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 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 cheat-blogging. It’s 9:52 PM on Day 16. But I’m going out of town tomorrow (now today) and won’t have time to do this. So I’m scheduling this post. Haven’t done that in years. Anyway, I’m saying all of this as present me, but you’ll be reading it in the wrong tense by the time it posts. My bad. But at least I made sure to do the thing! So there!
Let’s get to it.
Day 17: A Song You’d Duet in Karaoke
Okay, first of all, I don’t karaoke. Second of all, I don’t karaoke. Third of all. Okay, okay, you get the point. But if I did? I wouldn’t.
Shit, I hate this one.
Uhm.
Uhhhh.
How about this one?
Is that a duet kinda song? I suppose it could be. I mean, there are two characters. But. Shit, I dunno.
What would you perform a karaoke duet to?
Day 6: A Song That Makes You Wanna Dance
Not feeling much like dancing today. And for the second day in a row, I’m typing from the clunky app rather than on the pc. But at least I made it back!
Let’s start with the most obvious choice:
Gotta love Whitney. And then there’s:
And then. I mean. COME ON:
You know what? This is helping my mood. Let’s have another that perhaps doesn’t show my age quite as much as the previous selections. How about…
Still showing my age, you say? Ah, fuck it. Have another.
And finally, because why not? Louisiana absurdity. And it makes you wanna move:
What makes you wanna bust a move? Aw damn. That’s another good one. Bust a move!
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?
Yesterday was insanity at work. Mostly good insanity. I love when I get to not do my job and do something completely different. (Not even sarcasm.) I interviewed several people for a management program we’re kicking off in about two weeks, and then the dreaded meetings (which I actually like when the people are normal, productive and cool).
So yeah, no posty. And now today, some fucked-up I hope it’s not a medical emergency shit going on with me. But I’m posting anyway, because damnit I’m trying to be here.
And since I’m in a fuck society punk rock place at the moment, I’ll share some with you.
The Song:
Smallpox Champion – Fugazi
A nice, solid, damn-the-man punk rock song.
The Lyrics:
Smallpox Champion of the U S of A
Give natives some blankets warm like the grave
This is the pattern cut from the cloth
This is the pattern designed to take you right out
This is the frontier with winter’s so cold
Greed informs action where action makes bold
To take all the cotton that’s cut from the stalk
Weave in the the disease that’s gonna wipe you right out
What is good for the future
What is good for the past – won’t last
Bury your heart U S of A
History rears up to spit in your face
You saw what you wanted, you took what you saw
We know how you got it- your method equals wipe out
The end of the future and all that you own
Under the blankets of all that you’ve done
Memory serves us to serve you yet
Memory serves us to never let you wipe out
Cha-cha-cha-champion you’ll get yours
Wipe out
~
So this is a heavy one and more than a bit “political.” I wrapped that word in quotation marks, because I think it’s a cop-out to dub genocide a political issue as a justification of sidestepping uncomfortable topics.
If you’re into punk rock, you’ll dig it. Love me some Fugazi.
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.
So yeah, this was probably supposed to be a consecutive post thingy, yeah? Yeah. As much as I like thingies, I couldn’t post this weekend. I mean, I could have, but yeah. Yeah. A lot of “yeahs” in this post? Had you noticed, or did I just point it out for you and make it worse? …yeah.
I already did the intro and rule thingies in numero the first post. So I’ll get right to today’s song.
Ahem.
Today’s Song: (Bet you didn’t see that coming. Cuz I’m suave. Like Rico.)
Feel it Still – Portugal. The Man
This is a new song, and I’m digging the hell out of it. It’s extremely overplayed on a local station, but I don’t mind (yet – I will soon hate the song with the rage of a thousand scorned dragonflies (you thought I was gonna say “women” didn’t you?)).
Have some lyrics in your faceholes. The two little ones that (usually) have eyeballs stuffed in them. The Lyrics:
Can’t keep my hands to myself
Think I’ll dust ’em off, put ’em back up on the shelf
In case my little baby girl is in need
Am I coming out of left field?
Ooh woo, I’m a rebel just for kicks, now
I been feeling it since 1966, now
Might be over now, but I feel it still
Ooh woo, I’m a rebel just for kicks, now
Let me kick it like it’s 1986, now
Might be over now, but I feel it still
Got another mouth to feed
Leave her with a babysitter, mama, call the gravedigger
Gone with the fallen leaves
Am I coming out of left field?
Ooh woo, I’m a rebel just for kicks now,
I been feeling it since 1966, now
Might’ve had your fill, but you feel it still
Ooh woo, I’m a rebel just for kicks, now
Let me kick it like it’s 1986, now
Might be over now, but I feel it still
We could fight a war for peace
(Ooh woo, I’m a rebel just for kicks, now)
Give in to that easy livin’
Goodbye to my hopes and dreams
Stop flipping for my enemies
We could wave until the walls come down
(Ooh woo, I’m a rebel just for kicks now)
It’s time to give a little tip
Kids in the middle, move over ’til it falls
Don’t bother me
Is it coming?
