I’m tired. And hungry. And my eyes are burning. And I’m grumpy. And I don’t wanna go to Wal-Mart after work. But I have to. Gross. I’m behind on replying to your comments, but I will. Promise. Just been a hell of a day at sea.
Let us enjoy some tunes, shall we?
Day 21: A Song You Like with a Person’s Name in the Title
My first pick (the first that popped into my mind) was “Jolene”. And no, I don’t mean the “Jolene”. I mean this one, by Ray LaMontagne. (And no, JMF, this doesn’t mean you know my musical inclinations of late. Fine. Hmph.) I love this song. And Ray LaMontagne.
This one is perhaps an obvious selection. Or so it seems to me, but who doesn’t love Leonard Cohen? (If you don’t, stay silent or begone!)
This is definitely a favorite. Good ole Bob Dylan, with his “Visions of Johanna”.
How about “A Letter to Elise” by The Cure? Yes, don’t mind if I do.
Would this be a list of songs about women without “Billie Jean”? Thanks, Michael Jackson.
Surely you knew the Peppers would be back. I love “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie” and so should you. There are plenty of folks who find them overrated and derivative (of themselves) and stale has beens. But they’re one of the bands I credit with music that “saved my life”. More than once. So I love them and unashamedly so. I’ve seen them in concert twice and hope to again someday.
Ahhhhh Jimi Hendrix. Here’s another good one: “The Wind Cries Mary”.
I cannot explain how much, or quite why, I love this song. I mean, really love this song. Here’s “Vera” by Pink Floyd.
I think that’ll do nicely. Hard to stop on this one, but that’ll do, pig.
What are some of your favorite songs with the name of a woman in the title?
Holy shit, I have tons of songs on my road trippin’ play list. But this first one, I always. Always. Begin every road trip with this song. It’s been the first song on every road trip playlist for years. For my upcoming road trip next month, for the first time in twenty-some years, I’m considering changing that. But for now, that first road-trip song is “Road Trippin'” by RHCP. Now, I realize this is the second RHCP song I’ve used in seven days of a thirty day challenge. But, hear me (them) out:
There are so many great songs to drive to, road trip or not. What are yours?
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:Â
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.
Listening to RHCP’s new album.
Digging it.
It’s warm and funky and quite mellow.
I’m on my third listen.
It has its weak points, but overall I’m loving it.
To give you an idea, most of it would fit in well on Stadium Arcadium.
Beats the shit outta the last album, which I found decent but haven’t gone back for repeat listens.
Now if the fuckers would tour more than the festival circuit or overseas.
It’s an interesting background for filling out the ten-page assbutts paperwork.
Got the paperwork from the anal prober today.
Went ahead and bought the mix for liquid fire.
And now I’m filling out the riveting medical questionnaire.
It’s so entertaining that I’m cheating on it with you.
In other news, I forgot to show you my bottle of eyeballs.
Wanna see?
You totally wanna see.
I’m all talked out, really. So I’m gonna bombard you with totally random snaps.
Ready?
Ready.
From the park last weekend.
Who knew Mother Nature was such a perv? I did, that’s who.
I love passive aggressive office notes. This is my latest find. I tried to find a magazine to clip letters out and glue “NO” in kidnapper-style letters. Missed opportunity right there.
Coworker found this smushed Cutie at the bottom of her bag. I kept it.
Trusty docs I’ve had since 7th grade. They were on a heavily discounted sale, because they’re a super unpopular style, so mom bought a pair for me. They’re a full size too big….she thought I’d grow into them. That’s some poor people logic right there. Needless to say, the eight times a year I wear them require three pairs of socks.
God I love search terms.
UNhappy with the condition I found my camera in after I let someone borrow it.
Don’t you just love that word? “Howdy”? Probably not, but maybe I can change your mind. My mamaw always used that word in greeting. “Howdy, Steph,” she’d say with a grin, in her warm, gravelly smoker’s voice. Steph. She just had to call me Steph. Hell, everyone did. I don’t know why it bothered me so much. But when Mamaw said, “Howdy, Steph!,” it didn’t matter.
