The Soundtrack Of My Life

Didn't We Almost Have It All - Whitney Houston

2012-02-18T12:23:00.004-06:00

Artist: Whitney Houston
Song: Didn't We Almost Have It All
Year: 1987
Album: Whitney

Loved listening to Whitney back in the 80s. After the 80s... not so much.

Lyrics:
Remember when we held on in the rain
The night we almost lost it
Once again we can take the night
Into tomorrow living on feelings
Touching you I feel it all again

Didn't we almost have it all
When love was all we had worth giving?
The ride with you was worth the fall my friend
Loving you makes life worth living

Didn't we almost have it all
The nights we held on till the morning
You know you'll never love that way again
Didn't we almost have it all

The way you used to touch me felt so fine
You kept our hearts together down the line
A moment in the soul can last forever
Comfort and keep us
Help me bring the feeling back again

Didn't we almost have it all
When love was all we had worth giving?
The ride with you was worth the fall my friend
Loving you makes life worth living

Didn't we almost have it all
The nights we held on till the morning
You know you'll never love that way again
Didn't we almost have it all

Didn't we have the best of times
When love was young and new
Couldn't we reach inside and find
Find love of me and you, we'll never lose it again
Because once you know what love is
You'll never let it end

Didn't we almost have it all
When love was all we had worth giving?
The ride with you was worth the fall my friend
Loving you makes life worth living

Didn't we almost have it all
The nights we held on till the morning
You know you'll never love that way again
Didn't we almost have it all

Didn't we almost have it all

Going To California - Led Zeppelin

2011-10-08T11:23:00.003-05:00

Artist: Led Zeppelin
Song: Going To California
Year: 1971
Album: Led Zeppelin IV

When a years long relationship ended for reasons that I didn't agree with, I immediately thought of this song and it became my new mantra.

Lyrics:
Spent my days with a woman unkind
Smoked my stuff and drank all my wine.
Made up my mind to make a new start
Going To California with an aching in my heart.
Someone told me there's a girl out there
With love in her eyes and flowers in her hair.
Took my chances on a big jet plane
Never let them tell you that they're all the same.
The sea was red and the sky was grey
Wondered how tomorrow could ever follow today.
The mountains and the canyons started to tremble and shake
As the children of the sun began to awake.

Seems that the wrath of the Gods
Got a punch on the nose and it started to flow;
I think I might be sinking.
Throw me a line if I reach it in time
I'll meet you up there where the path
Runs straight and high.

To find a queen without a king,
They say she plays guitar and cries and sings... la la la
Ride a white mare in the footsteps of dawn
Tryin' to find a woman who's never, never, never been born.
Standing on a hill in my mountain of dreams,
Telling myself it's not as hard, hard, hard as it seems.

More Than You Know - Eddie Vedder

2011-10-07T22:55:00.002-05:00

Artist: Eddie Vedder
Song: More Than You Know
Year: 2011
Album: Ukulele Songs

Eddie Vedder is magical with a ukulele.

Lyrics:
More than you know, more than you know
Lately I find you're on my mind
More than you know

Whether I'm right, whether I'm wrong
I need you so
More than you know, more than you know

Loving you the way that I do
There's nothing I can do about it
And a little bit of love that I get
May be all that you can give
But I can't live without it

Oh how I'd cry, oh how I'd cry
If you got tired and said, "Goodbye"
More than I'd show
More than you'd ever, ever know
More than you know
More than you'd ever, ever know
More than you know

Carry - Tori Amos

2011-09-25T21:31:00.002-05:00

Artist: Tori Amos
Song: Carry
Year: 2011
Album: Night Of Hunters

Tori Amos going full on classical.

Lyrics:
Love, hold my hand
Help me see with the dawn
That those that have left
Are not gone
But they carry on
As stars looking down
As nature's sons
And daughters of the heavens
You will not ever be forgotten by me
In the procession of the mighty stars
Your name is sung and tattooed now on my heart
Here I will carry, carry, carry you

Forever
You have touched my life
So that now
Cathedrals of sound are singing, are singing
The waves have come to walk with you
To where you will live in the land of you,
Land of you
You will not ever be forgotten by me
In the procession of the mighty stars
Your name is sung and tattooed now on my heart
Here I will carry, carry, carry you
Here I will carry, carry, carry you

Forever

Bad Romance - Lady Gaga

2011-06-09T12:15:00.000-05:00

Artist: Lady Gaga
Song: Bad Romance
Year: 2009
Album: The Fame Monster (EP)

Unbelievable catchy. It's inescapable.

Lyrics:
Oh, caught in a bad romance
Oh, caught in a bad romance

Rah, rah, ah, ah, ah
Roma, roma, ma
Gaga, ooh, la, la
Want your bad romance

Rah, rah, ah, ah, ah
Roma, roma, ma
Gaga, ooh la la
Want your bad romance

I want your ugly, I want your disease
I want your everything as long as it's free
I want your love
Love, love, love, I want your love

I want your drama, the touch of your hand
I want your leather studded kiss in the sand
I want your love
Love, love, love, I want your love
(Love, love, love, I want your love)

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want it bad, bad romance

I want your love, and I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your love, and all your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh, caught in a bad romance
Oh, caught in a bad romance

Rah, rah, ah, ah, ah
Roma, roma, ma
Gaga, ooh la la
Want your bad romance

I want your horror, I want your design
'Cause you're a criminal as long as you're mine
I want your love
Love, love, love, I want your love

I want your psycho, your vertical stick
Want you in my rear window, baby, you're sick
I want your love
Love, love, love, I want your love
(Love, love, love, I want your love)

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
('Cause I'm a freak, baby)
I want it bad, bad romance

I want your love, and I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your love, and all your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh, caught in a bad romance
Oh, caught in a bad romance

Rah, rah, ah, ah, ah
Roma, roma, ma
Gaga, ooh la la
Want your bad romance

Rah, rah, ah, ah, ah
Roma, roma, ma
Gaga, ooh la la
Want your bad romance

Walk, walk, fashion, baby
Work it, move that thing, crazy
Walk, walk, fashion, baby
Work it, move that thing, crazy

Walk, walk, fashion, baby
Work it, move that thing, crazy
Walk, walk, passion, baby
Work it, I'm a freak, baby

I want your love, and I want your revenge
I want your love, I don't wanna be friends
J'ai ton amour et je veux ton revenge
J'ai ton amour, I don't wanna be friends

No, I don't wanna be friends
(Oh, caught in a bad romance)
I don't wanna be friends

Want your bad romance
(Oh, caught in a bad romance)
Want your bad romance

I want your love, and I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your love, and all your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Want your bad romance
(Oh, caught in a bad romance)
Want your bad romance
Want your bad romance
(Oh, caught in a bad romance)

Rah, rah, ah, ah, ah
Roma, roma, ma
Gaga, ooh la la
Want your bad romance

Sweet Home Chicago - Robert Johnson

2011-06-08T18:07:00.003-05:00

Artist: Robert Johnson
Song: Sweet Home Chicago
Year: 1936
Album: Sweet Home Chicago (Single)

Robert may not have known exactly where Chicago was, but the legacy of this song more than makes up for it.

Lyrics:
Ooh, baby don't you want to go?
Ooh, baby don't you want to go?
Back to the land of California, to my sweet home Chicago

Ooh, baby don't you want to go?
Ooh, baby don't you want to go?
Back to the land of California, to my sweet home Chicago

Now one and one is two, two and two is four
I'm heavy loaded baby, I'm booked, I gotta go
Cryin' baby, honey don't you want to go?
Back to the land of California, to my sweet home Chicago

Now two and two is four, four and two is six
You gonna keep monkey'in 'round here friend-boy,
you gonna get your business all in a trick
But I'm cryin' baby, honey don't you wanna go
Back to the land of California, to my sweet home Chicago

Now six and two is eight, eight and two is ten
Friend-boy, she trick you one time, she sure gonna do it again
But I'm cryin' hey, baby don't you want to go
To the land of California, to my sweet home Chicago

I'm goin' to California, from there to Des Moines, Iowa'y
Somebody will tell me that you, need my help someday,
cryin', hey hey, baby don't you want to go
Back to the land of California, to my sweet home Chicago

Hot (I Need To Be Loved, Loved, Loved) - James Brown

2011-06-07T16:29:00.005-05:00

Artist: James Brown
Song: Hot (I Need to Be Loved, Loved, Loved, Loved)
Year: 1976
Album: Hot (I Need To Be Loved, Loved, Loved) (Single)

I haven't seen lyrics for this song, so I transcribed them myself. I would say that these are 99% accurate. Some grunts and groans by the Godfather of Soul did not make it into the lyrics. There may be a word or two that was misheard, but that's pretty common with James Brown songs.

Lyrics:
Ow!
This morning I woke up
All in heat
Couldn't find no dry spot
From my head down to my feet
Got gasp an a coughin'
Til my body begin to sweat
Couldn't find no comfort
Torn with hellin' fret
I's start thinkin' about sweet so sexy body
And my body in the field
Couldn't a gets away (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
My body shiver
And the cold sweat make me quit (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Then I need to talk to you (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Then I need to be with you
Then I need to squeeze you (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I need to please ya
Then I need a - yow! (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
So good (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Then I need to take a (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
With the power in my hand
Then I know you been (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Take my testament
Then I make you glad (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
About the time that you were born
Then let you know (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Your sexy body moans
Ahh(Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I need to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I need to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I want to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I need to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I want to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I need to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I want to be loved loved loved loved loved

Make me feel good when you say sweetest man alive
Oooo feel me count one, two, three, four, five

Ahh-heh heh heh ha
A-ha A-heh heh heh
Yeah yow
Oh oh
(Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')

Got gasp an a coughin' (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Til my body begin to sweat
Couldn't find no comfort (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Torn with hellin' fret
Then I's start thinkin' about sweet so sexy body (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
And then my body in the field
Couldn't a gets away (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
My body shiver
And the cold sweat make me quit (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Then I need to talk to you (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Then I need to be with you (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
(Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')

Woo
(Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
(Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Woo (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Oh

Then I need to take a
Power in my hand
Then I know you been
Take my testament
Then I make you glad
About the time that you were born
Make a cold sweat
Make your body moan

(Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Ah (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Woo (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')

I need to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I want to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I need to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I want to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I got to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I want to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I want to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I need to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
Got to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I want to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')
I need to be loved loved loved loved loved (Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme your lovin')

Sheela Na Gig - PJ Harvey

2011-06-06T17:38:00.002-05:00

Artist: PJ Harvey
Song: Sheela Na Gig
Year: 1992
Album: Dry

Vintage Polly Jean.

Lyrics:
I've been trying to show you over and over
Look at these my child-bearing hips
Look at these my ruby red ruby lips
Look at these my work strong arms and
You've got to see my bottle full of charm
I lay it all at your feet
You turn around and say back to me

He said
Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
You exhibitionist
Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
You exhibitionist

Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
*Just like the first time he said he didn't care
Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
Heard it before, no more
Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
Turn the corner another one there
Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
Heard it before

He said
Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
You exhibitionist
Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
You exhibitionist

Put money in your idle hole
Put money in your idle hole

Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
Just like the first time he said he didn't care
Gonna wash that man right out of my hair
Heard it before, no more
Gonna take my hips to a man who cares
Turn the corner another one there
Gonna take my hips to a man who cares
Heard it before

He said
Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
You exhibitionist
Sheela-na-gig, sheela-na-gig
You exhibitionist

Put money in your idle hole
Put money in your idle hole

He said "wash your breasts, I don't want to be unclean"
He said "please take those dirty pillows away from me"

He said "wash your breasts, I don't want to be unclean"
He said "please take those dirty pillows away from me"

He said "wash your breasts, I don't want to be unclean"
He said "please take those dirty pillows away from me"

He said "wash your breasts, I don't want to be unclean"
He said "please take those dirty pillows away from me"

Hit It Run - Run DMC

2011-06-05T16:14:00.002-05:00

Artist: Run DMC
Song: Hit It Run
Year: 1986
Album: Raising Hell

Run DMC performing on Soul Train. Classic!

Lyrics:
Born to rock around the clock
You can't say I'm not
And in case you forgot
I'm the KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING, of ROCK!!

I'm the devestating mic controller D.M.C.
And can't nobody mess around with me
I'm the king of rock, rap, and a rhyme
I deal what I feel and it feels fine
If the girl's ?? chase then I will play
around with sound put down for the rhymes I say
Beats flow from Joe and never stop
Better get yourself together let's rock, HIT IT RUN!

You, jump, watch you clock, while I rock your spot
I'm better known to the world as the King of Rock
I like to speak my piece when I'm on the mic
I'm the best, or at least, I'm the one you like
And when I serve you deserve to hear what I say
I throw a curve he got the nerve to make a triple play
Now how devestating can an MC be?
My name is Darryl, but you can call me D, HIT IT RUN!

It's called, gangsta hard rock, non-stop hip-hop
And it's headed for the top by the rhymes I pop
For every race place color country county or creed
and all of the places that I emceed
B-Boy badness to the highest degree
And it can't b-a-boy unless you be D
You can't bust a cherry or crush a grape
and if you ain't got this tape you're in bad shape
Beats flow from Joe and never stop
Better get yourself together, let's ROCK!

Do.. you.. really believe what's going on
I was conceived and I was born
I once was lost but now I'm found
Tell your bunch I'm boss I run this town
I leave all suckers, in the dust
Those dumb motherfuckers can't mess with us
Beats flow from Joe and never stop
Better get yourself together, let's rock, HIT IT RUN!

I.. was.. straight from the start performing art
Climbin' up the chart while others fall apart
The three outlaws in the music trade
We won't rob but our job is to get paid
Cause Run has fun if Jay will play
As I add one more rhyme to say
Now how devastating can an MC be?
My name is Darryl, but you can call me D, HIT IT RUN!

I was born
son of Byford, brother of AL
Bad as my mamma and Run's my pal
It's McDaniels, not McDonald's
These rhymes are Darryl's, the burgers are RONALD'S
I ran down, my family tree
My mother, my father, my brother and D
Run-D.M.C. and JAM MASTER JAY

Love Sick - Bob Dylan

2011-06-04T15:54:00.002-05:00

Artist: Bob Dylan
Song: Love Sick
Year: 1997
Album: Time Out Of Mind

Same setup, but no Soy Bomb in this performance.

Lyrics:
I'm walkin' through streets that are dead
Walkin', walkin' with you in my head
My feet are so tired
My brain is so wired
And the clouds are weepin'.

Did I hear someone tell a lie?
Did I hear someone's distant cry?
I spoke like a child
You destroyed me with a smile
While I was sleepin'.

I'm sick of love that I'm in the thick of it
This kind of love, I'm so sick of it.

I see, I see lovers in the meadow
I see, I see silhouettes in the window
I'll watch them 'til they're gone
And they leave me hangin' on
To a shadow.

I'm sick of love, I hear the clock tick
This kind of love, ah, I'm love sick.

Sometimes the silence can be like thunder
Sometimes I wanna take to the road and plunder
Could you ever be true
I think of you
And I wonder.

I'm sick of love, I wish I'd never met you
I'm sick of love, I'm tryin' to forget you.

Just don't know what to do
I'd give anything to
Be with you.

Krank - KMFDM

2011-06-03T13:25:00.002-05:00

Artist: KMFDM
Song: Krank
Year: 2011
Album: WTF?!

More KMFDM is never a bad thing. The sound is in line with the band's most commercial releases.

Lyrics:
Hit rock-bottom
End of the line
Outhouse of life
Where the sun don’t shine
Down and out
Straddling demise
Get a grip on yourself
Pick up and rise

Top of the world
Designed to destruct
With wings unfurled
Sky-high and fucked
Out of the true
Crash and burn or slow down and subdue
Live and learn

Achtung! Here we come
With another motherfucking dirty bomb
Krank! - Krank it to 11
Kein Mehrheit Für Die Mitleid 24/7
Once again rings true what we always knew
KMFDM is the drug for you

Freedom is a loaded shotgun

Krank!
Kein Mitleid Für Die Mehrheit

Computer Age - Neil Young

2011-06-02T15:13:00.001-05:00

Artist: Neil Young
Song: Computer Age
Year: 1982
Album: Trans

Experimental Neil Young is always worth a listen. I have a lot of respect for this album considering that it was made as a way for Neil to communicate with his son who was born with cerebral palsy and could not speak.

