holding and needing to be held, this one's for you.



They didn't have you where I come from
Never knew the best was yet to come
Life began when I saw your face
And I hear your laugh like a serenade

How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough, is forever enough
How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough
Cause I'm never, never giving you up

I slip in bed when you're asleep
To hold you close and feel your breath on me
Tomorrow there'll be so much to do
So tonight I'll drift in a dream with you

How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough, is forever enough
How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough
Cause I'm never, never giving you up

As you wander through this troubled world
In search of all things beautiful
You can close your eyes when you're miles away
And hear my voice like a serenade

How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough, is forever enough
How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough
Cause I'm never, never giving you up

How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough, is forever enough
How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough
Cause I'm never, never giving you up
Is forever enough
Cause I'm never, never giving you up

I will remember your face 'Cause I am still in love with that place

Artist- Benjamin Francis
Song of the day- Atlas Hands

It was my dear friend Blake's birthday the other day and thinking of him comes hand in hand with missing playing music with him. I had never heard today's song till Blake played it for me on one of the last nights we lived in the same town. It was such a sweet, observant, protective lullaby that was the mirror image of my friend. It was one of the last songs we ever played together and when I missed him and playing music and my other lives far away and gone I would listen to a little recording I kept that my iphone evilly deleted. And though I think Blake's version is the best, if you are missing someones or something you once were, this one's for you.



Take me to the docks, there's a ship without a name there
And it is sailing to the middle of the sea
The water there is deeper than anything you've ever seen
Jump right in and swim until you're free

I will remember your face
'Cause I am still in love with that place
But when the stars are the only things we share
Will you be there?

Money came like rain to your hands while you were waiting
For that cold long promise to appear
People in the churches started singing above their hands
They say, "My God is a good God and He cares"

I will remember your face
'Cause I am still in love with that place
When the stars are the only things we share
Will you be there?

I've got a plan, I've got an atlas in my hands
I'm gonna turn when I listen to the lessons I've learned
I've got a plan, I've got an atlas in my hands
I'm gonna turn when I listen to the lessons I've learned

You're gonna witness all the days

Artist- Zola Jesus
Song of the day- Dangerous Days

I totally did mean to post a song on Halloween but sometimes my day job becomes a night shift and I've decided to blame all you crazy kids out there who had too much fun on all Hallows Eve and ended up in the ER with me, music blogless, to take care of you. So let's get down to real business here and enjoy this new dark jam from Zola Jesus. It doesn't take dudes in scary masks and girls in slutty outfits to scare me these days, in fact I find myself singing this all the time watching the news, going to work, hearing people's stories, these can feel like the darkest of days and makes me want to run to the hills with Zola Jesus and her assortment of capes...though that too seems a bit creepy. And though I can often feel overpowered by the craziness of the world and want to hide defeated in my bed, it's the fight that really matters. Cuz like the song says win or lose it's still dangerous and it's doing nothing that is the real danger. So if you're like me and need a little push out from under the covers, this one's for you.

You're gonna witness all the days,
You never stood to fight for your name,
And I will be there unspoken

Curious,
You never were the one for us,
You never were the one for us,
And then I just lay here open

On the floor, on the ground
On the stairs, on the way
On the floor, on the ground
On the stairs, on the way

It's a dark, dark day
And it's dangerous to go
and listen to what they say
It's a dark, dark day
And it's dangerous to go
and listen to what they say

In the way,
The way you hold yourself straight,
You never were innocent,
And then I just lay here frozen,

Curious,
You never were the one for us,
You never were the one for us,
And then I just lay here open

On the floor, on the ground
On the stairs, on my way
On the floor, on the ground
On the stairs, on the way

It's a dark, dark day
And it's dangerous to go
and listen to what they say
It's a dark, dark day
And it's dangerous to go
and listen to what they say

It's dangerous,
It's dangerous to know,
When it comes, are you gonna throw
Your bite into the game,
Know what's right for your name,
Lose your battle, it's all the same
It's dangerous
It's dangerous

It's a dark, dark day
And it's dangerous to go
And listen to what they say
It's a dark, dark day
And it's dangerous to go
And listen to what they say