Better life

Day 21

--STATS--

Artist: Keith Urban

Genre: Country

Album: Be Here

Released: 2005

Friday night & the moon is high,

I'm wide awake just watchin' you sleep.

I promise you your gonna have

more than just the things that you need.

We ain't got much now, were just startin' out,

but I know somehow paradise is comin'.

Someday baby, you & I are gonna be the one's,

good lucks gonna shine.

Someday baby, you & I gonna be the one's,

so hold on, were headed for a better life.

Oh now, theirs a place for you & me,

where we can dream as big as the sky.

I know it's hard to see it now,

but baby, someday we're gonna fly.

This road were on, you know, it might be long,

but my faith is strong, it's all that really matters.

Someday baby, you & I are gonna be the one's,

good lucks gonna shine.

Someday baby, you & I gonna be the one's,

so hold on, were headed for a better life.

So hold on, hold on...

C'mon baby, hold on...

yea, were gonna have it all and ooh..

Someday baby, you & I are gonna be the one's,

good lucks gonna shine.

Someday baby, you & I gonna be the one's,

so hold on, were headed for a better life.

Someday baby, you & I are gonna be the one's,

good lucks gonna shine.

Someday baby, you & I gonna be the one's,

so hold on, were headed for a better life.

Hey, were gonna leave this all behind us, baby, wait & see,

were headed for a better life, you & me.

Were gonna break the chains that bind & we'll be free,

were gonna be the one's that have it all, you & me...

Back in 2007, this was totally my husband & I's anthem. Headed for a better life. At that time, my husband was running a small struggling business in Oregon City, while I worked at one point, three jobs with a baby under six months. On top of it we were planning & saving for our wedding. Probably the most stressful year together, we were stretched thin & tired. Tired, but happy. I remember feeling truly content with what we had & just being excited for the future with our eye on the prize. Consistently bettering ourselves & growing our little family. Headed for a better life.

Today, living in Dallas, we are steadily working towards that "better life." After closing the Oregon City store, we found a house in Dallas with a large front window I love to gaze out of & watch life outside. We live less than five minutes from the store here in town my husband manages with his father. I am home with the kids, while my husband works towards his bachelors in Linguistic Studies. We are truly happy & still growing & changing. Far from the same couple we were years ago & far from the family we will be in the future. Still heading for that better life, but the present looks pretty good to me.

Runaround

Day 20

--STATS--

Group: Blues Traveler

Genre: Alternative or blues rock

Album: Four

Released: 1994

Once upon a midnight dearie,
I woke with something in my head.
I couldn't escape the memory
Of a phone call and of what you said.

Like a game show contestant with a parting gift,
I could not believe my eyes.
When I saw through the voice of a trusted friend,
Who needs to humor me and tell me lies.
Yeah, humor me and tell me lies.

And I'll lie too and say I don't mind,
And as we seek so shall we find.
And when you're feeling open I'll still be here,
But not without a certain degree of fear
Of what will be with you and me,
I still can see things hopefully.

But you,

Why you wanna give me a run-around?
Is it a sure-fire way to speed things up,
When all it does is slow me down.

And shake me and my confidence
About a great many things.
But I've been there I can see it cower
Like a nervous magician waiting in the wings

Of a bad play where the heroes are right,
And nobody thinks or expects too much.
And Hollywood's calling for the movie rights,
Singing hey babe, let's keep in touch.
Hey baby, let's keep in touch.

But I want more than a touch, I want you to reach me,
And show me all the things no one else can see.
So what you feel becomes mine as well,
And soon if we're lucky we'd be unable to tell.
What's yours and mine the fishing's fine,
And it doesn't have to rhyme so don't you feed me a line.

But you,
Why you wanna give me a run-around?
Is it a sure-fire way to speed things up,
When all it does is slow me down

Tra la la la la bombardier, this is the pilot speaking,
And I've got some news for you.
It seems my ship still stands no matter what you drop,
And there ain't a whole lot that you can do.

Oh sure, the banner may be torn and the wind's gotten colder.
Perhaps I've grown a little cynical,
But I know no matter what the waitress brings,
I shall drink in and always be full.
My cup shall always be full.

Oh I like coffee,
And I like tea.
I'd like to be able to enter a final plea.
I still got this dream that you just can't shake,
I love you to the point you can no longer take

Well all right, okay,
So be that way.
I hope and pray

That there's something left to say.

But you,
Why you wanna give me a run-around?
Is it a sure-fire way to speed things up,
When all it does is slow me down.

But you,
Why you wanna give me a run-around?
Is it a sure-fire way to speed things up,
When all it does is slow me down.

Hmm...Life in the mid-ninties. The decade of peace & prosperity. In 1994, I would have been in third grade. I would have liked horses, Lisa Frank, writing short stories & getting in trouble regularly with my next door neighbor. I enjoyed the luxury of having many friends in the neighborhood. In the summertime, I was either always at someones house, or had some one staying over myself. Ashley & Jessica (sisters) were over the most, being that my step father was close friends with their father. Our favorite activities together varied from playing Barbies with Soap Opera like story lines, Dress-up ( I had a large selection of fancy gowns purchased from the second hand store, Rags to Riches.), watching movies from the 80's, burning ants with magnifying glasses, or making sugar cookies in whomping proportions.

While playing this song in the car today, I turned to my husband and said "Can't you just feel the essence of the 90's?". Nothing makes me think of this fashion-clueless decade more than the Blues Traveler. I can't help but feel happy & jubliant when I hear their music. I don't know...something bout that harmonica. It worked for Alanis Morrsette. Hmm....another something from the 90's.