Sonic Youth covered this song in the late eighties.

Lyrics:
Cars and trucks
Fly by me on the corner
But I'm all right
Standin' proud
before the signal
When I see the light
I know I'm more
than just a number.
And I stand before you
Or else we
just don't see the other
Computer age computer age
Computer age.

Bikes and vans
Fly by me on the desert
But I'm all right
Standing out here
in the hot sun
When I see the light
I feel like
more than just a number
And I stand before you
Or else we
just don't see the other
Computer age computer age
Computer age.

Precious metal lines
Molded into highways
Running through me
So microscopically
Days and nights
Weeks and months and seasons
Rolling through me
So chronologically.
Computer age computer age
Computer age.

I need you
To let me know
that there's a heartbeat
Let it pound and pound
And I'll be
flying like a free bird
And you need me
Like ugly needs a mirror
And day by day
This horizon's getting clearer
Computer age computer age
Computer age.

White And Nerdy - "Weird Al" Yankovic

2011-06-01T14:51:00.002-05:00

Artist: "Weird Al" Yankovic
Song: White & Nerdy
Year: 2006
Album: Straight Outta Lynwood

Weird Al makes me appreciate songs that would rarely be in my playlist. I don't think the original Chamillionaire song will ever make my rotation, but I like it more after hearing Al's parody version.

Lyrics:
hey see me mowin'
My front lawn
I know they're all thinking
I'm so White N' nerdy

Think I'm just too white n' nerdy
Think I'm just too white n' nerdy
Can't you see I'm white n' nerdy
Look at me I'm white n' nerdy!
I wanna roll with-
The gangsters
But so far they all think
I'm too white n' nerdy
Think I'm just too white n' nerdy
Think I'm just too white n' nerdy
I'm just too white n' nerdy
Really, really white n' nerdy

First in my class here at M.I.T.
Got skills, I'm a Champion of DND
MC Escher that's my favorite MC
Keep your 40
I'll just have an Earl Grey tea
My rims never spin to the contrary
You'll find they're quite stationary
All of my action figures are cherry
Steven Hawkings in my library
My MySpace page is all totally pimped out
I got people begging for my top 8 spaces
Yo I know Pi to a thousand places
Ain't got no grills but I still wear braces
I order all of my sandwiches with mayonnaise
I'm a whiz at minesweeper I can play for days
Once you see my sweet moves you're gonna stay amazed,
my fingers movin' so fast I'll set the place ablaze
There's no killer app I haven't run
At Pascal, well, I'm number 1
Do vector calculus just for fun
I ain't got a gat but I gotta soldering gun
Happy days is my favourite theme song
I can sure kick your butt in a game of ping pong
I'll ace any trivia quiz you bring on
I'm fluent in Java Script as well as Klingon

They see me roll on, my Segway!
I know in my heart they think I'm
white n' nerdy!
Think I'm just too white n' nerdy
Think I'm just too white n' nerdy
Can't you see I'm white n' nerdy
Look at me I'm white n' nerdy
I'd like to roll with-
The gangsters
Although it's apparent I'm too
White n' nerdy
Think I'm just too white n' nerdy
I'm just too white n' nerdy
How'd I get so white n' nerdy?

I've been browsing, inspectin'
X-men comics you know I collect 'em
The pens in my pocket
I must protect 'em
my ergonomic keyboard never leaves me bored
Shopping online for deals on some writable media
I edit Wikipedia
I memorized Holy Grail really well
I can recite it right now and have you ROTFLOL
I got a business doing websites
When my friends need some code who do they call?
I do HTML for them all
Even made a homepage for my dog!
Yo! Got myself a fanny pack
they were having a sale down at the GAP
Spend my nights with a roll of bubble wrap
POP POP! Hope no one sees me gettin' freaky!

I'm nerdy in the extreme and whiter than sour creme
I was in AV club and Glee club and even the chess team!
Only question I ever thought was hard
Was do I like Kirk or do I like Picard?
I spend every weekend
at the renaissance fair
I got my name on my under wear!

They see me strollin'
They laughin'
And rollin' their eyes 'cause
I'm so white n' nerdy
Just because I'm white n' nerdy
Just because I'm white n' nerdy
All because I'm white n' nerdy
Holy cow I'm white n' nerdy
I wanna bowl with-
the gangsters
but oh well it's obvious I'm
white n' nerdy
Think I'm just too white n' nerdy
Think I'm just too white n' nerdy
I'm just too white n' nerdy
Look at me I'm white n' nerdy!

Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars

2011-05-31T14:39:00.000-05:00

Artist: Bruno Mars
Song: Just The Way You Are
Year: 2010
Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans

Bruno's performance on SNL changed the way I thought about him as an artist.

Lyrics:
Oh, her eyes, her eyes make the stars look like they're not shinin'
Her hair, her hair falls perfectly without her tryin'
She's so beautiful
And I tell her everyday

Yeah, I know, I know when I compliment her, she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look okay?
I say

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are

And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
'Cause girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are

Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she'd let me
Her laugh her laugh, she hates but I think it's so sexy
She's so beautiful
And I tell her everyday

Oh, you know, you know, you know I'd never ask you to change
If perfect's what you're searching for, then just stay the same
So don't even bother asking if you look okay
You know I'll say

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are

And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
'Cause girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are

The way you are
The way you are
Girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are

And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
'Cause girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are, yeah

Four Sticks - Led Zeppelin

2011-05-30T12:27:00.002-05:00

Artist: Led Zeppelin
Song: Four Sticks
Year: 1971
Album: Led Zeppelin IV

John Bonham was frustrated with the sound of the drums on this song, so he grabbed a second pair of drumsticks and recorded a take using "four sticks". The take was perfect and was the one used on the song.

Lyrics:
Oh, baby, it's cryin' time, oh, baby, I've got to fly
Got to try to find a way, got to try to get away
'cause you know, I gotta get away from you, babe

Oh, baby, the river's red, aw, baby, in my head
There's a funny feeling goin' on
I don't think I can hold out long

And when the owls cry in the night
Oh, baby, baby, when the pines begin to cry
Baby, baby, baby, how do you feel
If the rivers run dry, baby, how would you feel

Craze, baby, mm, the rainbow's end
Hoo, baby, it's just a den for those who hide
a-hide their loves to depths of lies
and ruined dreams that we all knew so, babe

And when the owls cry in the night
And, baby, when the pines begin to cry
Oh, baby, baby, how do you feel
If the rivers run dry, baby, how will you feel

Ah-ahh, ah-ah-ahh-ay
Ahh-ahh-ahh, ah-ah, ah-ah
Ahh-ah-ah-ahh, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah
Baby, how do you feel

Oh, yeah, brave I endure
Woo, yeah, strong shields and lore
N-they can't hold the wrath of those who walk
in the boots of those who march
baby, through the roads of time so long ago

Ooh-ooh-ooh, yeah, ooh-ooh-oooh, ooh-ooh-oooh-ooh-ooh, yeah
Ah-ah-ah-ha-ah-haa, ah-ah-ah-ah-ahh, ah-ha-ah-ay
Ah-he-ah-haa, ay-ay-ayy-e-ay-ah
Ooh-ooh, hoo-ooh, ooh-ooh, hoo-ooh, oooh-ahh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Holy Wars... The Punishment Due - Megadeth

2011-05-29T14:18:00.002-05:00

Artist: Megadeth
Song: Holy Wars... The Punishment Due
Year: 1990
Album: Rust In Peace

One of the fan favorites from a very underrated album.

Lyrics:
Brother will kill brother
Spilling blood across the land
Killing for religion
Something I don't understand

Fools like me, who cross the sea
And come to foreign lands
Ask the sheep, for their beliefs
Do you kill on God's command?

A country that's divided
Surely will not stand
My past erased, no more disgrace
No foolish naive stand

The end is near, it's crystal clear
Part of the master plan
Don't look now to Israel
It might be your homeland

Holy wars

Upon my podium, as the
Know it all scholar
Down in my seat of judgement
Gavel's bang, uphold the law
Up on my soapbox, a leader
Out to change the world
Down in my pulpit as the holier
Than-thou-could-be-messenger of God

Wage the war on organized crime
Sneak attacks, repel down the rocks
Behind the lines
Some people risk to employ me
Some people live to destroy me
Either way they die. they die

They killed my wife and my baby,
With hopes to enslave me
First mistake... last mistake
Paid by the alliance, to slay all the giants
Next mistake... no more mistakes!

Fill the cracks in, with judicial granite
Because I don't say it, don't mean I ain't thinkin' it
Next thing you know, they'll take my thoughts away
I know what I said, now I must scream of the overdose
And the lack of mercy killings
mercy killings
mercy killings
killings!!
killings!!
killings!!
next thing you know
they'll take my thoughts away!

Lovin' Every Minute Of It - Loverboy

2011-05-28T12:01:00.000-05:00

Artist: Loverboy
Song: Lovin' Every Minute Of It
Year: 1985
Album: Lovin' Every Minute Of It

Would a band care so much that a cover band is badly playing one of their hits, that they march over to the small venue with a mob and play a different song? Apparently so. I think that's a safety violation with that many people in the elevator. A typical over-the-top escalating mob scene eighties video with groan inducing humor thrown in.

Lyrics:
I'm not man or machine
I'm just something in between
(Whoa-oa-whoa-oh-whoa)
I'm all love, a dynamo
So push the button and let me go
(Whoa-oa-whoa-oh-whoa)
You want me to come alive
Just flick the switch into overdrive
You and me can let it be
Ready-Aim-Fire

Touch that dial - Turn me on
Start me like a motor, make me run
Lovin' every minute of it
Lovin' every minute of it
Turn that dial all the way
Shoot me like a rocket into space
Lovin' every minute of it
Lovin' every minute of it
Lovin' every minute of it C'mon

I got fun, you want some
I'm ever ready, Dr. Love
(Whoa-oa-whoa-oh-whoa)
I'm antenna, aerial
I'm tunin' in I'm outta control
(Whoa-oa-whoa-oh-whoa)
You got love, you got a deal
You wanna drive then take the wheel
You and me can let it be
Ready-Aim-Fire

Touch that dial - Turn me on
Start me like a motor, make me run
Lovin' every minute of it
Lovin' every minute of it
Turn that dial all the way
Shoot me like a rocket into space
Lovin' every minute of it
Lovin' every minute of it
Lovin' every minute of it Alright

Oh, You want me to come alive
Just flick the switch into overdrive
You and me can let it be
Ready-Aim-Fire

Touch that dial - Turn me on
Start me like a motor, make me run
Lovin' every minute of it
Lovin' every minute of it
Turn that dial all the way
Shoot me like a rocket into space
Lovin' every minute of it
Lovin' every minute of it
Lovin' every minute of it
Lovin' every minute of it

C'mon and Touch that dial - Turn me on
Start me like a motor, make me run
Turn that dial all the way
Shoot me like a rocket into space
Lovin' every minute of it (Ow-ow-ow!)
Lovin' every minute of it

Whoa-oa-whoa-oh-whoa

Hard Sun - Eddie Vedder

2011-05-27T11:48:00.002-05:00

Artist: Eddie Vedder
Song: Hard Sun
Year: 2007
Album: Into The Wild

This Indio cover was a hit for Eddie Vedder.

Lyrics:
When I walk beside her
I am the better man
When I look to leave her
I always stagger back again

Once I built an ivory tower
So I could worship from above
When I climb down to be set free
She took me in again

There's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

When she comes to greet me
She is mercy at my feet
And I, I see her inner charm
She just throws it back at me

Once I dug an early grave
To find a better land
She just smiled and laughed at me
And took her rules back again

There's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

Oh, there's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

When I go to cross that river
She is comfort by my side
When I try to understand
She just opens up her hands

There's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

Once I stood to lose her
When I saw what I had done
Bowed down and threw away the hours
Of her garden and her sun

So I tried to warn her
I turned to see her weep
Forty days and forty nights
And it's still coming down on me

There's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

Oh, there's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

Oh, there's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

Oh, there's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

There's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

Oh, there's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

There's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

There's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

There's a big
A big hard sun
Beating on the big people
In a big hard world

Open The Door, Richard! - Louis Jordan

2011-05-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

Artist: Louis Jordan
Song: Open The Door, Richard!
Year: 1946
Album: Open The Door, Richard! (Single)

Lyrics:
Open the door, Richard
Open the door and let me in
Open the door, Richard
Richard, why don't you open that door

I met old Zeke standin' on the corner the other day
That cat sure was booted with the liquor
(He was what?)
He was abnoxicated
(He was what?)
He was inebriated
(He was what?)
Well, he was just plain drunk
(Well, alright then!)

He was sure salty with the bartender
The bartender's tryin to make him by another drink
Zeke told the bartender, "There ain't no need of me buyin' no
drinks when everyone else is buyin them. I'm goin' to drink to
everybody's health, till I ruin my own"

Open the door, Richard!
Why don't he know who he's throwin' outta that joint?
Why I'll go back in that joint and take a short stick and bust
it down to the ground!
Open the door, Richard!
But I hate to be caught out on the street like this cause it makes you look common
And I know I ain't common cause I got class I ain't never used yet
But I guess I better get on in the house 'cause I don't want
my Pastor to catch me out like this
Open the door, Richard!

Now look at that old woman across the street
Done stuck her head outta the window callin' her sister
Look at her and her sister sayin, "Ain't that him, ain't that him?"
Yes, it's me! And I'm drunk again!
Open the door, Richard!

I know he's in there 'cause I got on the clothes
They can't throw him out 'cause I owe just as much back rent here as he
does
Imagine that old woman chargin' us three dollars a month and gettin'
mad cause we twelve months in the arears
Come meetin' me last Thursday sayin, "Ain't you boys goin to give
me some back rent?"
I told her she'd be lucky if she got some front rent
Open the door, Richard!

Hey Richard, open the door!
'Cause I'm standin' here scratchin' in my pants pocket
And standin' here gropin' in my coat pocket
And standin' here feelin' in my shirt pocket
And I can't find the key
Hey open the door, Richard!

Open the door, Richard
Open the door and let me in
Open the door, Richard
Richard, why don't you open that door
Open the door, Richard

Cathy's Clown - Everly Brothers

2011-05-25T04:13:00.002-05:00

Artist: Everly Brothers
Song: Cathy's Clown
Year: 1960
Album: Cathy's Clown (Single)

This appeared as a single in 1960, before being released on the album A Date with The Everly Brothers in 1961.

Lyrics:
Don't want your love any more
Don't want your kisses, that's for sure
I die each time I hear this sound
Here he comes, that's Cathy's clown

I've got to stand tall, you know a man can't crawl
For when he knows you're telling lies
And he hears them passing by
He's not a man at all

Don't want your love any more
Don't want your kisses, that's for sure
I die each time I hear this sound
Here he comes, that's Cathy's clown

When you see me shed a tear
And you know that it's sincere
Don't you think it's kind of sad, that you're treating me so bad?
Or don't you even care?

Don't want your love any more
Don't want your kisses , that's for sure
I die each time I hear this sound
Here he comes, that's Cathy's clown
That's Cathy's clown, that's Cathy's clown

Angry Chair - Alice In Chains

2011-05-24T11:00:00.002-05:00

Artist: Alice In Chains
Song: Angry Chair
Year: 1992
Album: Dirt

One of the few songs written entirely by Layne Staley.

