Today’s theme is “a song that reminds you of yourself”. But I’m gonna cheat and make my own category. Similar to one we’ve already done, really. But different enough.
Leaving town tomorrow, but I’ll be back on the 17th/18th.
So how about…
Day 30: A Song to Kickstart Vacation
What would you choose? And I promise to catch up with replies upon my return. Y’all have been wonderful, and I’ve missed you.
Day 29: A Song You Remember From Your Childhood
Listen, we’ve already done this. Dude, I swear we did. I talked about Cyndi Lauper and Beastie Boys.
Fine. I’ll do another. But let the record show it’s occurring under duress.
Oh. And I got bangs yesterday. WHAT.
Oh. Oh for the second time. I’m woefully behind on replies to your lovely comments and thoughtful contributions, and it’s bugging the shit outta me. I’m genuinely sorry! I will catch up, but it will probably be after vacation at this point. Today is my last day at the office until October 18th. Tomorrow will be spent packing, cleaning, etc. After that, you won’t hear from me for a while. So I’m running behind, but for valid reasons! Honest!
Now. On to the song. I’m contributing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, as it does indeed remind me of childhood. Released in 1982, I first heard it at a very young age. (I was born in 1980, for those keeping count.) The first time I saw this music video (which was also the first time I heard the song), I was simultaneously enthralled and terrified. I loved it! And I was convinced it was a movie. For years, I was convinced it was a full length movie and kept trying to find it…until I finally learned what it actually was. This epic music video (which I’m still saddened isn’t a full length feature film)! Enjoy!
What song reminds you of childhood?
Day 28: A Song By An Artist Whose Voice You Love
What the hell kind of question is this? Obviously, I only listen to music by artists whose voices I loathe. Pfft. Who listens to music they enjoy? Fucking peasants, that’s who.
Seriously. This one is stupid.
Instead, how about a song I recently Shazammed because I thought it was lovely and I’d never heard it before. And its fucking beautiful.
“Still” by Niall Horan.
Your turn.
I’m at work. On a Saturday. So in my final activity on the clock, and the only non-work-related thing I’ve done for the last seven hours, I present to you day 24.
Day 24: A Song by a Band You Wish were Still Together
I was gonna choose something by The Mars Volta, but my brain totally forgot they reunited. So now I’m stumped. HmmMMmm… How about something by Daft Punk? I was pretty bummed when they recently broke up, so I think it’s appropriate. Plus, I’m trying not to “cheat” and choose something by a band that ended because someone kicked the bucket.
“Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” is not my favorite song of theirs, but I do enjoy it. And it’s the first one that came to mind.
Enjoy.
Nevermind, this one is way better.
Hit me with one of yours.
The five songs I’ve used in this challenge surprised me. The only one I knew I’d use was Slow Cheetah. The rest happened a day at a time, and none of the other songs I planned to use made it into the five posts – including today’s. That’s one of the interesting things about music moods for me – I never know what I’ll be in the mood for from day to day. And this time, rather than relying a planned lists of songs to type about, I decided to wing it from day to day and let my mood guide the choices.
Which leads us to today’s selection.
Song the Fifth:
Float – Flogging Molly
Flogging Molly’s Float is on my mind for two reasons:
Have a listen.
The Lyrics:
Drank away the rest of the day,
Wonder what my liver would say,
Drink… That’s all you can.
Blackened days With their bigger gales,
Blow in your parlor to discuss the day,
Listen… That’s all you can.
Ah but don’t, no don’t sink the boat,
That you built, you built to keep afloat.
Ah no don’t, no don’t sink the boat,
That you built.
Sick and tired of what to say,
No one listens anyway,
Sing… That’s all you can.
Rambling years of lousy luck,
Ya miss the smell of burning turf,
Dream… That’s all you can.
Ah but don’t, no don’t sink the boat,
That you Built, you built to keep afloat,
Ah no don’t, no don’t sink the boat,
That you built… That you built to keep afloat.
Singled out for who you are,
It takes all types to judge a man,
Feel… That’s all you can.
Filthy suits with bigot ears,
Hide behind their their own worst fears,
Live… That’s all you can.
It’s all you can.
It’s all you can… do.
No matter where I put my head,
I wake up feeling sound again,
Breathe… It’s all you can.
Tomorrow smells of less decay,
The flowers create this blooming fray,
Be thankful… That’s all you can.
Ah but don’t, don’t sink the boat,
That you Built, you built to keep afloat.
Ah no don’t, no don’t sink the boat,
That you built… you built to keep afloat.
Ah no don’t, no don’t sink the boat,
That you built, that you built to keep afloat.
A ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
I’m a ripe old age,
That’s what I am.
I’m a ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
Just doing the best I can.
A ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
That’s what I am!
A ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
A ripe old age,
Just doing the best I can!
The best I can!
~
Fighting hard to not sink the boat. Hoping like hell that tomorrow smells of less decay. I’m doing the best I can. Are you?