So...what might this song mean to you? And where were you in the 90's?

Raining on Sunday

Day 19

--STATS--

Artist: Keith Urban

Genre: Country

Album: Golden Road

Released: 2002

It ticks just like a Timex,

never let's up on you.

Who said life is easy?

The job is never through.

It'll run us til were ragged,

it will harden our hearts,

and love could use a day of rest

before we both start falling a part.

Pray that it's raining on Sunday,

stormin' like crazy.

We'll hide under the covers all afternoon.

Baby, what ever comes Monday

can take care of it's self cause

we've got better things we can do,

when it's raining on Sunday.

Your love is like religion,

across in Mexico,

and your kiss is like the innocence

of a prayer nailed to a door.

Oh surrender is much sweeter

when we both let it go.

Let the water wash our bodies clean,

and love wash our souls.

Pray that it's raining on Sunday,

stormin' like crazy.

We'll hide under the covers all afternoon.

Baby, what ever comes Monday

can take care of it's self cause

we've got better things we can do,

when it's raining on Sunday.

Pray that it's raining on Sunday,

stormin' like crazy.

We'll hide under the covers all afternoon.

Baby, what ever comes Monday

can take care of it's self cause

we've got better things we can do,

when it's raining on Sunday.

When it's raining on Sunday...

When it's raining on Sunday...

When it's raining on Sunday...

Let it rain!

One of my favorite Keith Urban songs. I am coming to realize that one of the requirements for a good country song is a hot guy in a well fitted t-shirt & a guitar. Anyone want to debate this? OK, this might not hold up, but it sure doesn't hurt. Raining on Sunday makes me think of my hubby & the days before children, when we could do anything. Anything, meaning pretty much nothing. We could stay home, in bed, all day in our p.J.s, watching movies, eating left over pizza from the night before. Just enjoying each others company. Just enjoying each other. Priceless. Oh how I would kill for just one more day like that. Not that I regret having children in the least bit. I just wished I had learned to appreciate those days more when they were in the present. People try to prepare you for what it's like to have kids. They fail miserably. Oh well. Were in too deep now! Anyway, this song for many couples, is about closeness & the sweet simplicity of a "You & I" relationship.

I remember driving home from somewhere on a rainy February morning, when I was still in early pregnancy. This song came on my IPOD, & it really did make me think about the future, & how things would change when it became the three of us. It was a good change, though. I can remember thinking about things like, the first time I would feel the baby move. The first kick. The day we would find out what we were having. The birth. The first bath. The first day home. I am glad I can pin that moment to a song.

Sunrise

Day 18

--STATS--

Artist: Norah Jones

Genre: Contemporary Jazz

Album: Feels like home

Released: 2004

Sunrise, sunrise,

looks like morning in your eyes,

but the clocks held 9:15 for hours.

Sunrise, sunrise,

couldn't tempt us if it tried,

cause the afternoons already come & gone.

And I saw hoo....

Hoo...

Hoo...

to you.

Surprise, surprise,

couldn't find it in your eyes,

but I'm sure it's written all over my face.

Surprise, surprise,

always something I couldn't hide,

when I see we've made it threw another day.

And I saw hoo....

Hoo...

Hoo...

to you.

Now the night will throw it's cover down

Ooh, on me again.

Ooh...and if I'm right,

it's the only way to bring me back.

Hoo...

Hoo...

Hoo...

to you.

Hoo...Yeah...

Hoo...Mhmm

Hoo...

to you.

Norah Jones. I loove her. Love, love love. I didn't immediately get into her when she first came on the scene in 2002. It was her second CD that did it for me (though her first is still very good!). Her modesty & the sense of privacy about her is very refreshing. Her voice is rich & smooth, her lyrics tickle your soul. Her manner is cute & innocent. Plus she brought a bit of old time country to contemporary jazz. Most people who don't connect with jazz can at least appreciate a bit of Norah. I do not play her music in the winter, though. I stick strictly to spring through fall. Her music connects me with nature & makes me crave the sunshine. If I listened to her in the winter, I fear I may not appreciate it enough. She shall be making her appearance in my stereo in a couple weeks after a long grueling separation.

Before I discovered her second CD, the song Sunrise was the first I heard. It was played frequently on the radio the fall of 2004. At that time, I was preparing for my first move out of state (Southern California). The morning I left with my best friend, who was accompanying me on my drive, this song came on. It was very empowering, with the bass beat in the intro. The number brought such energy to the day & inspiration for the changes ahead in my life. Heading into the unknown--kind of scary. I think of this song.

The album did not find me until 2006, when I was pregnant with my daughter. I knew I liked the song Sunrise, & was familiar with her first record & her easy going style. I gave it a go-- and wow! What an instant connection! It was love at first listen. We haven't been a part since ( except during the winter of course!). This collection of songs is my sunny days & fall whether loving, proudly pregnant, connecting with nature, feel good music. One of my top ten album picks for sure. I highly recommend it to you. I believe even if you don't care for jazz or country, you will still welcome this artist, & this CD particularly. Thanks for listening to my rambling. I get really excited about this one. It means so much to me in my life. I even played Norah Jones exclusively at my fall themed bridal shower. It was beautiful.

What does this song mean to you?

Ode to my family

Day 17

--STATS--

Group: The Cranberries

Genre: Irish Rock

Album: No need to argue

Released: 1994

Understand the things I say,

don't turn away from,

cuz I spent half my life out there,

you wouldn't disagree.