Lyrics:
Sitting on an angry chair
Angry walls that steal the air

Stomach hurts and I don't care
What do I see across the way, hey
See myself molded in clay, oh
Stares at me, yeah I'm afraid, hey
Changing the shape of his face, aw yeah

Candles red I have a pair
Shadows dancing everywhere
Burning on the angry chair

Little boy made a mistake, hey
Pink cloud has now turned to gray, oh
All that I want is to play, hey
Get on your knees, time to pray, oh

I don't mind, yeah
I don't mind, I-I-I
Lost my mind, yeah
But I don't mind, I-I-I
Can't find it anywhere
But I don't mind, I-I-I

Corporate prison, we stay, hey
I'm a dull boy, work all day, oh
So I'm strung out anyway, hey

Loneliness is not a phase
Field of pain is where I graze
Serenity is far away

Saw my reflection and cried, hey
So little hope that I died, oh
Feed me your lies, open wide, hey
Weight of my heart, not the size, oh

I don't mind, yeah
I don't mind, I-I-I
Lost my mind, yeah
But I don't mind, I-I-I
Can't find it anywhere
But I don't mind, I-I-I

Pink cloud has now turned to gray
All that I want is to play
Get on your knees time to pray, boy

Dumb Blonde - Dolly Parton

2011-05-23T08:13:00.000-05:00

Artist: Dolly Parton
Song: Dumb Blonde
Year: 1967
Album: Hello, I'm Dolly

Dolly's first hit song. The start of a great career.

Lyrics:
Don't try to cry your way out of this
Don't try to lie or I'll catch you in it
Don't try to make me feel sorry for you
Just because I'm blonde
Don't think I'm dumb
Cause this dumb blonde ain't nobody's fool

When you left you thought I'd sit
An' you thought I'd wait
An' you thought I'd cry
You called me a dumb blonde
Ah, but somehow I lived through it
And you know if there's one thing this blonde has learned
Blondes have more fun

You flew too high up off the ground
It's stormy wheater an' had to come back down
But I've found new thread for my old spool
Just because I'm blonde
Don't think I'm dumb
Cause this dumb blonde ain't nobody's fool

When you left you thought I'd sit
An' you thought I'd wait
An' you thought I'd cry
You called me a dumb blonde
Ah, but somehow I lived through it
And you know if there's one thing this blonde has learned
Blondes have more fun

You flew too high up off the ground
It's stormy wheater an' had to come back down
But I've found new thread for my old spool
Just because I'm blonde
Don't think I'm dumb
Cause this dumb blonde ain't nobody's fool

Blow My Fuse - Kix

2011-05-22T13:02:00.001-05:00

Artist: Kix
Song: Blow My Fuse
Year: 1988
Album: Blow My Fuse

More 80s innuendo from metal bands.

Lyrics:
Shut up
Do it

Come on start a fire
In my electric chair
Baby cross my wires
Light up my hair
Overload my circuits
let me feel the juice
make me an offer
that I can't refuse

Blow my fuse
(Hey hey)You got nothing to lose
Blow my fuse
I need a good shot
I can't give it to you
On electric cruise
Blow my fuse
You light my light I'll light you

Baby shake my tower
Get it while it's hot
Baby feel my power
Fifty thousand watts
Come on feel the voltage
Light thick and through
From the whites of my eyeballs
To the souls of my shoes

Blow my fuse
(Hey hey)You got nothing to lose
Blow my fuse
I need a good shot
I can't give it to you
On electric cruise
Blow my fuse

Hot wired
Get fired
Ooo baby watch it glow
Give me action
Satisfaction
Babe I'm ready for an overload

Plug me in like electric light
It's a rock and roll show tonight

Blow my fuse
(Hey hey)You got nothing to lose
Blow my fuse
I need a good shot
I can't give it to you
Blow my fuse
(Hey hey)You got nothing to lose
Blow my fuse
I need a hot spark
I can't give it to you
Blow my fuse
Got nothing to lose
Blow my fuse
Can't give it to you
Blow my fuse
Got nothing to lose
Blow my fuse
Can't give it to you
Blow my fuse

Lick It Up - KISS

2011-05-21T14:49:00.000-05:00

Artist: KISS
Song: Lick It Up
Year: 1983
Album: Lick It Up

More really deep lyrics from KISS.

Lyrics:
Yeah, yeah

Don't wanna wait 'til you know me better
Let's just be glad for the time together
Life's such a treat and it's time you taste it
There ain't a reason on earth to waste it
It ain't a crime to be good to yourself

Lick it up, lick it up, (o-o-oooh) it's only right now
Lick it up, lick it up, (o-o-oooh) whoo yeah
Lick it up, lick it up, (o-o-oooh) come on, come on
Lick it up, lick it up (o-o-oooh)

Ooh!

Don't need to wait for an invitation
You gotta live like you're on vacation
There's something sweet you can't buy with money - lick it up (whoa), lick it up
It's all you need, so believe me honey
It ain't a crime to be good to yourself

Lick it up, lick it up, (o-o-oooh) it's only right now
Lick it up, lick it up, (o-o-oooh) ooh yeah
Lick it up, lick it up, (o-o-oooh) come on, come on
Lick it up, lick it up (o-o-oooh)

Come on - it's only right now (it's only right now)
Ooh yeah (ooh yeah) ooh yeah (ooh yeah)
Yeah, yeah!

Whoa.........................

Whoa!

Lick it up, lick it up, (o-o-oooh) it's only right now
Lick it up, lick it up, (o-o-oooh) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
Lick it up, lick it up, (o-o-oooh) come on, come on
Lick it up, lick it up (o-o-oooh) whoa
Lick it up, lick it up, (o-o-oooh) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
Lick it up, lick it up, (o-o-oooh) come on, come on

In Dreams - Roy Orbison

2011-05-20T14:43:00.002-05:00

Artist: Roy Orbison
Song: In Dreams
Year: 1963
Album: In Dreams

This song was used to great effect in the movie Blue Velvet.

Lyrics:
A candy-colored clown they call the sandman
Tiptoes to my room every night
And just to sprinkle stardust and to whisper
Go to sleep, everything is all right

I close my eyes, then I drift away
Into the magic night, I softly say
A silent prayer like dreamers do
Then I fall asleep to dream
My dreams of you

In dreams I walk with you
In dreams I talk to you
In dreams you're mine all of the time
We're together in dreams
In dreams

But just before the dawn
I awake and find you gone
I can't help it, I can't help it, if I cry
I remember that you said goodbye

It's too bad that all these things
Can only happen in my dreams
Only in dreams
In beautiful dreams

She's Got It All - Kenny Chesney

2011-05-19T12:27:00.000-05:00

Artist: Kenny Chesney
Song: She's Got It All
Year: 1997
Album: I Will Stand

Country has gone pop. There really isn't much "true" country music anymore. In an age where throwaway bubblegum pop is disguised as country music (I'm looking at you, Taylor Swift), very few artists sound like anything close to what country music actually is. I blame the popularity of Garth Brooks as the main reason for this downturn.

Most artists think that if they put a steel guitar and a fiddle in a song and speak with a southern accent, that they have made a country song. It's not that simple, so many of today's "country" artists throw on a cowboy hat and wear boots to try to fool people into buying into the new country standard. There's nothing wrong with the music, it's just not country, in my opinion.

Kenny Chesney is one of the few artists that actually seems to respect the history of country. His music is still pop, but it does retain some of the hallmarks of what made country music great in the past. That's pretty good, in an era where disposable music is all the rage in this genre.

Lyrics:
She’s got every quality
From A all the way to Z
It’s easy to see she’s the perfect girl

She’s got every single thing
That makes up my wildest dreams
Somtimes I still can’t quite believe she’s holding me 'cause

She’s got it all my heart my soul my wishes
All of my love my hugs my kisses
Everything that means anything at all
All of my life I spent hopin’
I could give someone such devotion
Every sweet memory I can recall
She got it all

You know that I admitt
That someone to love like this
Only existed in my prayer
Until I saw her face
I knew I found the place
Where I could keep every faith eternally 'cause

She’s got it all my heart my soul my wishes
All of my love my hugs my kisses
Everything that means anything at all
All of my life I spent hopin’
I could give someone such devotion
Every sweet memory I can recall
She got it all

All of my life iI spent hopin'
I could give someone such devotion
Every sweet memory I can recall

All of my heart my soul my wishes
All of my love my hugs my kisses
Every sweet memory I can recall
She got it all

I Should Have Known - Foo Fighters

2011-05-18T14:13:00.000-05:00

Artist: Foo Fighters
Song: I Should Have Known
Year: 2011
Album: Wasting Light

This marks the first time that ex-Nirvana bassist Krist Novaselic has appeared as a guest on a Foo Fighters song.

Lyrics:
I should have known that it would end this way
I should have known there was no other way
Didn't hear your warning
Damn my heart gone there

I should have known
Look at the shape you're in
I should have known
But I don't write in
One thing is for certain
As I'm standing here
I should have known

Lay your hands in mine
Heal me one last time
Though I cannot forgive you yet
No I cannot forgive you yet
To leave my heart in debt

I should have known
I was inside of you
I should have known
There was that side of you
Came without a warning
Caught me unaware
I should have known
I've been here before
I should have known
Don't want it anymore
One thing is for certain
I'm still standing here
I should have known

Lay your hands in mine
Heal me one last time
Though I cannot forgive you yet
No I cannot forgive you yet
To leave my heart in debt

No I cannot forgive you yet
No I cannot forgive you yet
To leave my heart in debt
I should have known

Maybe you was right
Didn't want a fight
I should have known
Couldn't see the signs
Couldn't run a lie
I should have known

Though I cannot forgive you yet
No I cannot forgive you yet
To leave my heart in debt
Though I cannot forgive you yet
No I cannot forgive you yet
To leave my heart in debt
No I cannot forgive you yet
No I cannot forgive you yet
To leave my heart in debt
I should have known

Let There Be More Light - Pink Floyd

2011-05-17T13:51:00.003-05:00

Artist: Pink Floyd
Song: Let There Be More Light
Year: 1968
Album: Saucerful Of Secrets

Saucerful Of Secrets was the first Pink Floyd album I picked up on CD. It was a blind buy, as I was only familiar with the popular radio hits of the group at this point. As soon as I heard this coming out of the speakers, I was hooked.

Lyrics:
Far, far, far away - way
People heard him say - say
I will find a way - way
There will come a day - day
Something will be done.

Then at last the mighty ship
Descending on a point of flame
Made contact with the human race
at Mildenhall

Now, now, now is the time - time
Time to be - be - be aware

Carter's father saw him there and
Knew the road revealed to him
The living soul of of Hereward the Wake
Oh, my, something in my eye - eye
Something in the sky - sky
Waiting there for me

The outer lock rolled slowly back
The service men were heard to sigh
For there revealed in glowing robes
Was Lucy in the sky

Oh - oh - did you ever know - know
Never ever will they
I cannot say

Something in his cosmic art
And glowing slightly from his toes
His psychic emanations flowed

Raspberry Swirl - Tori Amos

2011-02-27T02:41:00.003-06:00

Artist: Tori Amos
Song: Raspberry Swirl
Year: 1998
Album: From The Choirgirl Hotel

Raspberry Swirl is about Amos' past relationship with a female friend and was written in response to the men in her relationships.

Lyrics:
Huh-huh-huh, let's go.
I am not your senorita. I am not from your tribe.
In the gard- in the garden? I did no crime.
I am not your senorita. I am not from your tribe.
If you want inside her, well, boy you better make her raspberry swirl.

Things are getting dear desperate when all the boys can't be men.
Everybody knows I'm her friend, everybody knows I'm her man...
Things are getting dear desperate when all the boys can't be men.
Everybody knows I'm her friend, everybody knows I'm her man...

Huh-huh-huh, let's go.
I am not your senorita. I don't aim so high.
In my heart- in my heart? I did no crime.
If you want inside her, well, boy you better make her raspberry swirl.
Ra-a-a-a-aspberry swirl, mmm let's go.
Ra-a-a-a-aspberry swirl (swirl).

Things are getting dear desperate when all the boys can't be men.
Everybody knows I'm her friend, everybody knows I'm her man...
Things are getting dear desperate, when all the boys can't be men.
Everybody knows I'm her friend, everybody knows I'm her man...
Things are getting dear desperate when all the boys can't be men.
Everybody knows I'm her friend, everybody knows I'm her man...

Uh, hey. Ra-a-a-a-aspberry swirl, uh let's go.
Ra-a-a-a-aspberry swirl, you go inside her world.
(And she swirls.)
Yes let's go, ra-a-aspberry swirl, let's go.
(And she swirls, and she swirls again.)
Ra-a-a-a-aspberry swirl.
(And she swirls, and she swirls, and she swirls again.)
Uh, uh, yes.
(And she swirls, and she swirls, and she swirls again.)
(And she swirls, and she swirls, she swirls, and she swirls)
Uh, uh yeah, uh yeah, uh yeah, uh mmm...

Codex - Radiohead

2011-02-22T01:42:00.003-06:00

Artist: Radiohead
Song: Codex
Year: 2011
Album: The King Of Limbs

Brand new Radiohead to digest.

Lyrics:

Sleight of hand
Jump off the end
Into a clear lake
No one around
Just dragonflies
Flying to our side
No one gets hurt
You’ve done nothing wrong

Slide your hand
Jump off the end
The water’s clear
And innocent

The water’s clear
And innocent

Fuck You - Cee Lo Green

2011-02-09T00:14:00.004-06:00

Artist: Cee Lo Green
Song: Fuck You
Year: 2010
Album: The Lady Killer

This song dug into my brain.

Lyrics:
I see you drivin' 'round town with the girl I love
And I'm like, "Fuck you!"
I guess the change in my pocket wasn't enough
I'm like, "Fuck you and fuck her, too!"

Said if I was richer, I'd still be with you
Hah, now ain't that some shit?
(Ain't that some shit?)
And although there's pain in my chest, I still wish you the best
With a fuck you

Now look here, I'm sorry I can't afford a Ferrari
But that don't mean I can't get you there
I guess she's an Xbox and I'm more Atari
But the way you play your game ain't fair

I pity the fool that falls in love with you
Oops, she's a gold digger, just thought you should know, nigga
Well, I've got some news for you
Yeah, go on and run tell your little boyfriend

I see you drivin' 'round town with the girl I love
And I'm like, "Fuck you!"
I guess the change in my pocket wasn't enough
I'm like, "Fuck you and fuck her, too!"

Said if I was richer, I'd still be with you
Hah, now ain't that some shit?
(Ain't that some shit?)
And although there's pain in my chest, I still wish you the best
With a fuck you

Now I know that I had to borrow
Beg and steal and lie and cheat
Tryin' to keep ya, tryin' to please ya
'Cause bein' in love with your ass ain't cheap, no

I pity the fool that falls in love with you
Oops, she's a gold digger, just thought you should know, nigga
Well, I've got some news for you
Ooh, I really hate your ass right now

I see you drivin' 'round town with the girl I love
And I'm like, "Fuck you!"
I guess the change in my pocket wasn't enough
I'm like, "Fuck you and fuck her, too!"

Said if I was richer, I'd still be with you
Hah, now ain't that some shit?
(Ain't that some shit?)
And although there's pain in my chest, I still wish you the best
With a fuck you

Now baby, baby, baby
Why you wanna, wanna hurt me so bad?
(So bad, so bad, so bad)
I tried to tell my mama
But she told me, "This is one for your dad"
(Your dad, your dad, your dad)
(Yes, she did)

And I was like, uh
Why?
Why?
Why, baby?

I love you
I still love you, oh

I see you drivin' 'round town with the girl I love
Fuck you!
I guess the change in my pocket wasn't enough
I'm like, "Fuck you and fuck her, too!"

Said if I was richer I'd still be with you
Hah, now ain't that some shit?
(Ain't that some shit?)
And although there's pain in my chest, I still wish you the best
With a fuck you

Rock Bottom - UFO

2010-09-29T06:03:00.003-05:00

Artist: UFO
Song: Rock Bottom
Year: 1974
Album: Phenomenon

Blues based space rock.