I loved it. Some people teased her for it, but she kept on saying “howdy” anyway. And so I adopted it, early on. But I mostly only greeted her that way. Mostly.
Until she passed.
And now I say it at work, lots. “Howdy, Gary!” “Howdy, Richard!” “Howdy, y’all!”
People laugh, as though the joke’s on me for being weird. And I’m okay with that. Because Mamaw. I tell them about her when I can, but mostly I just grin and let them go on wondering what sort of weirdo says howdy anymore. And in those moments, I’m smirking with Mamaw and feel all warm and wistful.
So there. Howdy Peopleaneous!
An Adventurous Musical Meet & Greet
It’s been ages since we’ve done a Meet & Greet, so let’s do it! You know I like to mix music into them, so if you want to participate on that front as well it would be superduper! I’m thinking the theme for this Playlist Party slash Meet & Greet should be Adventure – Moving On – Starting Over. I need a playlist for songs like that – any genre is welcome. Even if it’s country, I’ll try not to cringe and call you names. Any genre, any time/decade. I’ll start us off in a minute.
But first, the Meet & Greet! Let’s see. These things usually need “Rules,” but I don’t like Rules. So let’s call them Meet & Greet Ideas:
Give us a link to your about or a favorite post of yours or both – and tell us a little about you if you’d like!
Give us a link to a blog you’re crazy about, or a post that touched you in some way, written by someone else – let’s spread the love!
Share a song about adventure or starting over. (If you don’t have a song idea, you’re still part of this Meet & Greet!)
Reblog or link to this post – let’s see how many new people we can meet y’all!
So let’s see. Lemme start us off by following the “rules,” myself:
My favorite recent post of mine: The Wallpaper. This one’s deeply personal to me, but I was also proud of and surprised by how it turned out.
~
A favorite blog of mine: Stupidity Hole. Go. Clicky. Now. I’ll wait. Waiting. Have you gone yet? Good. Are you back yet? Good.
Dude is awesome, and his writing and photography are fun, unique and fucking gorgeous. Check out this post where he talks about his photography, and make sure to check out his shop as well.
I own some of his prints, and they’re gorgeous. I’m frustrated as fuck that I can’t hang them yet. Soon! I’m keeping them protected until PNW. Then I can use them to start decorating my new pad. Word.
~
Now. Music. I’ll kick us off with a few jams about Starting Over, Moving On, Adventure… you get the idea.
To Starting Over
Promise, by Hey Rosetta!
Float On, by Modest Mouse
Time to Move On, by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
The Getaway, by Leisure Cruise
Road Trippin’, by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Ramble On, by Led Zeppelin
There are so many, but I don’t want to list a couple dozen songs. I’d rather see what y’all come up with!
~
So come on. Share your blog links – tell us why you kick ass! Share someone else’s blog – tell us why he or she kicks ass! Share some music – tell us why it kicks ass!
In other words…come kick ass with me! Let’s see how many blog links we can generate this time!
~
This post brought to you by:
Asses, specifically those that kick or even those in need of kicking.
Stupidity Hole, because every ass needs a hole. Wait. No. That’s not the best way to introduce him. He’s more than just a hole. Lemme try again.
Brought to you by Stupidity Hole, because Pensive Pug. And also because he said I have to post something today. So I dragged his ass into it!
Onezo: Because it sounds fun! And fun is fun! And Moose & Michelle are cool! Twozo: Because I’m busy as fuck! And fuck is busy! And I’m also stressed and depressed and scared about the flooding! Threezo: Because MUSIC! Oh! Oh yeah, and I don’t know what the hell else to write. Woo!
The Rules (that you know I probably won’t follow) are as follows:
List the first 10 songs that come on shuffle (no skipsies cheaterfaces).
Then write your favorite lyric (or verse) from each song.