Do you see me, do you see,

do you like me? Do you like me standing there?

Do you notice, do you know,

do you see me, do you see me?

Does anyone care?

Unhappiness was when I was young

& we didn't give a damn.

Cuz we were raised to see life as fun

& take it if we can.

My mother, my mother she hold me.

She hold me when I was out there.

My father, my father he like me.

well, he like me,

does anyone care?

Understand what I've become,

it wasn't my design,

& people everywhere think something

better than I am.

I miss you, I miss

cuz I liked it, cuz I liked it

when I was out there.

Do you know this, do you know

you did not find me, you did not find,

does anyone care?

Unhappiness was when I was young

& we didn't give a damn.

Cuz we were raised to see life as fun

& take it if we can.

My mother, my mother she hold me.

She hold me when I was out there.

My father, my father he like me.

well, he like me,

does anyone care?

does anyone care?

does anyone care?

does anyone care?

does anyone care?

does anyone care?

does anyone care?

does anyone care?

This is classic Cranberries at their best. Sweet. Lulling. Deep. Very Irish. The Cranberries make me think of the nineties, rebellion, shaved heads & Doc Martins. This song it's self makes me think of two time periods. Grade school & high school. The Cranberries were very popular when I was growing up & many of my classmates listened to them. My close circle of friends were very fond of them, & I would hang out at my friend, Heidi's house & we would listen to this album. Ode to my family makes me think of her because I know she really liked it. If I close my eyes, I can visualize her parents house, & her old room. I can see us sitting on her bed, snacking on apples, playing a round of barbie dolls engrossed in some deep storyline. The Cranberries or counting Crows are most likely lingering in the background. I miss those times more than she probably knows, but I cannot go back. Literally. Her parents moved over four years ago. That room is someone else's now.

I took a break from The Cranberries in middle school, & brought them back once the nineties had passed. The Cranberries helped me through many emotions during this turbulent time of life. Through the ups & downs. Through projects & finals. Through budding relationships & break-ups. And everything in between. Though, I particularly think of Senior this song. What a good year, for the most part. Last year in high school. I had a great group of friends, some awesome classes, a wonderful boyfriend who happens to now be my husband and NO MORE DRAMA! Amen to that! Life was starting to fall into place...

And what about you? What does this song mean to you?

What's my age again?

Day 16

--STATS--

Group: Blink-182

Genre: pop punk or punk rock

Album: Enema of the state

Released: 1999

I took her out, it was a Friday night.

I wore cologne to get the feeling right.

We started making out, & she took off my pants,

but then I turned on the T.V.

And that's about the time she walked away from me,

nobody likes you when your twenty-three.

And I'm still more amused by T.V. shows.

What the hell is A.D.D.?

My friends say I should act my age.

What's my age again?

What's my age again?

Then later on, on the drive home,

I called her mom from a pay phone.

I said I was the cops, & your husbands in jail.

The state looks down on sodomy.

And that's about the time that ***** hung up on me,

nobody likes you when your twenty-three.

And I'm still more amused by prank phone calls.

What the hell is call ID?

my friends say I should act my age.

What's my age again?

What's my age again?

And that's about the time she walked away from me,

nobody likes you when your twenty-three.

And you still act like your in Freshmen year.

What the hell is wrong with me?

My friends say I should act my age.

What's my age again?

What's my age again?

And that's about the time that she broke up with me,

nobody should take them selves so seriously.

With many years ahead to fall in line,

why would you wish that on me?

I never want to act my age.

What's my age again?

What's my age again?

What's my age again?

OK. This song is just good times. I admit it can be a bit offensive to those who want to take it too seriously, but really, it's just good times. Not only did I enjoy this song ( & this group who's drummer likes to play in his skivvy's! Oh my!) in the eighth grade when it first came out, but I also enjoyed it as a newly graduated teenager not quite a child anymore, but not yet bogged down with responsibilities & all life's realities. The summer following my graduation from North West Nannies, my unemployed self & my unemployed best friend would cruz around town,often playing this song, doing what ever it was mischievous teenage girls do when they have no direction or purpose. Often, we found our selves at Dairy Queen, wondering if their was anything better in life than star kisses. Or you might of found us wadding in the creek at the city park, or wandering the aisles aimlessly at Wal-mart. Yep- that's pretty much all we had in D-Town. At night we might watch movies, gorge on junk foods & enjoy a soak in the hot tub under the stars. Or hanging out with other slightly unambitious teenagers, watching movies & gorging on junk food. Oh the life! It's funny to think how our lives are nothing like this anymore.

And what about age anyways? Age is really just a number, & a specific age really has no relevance to how one will act. At twenty-three, I was a married working woman with a toddler & baby on the way. I enjoyed city living & an income that supported the lifestyle I loved. Many of my friends the same age were living a completely different life, most w/o spouses, children, or jobs. Some living on their own, some back with their parents. Many frequented the bars & clubs at night & slept way past noon. The same age, different lives. Based on life experiences & choices, not by the number of their years of existence.

Just the other day, I was rather offended, when a woman who I have never met was debating (online) with me about a political topic , assumed that I had no idea what I was talking about all because of my age. She said I would understand when I was older. She went on to assume I was a single twenty-something with no partner, kids, mortgage, business or real responsibilities that would help me relate to what other Americans were going through in our country. The only thing she was right about was my age. I am twenty-five. The number twenty-five has nothing to do with my intelligence level & my ability to keep myself informed & educated on current events. What's my age again indeed. Does it matter?