Lyrics:
Seventeen, and nature's queen
Oh you know what I mean
Twenty one, I know that you can
See the numbers run
Now you look so peaceful
Lyin' there asleep
With the wings of god above you
Before the spirits meet

Rock bottom, rock bottom, rock bottom
Rock bottom, rock bottom, rock bottom

Shadow earth is closin' in
Above the lamps in your street
Lucifer goes walkin'
Down for you to meet
Minutes pass so slowly by
The hands on your clock
Heaven's don't just open
When you can knock

Rock bottom, rock bottom, rock bottom
Rock bottom, rock bottom, rock bottom

Wall of darkness closin' in
Will the light reveal your soul
Just one sweet kiss
On your clay cold lips
Long, long sleep you'll never know
Where do we go, where do we go
Where do we go from here

Seventeen, and nature's queen
Oh you know what I mean
Twenty one, I know that you can
See the numbers run
Now you look so peaceful
Lyin' there asleep
With the wings of god above you
Before the spirits meet

Rock bottom, rock bottom, rock bottom
Rock bottom, rock bottom, rock bottom

Three Days - Jane's Addiction

2010-09-28T05:55:00.000-05:00

Artist: Jane's Addiction
Song: Three Days
Year: 1990
Album: Ritual de lo Habitual

This is a three part song that meditates on death and rebirth.

Lyrics:
Three days was the morning.
My focus three days old.
My head, it landed
To the sounds of cricket bows...

I am proud man anyway...
Covered now by three days...

Three ways was the morning.
Three lovers, in three ways.
We knew when she landed,
Three days she'd stay.

I am a proud man anyway...
Covered now by three days...

We saw shadows of the morning light
the shadows of the evening sun
till the shadows and the light were one.

Shadows of the morning light
the shadows of the evening sun
till the shadows and the light were one...

True hunting is over.
No herds to follow.
Without game, men prey on each other.
The family weakens by the bite we swallow...

True leaders gone,
Of land and people.
We choose no kin but adopted strangers.
The family weakens by the length we travel...

All of us with wings...
All of us with wings...
All of us with wings!
All of us with wings!
All of us with wings!
All of us with wings!

Erotic Jesus lays with his Marys.
Loves his Marys.
Bits of puzzle,
Fitting each other.

All now with wings!

Oh my Marys!
Never wonder...
Night is shelter
For nudity's shiver...

All now with wings...

Girl You Know It's True - Milli Vanilli

2010-09-27T05:42:00.002-05:00

Artist: Milli Vanilli
Song: Girl You Know It's True
Year: 1989
Album: Girl You Know It's True

Unfairly crucified artists who got caught in the corporate machine of late eighties bubblegum pop.

Lyrics:
"So what are you doing back?"
"Well, I set back and thought about the things we used to do.
It really meant a lot to me, you mean a lot to me."
"I really mean that much to you?"
"Girl, you know it's true."

I'm in love with you girl 'cause you're on my mind,
you're the one I think about most every time.
And when you crack a smile in everything you do
don't you understand girl this love is true.
You're so sickin' hand, lone sweetin' thing,
that ? like poison up on your skin.
It lightens up my day and that's also true,
together we are one, separated we are two.
To make it all mine, all mine is my desire,
cause you contain a quality, you that I admire.
To put it playin' simple, you rule my world,
so try to understand:

I'm in love girl, I'm so in love girl,
I'm just in love girl, and this is true.

Girl you know it's true,
uh uh uh, I love you.
Yes you know it's true,
uh uh uh, I love you.

Girl you know it's true,
my love - is for you.
Girl you know it's true,
my love - is for you.

This sizzling thing girl, I can't explain,
my emotions starts up when I hear your name.
Maybe a sweet, sweet voice would ring in my ear,
it stimulate my senses, girl when you are near.
And with your positive emotion love making enjoy,
there's no need to bust, it's like a girl and a boy.
These feelings I keep, I often wondering why,
so I thought I might discuss this girl, just you and I.

Now what you wear, I don't care,
how ? before, the reason that I like a girl is for what you are.
If I sit and think about it, you rule my world,
so try to understand:

I'm in love girl, I'm so in love girl,
I'm just in love girl, and this is true.

Girl you know it's true,
uh uh uh, I love you.
Yes you know it's true,
uh uh uh, I love you.

Girl you know it's true,
my love - is for you.

I'm in love with you girl, I'm in love with you girl
I'm in love with you, I'm in love with you, I'm in love with you.

Girl you know it's true,
my love - is for you.
Girl you know it's true,
uh uh uh, I love you.
Yes you know it's true,
uh uh uh, I love you.

Last Caress - The Misfits

2010-09-26T05:35:00.000-05:00

Artist: The Misfits
Song: Last Caress
Year: 1980
Album: Beware EP

Metallica has nothing on the original version. A punked up fifties style rocker.

Lyrics:
I got something to say
I killed your baby today
And it doesnt matter much to me
As long as its dead

Well I got something to say
I raped your mother today
And it doesnt matter much to me
As long as she spread

Sweet lovely death
I am waiting for your breath
Come sweet death, one last caress

Go

Sweet lovely death
I am waiting for your breath
Come sweet death, one last caress

Well, I got something to say
I killed your baby today
And it doesnt matter much to me
As long as its dead

Sweet lovely death
I am waiting for your breath
Come sweet death
One last caress

One last caress, sweet death
One last caress, sweet death

Oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh

In My Defence - Freddie Mercury

2010-09-25T05:20:00.003-05:00

Artist: Freddie Mercury
Song: In My Defence
Year: 1992
Album: The Great Pretender

Originally recorded in 1986, this was first issued as a single in 1992.

Lyrics:
In my defence what is there to say
All the mistakes we made must be faced today
It's not easy now knowing where to start
While the world we love tears itself apart

I'm just a singer with a song
How can I try to right the wrong
For just a singer with a melody
I'm caught in between
With a fading dream

In my defence what is there to say
We destroy the love - it's our way
We never listen enough never face the truth
Then like a passing song
Love is here and then it's gone

I'm just a singer with a song
How can I try to right the wrong
For just a singer with a melody
I'm caught in between
With a fading dream

I'm just a singer with a song
How can I try to right the wrong
I'm just a singer with a melody
I'm caught in between with a fading dream
Caught in between with a fading dream
Caught in between with a fading dream

Oh what on earth
Oh what on earth
How do I try
Do we live or die

Oh help me God
Please help me

Same Ol' Story - Cyndi Lauper

2010-09-24T05:12:00.001-05:00

Artist: Cyndi Lauper
Song: Same Ol' Story
Year: 2008
Album: Brink Ya To The Brink

Cyndi Lauper turns into a dance floor diva.

Lyrics:
People slippin' in the rain
I watch them get up again
It makes me feel like I can too
Hey hey ya

Just when I get off the ground
Your back tryin' to put me down
Like some simpleton you can use
Hey

Well It's the same old fucking story
With your two different sets of rules
The same old fucking story
One for me two for you
It's the same old fucking story
It's the same old fucking story all around yeah

Still some glory in my eyes
Much to everyone's surprise
After everything you put me through
Yeah well
Friends tell me you've been around
Big fish in a big ol' town
Gobble up all in one fair swoop yeah

Well It's the same old fucking story
With your two different sets of rules
The same old fucking story
One for me and two for you
It's the same old fucking story
It's the same old fucking story all around yeah

Still got my feet on tie to the beat yeah
Still got my feet on tie to the beat yeah
Still got my feet on tie to the beat yeah
Still got my feet on tie to the beat yeah

Still some glory in my eyes
Much to everyone's surprise
After everything you put me through
Yeah well
Friends tell me you've been around
Big fish in a big ol' town
Gobble up all in one fair swoop yeah

Well It's the same old fucking story
With your two different sets of rules
The same old fucking story
One for me and two for you
It's the same old fucking story
It's the same old fucking story all around yeah

It's the same fucking story know damn well it's true
Same ol same ol same ol same ol same ol

It's the same old fucking story
With your two different sets of rules
Well it's the same old fucking story
And you damn well it's true
It's the same old fucking story well
Well it's the same old fucking story all around yeah

This Charming Man - The Smiths

2010-09-23T04:49:00.002-05:00

Artist: The Smiths
Song: This Charming Man
Year: 1983
Album: This Charming Man (single)

An early MTV staple with a jangling guitar.

Lyrics:
A punctured bicycle
On a hillside desolate
Will nature make a man of me yet ?

When in this charming car
This charming man

Why pamper life's complexity
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

I would go out tonight
But I haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said "It's gruesome that someone so handsome should care"

A jumped up pantry boy
Who never knew his place
He said "return the ring"
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things

I would go out tonight
But I haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said "It's gruesome that someone so handsome should care"
Na, na-na, na-na, na-na, this charming man ...
Na, na-na, na-na, na-na, this charming man ...

A jumped up pantry boy
Who never knew his place
He said "return the ring"
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things

Gonna See My Friend - Pearl Jam

2010-02-22T01:27:00.002-06:00

Artist: Pearl Jam
Song: Gonna See My Friend
Year: 2009
Album: Backspacer

A great rocker, which is infectious!

Lyrics:
Do you wanna hear something sick?
We are but victims of desire
I'm gonna shake this thing
I wanna shake this pain before I retire

I’m gonna see my friend, I'm gonna see my friend
Make it go away
I’m sick of everything, gonna see my friend
Make it go away

Buona Sera, won’t be long before we
All walk off the wire
I’m gonna see my friend,.. I'm gonna see my friend
for what I require

Buona sera, cut my quick
Don’t’ want my flame to get no higher.

I'm gonna see my friend, I'm gonna see my friend, make it go away
I'm sick of everything, I'm gonna see my friend, make it go away
I'm gonna see my friend, I'm gonna see my friend, make it go away

Wanna leave it all
Wanna give it up
Wanna see it, gone once & for all

Wanna feel withdrawal
Want an overhaul
Wanna be there, hard as a statue
Black as a tattoo, never to wash away

Gonna take me an astral plane
I'm gonna tunnel through denial
I’m gonna shake this thing
I wanna shake this pain 'for I retire

I'm gonna see my friend, I'm gonna see my friend, make it go away
I'm sick of everything, I'm gonna see my friend, make it go away
I'm gonna see my friend, I'm gonna see my friend, make it go away

Use Somebody - Kings Of Leon

2010-02-21T02:12:00.002-06:00

Artist: Kings Of Leon
Song: Use Somebody
Year: 2008
Album: Only By The Night

This song is everywhere! Even Dreams covers it (very well, I might add) in their Chicago area concerts.

I apologize for my long absence from this blog. Many other things took priority, in the past year and I didn't find enough time to do these posts to the high standards I set for myself. Instead of a daily post, it will become a "whenever the mood strikes me" posting schedule. There may be a story attached to it. There may not be. There will be lyrics and youtube embedding (when possible) and some type of writing.

Most of the comments on this blog lately have been foreign spam. I do not tolerate comment spam of any kind. I do appreciate all the people who have commented with an actual opinion or statement. Thank you for that.

Lyrics:
I've been roaming around, I was looking down at all I see
Painted faces fill the places I can't reach
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody

Someone like you and all you know and how you speak
Countless lovers under cover of the street
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you

Off in the night while you live it up I'm off to sleep
Waging wars to shake the poet and the beat
I hope it's gonna make you notice
I hope it's gonna make you notice

Someone like me, someone like me
Someone like me, somebody

I'm ready now, I'm ready now
I'm ready now, I'm ready now
I'm ready now, I'm ready now
I'm ready now

Someone like you, somebody
Someone like you, somebody
Someone like you, somebody

I've been roaming around, I was looking down at all I see

Rainy Day People - Gordon Lightfoot

2009-04-28T00:09:00.004-05:00

Artist: Gordon Lightfoot
Song: Rainy Day People
Year: 1975
Album: Cold On The Shoulder

It's a rainy day in Chicago, so I thought of this song.

Lyrics:
Rainy day people always seem to know when it's time to call
Rainy day people don't talk, they just listen till they've heard it all
Rainy day lovers don't lie when they tell 'ya they've been down like you
Rainy day people don't mind if you're cryin' a tear or two

If you get lonely, all you really need is that rainy day love
Rainy day people all know there's no sorrow they can't rise above
Rainy day lovers don't love any others, that would not be kind
Rainy day people all know how it hangs on a piece of mind

Rainy day lovers don't lie when they tell you, they've been down there too
Rainy day people don't mind if you're cryin' a tear or two.

Rainy day people always seem to know when you're feeling blue
High stepping strutters who land in the gutters sometimes need one too
Take it or leave it, or try to believe it
If you've been down too long

Rainy day lovers don't hide love inside they just pass it on
Rainy day lovers don't hide love inside they just pass it on

ABC - Jackson 5

2009-04-25T00:08:00.002-05:00

Artist: Jackson 5
Song: ABC
Year: 1970
Album: ABC

I used to listen to this song when I was very young. I also watched the cartoon and I was sucked into the Michael Jackon mania surrounding Thriller, but not to the degree of some people. I was a fan, but not a fanatic. It didn't bother me that the Jacksons would not record together. I didn't want to know if Rosie was based on Michael's real pet snake.

I just enjoyed the songs and watched the cartoon, when I could find it. The cartoon disappeared. The music was left off of playlists and largely forgotten because of other issues that we won't go into here. Then, like with everything else, there was a ressurgence. I started seeing the songs in movies and there seemed to be a genuine interest in the songs again.

As an adult, I'm sad to say that I had dismissed most of the music as being childish. It largely is, but it's got a catchy beat. I didn't start having respect for this song again, until I saw it used in Clerks 2. That cinched it for me. This was going back into the collection.

Sometimes, it takes a different context to truly appreciate a song. I'm glad Kevin Smith decided to use it in the rooftop dancing scene. It turned out to be the perfect choice. It's dancy and fun.

Lyrics:
A buh-buh buh buh-buh
A buh-buh buh buh-buh
You went to school to learn girl!
Things you never ever knew before
Like "I" before "E" except after "C"!
And why two plus two makes four!
Now, now, now,
I'm gonna teach you,
All about love girl,
sit yourself down,
take a seat!
All you gotta do is repeat after me!
A, B, C!
It's easy as
One, two, three, as simple as
Do, re, mi, A, B, C, one, two, three!
Baby you and me girl!
It's easy as
One, two, three, as simple as
Do, re, mi, A, B, C, one, two, three!
Baby you and me girl!
Come on girl and love me just a little bit!
I'm gonna teach you how to sing it out!
Come on, come on, come on!
Let me tell you what it's all about!
Reading, writing, arithmatic
are the branches of the learning tree!
But without the roots of love everyday girl!
Your education ain't complete!
Teacher's gonna show you!
How to get an "A"!
How to spell "me", "you", add the two!
Listen to me baby thats all you got to do!
A, B, C,
It's easy as
One, two, three!
as simple as
Do, re, mi, A, B, C, one, two, three!
Baby you and me girl!
A, B, C, it's easy,
it's like counting up to three!
Singing simple melodies!
That's how easy love can be!
That's how easy love can be!
That's how easy love can be!
One, two, three, you and me!
Sit down girl, I think I love ya!
No, get up girl, show me what you can do!
Shake it, shake it baby, come on now!
Shake it, shake it baby, oooh, oooh!
Shake it, shake it baby, yeah!
One, two, three, baby, oooh, oooh!
A, B, C, baby, ah, ah!
Do, re, mi, baby, wow!
Thats how easy love can be!
A, B, C, it's easy,
it's like counting up to three!
Singing simple melodies!
That's how easy love can be!
Teacher's gonna teach you
how to sing it out,
cmon cmon cmon let me show you
all about it now
A, B, C, it's easy,
it's like counting up to three!
Singing simple melodies!
That's how easy love can be!
Teacher's gonna teach you
how to sing it out,
cmon cmon cmon let me show you
all about it now
A, B, C, it's easy,
it's like counting up to three!
Singing simple melodies!
That's how easy love can be!
Teacher's gonna teach you
how to sing it out,
sing it out, sing it, sing it sing it
A, B, C, it's easy,
it's like counting up to three!
Singing simple melodies!
That's how easy love can be!