Tag/link your enemies, frienemies, friends, puppies, presidential candidates, whatevs. FYI. You fuckin’ already know: Y’all are ALL tagged. Tagging makes me uncomfortable. Almost as uncomfortable as wedgies. Almost. So all y’all are tagged. It’s fun. Dooo eeet.
Now let the games begin!
SHE BE SUFFLIN’
Song the First: Elastic Heart by Sia Favorite Verse: Very difficult to choose my favorite part on this one. But the following won out for its fierce will to fight and survive.
And I will stay up through the night
Let’s be clear, won’t close my eyes
And I know that I can survive
I’ll walk through fire to save my life
~
Song the Second: Diss Never (Dig Up We History) by Tricky Favorite Verse: I love the flow and style this verse.
But when them missing, them can hold bad man responsible
But a true that a bad man job is invincible
But when them missing, them can hold marathon responsible
But a true that a man job is invincible
~
Song the Third: Modern American Gypsy by Big D and the Kids Table Favorite Verse:
Some of us are born to not assimilate at all
~
Song the Fourth: Knock Me Down by Red Hot Chili Peppers Favorite Verse:
Don’t be afraid to show your friends
That you hurt inside, inside
Pain’s part of life; don’t hide behind your false pride
It’s a lie, your lie
~
Song the Fifth: Cotopaxi by The Mars Volta Favorite Verse:
Don’t beat around the pulpit there is no lost and found
Where is the devil waiting trying to disguise?
I’ve seen what you used to look like
Down here you won’t survive
~
Song the Sixth: Obvious Child by Paul Simon Favorite Verse:
Well I’m accustomed to a smooth ride
Or maybe I’m a dog who’s lost its bite
I don’t expect to be treated like a fool no more
I don’t expect to sleep through the night
~
Song the Seventh: I Touch Myself by Divinyls Favorite Verse: Uhm… I’m just. I’m just gonna drop the song and move on…
~
Song the Eighth: Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta Fuck Wit by Wu-Tang Clan Favorite Verse:
And if you want the beef, then bring the ruckus
Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nuttin ta fuck wit
Straight from the motherfuckin slums that’s busted
Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nuttin ta fuck wit
~
Song the Ninth: Death is the Road to Awe by Clint Mansell & The Kronos Quartet Favorite Verse: (Instrumental)
~
Song the Tenth: Iron by Woodkid Favorite Verse: Oooo, I totally forgot about this song.
From the dawn of time to the end of days
I will have to run, away
I want to feel the pain and the bitter taste
Of the blood on my lips, again
~
This was cool and fun – certainly interesting to see what came up. A lot of these things I haven’t listened to in ages. And I’m shocked I didn’t get more 90s grunge rock or some of the heavy shit I was recently plowing through. And 80s! Where are the 80s, man?!
Thanks for inviting me to participate, Moose & Michelle!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. To all y’all. You my homies; you know that, right? I can’t don’t want to express just how deeply dark and frightening my thoughts have been. And I only say even that much so that you know how amazing it is that you’ve had me smiling and laughing and choking on laughter and laughing until I cried and laughing until my belly and chest ached…all damn day. Y’all my homies, for real. And I hope I can be there for you one day, the way you were here for me today.
I’m gonna show you what mood you’ve put me in on this usually lonesome Friday night. First as a big fat thank you and proof of how you’ve put a raft beneath me today. And second to throw down because of Andrew calling me out over here.
Here ya go. My peppers:
This song has never failed to lift my spirits and make me move. Enjoy.
Y’all….Eduardo has been spotted. Though I don’t know what it means that he requested Chili Peppers while bumpin’ uglies. (I swore I’d never use that phrase: bumpin’ uglies. Fuck, I just did it again.) I introduced him to the peppers…I’m reading too much into this. Oh dear.
A local reporter caught this shot of Eduardo leaving a well-known brothel early on Tuesday morning. (Photos taken yesterday.) The ladies who serviced Eduardo said he was very polite, a good tipper, and that he asked to listen to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
stephellaneous.wordpress.com 