So...what does this song mean to you?

Let's stay together

Day 15

--STATS--

Artist: Al Green

Genre: Soul

Album: Let's stay together

Released: 1972

I-I-I- I'm so in love with you,

what ever you wanna do

is alright with me.

Cause you make me feel so brand new,

and I wanna spend my life with you.

Let me say since, baby,

since we've been together,

loving you forever is what I need.

Let me be the one you come running to.

I'll never be untrue.

Oh baby,

let's- let's stay together.

Loving you whether, whether

times are good, or sad, happy, or bad.

Why- why some people break-up,

then turn around & make-up,

I just can't see.

You'd never do that to me (would you, baby?).

Staying around you is all I see.

(Here's what I wanna do.)

let's- We outta stay together.

Loving you whether, whether

times are good, or sad, happy, or bad.

Come on, let's stay, let's stay together.

loving you whether

times are good or bad, happy or sad.

I honestly don't have a lot to say about this song, other than I really do like it, & have the utter most respect for Rev. Al Green. We choose this song for our official wedding party dance. For eight months, Tom & I talked about taking dancing lessons for our wedding, as many couples do. We had many months to find a class, sign up, & take it. due to our procrastinating nature, this never actually happened. Instead, I purchased a how-to-dance DVD from our local bridal store. We watched it once & promised ourselves at some point we'd take it seriously. And we did--the night before the wedding.

It must have been quite a spectacle. Present were my best friend, my daughters caretaker, my fiance & myself, as we tried maneuver after maneuver to this song, attempting to make something look good. A triple twirl from different directions seemed like a good start for the beginning, however, I forgot to take into account the size of my deathtrap-- dress, I mean. On our big day, the DJ ended up playing the song at the wrong time, which sent everyone scrambling to find their partner and get into place. Our fancy moves were never scene. Oh well, what can I say? It was probably for the best anyway.

what about you...this song mean anything to you?

The boy is mine

Day 14

--STATS--

Artists: Brandy (& Monica)

Genre: R&B

Album: Never say never

Released: 1998

You need to give it up,

had about enough.

It's not hard to see,

the boy is mine.

I'm sorry that you,

seem to be confused.

he belongs to me,

the boy is mine.

Brandy:

I think it's time we got this straight.

Let's sit & talk face to face.

There is no way you could mistake

him for your man, are you insane?

Monica:

See, I know that you may be

just a bit jealous of me,

but your blind if you can't see

that his love is all in me.

Brandy:

See, I tried to hesitate.

I didn't wanna say what he told me.

He said without me he couldn't make

it through the day, ain't that a shame?

Monica:

Well, maybe you misunderstood,

cuz I can't see how he could

wanna change somethin' that's so good,

cuz my love is all it took.

You need to give it up,

had about enough.

It's not hard to see,

the boy is mine.

I'm sorry that you,

seem to be confused.

he belongs to me,

the boy is mine.

Monica:

Must you do the things you do,

keep on acting like a fool!

You need to know it's me, not you,

and if you didn't know it, girl, it's true.

Brandy:

I think that you should realize,

and try to understand why

he is apart of my life.

I know it's killing you inside!

Monica:

You can say what you wanna say,

what we have you can't take!

From the truth you can't escape,

I can tell the real from the fake!

Brandy:

When will you get the picture?

Your the past--I'm the future.

Get away, it's my time to shine,

and if you didn't know, the boy is mine!

You need to give it up,

had about enough.

It's not hard to see,

the boy is mine.

I'm sorry that you,

seem to be confused.

he belongs to me,

the boy is mine.

You need to give it up,

had about enough.

It's not hard to see,

the boy is mine.

I'm sorry that you,

seem to be confused.

he belongs to me,

the boy is mine.

Monica:

You can't destroy this love I've found,

these silly games I won't allow.

The boy is mine without a doubt,

you might as well throw in the towel.

Brandy:

What makes you think that he wants you,

when I'm the one that brought him to

this special place in my heart.

He was my love right from the start.

You need to give it up,

had about enough.

It's not hard to see,

the boy is mine.

I'm sorry that you,

seem to be confused.

he belongs to me,

the boy is mine.

No...no..You need to give it up!

Had about enough.

It's not hard to see,

the boy is mine....mine!

I'm sorry that you,

seem to be confused.

He belongs to me!

The boy is mine....

Monica: Not yours

Brandy: but mine

Monica: Not yours

Brandy: but mine

Monica: not yours

Brandy: but mine!

I'm sorry that you

seem to be confused.

It's not hard to see,

the boy is mine!

I apologize immediately for such a lame song choice, but this song was very popular once upon a time. Brandy's songs from her album Never say never were all over the air, & Monica wasn't doing so bad herself. Where are they now? Well, Monica seems to have done pretty well; Engaged, two children & a new album after a ten year break about to come out. Brandy, on the other hand...I don't know what to say. One album in 2002, followed by one reality special about her pregnancy & her relationship with her husband, who in the end, turned out not to be her husband (Yah- you figure that one out.). A wreck less driving charge in 2007 that left one person dead ( I'm not sure if she was ever convicted of manslaughter.) & an episode of Punk'd displaying some pretty shady behavior. I'll try not to judge, but the verdict is still out on that one.