Gin And Juice - Snoop Doggy Dogg

2009-04-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Artist: Snoop Doggy Dogg
Song: Gin & Juice
Year: 1993
Album: Doggystyle

I'll admit it. I've seen Snoop live. He was pretty good too. I saw him on the 1997 Lollapalooza tour. I like all kinds of music and this just happens to be one of them. I really liked the debut album from Snoop. It's been hit or miss ever since, but the debut was solid.

Since then, Snoop has tried to clean up his image somewhat. You are more likely to see him on a movie set today rather than the streets. As with most performers, image is everything. That's what got him into the limelight and shying away from it made him stay there.

I had a job at K-Mart doing overnight stocking in 1994 and 1995. We were left to our own devices and we got to choose the music that we listened to during the night. It was much better than listening to the K-Mart radio network all night long.

I worked with a woman named Sherri, who loved rap music. Whenever I would stroll past her section with Snoop on my cassette player, I'd always get the thumbs up. I usually mixed in all the genres on the tapes because occasionally we would be able to play them on the portable radios. I really learned to appreciate all kinds of music on that job.

Lyrics:
*man pissing*
Heah hah hah!
I'm serious nigga one of y'all niggaz got this ass motherfuckin up
Aiy baby, aiy baby... aiy baby get some bubblegum in this motherfucker
Steady long, steady long nigga

With so much drama in the L-B-C
It's kinda hard bein Snoop D-O-double-G
But I, somehow, some way
Keep comin up with funky ass shit like every single day
May I, kick a little something for the G's (yeah)
and, make a few ends as (yeah!) I breeze, through
Two in the mornin and the party's still jumpin
cause my momma ain't home
I got bitches in the living room gettin it on
and, they ain't leavin til six in the mornin (six in the mornin)
So what you wanna do, sheeeit
I got a pocket full of rubbers and my homeboys do too
So turn off the lights and close the doors
But (but what) we don't love them hoes, yeah!
So we gonna smoke a ounce to this
G's up, hoes down, while you motherfuckers bounce to this

Rollin down the street, smokin indo, sippin on gin and juice
Laid back [with my mind on my money and my money on my mind]
Rollin down the street, smokin indo, sippin on gin and juice
Laid back [with my mind on my money and my money on my mind]

Now, that, I got me some Seagram's gin
Everybody got they cups, but they ain't chipped in
Now this types of shit, happens all the time
You got to get yours but fool I gotta get mine
Everything is fine when you listenin to the D-O-G
I got the cultivating music that be captivating he
who listens, to the words that I speak
As I take me a drink to the middle of the street
and get to mackin to this bitch named Sadie (Sadie?)
She used to be the homeboy's lady (Oh, that bitch)
Eighty degrees, when I tell that bitch please
Raise up off these N-U-T's, cause you gets none of these
At ease, as I mob with the Dogg Pound, feel the breeze
beeeitch, I'm just

Rollin down the street, smokin indo, sippin on gin and juice
Laid back [with my mind on my money and my money on my mind]

Later on that day
My homey Dr. Dre came through with a gang of Tanqueray
And a fat ass J, of some bubonic chronic that made me choke
Shit, this ain't no joke
I had to back up off of it and sit my cup down
Tanqueray and chronic, yeah I'm fucked up now
But it ain't no stoppin, I'm still poppin
Dre got some bitches from the city of Compton
To serve me, not with a cherry on top
Cause when I bust my nut, I'm raisin up off the cot
Don't get upset girl, that's just how it goes
I don't love you hoes, I'm out the do'
And I'll be

Rollin down the street, smokin indo, sippin on gin and juice
Laid back [with my mind on my money and my money on my mind]
Rollin down the street, smokin indo, sippin on gin and juice (beeotch!!)
Laid back [with my mind on my money and my money on my mind]
Rollin down the street, smokin indo, sippin on gin and juice (beeotch!!)
Laid back [with my mind on my money and my money on my mind]

Shame - Stabbing Westward

2009-04-23T23:22:00.003-05:00

Artist: Stabbing Westward
Song: Shame
Year: 1996
Album: Wither Blister Burn & Peel

I used to love this song, back in 1996. I still like it now, but it a disappointment to me. The song is still the same. I'm still the same. The lyrics have changed.

Let me explain. I thought that this was a bold song because of one line in the lyrics. It turns out that I misheard the line. I found out the real line and it was still good, but it wasn't as good as i originally perceived it to be.

The line, "How can I exist without you" is the line in question. Until I looked up the lyrics, I thought the line was, "How can I have sex without you". I thought that was a bold statement and I liked the song more because of it. Like everything great, there was some flaw with that logic.

It's still a good song, but it missed a chance at greatness. At least the greatness envisioned in my head.

Lyrics:
If only see myself reflected in your eyes
So all that I believe I am essentially are lies
And everything I've hoped to be or ever thought I was
Died with your belief in me so who that hell am I?

I don't know if I am real without you
What is left of me without you?
I don't know whats real without you
How can I exist without you?

I'm wanderin' 'round confused
Wondering why I try
The more that you deny my pain
The more it intensifies...
I pray for someone to ache for me the way I ache for you...
If you ignore that I'm alive
I've nothing to cling to

I don't know if I am real without you
What is left of me without you?
I don't know whats real without you
How can I exist without you?

I stare into this mirror
So tired of this life
If only you would speak to me or care if I'm alive
Once I swore I would die for you
But I never meant like this
I never meant like this
no i never meant like this

I don't know if I am real without you
What is left of me without you?
I don't know whats real without you
How can I exist without you?

Fearless - Pink Floyd

2009-04-22T23:35:00.002-05:00

Artist: Pink Floyd
Song: Fearless
Year: 1971
Album: Meddle

A quick entry today. This song has been running through my brain lately. I never thought much of the song, when I was a teenager. But running the iPod while I'm busy at the computer has had some awesome benefits. Some songs actually improve, when you don't know they are coming.

This is a song where I was torn away from my computer work because I wondered what this song actually was. It sounded like Pink Floyd, but I couldn't recall what exactly. It turns out that it was "Fearless" popping up on shuffle. I try to preview all the newer songs that I hear this way. I can test my true nature about a song without the preconceived notions about it. I've found some great lost songs that way.

Lyrics:
You say the hill's too steep to climb
Climb it.
You say you'd like to see me try
Climbing.

You pick the place and I'll choose the time
And I'll climb
That hill in my own way.
Just wait a while for the right day.
And as I rise above the tree lines and the clouds
I look down, hearing the sound of the things you've said today.

Fearlessly the idiot faced the crowd
Smiling.
Merciless the magistrate turns 'round
Frowning.

And who's the fool who wears the crown?
And go down,
in your own way
And every day is the right day
And as you rise above the fear-lines in his brow
You look down, hearing the sound of the faces in the crowd.

Rock Of Ages - Def Leppard

2009-04-21T19:08:00.004-05:00

Artist: Def Leppard
Song: Rock Of Ages
Year: 1983
Album: Pyromania

I spent a good deal of my youth trying to figure out what was said at the beginning of this song. It turns out that the phrase is utter nonsense and is actually said in place of a 1, 2, 3, 4 count. So much for the mysteries of the ages.

This was my first real exposure to Def Leppard. And it was a good one. It was because of this song that I sought out more music from Def Leppard. I was able to follow the band through their meteoric rise in the late eighties. It was a real treat to be there from somewhere near the beginning.

When I think of this song, I can still picture the Druid imagery embedded throughout the video. It was one of the staples of early MTV and I must have had this song on at least a dozen videotapes that I made in the eighties of overnight MTV programming. You know, when they used to make their living running videos instead of reality shows.

Somewhere I have a tape of the top 100 videos on MTV for that year. It has been a long time since it or any other MTV tape has been viewed. Somewhere, in that year end countdown, is "Rock Of Ages".

Lyrics:
Gunter glieben glauten globen
All right
I got something to say
Yeah, it's better to burn out
Yeah, than fade away
All right
Ow Gonna start a fire
C'mon!
Rise up! gather round
Rock this place to the ground
Burn it up let's go for broke
Watch the night go up in smoke

Rock on! Rock on!

Drive me crazier, no serenade
No fire brigade, just Pyromania

What do you want? What do you want?
I want rock'n'roll, yes I do
Long live rock'n'roll

Oh let's go, let's strike a light
We're gonna blow like dynamite
I don't care if it takes all night
Gonna set this town alight

What do you want? What do you want?
I want rock'n'roll, Allright!
Long live rock'n'roll

Rock of ages, rock of ages
Still rollin', keep a-rollin'
Rock of ages, rock of ages
Still rollin', rock'n'rollin'

We got the power, got the glory
Just say you need it and if you need it
Say yeah!

Heh heh heh heh
Now listen to me
I'm Burnin', Burnin', I got the fever
I know for sure, there ain't no cure
So feel it, don't fight it, go with the flow
Gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme one more for the road

What do you want? What do you want?
I want rock'n'roll, You betcha
Long live rock'n'roll

Rock of ages, rock of ages
Still rollin', keep a-rollin'
Rock of ages, rock of ages
Still rollin', rock'n'rollin'

We're gonna burn this damn place down
Down to the ground

Heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh

Let 'Em In - Wings

2009-04-20T23:21:00.003-05:00

Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd

2009-04-19T23:07:00.002-05:00

Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Song: Free Bird
Year: 1973
Album: (pronounced 'lĕh-'nérd 'skin-'nérd)

I'm not the biggest Skynyrd fan, but I like the occasional song. This has to be one of the most cliched songs in rock history, but it still rocks. There's a reason why people jokingly shout it out at almost every rock concert on the planet. It's a damn fine song.

This song is bittersweet for me, especially on this day. My uncle, who passed away two years ago today, loved Lynyrd Skynyrd. He passed away by his own hand, which makes this day a little hard for most in my family. I have been lining up a bunch of his favorite songs and I listen to them on his birthday and the day he died.

When the wake came, everyone knew that I was his concert buddy, so they looked to me to supply the music. I knew he wouldn't want something sappy and religious, so I took the bands that he loved and chose songs that he either loved or were appropriate for the occasion. This song was the ending centerpiece to the disc I made. It was a song that he loved and it was a song that was appropriate.

I wasn't the only one who thought this song was an appropriate choice. Instead of showing a video or a live performance, I think this scene from Elizabethtown would be an appropriate choice to showcase the song.

Lyrics:
If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be travelling on, now,
'Cause there's too many places I've got to see.
But, if I stayed here with you, girl,
Things just couldn't be the same.
'Cause I'm as free as a bird now,
And this bird you can not change.
Lord knows, I can't change.

Bye, bye, its been a sweet love.
Though this feeling I can't change.
But please don't take it badly,
'Cause Lord knows I'm to blame.
But, if I stayed here with you girl,
Things just couldn't be the same.
Cause I'm as free as a bird now,
And this bird you'll never change.
And this bird you can not change.
Lord knows, I can't change.
Lord help me, I can't change.

The Living Years - Mike And The Mechanics

2009-04-18T00:05:00.000-05:00

Artist: Mike + The Mechanics
Song: The Living Years
Year: 1988
Album: The Living Years

What an upliftingly depressing song. It sounds happy and cheery until you realize that the song is about a deceased father and the son's regrets for not making amends. This was the musical landscape of 1988. You either had depressing, thoughtful songs or throwaway junk, with a few exceptions.

About two months ago, I had this song stuck in my head for five days straight. I can't believe I didn't crawl into bed and hide under the covers for two months. This is a wonderful song, but I just can't take the emotional subject matter.

Every time I hear the song, I feel like I just saw a baby's grave. You have a whole bundle of emotions that get bottlenecked into the same place with no chance of escape. You feel sad. You feel happy. Then you feel bad for feeling happy. It's a complete rollercoaster.

I'm sure that I'll seek this song out at the appropriate time, but until then, I'm happy with hearing it from a distance.

Lyrics:
Every generation
Blames the one before
And all of their frustrations
Come beating on your door

I know that I'm a prisoner
To all my Father held so dear
I know that I'm a hostage
To all his hopes and fears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Crumpled bits of paper
Filled with imperfect thought
Stilted conversations
I'm afraid that's all we've got

You say you just don't see it
He says it's perfect sense
You just can't get agreement
In this present tense
We all talk a different language
Talking in defence

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye

So we open up a quarrel
Between the present and the past
We only sacrifice the future
It's the bitterness that lasts

So don't yield to the fortunes
You sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective
On a different day
And if you don't give up, and don't give in
You may just be O.K.

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye

I wasn't there that morning
When my Father passed away
I didn't get to tell him
All the things I had to say

I think I caught his spirit
Later that same year
I'm sure I heard his echo
In my baby's new born tears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye

Longview - Green Day

2009-04-17T00:03:00.000-05:00

Artist: Green Day
Song: Longview
Year: 1994
Album: Dookie

The long career of Green Day really took off with this song. After years of trying to find success, they hit the big time with "Longview". This was the first in a string of hits for Green Day that really hasn't let up yet.

Believe it or not, the song is about masturbation. It wasn't obvious during my first few listens in 1994, but looking at the lyrics (and knowing the lyrics by heart) reveal the true story. It's a song about boredom and what a person will do when bored.

After this video debuted on MTV (when they actually played videos and not reality shows), Green Day would be everywhere in 1994. You couldn't turn on the radio without hearing a Green Day song. You couldn't turn on the TV without seeing a video or a live performance.

This is one of the many reasons that the summer of 1994 will remain one of my favorite summers. The only thing that seemed to go wrong was that I missed Green Day performing at Lollapalooza by one day. I got to see them in 1995, so it was OK.

Lyrics:
Sit around and watch the tube, but nothing's on
Change the channels for an hour or two
Twiddle my thumbs just for a bit
I'm sick of all the same old shit
In a house with unlocked doors
And I'm fucking lazy

Bite my lip and close my eyes
Take me away to paradise
I'm so damn bored I'm going blind
And I smell like shit

Peel me off this velcro seat and get me moving
I sure as hell can't do it by myself
I'm feeling like a dog in heat
Barred indoors from the summer street
I locked the door to my own cell
And I lost the key

Bite my lip and close my eyes
Take me away to paradise
I'm so damn bored I'm going blind
And I smell like shit

I got no motivation
Where is my motivation?
No time for the motivation
Smoking my inspiration

Sit around and watch the phone, but no one's calling
Call me pathetic, call me what you will
My mother says to get a job
But she don't like the one she's got
When masturbation's lost it's fun
You're fucking breaking

Bite my lip and close my eyes
Take me away to paradise
I'm so damn bored
I'm going blind
And loneliness has to suffice
Bite my lip and close my eyes
I was slipping away to paradise
Some say,"Quit or I'll go blind."
But it's just a myth

Air Dance - Black Sabbath

2009-04-16T00:20:00.000-05:00

Artist: Black Sabbath
Song: Air Dance
Year: 1978
Album: Never Say Die!

This was the last original studio album with Black Sabbath's classic lineup on it. Sabbath chooses this album to really explore the sounds. They start to veer away from the really heavy metal sound. They end up sounding like Santana.

This is not bad though. The tracks on this album are outstanding, but none of them would be as well received as their previous work. The band is breaking apart and the album is the one that benefits.

Some songs were re-written to fit Ozzy's tastes, after he left the band for a short time. Ozzy refused to sing any of the songs written for his replacement, so the band had to tinker until they were only reminiscent of the previous versions.

Lyrics:
She sits in silence, in her midnight world
Her faded pictures, of her dancing girls
Her, distant dreamer, on the seas of time
Her happy memories, dancing through her mind

In days of romance
She was the queen of dance
She'd dance the night away

And as the seasons turn the days to years
She holds her pictures, hears the silent cheers
The days grow lonely for the dancing queen
And now she dances only in her dreams

In days of romance
She was the queen of dance
She'd dance the night away, away, away, away

Hell Bent For Leather - Judas Priest

2009-04-15T20:04:00.003-05:00

Tequila Sunrise - Eagles

2009-04-14T00:06:00.002-05:00

Artist: Eagles
Song: Tequila Sunrise
Year: 1973
Album: Desperado

After seeing The Big Lebowski, I can never listen to the Eagles the same way again. After hearing the loathe and angst against the Eagles, I can start to see what they mean. The Eagles are a band that is pretentious and snooty, while pretending to be laid back and country.