Is it coming?
Is it coming?
Is it coming?
Is it coming?
Is it coming back?
Ooh woo, I’m a rebel just for kicks, yeah
Your love is an abyss for my heart to eclipse, now
Might be over now, but I feel it still
Ooh woo, I’m a rebel just for kicks, now
I’ve been feeling it since 1966, now
Might be over now, but I feel it still
Ooh woo, I’m a rebel just for kicks, now
Let me kick it like it’s 1986, now
Might be over now, but I feel it still
Might’ve had your fill, but you feel it still
~
It feels to me like this song is about quite a few things. I did bold some of the lyrics that I like the most – or are the most meaningful to me.
For the most part, to me it’s a song that has a fun feel and makes me move. As for the lyrics, there are a lot of things and even people about which and whom I can say, “I feel it still.” Might be over now, but I feel it still. I haven’t had my fill.
As for what or whom those things and people may be? I think I’ll keep that bit to myself. For now.
The awesome Rob at The V-Pub invited me to do a song-a-day challenge thingy. And since I love songs. And thingies. I decided to participate. Plus, it gives me extra incentive to actually show up every day for five days straight. What! To think I once posted every day for like forty days. Who was THAT person?
Anyhoodles. I love – and agree with – what Rob says about music: “It’s something that speaks to individuals in different ways. It’s universal and paradoxically personal.” Yes. That. Yes.
So. Yes. Rules. How I love thee, rules. (Did you hear that? I just snorted.)
Rule Thingies:
Post a song a day for five consecutive days. (Oh shit.)
Post what the lyrics mean to you. (Optional. Sweet. I like options. And crawfish. Damnit, I miss crawfish. Oops.)
Post the name of the song and video. (Not optional. Come on, dudes. This is supposed to be the easy part.)
Nominate 1 or 2 bloggers each day of the challenge. (Fuck.)
Today’s Song:
Slow Cheetah – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Yep. Gotta start off with my current favorite Peppers song. (Peppers favorites shift for me. But right now, it’s Slow Cheetah.) Have a listen and take a look at the lyrics, and you’ll see why.
The Lyrics:
Waking up dead inside of my head
Will never never do there is no med
No medicine to take
I’ve had a chance to be insane
Asylum from the falling rain
I’ve had a chance to break
It’s so bad it’s got to be good
Mysterious girl misunderstood
Dressed like a wedding cake
Any other day and I might play
A funeral march for Bonnie Brae
Why try and run away
Slow cheetah come
Before my forest
Looks like it’s on today
Slow cheetah come
It’s so euphoric
No matter what they say
I know a girl
She worked in a store
She knew not what
Her life was for
She barely knew her name
They tried to tell her
She would never be
As happy as the girl
In the magazine
She bought it with her pay
Slow cheetah come
Before my forest
Looks like it’s on today
Slow cheetah come
It’s so euphoric
No matter what they say
Everyone has
So much to say
They talk talk talk
Their lives away
Don’t even hesitate
Walking on down
To the burial ground
It’s a very old dance
With a merry old sound
Looks like it’s on today
Slow cheetah come
Before my forest
Looks like it’s on today
Slow cheetah come
It’s so euphoric
No matter what they say
Slow cheetah come
Before my forest
Looks like it’s on today
Slow cheetah come
It’s so euphoric
No matter what they say
~
I’ve added emphasis to the lyrics that resonate the most with me and, therefore, mean the most and hit me the hardest.
I’m not one to look up song meanings. I’d rather listen. Feel. Soak. On my own. I don’t want someone telling me what the takeaway is. Not even the singer/songwriter. Music is so deeply personal, and lyrics are so often the poetry of my soul.
I don’t need someone to tell me that Slow Cheetah is about being: lost, adrift, alone, aimless, pointless, worthless. And fucking numb and over it all. It’s…euphoric. Right? No matter what they say. And I sure as hell don’t need someone telling me that not what it’s about. Even if it really isn’t. After all…everyone has so much to say, they talk talk talk their lives away. But this song…is deeply personal to me. And for me, it has become about survival in spite of myself, no matter what they say.
Because this is one of the many songs I attribute to saving my life. Even on days when I barely knew my name, this and countless other songs spoke me in the dark. Made me feel seen. Understood. Part of something – even a dark something – and therefore less alone. Not alone. I’ve had a chance to break, so I took that chance – even against my will – and I’m still. Fucking. Here. And no matter what the fucking predatory depression says or does…I’m not alone.
No matter what they say.
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