This is pretty embarrassing, but I had this song memorized, start to finish. Typing it in today (only copying & pasting the chorus) I still didn't have to think very hard about the lyrics. That would be because one of my best friends & myself would perform the duet when we were home by ourselves. We would plug it in, crank up the volume & sass it up. We got very into it, I must say. She was Monica, & I would sing the part done by Brandy. It might have been pretty funny watching two very white girls singing a very R&B song. Seriously, though. You don't get any whiter than the two of us. The part about being good was most likely just in our heads. We shall never know, for no one ever got to chance to see us perform live. That's probably a very good thing. For a birthday gift one year, as a joke, my friend got me the Brandy barbie doll. It's just a shame they never made a Monica, or we could have used them to make a duet as well! Again, it was probably a good thing they didn't. I saved that doll. I figured I have kids someday. Realizing that someday is now, I pulled her out from the box I was storing her in the other day. Now Malibu barbie has a friend. Let's hope they play nicely.

What does this song mean to you?

Glamorous

Day 13

--STATS--

Artist: Fergie featuring Ludacris

Genre: Pop/ Hip-Hop

Album: The Dutchess

Released: 2006

If you ain't got no money, take yo' broke a$$ home!

I say, if you ain't got no money, take yo' broke a$$ home!

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S!

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S!

We flyin' first class,

up in the sky.

Poppin champagne,

livin' my life in the fast lane,

but I won't change

by the glamorous, oh the flossy, flossy!

The glamorous,

the glamorous, glamorous life.

For the glamorous, oh the flossy, flossy!

The glamorous,

the glamorous, glamorous life.

For the glamorous, oh the flossy, flossy!

Wear em gold & diamond rings,

all those things don't mean a thing.

Chaperone's & limousines,

shoppin for expensive things.

I be on the movie screens,

magazines & boogie scenes.

I'm not clean, I'm not pristine.

I'm not queen, I'm no machine.

I still go to Taco Bell,

drive thru, raw as hell.

I don't care, I'm still real,

no matter how many records I sell.

After the show or after the grammies,

I like to go cool out with the family.

Sipping, reminiscing on days when I had a mustang,

and now I'm in...

first class,

up in the sky.

Poppin champagne,

livin' my life in the fast lane,

but I won't change

by the glamorous, oh the flossy, flossy!

The glamorous,

the glamorous, glamorous life.

For the glamorous, oh the flossy, flossy!

The glamorous,

the glamorous, glamorous life.

For the glamorous, oh the flossy, flossy!

Ludacris:

I'm talkin' champagne wishes, caviar dreams,

you deserve nothin' but all the finer things.

Now the whole world don't know what to do with us,

I got a enough money in the bank for the two of us.

Of course a brotha gotta keep enough lettuce

to support your shoe fetish.

Lifestyles so rich & famous,

Robin Leach will get jealous.

Half a million for the stone,

taking trips from here to Rome.

So if you ain't got no money take yo' broke a$$ home!

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S!

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S!

We flyin' first class,

up in the sky.

Poppin champagne,

livin' my life in the fast lane,

but I won't change

by the glamorous, oh the flossy, flossy!

The glamorous,

the glamorous, glamorous life.

For the glamorous, oh the flossy, flossy!

The glamorous,

the glamorous, glamorous life.

For the glamorous, oh the flossy, flossy!

I got problems up to here,

I got people in my ear,

telling me these crazy things

that I don't wanna know.

I got money in the bank,

and I'd really like to thank

all you fans, I'd like to thank,

thank you really though.

Cause I remember yesterday,

when I dreamt about the day,

when I'd rock on MTV, that'd be really dope.

Damn, it's been a long road,

and the industry is cold.

I'm glad my daddy told me so,

he let his daughter know.

My daddy told me so.

He let his daughter know.

When this song came out, it was all the rage. Who didn't want to get all dolled up, go out on a Friday night & blast this tune on the IPOD. (psst-- I did!). This song was popular during the summer before my wedding, and you can bet I was out living it up with my girlfriends in my last few months as a single lady. Well, not really single, but you know what I mean. What a fun summer. Planning a wedding & working as a super busy nanny by day, more wedding planning & movies in bed by night. Weekends filled with super fun family activities, and out with the girls at night. Fun times, but I am sure glad those days are over. Now I have an excuse to stay home in my PJ's blogging about the ole glory days.

This song is a total cruising song. Driving downtown with a girlfriend or two, top down, hot summer day or night. This CD has summer 2007 written all over it. And yes, I did play it all summer long. I became so sick of it by fall, that I tucked it away some where & haven't recovered it since. Granted, we've had a couple moves in there. Today was a great day to play this song. The sun was out & everyone was in a good mood. Spring is on it's way...

So...what does this song mean to you? Any glory day stories long past you'd like to share with me?

Babys got her blue jeans on

Day 12

--STATS--

Artist: Mel McDaniel

Genre: Country

Album: Let it roll

Released: 1984

Down on the corner, at the traffic light,

every body's watching as she goes by.

They turn their heads and they

watch her til she's gone.

Lord have mercy, baby's got her blue jeans on.

Up by the bus stop, & across the street,

open up their windows to take a peek

as she's walkin',

rockin' like a rollin' stone.

Heaven help us, baby's got her blue jeans on.

Well, she can't help it if she's made that way.

She's not to blame if they look her way.

She ain't really tryin' to cause a scene,

it just comes naturally...oh, the girl can't help it!

Well, up on main street by the taxi stand,

theres a crowd of people & a traffic jam.

She don't look back,

she ain't doin' nothin' wrong.

Lord have mercy, baby's got her blue jeans on.

Well, she can't help it if she's made that way.

She's not to blame if they look her way.

She ain't really tryin' to cause a scene,

it just comes naturally...oh, the girl can't help it!