Even with all that, they still make some damn fine music. Damn fine! "Tequila Sunrise" is an overlooked gem that doesn't get much recognition. The title track and anything on Hotel California usually gets more notice.

If you go through the Eagles back catalog, you'll find gems like this song and "James Dean". I was never a huge fan of the Eagles, but I do enjoy the odd song every once in awhile. This happens to be one of them.

Lyrics:
It's another tequila sunrise
Starin' slowly 'cross the sky, said goodbye
He was just a hired hand
Workin' on the dreams he planned to try
The days go by
Ev'ry night when the sun goes down
Just another lonely boy in town
And she's out runnin' 'round

She wasn't just another woman
And I couldn't keep from comin' on
It's been so long
Oh, and it's a hollow feelin' when
It comes down to dealin' friends
It never ends

Take another shot of courage
Wonder why the right words never come
You just get numb
It's another tequila sunrise,this old world
still looks the same,
Another frame, mm...

Help Me - Joni Mitchell

2009-04-13T00:03:00.002-05:00

Artist: Joni Mitchell
Song: Help Me
Year: 1974
Album: Court And Spark

I used this song to demonstrate the element air in a massage therapy course that I took a few years ago. Joni's breathy vocal delivery and airy composition made it the perfect choice. I managed to snag a perfect score with the presentation, even though I had a high grade fever at the time.

"Help Me" is a song that I will occasionally get stuck in my head. It will go round and round and will rarely create an exit. Sometimes it will get stuck there for days. I suppose that has a lot to do with hearing the song on radio stations and in grocery stores when I was a kid.

I can't always listen to Joni, but I think she writes fantastic music. Joni is always good to break up the monotony between other songs. I just can't listen to her for hours on end. Then I seem to hear he siren call in my sleep.

Lyrics:
Help me
I think I'm falling
In love again
When I get that crazy feeling
I know I'm in trouble again
I'm in trouble
'Cause you're a rambler and a gambler
And a sweet taIking ladies man
And you love your lovin'
But not like you love your freedom

Help me
I think I'm falling
In love too fast
It's got me hoping for the future
And worrying about the past
'Cause I've seen some hot hot blazes
Come down to smoke and ash
We love our lovin'
But not like we love our freedom

Didn't it feel good
We were sitting there talking
Or lying there not talking
Didn't it feel good
You dance with the lady
With the hole in her stocking
Didn't it feel good
Didn't it feel good

Help me
I think I'm falling
In love with you
Are you going to let me go there by myself
That's such a lonely thing to do
Both of us flirting around
Flirting and flirting
Hurting too
We love our lovin'
But not like we love our freedom

The Needle And The Damage Done - Neil Young

2009-04-12T00:09:00.000-05:00

Artist: Neil Young
Song: The Needle And The Damage Done
Year: 1972
Album: Harvest

Simply put, this may be the sweetest sounding song ever to be written about the dangers of heroin. Neil had watched many great artists die by the needle at this point in his career. It wouldn't be the last.

I can remember hearing this song for the first time and being in awe. I couldn't believe that a song could sit so still, yet knock you out at the same time. It was a lesson that I learned at an early age. Less is sometimes more and you can scream by the use of a whisper.

Everyone from Simple Minds to the Red Hot Chili Peppers have covered this classic. Another round of covers appeared after Kurt Cobain was found dead. Although, not many of those have been recorded. Every time an artist dies by the needle, this song can be heard playing somewhere.

Lyrics:
I caught you knockin' at my cellar door
I love you, baby, can I have some more
Ooh, ooh, the damage done.
I hit the city and I lost my band
I watched the needle take another man
Gone, gone, the damage done.
I sing the song because I love the man
I know that some of you don't understand
Milk-blood to keep from running out.
I've seen the needle and the damage done
A little part of it in everyone
But every junkie's like a settin' sun.

Candle (Sick And Tired) - White Tie Affair

2009-04-11T00:04:00.001-05:00

Artist: White Tie Affair
Song: Candle (Sick And Tired)
Year: 2008
Album: Walk This Way

Apparently, this song has been all over the place lately. I haven't heard anything about it. At least nothing that I can remember. The music mostly sounds like the same emo crap that every other newer band is trying to pass off to the mass public today. There is one difference with this song though. The lyrics.

The lyrics deal with loss and pain and picking yourself up again. I can easily relate to that. I can also respect that they are trying to bring fun back to the genre. It doesn't hurt that they're from Chicago.

Even though this song is about lost love, I can relate it to the death of my uncle. I would have glossed over this song, for awhile anyway, if it wasn't for my cousin, which happens to be my deceased uncle's daughter. She usually leaves interesting snippets of lyrics on her Facebook page and one night she put the up the lyric, "I'd be lying if I told you, losing you was something I could handle".

After seeing that, I had to seek out the song. I was initially bored with the song because it sounded like a PANIC! At The Disco clone. The lyrics soon won me over and I can honestly say that I like it.

Lyrics:
I took a ride on a February morning,
Just getting over it and dealing with the mourning,
I started thinking out loud: I'm so sick and tired of being sick and tired,
My baby's flying off the edge of the road,
She's saying, "I'm so sorry about that note",
That left me all alone,
But I'm so sick and tired of being sick and tired

Somebody turn the lights on,
Somebody tell me what's wrong,
I'd be lying if I told you,
Losing you was something I could handle,
Somebody turn the lights on,
Somebody tell me how long,
All this darkness will surround you,
Cuz I'm burning for you,
Burning like a candle

Seven days since I've seen your face,
Seven nights I have laid to waste,
I'm burning out now,
I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired,
I know we're hanging at the end of the road,
We've flown too high, make a swarm too low,
I heard a screaming out loud,
I heard a screaming out loud

Somebody turn the lights on,
Somebody tell me what's wrong,
I'd be lying if I told you,
Losing you was something I could handle,
Somebody turn the lights on,
Somebody tell me how long,
All this darkness will surround you,
Cuz I'm burning for you,
Burning like a candle

Think,
All the things that you say,
What are the things that you mean,
What are the things that you say to me,
Cuz your tragedy,
A queen for his majesty,
All these plans for me,
Your kingdom is crumbling,
You're a tragedy,
A queen for his majesty,
All these plans for me,
Your kingdom is crumbling,

Somebody turn the lights on,
Somebody tell me what's wrong,
I'd be lying if I told you,
Losing you was something I could handle,
Somebody turn the lights on,
Somebody tell me how long,
All this darkness will surround you,
Cuz I'm burning for you,
Burning like a candle

Burning for you,
Burning like a candle,
Burning for you,
Burning like a candle

A Boy Named Sue - Johnny Cash

2009-04-10T00:03:00.001-05:00

Artist: Johnny Cash
Song: A Boy Named Sue
Year: 1969
Album: At San Quentin

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Johnny Cash. There's something about his voice that I could listen to him sing the telephone book and I'd have a smile on my face. It's no different when he took a song written by Shel Silverstein and made a hit.

The lyrics tell of a young man that grew up angry because his father left. But before his father left, he named the boy, Sue. The main motivation in the young man's life was to kill the man who gave him that name.

I can remember reading Shel Silverstein as a kid. He was one of my favorite authors back then. He still holds a fond place in my heart. I can also remember hearing the Johnny Cash version of the song, but I never put them together.

There was a bit of controversy with the release of the song. Some people objected to the words bitch and damn being used in the song. I think it fits right into the theme of the song. I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Lyrics:
My daddy left home when I was three
And he didn't leave much to ma and me
Just this old guitar and an empty bottle of booze.
Now, I don't blame him cause he run and hid
But the meanest thing that he ever did
Was before he left, he went and named me "Sue."

Well, he must o' thought that is quite a joke
And it got a lot of laughs from a' lots of folk,
It seems I had to fight my whole life through.
Some gal would giggle and I'd get red
And some guy'd laugh and I'd bust his head,
I tell ya, life ain't easy for a boy named "Sue."

Well, I grew up quick and I grew up mean,
My fist got hard and my wits got keen,
I'd roam from town to town to hide my shame.
But I made a vow to the moon and stars
That I'd search the honky-tonks and bars
And kill that man who gave me that awful name.

Well, it was Gatlinburg in mid-July
And I just hit town and my throat was dry,
I thought I'd stop and have myself a brew.
At an old saloon on a street of mud,
There at a table, dealing stud,
Sat the dirty, mangy dog that named me "Sue."

Well, I knew that snake was my own sweet dad
From a worn-out picture that my mother'd had,
And I knew that scar on his cheek and his evil eye.
He was big and bent and gray and old,
And I looked at him and my blood ran cold
And I said: "My name is 'Sue!' How do you do!
Now your gonna die!!"

Well, I hit him hard right between the eyes
And he went down, but to my surprise,
He come up with a knife and cut off a piece of my ear.
But I busted a chair right across his teeth
And we crashed through the wall and into the street
Kicking and a' gouging in the mud and the blood and the beer.

I tell ya, I've fought tougher men
But I really can't remember when,
He kicked like a mule and he bit like a crocodile.
I heard him laugh and then I heard him cuss,
He went for his gun and I pulled mine first,
He stood there lookin' at me and I saw him smile.

And he said: "Son, this world is rough
And if a man's gonna make it, he's gotta be tough
And I knew I wouldn't be there to help ya along.
So I give ya that name and I said goodbye
I knew you'd have to get tough or die
And it's the name that helped to make you strong."

He said: "Now you just fought one hell of a fight
And I know you hate me, and you got the right
To kill me now, and I wouldn't blame you if you do.
But ya ought to thank me, before I die,
For the gravel in ya guts and the spit in ya eye
Cause I'm the son-of-a-bitch that named you "Sue.'"

I got all choked up and I threw down my gun
And I called him my pa, and he called me his son,
And I came away with a different point of view.
And I think about him, now and then,
Every time I try and every time I win,
And if I ever have a son, I think I'm gonna name him
Bill or George! Anything but Sue! I still hate that name!

Dick In A Box - The Lonely Island

2009-04-09T16:39:00.002-05:00

Artist: The Lonely Island
Song: Dick In A Box
Year: 2009
Album: Incredibad

This song started out as an SNL Digital Short a few years ago. It proved so popular that it eventually made it onto an album with other comedy song by The Lonely Island. The thing that makes the song is the commitment to the lyrics by playing the song straight and the addition of Justin Timberlake.

It sounds almost ludicrous to think that private parts peeking through a hole in a box could end up a hit. The followup song, "Jizz In My Pants", is a top ten hit in Australia. How weird is that? It just goes to show that no one can predict what the public will latch onto.

Lyrics:
Hey girl, I got somethin' real important to give you
So just sit down and listen
Girl you know we've been together such a long, long time (such a long time)
And now I'm ready to lay it on the line
(Wooow) You know it's Christmas and my heart is open wide (open wide)
Gonna give you something so you know what's on my mind (what is on my mind)
A gift real special, so take off the top
Take a look inside -- it's my dick in a box (it's in a box)
Not gonna get you a diamond ring
That sort of gift don't mean anything
Not gonna get you a fancy car
Girl ya gotta know you're my shining star
Not gonna get you a house in the hills
A girl like you needs somethin' real
Wanna get you somethin' from the heart
Somethin' special girl
It's my dick in a box, my dick in a box girl
It's my dick in a box, my dick in a box girl
See I'm wise enough to know when a gift needs givin' (girl)
And I got just the one, somethin' to show ya that you are second to none
To all the fellas out there with ladies to impress
It's easy to do just follow these steps
1: Cut a hole in a box
2: Put your junk in that box
3: Make her open the top
And that's the way you do it
It's my dick in a box...my dick in a box girl
It's my dick in a box, my dick in a box girl
Christmas; dick in a box
Hanukkah; dick in a box
Kwanzaa; a dick in a box
Every single holiday a dick in a box
Over at your parent's house a dick in a box
Mid day at the grocery store a dick in a box
Backstage at the CMA's a dick in a box (yeah-wow-wow-wow-wow-wow)
A dick in a box, a dick in a box, a dick in a box...

I Hate Myself And Want To Die - Nirvana

2009-04-08T00:29:00.001-05:00

Artist: Nirvana
Song: I Hate Myself And Want To Die
Year: 1993
Album: The Beavis & Butthead Experience

How odd that a joke one year would be a cry for help the next. "I Hate Myself And Want To Die" was the original title for the In Utero album. Kurt thought that it would be hilarious to make that saying, which was a favorite response of his when asked how he was doing, the title of the highly anticipated record.

This song was recorded during the In Utero sessions, but ultimately was thrown away on a compilation album built around Beavis & Butthead. The album is one of the highly successful alternative/metal compilations of the early nineties. The album leaned more towards metal and odd alternative bands with a few rap groups thrown in for good measure.

If it weren't for the morbid title, "I Hate Myself And Want To Die" probably would have made the cut on the album. Sometimes the "b" sides are better than what makes the album. Nirvana had a good track record for catchy throwaway songs. This could have easily replaced "Milk It" or "Very Ape" on the album.

The interesting thing on the track is the Saturday Night Live connection. I am a huge fan of SNL, so when I listened to this on headphones, I was in for a surprise. The spoken word part of the song was originally a Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey bumper. This is just another way that SNL is creeping into all walks of life.

Lyrics:
Runny nose and runny yolk
Even if you have a cold still
You can cough on me again
I still haven't had my fulfill

In the someday what's that odd sound?

Broken heart and broken bones
Think about some capsules of horse pills
One more quirky cliche'd phrase
You're the one I wanna refill

In the someday what's that odd sound?

Most people don't realize
That two large pieces of coral,
Painted brown, and attached to his skull
With common wood screws can make a child look like a deer

In the someday what's that odd sound?

Runny nose and runny yolk
Even if you have a cold still
You can cough on me again
I still haven't had my fulfill

In the someday what's that odd sound?

Trapped Under Ice - Metallica

2009-04-07T00:07:00.002-05:00

Artist: Metallica
Song: Trapped Under Ice
Year: 1984
Album: Ride The Lightning

This has to be one of my favorite Metallica tracks. It seems to get a bum rap compared to the more popular songs, but I think that just adds to the song. I remember listening to my cassette copy of Ride The Lightning and marveling at this song. The lyrics are solid and the music is at its thrashing best.

I think it may have connected with me a little more because I was almost trapped under ice during one winter in Chicago, as a kid. I was walking on the ice with a friend and the ice started to crack. I did everything right and came close to making it onto the concrete walkway. As Don Adams would say, I missed it by that much. Suddenly, the ice broke and I went plummeting through.

Luckily, my friend had made it safely and found something to pull me to safety. I had a long, wet, cold bike ride home. I'm lucky that I was close enough to the edge. If I had been further out, who knows what my survival rate would have been.

On a positive note, I think this is the only song that can be synced up to Batman & Robin and make it look good.

Lyrics:

I don't know how to live through this hell
Woken up, I'm still locked in this shell Frozen soul, frozen down to the core
Break the ice, I can't take anymore

Freezing
Can't move at all
Screaming
Can't hear my call
I am dying to live
Cry out
I'm trapped under the ice

Crystallized, as I lay here and rest
Eyes of glass stare directly at death
From deep sleep I have broken away
No one knows, no one hears what I say

Freezing
Can't move at all
Screaming
Can't hear my call
I am dying to live
Cry out
I'm trapped under the ice

Scream from my soul
Fate, mystified
Hell, forever more
No release from my cryonic state
What is this? I've been stricken by fate
Wrapped up tight, cannot move, can't break free
Hand of doom has a tight grip on me

Freezing
Can't move at all
Screaming
Can't hear my call
I am dying to live
Cry out
I'm trapped under the ice

The Long And Winding Road - The Beatles

2009-04-06T00:07:00.000-05:00

Artist: The Beatles
Song: The Long And Winding Road
Year: 1970
Album: Let It Be

Could this be the song that broke the Beatles up for good? Some sources say that the remixing of this song by Phil Spector was the straw that broke the camel's back. I think that might be a pretty accurate portrayal of what happened in 1970.