What up, peopleaneous! I’m sleepy but hopped up on truckstop caffeine (and not of the coffee variety because spew). I gotta stay awake so I can tutor after work and then go to a comedy show. Yeah baby!
This post is the third of five songs I’ll offer up for the 5-day song challenge. (By the way, you’re all challenged to join in. If you wanna.) Let’s get into today’s song selection.
Today’s Song:
Not Afraid – Eminem
It’s tough to choose one song – or hell, even just five songs for this challenge. I wanted to use Pearl Jam’s Black. Or DMB’s Grey Street. Or Bob Marley and The Wailers’ Three Little Birds. But bleh. I keep changing my mind. Hmph.
This one, though. Eminem’s Not Afraid, while not my favorite of his tracks, is an important song for me. For where I’m at. For flipping the middle finger to the world and holding my head up high, walking tall and strong so I can keep on keepin’ on. Some days are easier than others – today is easier than yesterday. And some weeks are harder than others. This week is tough as fuck compared to last week. One day at a time. One hour at a time. One motherfucking minute at a time. Right this minute?
I’m not afraid.
Let’s dive into the lyrics. Do y’all love lyrics as much as I do? I’m a lyric fiend. Love the tunes, the melody, etc. But the lyrics? That’s where I live. If you’re one of those weirdos that hates words but has a fucking BLOG, then just listen.
The Lyrics:
I’m not afraid (I’m not afraid)
To take a stand (to take a stand)
Everybody (everybody)
Come take my hand (come take my hand)
We’ll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just letting you know that you’re not alone
Holler if you feel like you’ve been down the same road (same road)
Yeah, it’s been a ride
I guess I had to, go to that place, to get to this one
Now some of you, might still be in that place
If you’re trying to get out, just follow me
I’ll get you there
You can try and read my lyrics off of this paper before I lay ’em
But you won’t take the sting out these words before I say ’em
Cause ain’t no way I’ma let you stop me from causing mayhem
When I say I’ma do something I do it,
I don’t give a damn what you think,
I’m doing this for me, so fuck the world
Feed it beans, it’s gassed up, if it thinks it’s stopping me
I’ma be what I set out to be, without a doubt undoubtedly
And all those who look down on me I’m tearing down your balcony
No ifs, ands or buts, don’t try to ask him why or how can he
From “Infinite” down to the last “Relapse” album
He’s still shitting, whether he’s on salary paid hourly
Until he bows out or he shits his bowels out of him
Whichever comes first, for better or worse
He’s married to the game, like a fuck you for Christmas
His gift is a curse, forget the Earth, he’s got the urge
To pull his dick from the dirt, and fuck the whole universe
I’m not afraid (I’m not afraid)
To take a stand (to take a stand)
Everybody (everybody)
Come take my hand (come take my hand)
We’ll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just letting you know that you’re not alone
Holler if you feel like you’ve been down the same road (same road)
Okay quit playing with the scissors and shit, and cut the crap
I shouldn’t have to rhyme these words in the rhythm for you to know it’s a rap
You said you was king, you lied through your teeth, for that
Fuck your fillings, instead of getting crowned you’re getting capped
And to the fans, I’ll never let you down again, I’m back
I promise to never go back on that promise, in fact
Let’s be honest, that last “Relapse” CD was ehhh
Perhaps I ran them accents into the ground
Relax, I ain’t going back to that now
All I’m trying to say is get back, click-clack, blow
Cause I ain’t playing around
It’s a game called circle and I don’t know how, I’m way too up to back down
But I think I’m still trying to figure this crap out
Thought I had it mapped out but I guess I didn’t, this fucking black cloud
Still follows me around but it’s time to exorcise these demons
These motherfuckers are doing jumping jacks now!
I’m not afraid (I’m not afraid)
To take a stand (to take a stand)
Everybody (everybody)
Come take my hand (come take my hand)
We’ll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just letting you know that you’re not alone
Holler if you feel like you’ve been down the same road (same road)
And I just can’t keep living this way
So starting today, I’m breaking out of this cage
I’m standing up, I’ma face my demons
I’m manning up, I’ma hold my ground
I’ve had enough, now I’m so fed up
Time to put my life back together right now! (now)
It was my decision to get clean, I did it for me
Admittedly, I probably did it subliminally
For you, so I could come back a brand new me you helped see me through
And don’t even realize what you did, ’cause believe me you
I been through the ringer, but they could do little to the middle finger
I think I got a tear in my eye, I feel like the king of
My world, haters can make like bees with no stingers
And drop dead, no more beef lingers
No more drama from now on, I promise
To focus solely on handling my responsibilities as a father
So I solemnly swear to always treat this roof, like my daughters
And raise it, you couldn’t lift a single shingle on it!
Cause the way I feel, I’m strong enough to go to the club
Or the corner pub, and lift the whole liquor counter up
Cause I’m raising the bar
I’d shoot for the moon but I’m too busy gazing at stars
I feel amazing and I’m…
I’m not afraid (I’m not afraid)
To take a stand (to take a stand)
Everybody (everybody)
Come take my hand (come take my hand)
We’ll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just letting you know that you’re not alone
Holler if you feel like you’ve been down the same road (same road)
~
I’m gonna let these lyrics stand on their own. It’s difficult for me to select specific parts that mean more to me than others, but I’ve boldified the ones that touch me the deepest.