Down on the corner, at the traffic light,

every body's watching as she goes by.

They turn their heads and they

watch her til she's gone.

Lord have mercy, baby's got her blue jeans on.

Heaven help us, baby's got her blue jeans on.

So this one is just silly. I remember the version by Sammy Kershaw being very popular when I was in grade school, however, I couldn't find anything on his version, so I guess Mel McDaniel will do. At some point, I'm sure this song got me out of my anti-jean phase (It's a good thing, too. Stretch pants were not going to get me through middle school.). This song made wearing your blue jeans sound like the best thing ever. If I just put these babies on, & sauntered around in them during recess at school, I could get the attention of the best looking boy in class. Reality check: not so much.

At any rate, this song is fun, absolutely ridiculous, & creates very silly visuals in my head. The last time I heard this song before yesterday was at my aunts Bachelorette party at a Coyote Ugly like bar with a mechanical bucking bull. Perfect. The song brought me back to grade school & I've been wanting to hear it again ever since. I don't really have anything else to say about this song. Just download it & enjoy for a good laugh!

What does this song mean to you? I'd be interested to hear..

p.s. I used the Sammy Kershaw video...kind of offensive! I'm not sure what the other one looks like! Dirty old men!

Some where only we know

Day 11

--STATS--

Group: Keane

Genre: Alternative rock

Album: Hopes and Dreams

Released: 2004

I walked across an empty land,

I knew the pathway like the back of my hand.

I felt the earth beneath my feet,

sat by the river, and it made me complete.

Oh simple thing, where have you gone?

I'm getting old & I need something to rely on.

So tell me when your gonna let me in,

I'm getting tired & I need somewhere to begin.

I came across a fallen tree.

I felt the branches of it looking at me.

Is this the place we use to love?

Is this the place that we've been dreaming of.

Oh simple thing, where have you gone?

I'm getting old & I need something to rely on.

So tell me when your gonna let me in,

I'm getting tired & I need somewhere to begin.

And if you have a minute, why don't we go,

talk about it somewhere only we know.

This could be the end of everything,

so why don't we go

somewhere only we know?

Oh simple thing, where have you gone?

I'm getting old & I need something to rely on.

So tell me when your gonna let me in,

I'm getting tired & I need somewhere to begin.

And if you have a minute, why don't we go,

talk about it somewhere only we know.

This could be the end of everything,

so why don't we go?

So why don't we go?

This could be the end of everything,

so why don't we go

somewhere only we know?

Somewhere only we know?

Somewhere only we know.

What I really enjoy about this group is their use of the piano in their songs rather than heavy guitar, common in most alternative rock groups. I feel that I really like this type of music the most, these groups like Keane, coldplay, or artists like David Gray & Amos Lee. It doesn't seem to matter what kind of mood I am in. I can be happy & high spirited, and acoustic alternative music would compliment that mood. I could be sad or slightly withdrawn, and this genre wouldn't be overpowering or too sappy. It is really just right, for me at least. I like the lyrics of this song, as well as the melody it accompanies. Back to nature. Back to something familiar. Something that has meaning, something only we know. " Oh simple thing, where have you gone?" That leaves me wondering where my simple thing has gone.

My simple thing is a plot of land in the Mt. Rainier area, in Washington state. I have--or had, really, been going there for a family camping vacation every fourth of July since I can remember. Many memories made there, all good times ( There was the "Car hits tree & almost runs over tents" incident of 2003. I don't count that one.). Simple, easy going fun. Back to nature. Back to the basics. Unfortunately, in recent years, I feel it has been taken from us. It's complicated, & I can't really talk about it here. It is lost to us. I hope not forever, though a part of it will always be gone.Taken. I didn't even get to share it with my children. "Oh simple thing, where have you gone?"

This song aside from it's meaning, makes me think of the end of the summer of 2006. My daughter was a newborn, & one of my best friends was living clear out in the middle of nowhere ( OK-- Elkton, Oregon. Look it up.) My husband & I, or just myself sometimes, would make the four hour drive out there to visit her, & her then boyfriend for the weekend. I have very fond memories of those times. The beginning of my journey through motherhood. It started there. In Elkton, we didn't have much to do. We had BBQ's, watched movies, went on walks. The boys enjoyed many beers & "manly" conversations. My friend & I enjoyed the quality time. On the weekend that I drove out there by myself, it was just her & I. Her boyfriend was away for work. On that Saturday, we took a trip to the nearest beach. It was a windy, yet warm day. It was Taylors first trip to the beach. I still keep a picture of that day with me, of myself holding my newborn daughter, her eyes squinting from the wind & sun. Me, trying to shield her from the elements. It is a beautiful picture. We played this album in the car on the way back. This song belongs to this memory.

What about you? What does this song mean to you?

The point of no return

Day 10

--STATS--

Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber

Genre: musical Broadway

Album: The Phantom of the Opera

Released: 1985

Phantom:

You have come here,

in pursuit of your deepest urge,

in pursuit of that wish which til now

has been silent...

silent...

I have brought you,

that our passions may fuse & merge.

In your mind mind you've already succumbed to me,

dropped all defenses, completely succumbed to me.

Now you are here with me-- no second thoughts.

You've decided...

Decided...

Past the point of no return-

no backward glances...

The games we've played til now are at an end...

Past all thoughts of "if" or "when",

no use resisting...

abandon thought and let the dream descend...

What raging fire

shall flood the soul?

what rich desire

unlocks it's door?

What sweet seduction lies

before us...