Tensions were at an all time high, when this album came out. The album was nothing like the Beatles had envisioned it. Regular producer George Martin called the album uncharacteristic of the Beatles. Phil Spector originally took this track and added on layers of orchestral overdubs to drown out the shoddy bass playing of John Lennon.

Simpler techniques could have been used on this track and were used in other parts of the album. One begins to wonder why the bass wasn't just overdubbed and left. Where did the chorus of women and full blaring horn section come from? This was to be the simplest sounding song on Let It Be and now it was the busiest.

The years have washed away some of the bitterness of this incident. In 2003, the Beatles released a sparse version of "The Long And Winding Road" on Let It Be... Naked to good reviews. Phil Spector has argued that Paul McCartney had no trouble picking up the Academy Award for the soundtrack and playing the song with horns during 25 years of touring. Maybe it's best to say that there are positives about both versions.

Lyrics:

The long and winding road that leads to your door,
Will never disappear,
I've seen that road before
It always leads me here,
Leads me to your door.

The wild and windy night the rain washed away,
Has left a pool of tears crying for the day.
Why leave me standing here, let me know the way
Many times I've been alone and many times I've cried
Anyway you'll never know the many ways I've tried, but
Still they lead me back to the long and winding road
You left me standing here a long, long time ago
Don't leave me waiting here, lead me to you door
Da, da, da, da

Discipline - Nine Inch Nails

2009-04-05T00:04:00.000-05:00

Artist: Nine Inch Nails
Song: Discipline
Year: 2008
Album: The Slip

For some odd reason, I unplugged my iPod and listened to the radio on April 22, 2008. I listened to the local alternative station to catch up on the new music. From time to time, I will listen to the radio and see what's getting airplay. I usually find one or two songs to plug into the iPod.

No sooner did I turn the radio on, when the DJ informed the listeners that a download had just arrived unannounced and they were going to play it on the air. The song was brand spankin' new Nine Inch Nails. I'm surprised that I didn't swerve because I was that excited.

Trent had just finished the song hours before and we were now listening to it without warning. Instantly, I knew that NIN was ready to take full advantage of the internet as a way to release instant music. I moved and grooved the best I could while driving.

When I found my way home, I scoured the web for a download. I found one rather quickly and into the iPod "Discipline" went. To me, the song sounded like a cross between "Only" and something off of the Downward Spiral. No matter what it could be compared to, it rocked.

Lyrics:
am I?
am I still tough enough?
feels like I'm wearing down
is my visciousness
losing ground?
am I taking too much
did I cross a line
I need my role in this
very clearly defined
I need your discipline
I need your help
I need your discipline
you know once I start I cannot help myself

and now it's starting up
feels like I'm losing touch
nothing matters to me
nothing matters as much
I see you left a mark
up and down my skin
I don't know where I end
and where you begin
I need your discipline
I need your help
I need your discipline
you know once I start I cannot help myself
once I start I cannot stop myself

Have You Ever Seen The Rain? - Creedence Clearwater Revival

2009-04-04T00:04:00.000-05:00

Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Song: Have You Ever Seen the Rain?
Year: 1970
Album: Pendulum

Many have suggested that this song is about the Vietnam war or about the loss of innocence of the sixties. While those are all decent analogies for "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?", the song is really about the tensions that were beginning to mount among the members of CCR. This preceded Tom Fogerty leaving the band.

I would hear this song on my local classic rock station every time that it rained. They would pair this up with "Who'll Stop The Rain". I enjoyed both songs immensely, but I would groan whenever the station would play them in that situation.

I think the key phrase is "there's a calm before the storm". It signifies the uneasy feelings going on between band mates. The song almost comes right out and says that the band is in its decline. Not musically, but emotionally. CCR had a long history of fights and lawsuits after the band broke up. Most of the problems came from the record company.

Lyrics:

Someone told me long ago,
There's a calm before the storm,
I know, and it's been comin' for some time.

When it's over so they say,
It'll rain a sunny day,
I know, shinin' down like water.

I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain
I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin' down on a sunny day?

Yesterday and days before,
Sun is cold and rain is hot,
I know, been that way for all my time.

'Til forever on it goes,
Through the circle fast and slow,
I know, and it can't stop I wonder.

I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain
I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin' down on a sunny day?

Yeah!

I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain
I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin' down on a sunny day?

Yeah!

Ain't Misbehavin' - Leon Redbone

2009-04-03T00:03:00.000-05:00

Artist: Leon Redbone
Song: Ain't Misbehavin' (I'm Saving My Love For You)
Year: 1975
Album: On The Track

Performances so authentic that you can actually hear the surface noise of an old 78. That's what Rolling Stone said about Leon Redbone, anyway. I can believe it. I'm at the right age to have heard the last of the 78s play in homes. My original record player even had a setting for them. I own one 78 set, which is buried away in a record cabinet.

I imagine myself somewhere down south, in the mid 1920s, when I listen to most Leaon Redbone songs. The man himself is a mystery. There is nothing verified about his past. He dresses like is was a century ago. He's been accused of being Andy Kaufman and Frank Zappa. Seeing as though they are both deceased and Leon is still performing, I think those rumors can be put to rest.

I remember watching Leon on Saturday Night Live. I think that is when most of the world discovered this unique gem of an artist. It seemed so out of the ordinary, yet so right. I think that the musical landscape was searching for the next fad. For awhile, it latched itself onto Leon Redbone.

Even if you have no idea who I'm talking about, you know the look and the voice. Leon sang the theme song to the Mr. Belevedere and Harry & The Hendersons television shows. Both were based on previous movies, but that's for another discussion. He also was featured in a very successful Budweiser commercial.

Lyrics:
No one to talk to ....all by myself
No one to walk with.....I'm happy on the shelf
Ain't misbehavin'......savin' my love for you

I know for certain......the one I love
I'm through with flirtin'......it's just you that I've been thinkin' of
Ain't misbehavin'.......savin' my love for you

Like Jack Horner.....in that ole corner
Don't go nowhere.....what do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for......believe me

I don't stay out late.......no where to go
I'm home about eight......just me and my radio
Ain't misbehavin'.......savin' my love for you

Like Jack Horner.....in that ole corner
Don't go nowhere.....what do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for......believe me

I don't stay out late.......no where to go
I'm home about eight......just me and my radio
Ain't misbehavin'.......savin' my love for you

Ain't misbehavin'......I'm savin' my love for you

Welcome To My Nightmare - Alice Cooper

2009-04-02T00:15:00.000-05:00

Artist: Alice Cooper
Song: Welcome To My Nightmare
Year: 1975
Album: Welcome To My Nightmare

Horror theatrics are nothing new in rock music. Marilyn Manson is doing well in that niche today. There were horror elements in stage acts before Alice Cooper and there were horror elements after. None would match the perfect storm that is Alice Cooper.

This would become Alice Cooper's signature album. Even though "Only Women Bleed" would be the successful single off of the album, the title track is what made the album. There were television specials and appearances, plus a concert film. "Welcome To My Nightmare" was always a centerpiece.

This song and this album cemented Alice Cooper as the the King of Shock Rock for decades. The only jarring thing about this song was that Alice Cooper would perform it almost anywhere. It's cool to see this performed on the Muppet Show, but also kind of odd.

Lyrics:
Welcome to my nightmare, I think you're gonna like it, I think you're gonna feel you belong.
A nocturnal vacation, unnecessary sedation, you want to feel at home 'cause you belong.
Welcome to my nightmare whoa, ho, ho, ho...

Welcome to my breakdown.
I hope I didn't scare you.
That's just the way we are when we come down.
We sweat and laugh and scream here.
'Cause life is just a dream here.
You know inside you feel right at home, here.
Yeah, Welcome to my nightmare yeah, hey, hey, hey...

Welcome to my nightmare!
I think you're gonna like it!
I think you're gonna feel you belong!
We sweat and laugh and scream here!
'Cause life is just a dream here!
You know inside you feel right at home, here!

Welcome to my nightmare hoo, hoo, woo, hoo...
Welcome to my breakdown...

Yeah!

Daughter - Pearl Jam

2009-04-01T00:01:00.003-05:00

Artist: Pearl Jam
Song: Daughter
Year: 1993
Album: Vs.

This is the first song in a series of songs that would test the true fans of Pearl Jam. I know many people who stopped listening to Pearl Jam because of "Daughter". Each album would alienate more of the fan base until only the diehards were left.

The music is as solid as ever, but most fans want the same music repackaged a thousand times. Pearl Jam refused to pander to the masses and made music on their own terms. Dealing with social issues since their first album, Pearl Jam became less and less obtuse about it.

Ten dealt with the extreme punishments of children ("Why Go") and the effect that abuse has on them ("Jeremy"). When presented with a more straightforward storyline, and no video, "Daughter" went too far in some fans' opinions. Little did they know that Pearl Jam would be on a path to expose other dark underbellies of society in their following albums.

I can listen to Vs. all the way through much more than Ten. I think that these songs were not played as much as the ones on Ten. No videos helped this album in the long run. While it was very frustrating not having this album all over MTV in 1993, it was the best decision the band could have ever made. The songs have a strong interpretation made stronger by your own imagination.

Lyrics:
alone..
listless..
breakfast table in an otherwise empty room.
a young girl..
violens..
center of her own attention.
mother reads aloud, child
tries to understand it
tries to make her proud.

the shades go down
its in her head
painted room
can't deny theres something wrong.

don't call me daughter
not fit to
the picture kept will remind me
don't call me daughter
not fit to
the picture kept will remind me

don't call me

she holds the hand.. that holds her down
she will... rise above

don't call me daughter
not fit to
the picture kept will remind me
don't call me daughter
not fit to be
the picture kept will remind me

don't call me daughter
not fit to
the picture kept will remind me
don't call me daughter
not fit to be
the picture kept will remind me

don't call me

Smokestack Lightning - Howlin' Wolf

2009-01-23T20:24:00.003-06:00

Artist: Howlin' Wolf
Song: Smokestack Lightning
Year: 1956
Album: Smokestack Lightning single

One of the earliest songs I remember hearing was "Smokestack Lightning". It seemed to have been born of ease and hardship. The song sounds so casual, but the lyrics sound so intense, like Howlin' Wolf was passing a kidney stone.

Many other artists must have thought this was an easy song to do, since it was covered by countless. Included in that are Muddy Waters, CCR, Soundgarden and the Yardbirds. I think I was familiar with all of those versions before I stumbled upon the original. CCR used the riff to form the song "Susie Q".

This song has been called the essence of the blues. I think that's a correct assumption. Many artists who dabble in the blues have been inspired by this song. It has the raw power of the blues to guide many a struggling artist to its beckon call.

The band that I'm in hasn't done a cover of this song, but I'm sure we will one of these days. We unwittingly have taken parts of it and distributed them into other cover songs. That's the trouble with a classic lick. It always creeps into other thing when you least expect it to.

Lyrics:
Lightnin'
Shinin', just like gold
Why don't ya hear me cryin'?
A-whoo-hooo, oooo
Whooo
Whoa-oh, tell me, baby,
What's the, matter with you?
Why don't ya hear me cryin'?
Whoo-hooo, whoo-hooo
Whooo
Whoa-oh, tell me, baby,
Where did ya, stay last night?
A-why don't ya hear me cryin'?
Whoo-hooo, whoo-hooo
Whooo
Whoa-oh, stop your train,
Let her, go for a ride
Why don't ya hear me cryin'?
Whoo-hooo, whoo-hooo
Whooo
Whoa-oh, fare ya well
Never see, a you no more
A-why don't ya hear me cryin'?
Oooo, whoo-hooo, whoo-hooo
Whooo
Whoa-oh, who been here baby since,
I-I been gone, a little, bitty boy?
Girl, be on
A-whoo-hooo, whoo-hooo
Whooo

Green Hell - The Misfits

2009-01-22T19:04:00.004-06:00

Artist: The Misfits
Song: Green Hell
Year: 1983
Album: Earth A.D.

The classic punk rock band with horror overtones. It's easy to like the Misfits. They wrote many great short bursts of pure punk delight. I had heard of them through reading music magazines. I would always see their iconic skull for sale on shirts in the classified section of those magazines. I would make a list of what music shirts I would eventually obtain, when I had the money.

I had heard the music many times, but I never connected the music with the band. My first exposure to the Misfits was through Metallica, or so I thought. One of my cousins had actually played Misfits albums before I ever heard the Garage Days EP by Metallica.

"Green Hell" has always been a memorable song for me. I can remember thinking that this was real headbanging music, when I heard Metallica's version. I tried to decipher the lyrics, but found that it was next to impossible. It was only when I heard the original version that I first heard the lyrics more clearly.

This was also my first exposure to Glenn Danzig. I would follow him through many other incarnations throughout the years. None were as satisfying and as joyful as the Misfits though. I'm certainly glad that he and Jerry Only settled their legal differences. I finally saw the Misfits on August 8, 1997, when they opened up for Megadeth. Yes, they played "Green Hell".

Lyrics:
Here in this place lies the genie of death,
touch it, see it, whoa!
Here in this place is the means to your end,
touch it, feel it, green hell

You did your best as someone could
I bet you never knew you woke it
And don't you run away from me
I bet you thought you really could in hell

Were gonna burn in
Hell, green hell
Like every hell but kind of green in
hell, green hell
Were gonna face the mess were in in
hell, green hell
Think I'd rather be up here in
hell, green hell
You know, I fuckin' shake apart in
hell, green hell
Gotta find a way that you will stay
green hell
Cannot forget about the heat in
hell, green hell
Hell is green, I need a flame
hell, green hell
Gonna burn in hell
Green Hell

You did your best as someone could
I bet you never knew you woke it
And don't you run away from me
I bet you thought you really could take it

Here in this place is the genie of death
touch it, see it whoa!
Here in this place is a war to your end
touch it, feel it green hell

You did your best as someone could
I bet you never knew you woke it
And don't you run away from me
I bet you thought you really could
You did your best as no one could
I bet you thought you really could
Were gonna burn in hell

Green Hell

Shake Your Blood - Probot

2009-01-21T12:10:00.002-06:00

Artist: Probot
Song: Shake Your Blood
Year: 2004
Album: Probot

Showing his love for all things metal, Dave Grohl decided to work on a project that would feature most of his metal heroes collaborating with him. Some were able to work things out and play on the album. Some weren't. The results of what did happen were spectacular.

The biggest single on the album was "Shake Your Blood". It sounds like a Motorhead b-side. That's probably due to the fact that Lemmy from Motorhead sings on the song. The song has a toe-tapping, headbanging beat led by Dave Grohl on the drums and Lemmy's signature vocals.

The video is a spectacle in metal excess. Swooping camera angles and 66 girls from the adult website Suicide Girls make the video all about shaking the blood up. It can be a dizzying effect if not properly prepared.

I'm hoping that Dave Grohl puts out another Probot album eventually. The songs on the album rock. It may not be a huge seller, but there are the fans out there who will snap it up, as soon as it's released. "Shake Your Blood" was voted the number 2 metal video for the millennium by MTV2. That has to tell you something.

Lyrics:
Looking for relief in your miserable life
You need some rock and roll
And you better get it right
Got to roll them bones,
Do everything they say
If you're cool, you're the fool.
Make it work everyday.

Rock out, make it quick
My, my, my, let it rip
Rock out, feeling good.
Break your heart. Shake your blood.