Enjoy. And remember; you’re not alone.
Gather round, Peopleaneous, for it is time for another Playlist Party. It’s been a while since I did the last one, and it was a blast. So let’s do it again, shall we? Again and again and again…wait. Sorry. Got a little carried away.
Also, we’ve had lots of new additions to the kickassingest community on WordPress, so let’s make this a combo punch: The Funkiest Meet & Greet Playlist Party on the block!
I’m in a total funk mood this morning. And I don’t mean like, “I’m in such a funk.” I mean, Can’t Stop the Funk! So here are the rules, except I hate rules, so here’s the gist of how I’d like things to go down. But y’all are your own people, so feel free to wing it:
I’ll get us started off with a few off of my current playlist. This isn’t all of them, but I’ll give you some of my current faves.
A FANFUNKINGTASTIC MEET & GREET
The one I was listening to this morning on the way to work. Because of this burning in my soul:
Because sometimes a white girl gotta play that funky music:
Because sometimes you believe in things you don’t understand:
Rock me again and again and again and again and again…
Because it’s slippery when it’s wet:
Let’s set this bitch on FI-YAH!
Because I’m a bayou girl and I got fire, too!
Because I wanna get down, get down:
Because I want you to funk my life up:
Because who can get enough of The Commodores?
And this list is not complete without a little James Brown. Good God!
~
Your turn, y’all! Let’s get funked up!
‘Sup Peopleaneous?
Brief Update on Diane, The Wackadoodle Counselor
I know some of you are curious as to how my second session with Diane went. Let’s say it went poorly, and I will not be back to see her. For now, let me leave you with this tidbit: There were a few moments in the new “feelings” journal that had words like: hyper, smiley, playful, mischievous. She latched on to “playful” with a vengeance. And, knowing very little about me, said that any time I ever felt hyper and especially playful that it was at least as negative as my hopeless moments. She said any time I demonstrate playfulness that I’m doing either one of two things: manipulating people into laughing so that they would give me positive reinforcement that I didn’t get as a child or trying to cheer someone up like I always did with my mother.
It is a mistake to see playfulness as positive. You need to work on that at least as much as your depression.
I found it highly irresponsible of her to tell me that all of my brighter moments were at least as negative as moments when I’m wishing I hadn’t woken up that day. How much of a fucking moron does one have to be to say that to a woman with known suicidal ideation? Good thing I mostly heard it for what it was: the ravings of an absolute fucking moron.
Oh, oh, oh! I almost forgot this one!
You revealed a lot in few words. Next time, I expect to hear about how your childhood led you down the path of becoming a sexual deviant.
I nearly laughed in her smirking, self-satisfied face. I refrained. With great difficulty. I wanted to march to her bookshelf, grab the nearest bullshit textbook she was spewing this nonsense from, and chuck it in her face. Again, I refrained. With only slightly less difficulty.
In the effort of full disclosure, those aren’t exact quotes. But I did record that bitch this time, so I can go back and listen if I wanna. Right now, I don’t want to hear any more out of that woman’s mouth. Suffice it to say those words are at least very close to exact quotes.
My mood ever since has been dark…empty and numb when I’m lucky. It’s not all her. Work is a son of a bitch right now. More specifically, Queen Bitch must have something sharp and rusty stuck up her asshole. It’s the only thing that can explain her psychotic behavior these last two weeks. (And yes, I do know the definition of a psychotic.)
So. As a giant fuck you to both of those bitches, I’d like to intentionally change my mood for tonight (and hopefully the entire weekend).
~ PLAYLIST PARTY ~
I’ve had the idea to ask y’all to help me work on my playlists for some time. But Chevvy8 crystallized this for me in a conversation we had about those times you need some good ole music therapy. I believe Chevvy called those the times when you “just gotta shake it!” So that’s what I want to do now!
I’ll start us off with several of the songs I keep on hand to kickstart some fast-paced, upbeat funtimes. Not all of mine are exactly dancey songs, but those fit in extra-well on an upbeat playlist!
Please, please please join in and drop your upbeat tunes in the comments! Let’s party, Peopleaneous!
First up, Chevvy starts us out with a little OutKast. Can’t really go wrong with OutKast!
My #1 stand-by for times just like this: Hump de Bump!
She Wants to Move (Yes, yes she does.)
A little Swedish House Mafia never hurt anybody.
And now I gotta cut loose.
Usher Baby
Here’s to shit getting a little Out of Control.
Because it’s been a bitch of a week.
Uptown Funk (me up)
Bounce Baby! (Bonus points for being local.)
I Wanna Dance with Somebody (I really do!)
Let’s start a Quiet Riot.
And last but certainly not least: Feel Right, y’all.
~
Alright, Peopleaneous! YOUR TURN!
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