Past the point of no return-

the final threshold!

What warm unspoken secrets

will we learn...

beyond the point of no return...

Christine:

You have brought me,

to that moment where words run dry.

To that moment where speech disappears

into silence...

Silence...

I have come here,

hardly knowing the reason why!

In my mind I've already imagined

our bodies entwining--

defenseless & silent.

Now you are here with me,

no second thoughts,

I've decided...

Decided...

Past the point of no return--

no going back now!

Our passion play has now,

at last begun...

Past all thought of "right or "wrong",

one final question:

How long should we two wait

before were one?

When will the blood begin to race?

The sleeping bud burst into bloom,

when will the flames at last

consume us...

Both:

Past the point of no return--

the final threshold!

The bridge is crossed,

so stand & watch it burn....

We've past the point of no return...

Wow. I absolutely love this play. I do enjoy many of Andrew Lloyd Webbers plays, but I thoroughly love The phantom of the Opera from top to bottom. It was, obviously, my Dads favorite as well, for he played the cassette of the original cast production often. On long trips in the car, you can almost guarantee it was being played. My earliest memories of hearing & recognizing it would be when I was three. The production first hit Broadway when I was just months old.

By the time I was in fifth grade, I had the whole play memorized. I began introducing it to my friends. We would pretend we were actually going to the Broadway production-- we would get dressed up, put it on the stereo, turn out the lights & lay in bed with our eyes closed, silent the whole time. Wow, what devotion. If I wasn't so prone to stage freight, I probably would have devoted my whole life to the stage, & the chance to play Christine Daa'e, the role as a 10 year old I absolutely believed I was made for. I even tried to put on my own The Phantom, recruiting my classmates for tryouts. It never happened, but I actually did manage to type up the whole script. I ended up turning it into my typing instructor for extra credit. I totally got an A in that class.

I did, in fact, get a chance to see The Phantom of the Opera on stage. Twice. Once, when my father took me in the sixth grade, and another time with my husband, just before my son was born. I was in heaven, although it was hard to watch other cast members, when I had grown up listening to The Original cast recording. No one can quite hold those long & high notes like the great Michael Crawford can. Plus, everyone knows that Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote the play for his then wife, Sarah Brightmen. Imagine my difficulty to adapt when the movie came out in 2004. But I did. All in all, I think they did a wonderful job casting for the movie. Gerald Butler is quite easy on the eyes, even as The Phantom, and surprisingly on the ears as well. And the discovery of Emmy Rossem as Christine was simply brilliant. She was only sixteen years old when they started filming!

OK. So I have selected The point of no return, because it is my favorite part in the whole play. just before the climax, there is so much emotion built up in this scene. If you have not seen the play or movie, it is the part where Christine unwillingly plays the leading role in his production of Don Juan to satisfy his request. Meanwhile, the Opera owners and Christines fiance have set up a trap for The phantom, knowing he will be viewing from his box. However, The Phantom knows this, & has other plans. Back stage, he has murdered the actor playing Don Juan & has disguised himself as this character. This song is the song they sing on stage, while the drama is all unfolding in front of everyone. It is very passionate, the lyrics so well thought out ( written by Lyricist Charles Hart), the music desirous. In the movie, the dance moves ooze sex appeal. It is defiantly a fun scene to watch, stimulating to the eyes, and the anticipation of arriving disaster is intense. Of all the scenes, this is the one to watch. But why stop there, the whole musical is worth at least one viewing. Whether you pick the movie over the Broadway production, or vice versa, I highly recommend the romantic & tragic experience. For you men out there-- there is a comedic undertone to the play as well.

Alright, so for all you Phantom fans out there, what does this song mean to you?

P.S. my daughter is into Mama Mia. Can't win them all.

One of these nights

Day 9

--STATS--

Group: The Eagles

Genre: Rock

Album: One of these nights

Released: 1975

* Lyrics not published online. Should have them posted by tomorrow night. Thanks.

So, this is what I meant by "I hope I can keep up." I am one day behind, due to this terrible illness that's been with me since Saturday & the fact that my husband needed the computer all last night to prepare for finals. However, I still had time yesterday to listen to this song in preparation for this blog.

The Eagles are among the top ten favorite groups or artists of mine. I credit my father for helping to develop my broad taste in my music, & for my love of The Eagles. On weekends that I stayed with my Dad, he would pick me up for the hour trip North to Tualatin where he lived. Either he or I would get to pick a CD or cassette from his collection. Not only would we listen to it, but my Dad would feed me fun facts about the groups. I learned many things from him regarding music. I wonder now if he had someone like that growing up, fostering his knowledge & love of music. Maybe his Father, my Grandfather, who sadly passed away in '94 from second-hand lung cancer.

This song makes me feel like I am at a disco club, but in the least painful way. The guitar in this number has a kind of funky tone to it. The lyrics are fun, and the chorus is lots of fun to sing along to during rush hour. I have done this many times. I am amazed at the pitch some of these guys are able to achieve in this song as well. heaven to the ears, and yes, lots of fun to sing to. During rush hour.

*Blog shall continue with an conclusion upon discovery of lyrics for inspiration.

Kiss the rain

Day 8

--STATS--

Artist: Billie Myers

Genre: Pop/Rock

Album: Growing pains

Released: 1997

Hello...

Can you hear me?

Am I getting through to you?

Hello...

Is it late there?

Is there laughter on the line?

Are you sure your there alone?

Cuz I'm trying to explain--

somethings wrong,

you just don't sound the same.