Out upon the stage, crowd is going wild,
Love to see them women, babe
I ain't in denial.
Make you crazy too. Make you show it out.
Feeling good, get some wood
You should, You knew you could

Rock out, do it now
My, my, my, show me how
Rock out, make it good.
Break your heart. Shake your blood

Want to be a winner, want to be the man.
Want to drive yourself insane,
Join up with the band
Want to fall in love, want to make your mark
Want to get out in the storm, want to break
A thousand hearts

Rock out, strike it rich
My, my, my, it's a bitch
Rock out, I knew you could
Break your heart. Shake your blood

A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke

2009-01-20T00:01:00.002-06:00

Artist: Sam Cooke
Song: A Change Is Gonna Come
Year: 1964
Album: Ain't That Good News

"A Change Is Gonna Come" was released as a single shortly after Sam Cooke's death. Sam never lived to see the success of this song, but he always believed in it. Sam's manager pushed for the song to be sung all throughout appearances in 1964. He sang a moving rendition of the song on the Tonight Show, but was trumped by the Beatles first appearance on Ed Sullivan two days later.

NBC ended up not saving the broadcast tape, as was the practice at the time. No known copy of this performance exists. This is the same reason that no video of Johnny Carson's first Tonight Show performance exists. Hopefully, a bootleg copy will come forward at some point. This is an important, but neglected performance.

This song became an important battle cry in the civil rights movement. It's a shame that Sam didn't live to see the impact that the song had on ordinary people. It is still a powerful song that inspires hope and unity.

After four decades worth of legal troubles, the song finally saw another release in 2003. It has been included on the remastered version of Ain't That Good News, as well as a greatest hits compilation. A version of this song has hit the charts in 2008, by Seal. He is just one in a long line of artists to pay tribute to the song by covering it.

Lyrics:
I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh and just like the river I've been running ever since
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will

It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die
I don't know what's out there beyond the sky
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will

I go to the movie
And I go down town
Somebody keep telling me don't hang around
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will

Then I go to my brother
And I say brother help me please
But he winds up knockin' me
Back down on my knees

Oh, there were times when I thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gone come, oh yes it will

Bu$hleaguer - Pearl Jam

2009-01-19T00:01:00.001-06:00

Artist: Pearl Jam
Song: Bu$hleaguer
Year: 2002
Album: Riot Act

Hopefully, this will be the last day that this song will have any sort of relevancy. I don't often share political views. I am open minded to anything. I have no party affiliations. I take pride in the fact that I can freely choose the best person for the job, regardless of what party they call their own.

When Dubya was given the nomination in 2000 for the Republican party, I thought it was a joke. This man has failed at almost everything he has done regarding business. I thought I was justified in his first term, when nothing much was accomplished and Dubya spent a good chunk of time on vacation. That's why there are check and balances. So the right thing gets done.

Then in September 2001, fear took over the nation and up stepped Bush and his cronies to push unfathomable laws onto the United States. People in constant fear will do what they're told, for the most part. If anyone disagreed, well, they were dubbed unpatriotic. It was a perfect situation.

In the end, his presidency will be that of endless debate. He has done some good things, like giving billions of dollars to help out starving, diseased Africans. Plus, he inspired a whole new movement of anti-war songs. His handling of New Orleans and Osama Bin Laden and Iraq will outweigh any good that he actually did. I have had enough of this president. I am ready for change.

Lyrics:
How does he do it? How do they do it? Uncanny and immutable
This is such a happening tailpipe of a party
Like sugar, the guests are so refined

A confidence man, but why so beleaguered?
He's not a leader, he's a Texas leaguer
Swinging for the fence, got lucky with a strike
Drilling for fear makes the job simple
Born on third, thinks he got a triple

Blackout weaves its way through the cities
Blackout weaves its way through the cities
Blackout weaves its way

I remember when you sang
That song about today
Now it's tomorrow and
Everything has changed

A think tank of aloof multiplication
A nicotine wish and a Columbus decanter
Retrenchment and hoggishness
The aristocrat choir sings
"What's the ruckus?"
The haves have not a clue
The immenseness of suffering
And the odd negotiation, a rarity
With onion-skin plausibility of life
And a keyboard reaffirmation

Blackout weaves its way through the cities
Blackout weaves its way through the cities
Blackout weaves its way

I remember when you sang
That song about today
Now it's tomorrow and
Everything has changed.

To Washington - John Mellencamp

2009-01-17T13:39:00.000-06:00

Artist: John Mellencamp
Song: To Washington
Year: 2003
Album: Trouble No More

2004 may have been the year for the modern protest song, but those artists that were ahead of the curve, released their songs in the years prior. John Mellencamp took a traditional song and added lyrics that spoke directly to a current situation. As you can imagine, this song sparked a lot of debate and controversy upon its release.

It's tacked onto the end of his 2003 album, almost as an afterthought. Instead of being a throwaway track, John wanted this to be the last bit of information that the listener heard. If he started off the album with this, many listeners might be put off. This way, the entire album would usually be heard before this song. It's a sneaky strategy, but an effective one.

This is one of the highlights on this album. Hailing from Indiana, John Mellencamp was thought to be among the majority of Hoosiers in his life and his politics. Those who were listening knew differently. Just because you work with the farmers, doesn't mean that you are automatically in one category. Nor does that mean that every farmer is in the same mind frame either. People are individuals and have usually proven that when pressed.

I can respect John Mellencamp for taking a stand and releasing a song that he felt passionately about. Even if it meant alienating some of his fan base. Some things are more important to an artist than popularity and sales. This is one of those polarizing cases.

Lyrics:
Eight years of peace and prosperity
Scandal in the White House
An election is what we need
From coast-to-coast to Washington

So America voted on a president
No one kept count
On how the election went
From Florida to Washington

Goddamn, said one side
And the other said the same
Both looked pretty guilty
But no one took the blame
From coast-to-coast to Washington

So a new man in the White House
With a familiar name
Said he had some fresh ideas
But it's worse now since he came
From Texas to Washington

And he wants to fight with many
And he says it's not for oil
He sent out the National Guard
To police the world
From Baghdad to Washington

What is the thought process
To take a humans life
What would be the reason
To think that this is right
From heaven to Washington
From Jesus Christ to Washington

Swamp Song - Tool

2009-01-16T00:10:00.000-06:00

Artist: Tool
Song: Swamp Song
Year: 1993
Album: Undertow

When I worked at K-Mart for ten months, mostly in 1995, I made a few work friends. It was my first job in a store environment. I worked on the overnight stocking crew. We had the place to ourselves and most of us bonded over music.

One worker who had a lot of seniority, but was still under the supervisor, turned me on to a band called Tool. I had heard Tool before. I even owned the Undertow album. I had never heard anyone talk so passionately about the band before. I gave them another listen, this time with open ears. I was not disappointed.

I started to hear the songs for what they really were. Rich and complex. It really prepared me for the album that was to come out in 1996. One of the songs that grew on me during my open ear listening session was "Swamp Song". There was something about the voice and the music that lifted me in the air, while holding me down. The words sounded simple. Some words were crude, but there was an intelligence woven into the language that made me stand up and take notice.

I had failed to hear these subtle nuances before. The difference was like a tin can and a pair of headphones. Sure, you can hear out of both, but the headphones give the richer experience of the sounds. You can pick up the slightest variation. Everything sounds muddled in a tin can.

Lyrics:
My warning meant nothing
You're dancing in quicksand
Why don't you watch where you're wandering?
Why don't you watch where you're stumbling?
You're wading knee deep and going in
You're wading knee deep and going in

This bog is thick and
Easy to get lost in
'Cause you're a stupid
Belligerent fucker

This bog is thick and
Easy to get lost in
'Cause you're a dumb-ass
Belligerent fucker
I hope it sucks you down
Down
Down
Down

My warning meant nothing
You're dancing in quicksand
Why don't you watch where you're wandering?
Why don't you watch where you're stumbling?
You're wading knee deep and going in
And you may never come back again

This bog is thick and
Easy to get lost in
'Cause you're a stupid
Belligerent fucker

This bog is thick and
Easy to get lost in
'Cause you're a dumb-ass
Belligerent fucker
I hope it sucks you down

My warning meant nothing
You're dancing in quicksand
Why don't you watch where you're wandering?
Why don't you watch where you're stumbling?
You're wading knee deep and going in
And you may never come back again

This bog is thick and
Easy to get lost in
'Cause you're a stupid
Belligerent fucker

This bog is thick and
Easy to get lost in
'Cause you're a dumb-ass
Belligerent fucker

I hope it sucks
I hope it sucks
I hope it sucks you, fucker
I hope it sucks
I hope it sucks
I hope it sucks you down

Wandering, wandering
No one even invited you in
Still stumbling
Suffocate, suffocate
Why don't you get away?

Wandering around and wandering
No one even invited you in
You're still stumbling
Suffocate, suffocate
Why don't you get out while you can?

No one told you to come

My warning meant nothing
You're dancing in quicksand
Why don't you watch where you're wandering?
Why don't you watch where you're stumbling?
You're wading knee deep and going in
And you may never come back again

This bog is thick and
Easy to get lost in
'Cause you're a stupid
Belligerent fucker

This bog is thick and
Easy to get lost in
'Cause you're a dumb-ass
Belligerent fucker

I hope it sucks
I hope it sucks
I hope it sucks you, fucker
I hope it sucks
I hope it sucks
I hope it sucks you

Unholy - KISS

2009-01-15T00:04:00.001-06:00

Artist: KISS
Song: Unholy
Year: 1992
Album: Revenge

KISS tends to be a cyclical band. It changes with the musical trends of rock. It hung up the costumes and washed away the makeup in the eighties and stayed away from it until the mid nineties. KISS has done disco, ballads, hair metal, heavy metal and everything in between. So this album was inevitable.

The death of drummer Eric Carr hit the band hard and grunge was starting to eat away at their late eighties successes. They decided to go heavy once again to fit in with the heavier sound that was on the airwaves. With a new direction, Gene Simmons took the lead vocals for the first time since the early eighties. His voice fit the heavier sound better.

After the sexcapades and airy sound of the eighties, this was a welcome change. While this album doesn't get a huge amount of respect, it was the right album at the time. KISS was forced to play their hand or be swept aside. This song and a few others on the album were co-written by Vinnie Vincent, who was fired by the band eight years prior. The heavier sound from that period returned.

The album is uneven, but that's only because KISS was in a transitional phase. This was the building block to something bigger that never quite happened. There are still the eighties type ballads like "God Gave Rock N' Roll To You II" on the album. Something this jarring couldn't be taken all at once. It's just a shame that KISS didn't continue on this path longer. Instead, they donned the costumes and makeup and gave the fans living in the past another look at their youth.

Lyrics:
I was there through the ages
Chained slaves to their cages
I have seen you eat your own
I'm the cycle of pain
Of a thousand year old reign
I'm suicide and salvation
The omen to nations
That you worship on all fours
I'm the infection and famine
That's knocking at your door

That's why you're feeling so

Unholy
Oh, I was created by man, you know I'm....
Unholy
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

I am the incubus
I lay the egg in you
The worm that burrows
Through your brain
But you are the beast
That calls me by my name

You send your children to war
To serve bastards and whores
So now you know
You created me
On the day that you were born

Unholy
I was created by man, yeah I'm the Lord of the flies, you know I'm
Unholy
From the left hand of power comes the father of lies
Unholy - Unholy!

I lay you down to sleep
Your soul to keep
Better cross your heart before you die
And now you know
Know that you are mine

That's why you're feeling so

Unholy, Unholy, Unholy - Unholy!!

Space Dog - Tori Amos

2009-01-14T22:15:00.002-06:00

Artist: Tori Amos
Song: Space Dog
Year: 1994
Album: Under The Pink

Apparently, this song was inspired by Tori seeing a young teenager in Chicago, by a 7-11, on a flight from New Mexico to Chicago. It may sound strange, but that's Tori Amos in a nutshell. I wouldn't have it any other way. The faerie energy that she gives off fed her early work, in a good, odd way.

Under The Pink was the first album that I picked up of Tori's. I was instantly hooked. Then, near the end of the record, came this strange surreal song. It always stuck out like a sore thumb to me. It stuck out in a pleasant way. It was like Tori was trying something different and tacked it onto the album as a secret.

One of my female friends loved this song to death in the mid nineties. She fell in love with the "pissing in the river" line. She thought it was so absurd. I often wonder if she feels the same way about that today. I'll have to remember to ask her about it sometime.

This is the only song on the album that feels like it wasn't completely driven by the piano. That is an oddity for Tori at this stage in her career, but it was a precursor to her upcoming work. I've always enjoyed the juxtaposition of this song with the rest of the album. It fits perfectly with Tori's whimsical moods.

Lyrics:
Way to go Mr.Microphone
Show us all what you don't know
Centuries, secret societies
He's our commander still
Space dog

So sure we were onto something
Your feet are finally on the ground he said
So sure we were onto something
Your feet are just on the ground girl

Rain and snow our engine's down
Been receiving your eager call
There's Colonel Dirtyfishy dishcloth
He'll distract her good don't worry so

And to the one you thought was on your side
She can't understand, she truly believes the lie

Lemon Pie he's coming through
Our commander still Space dog

Deck the halls I'm young again, I'm new again
Racing turtles the grapefruit is winning
Seems I keep getting this story twisted
So where's Neil when you need him
Deck the halls it's you again it's you again s
Somewhere someone must know the ending
Is she still pissing in the river now
Heard she'd gone moved into a trailer park

So sure we were onto something
Your feet are finally on the ground he said
So sure we were onto something
Your feet are just on the ground girl

(So sure those girls are in the Navy
Those bombs our friends can't even hurt you now and
You hold these tears
'Cause they're still on your side
Don't hear the dogs barking
Don't say you know we've gone
Andromeda stood with those girls
before the hair in pairs it just got nasty
and now those girls are gone)

Let The Music Do The Talking - Joe Perry Project

2009-01-14T00:41:00.004-06:00

Artist: Joe Perry Project
Song: Let The Music Do The Talking
Year: 1980
Album: Let The Music Do The Talking

After Joe Perry left Aerosmith in 1979, he formed the Joe Perry Project. Right out of the gate, the band released a hit single and all would appear to be well with Joe Perry. Unfortunately, drug problems were still a huge part of Joe's life at that point. Columbia records didn't put any support into the albums released by Joe, so they only sold to the hardcore Aerosmith fans and no one else.

Columbia was tired of the upheaval in Aerosmith and were trying to nudge Joe Perry back into the band. Joe plugged along as best as he could, releasing three albums in a span of four years. Each one did poorer than its predecessor due to lack of support. Eventually, Joe took on Brad Whitford for the final tour before both rejoined Aerosmith.

"Let The Music Do The Talking" is a very interesting song. It was a hit single for two bands in the span of five years, both involving Joe Perry. This song was recorded by Aerosmith for their big comeback album in 1985. Unfortunately, Aerosmith would have to wait two years for a proper comeback. They were stuck in seventies album mode and stuck with the nine song album format. Someone also decided to make all of the artwork and words on the album cover appear backwards.

I like the Joe Perry Project. I think they put out better albums than Aerosmith did during the band's short life. Nothing beats the original lineup of Aerosmith though. If you put Aerosmith's A Rock And A Hard Place against any of the Joe Perry Project's albums, I bet you'll choose JPP.

Lyrics:
Wanna take a chance and dance before
I got to leave alone.

On short song and she'll be gone
I wish her off was on
Gotta try, gotta try another way to get her
To come around to me.

Wanna take a chance and dance before
I got to leave alone.

Let the music do the talking
Let the music do the talking
Let the music do the talking
Let the music do the talking
Let the music do the talking

There's just one more thing
I've gotta say
But, I'll explain a different way
You've gotta know I got an axe to grind
I know you won't mind

In your eyes I see the sky no question
Our hearts belong entwined
One last thing, our love
Is positively meant to be

Let the music do the talking
Let the music do the talking
Let the music do the talking
Let the music do the talking
Let the music do the talking

Wanna take a chance and dance before
I got to leave alone.

On short song and she'll be gone
I wish her off was on
Gotta try, gotta try another way to get her
To come around to me.

Wanna take a chance and dance before
I got to leave alone.

Let the music do the talking
Let the music do the talking
Let the music do the talking
Let the music do the talking
Let the music do the talking