Why don't you,

why don't you...

go outside,

go outside...

Kiss the rain

whenever you need me.

Kiss the rain

whenever I'm gone too long.

If your lips feel hungry & thirsty

kiss the rain,

and wait for the dawn.

Keep in mind

were under the same sky,

and the nights as empty for me as for you.

If you feel you can't wait til morning....

Kiss the rain.

Kiss the rain.

Kiss the rain.

Hello...

Do you miss me?

I hear you say you do,

but not the way I'm missing you.

What's new?

Hows the weather?

Is it stormy where you are?

You sound so close but it feels like your so far.

Oh would it mean anything,

if you knew what I'm left imagining.

In my mind,

in my mind,

would you go,

would you go,

Kiss the rain!

As you fall over me,

think of me, think of me,

think of me, only me,

Kiss the rain

whenever you need me.

Kiss the rain

whenever I'm gone too long.

If your lips feel hungry & thirsty

kiss the rain,

and wait for the dawn.

Keep in mind

were under the same sky,

and the nights as empty for me as for you.

If you feel you can't wait til morning....

Kiss the rain.

Kiss the rain.

Kiss the rain.

Hello...

Can you hear me?

Can you hear me?

This song makes me think all the way back to seventh grade. It was a terrible year for me. It still remains to be til this day, the worst year in school I ever had. It didn't help that the previous year had been my best year in school. Really, how do you live up to that? It was December, 1997. I had just changed schools that year, due to the re-opening of the new Leslie ( I had been attending Crossler Middle School.) & was not really warming up to it. At Crossler, things already had a certain flow, having been open for awhile. The teachers seemed extra nice, the pep assemblies extra peppy, and we had a jukebox in the lunchroom that students could choose song selections in the mornings before class & the whole lunch period! The cherry on the top was the cute Australian gym teacher who made up cool games like London ball that we all enjoyed playing. Leslie still had a few bugs to work out in their scheduling, the teachers often seemed slightly pretentious & unattainable, & the gym teacher left much to be desired....drills replaced London ball. What do you expect from a guy named Soren sorenson. My grades were suffering due to lack of interest & focus. I was missing some of my old friends & the threat of a possible move later in the year lingered on my mind. Puberty & it's wacky hormones did not help, believe it or not.

Needless to say, I was greatly anticipating Christmas break, when I got to travel with my Dad to Washington to visit family. The time away was much needed. While away, I tried my best to forget about the things that had been bothering me the past few months. I spent much time relaxing. I read books, watched movies, went out to dinner, soaked in the hot tub. And this song was on the radio. I hadn't heard it before. All the radio stations were different than the ones in Oregon, and I was quite enjoying it. They played Kiss the rain so many times that week that by the time were heading back home, I knew all the words. When we arrived home, I bought the CD & a new boom box with my Christmas gift cards. Listening to that song took me away from all the bad times I was trying to forget. It's funny that thinking about it now brings me back to those times.

I haven't really listened to this CD in a long time. I'm surprised even that I still have it. Scratched & worn, the lettering on the front is wearing down. I think I shall give it one more listen, then pass it on. Maybe it will help another hormonally dysfunctional teen. Who knows?

What does this song mean to you?

You got it

Day 7

--STATS--

artist: Roy Orbison

Genre: Rock/pop

Album: Mystery Girl

Release: 1989

Every time I look into your loving eyes,

I see a love that money just can't buy.

One look from you, I drift away,

afraid that you are here to stay

Anything you want, you got it!

Anything you need, you got it!

Anything at all, you got it!

Baby!

Every time I hold you, I begin to understand,

everything about you tells me I'm your man.

I live my life to be with you.

No one can do the things you do.

Anything you want, you got it!

Anything you need, you got it!

Anything at all, you got it!

Baby!

Doo doo doo doo doo!

Doo doo doo doo doo!

Doo doo doo doo doo, you got it!

I'm glad to give my love to you.

I know you feel the way I do!

Anything you want, you got it!

Anything you need, you got it!

Anything at all, you got it!

Baby!

You got it!

Tonight, I'm going to make this short & sweet cuz my body is screaming at me. This song is just fun. When I think of Roy Orbison, a plethora of sad, sweet & soothing romance songs that are easy to sing to are what I think of first. His amazing range & great talent to write a simple pop love song also come to mind. Described as something they've never heard before by Elvis & Bono, it's just sad he made such an early exit.

This song by Roy is probably the most upbeat number of his that I can think of other than Pretty Woman. I like this one the most, though. It takes me way back-- back to the days of early childhood. Considering this song came out in 1989 (his last album was actually released the year after his death.), I would say I was about four years old when this was playing on the radio. If I close my eyes, I can picture a boom box ( is that what they were called then?), a large porch, & acres of land. The air is warm, summer most likely. I liked to skip & dance across the porch, singing along to all the songs I knew that came on. It was this song & baby love by Diana Ross & the Supremes I loved to sing the most. I would pretend the porch was a stage, & I was the star of my own little act. It was all good & great until the time my Dad Surprised me from inside the house & started singing along. That was the end of that.

Anyways, if I could make a music video of my past to this song, it would feature scenes like this; Me taking walks through the fields at our old farmhouse property. Riding on the back of a horse with my Mom down our road to the General store. Kicking a soccer ball around with my Dad. My mom & Grandma feeding the baby sheep with glass Pepsi bottles with large nipples attached. Family scenes basically. This songs makes me remember my family, the way I saw it through my young girl eyes.

And what about you? What does this song mean to you?