Monday, April 13, 2009

Poetry in Motion: Songs That Romance Us

I was 17 and taking a computer class in high school when I realized there was poetry about stuff other than death or trees. It was a very advanced computer class at the time, involving us opening word documents out of DOS. (Yes, I went to school in the Stone Age. Big shocker.)


 


Now there was a document on the computer called “So We’ll Go No More A-Roving”, which caught my eye. I glanced ahead on the project and saw that at no point was this file even being used. It was just some extra file they put on the computer. Still, the title was intriguing. I already knew we were opening poetry documents, but we were opening things about trees and death and bugs on leaves. I mean, this title looked far more promising.


 


I clicked it and the document unfurled before my eyes, as magical as a genie in a lamp.


 






























































SO, we'll go no more a-roving



 



  So late into the night,



 



Though the heart be still as loving,



 



  And the moon be still as bright.



 



 



 



For the sword outwears its sheath,



         5



  And the soul wears out the breast,



 



And the heart must pause to breathe,



 



  And love itself have rest.



 



 



 



Though the night was made for loving,



 



  And the day returns too soon,



  10



Yet we'll go no more a-roving



 



  By the light of the moon.



 



 


My eyes burned holes into the second stanza. For the sword outwears its sheath? I’d been reading real bodice-ripping, sex-out-the-wazoo romances for three years. I could recognize a euphemism when I saw it. This was a break up poem. With sex in the middle of it. Poetry about sex? This was a revelation!


 


I was hooked. No more Thanatopis or Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard. No, no. This was interesting poetry. I fell in love with Lord Byron that day and have had a special place for that man ever since.


 


Despite Ms. Yount’s questionable taste in interesting poetry (she loved Thanathopis), she did introduce a revolutionary concept. Songs are poetry. This was probably pointed out a number of times before middle-school, but listening and comprehending are acquired skills for teenagers, a fact Ms. Yount knew well. She actually played an example this time to make it stick: The Sound of Silence. I suspect this selection had more to do with the fact she missed the sound of silence rather than because she actually liked the song.


 


I was not impressed by Simon or Garfunkel and insisted Poison could never, ever be topped in their lyric-writing skills.


 



Cause baby we'll be
At the drive-in
In the old man's Ford
Behind the bushes
Till I'm screamin' for more
Down the basement
Lock the cellar door
And baby
Talk dirty to me


 


Or they might. Whatever. Ms. Yount had her childhood faves; I had mine.


 


Still. The idea is sound, even though some people’s tastes in what qualifies as good poetry—or even music—can be called into question. What I enjoy most about poetry (and songs) is how it can encapsulate an entire novel in a mere three verses and a chorus. And there are other songs that tend to bring into focus a particular part of the novel.


 


This is why I like making soundtracks for my books, using songs that reflect this moment or that, or is a wonderful summation of a particular character. I can’t always sit down and name a character’s quirk, but I can tell you that her favorite song when she was 11 was Vogue. She could sing all the words and do all the dance moves; and to this day, even in business meetings, she’ll sometimes strike a pose. I think your favorite childhood song says much more about you than how you take your coffee.


 


Now there is always that moment in the romance novel where the “noble sacrifice” is going to be made by one or both of the main characters. *sniff, sniff* Tall-Dark-and-Dreamy would be so much better off with that strumpet with the legs up to her ass instead. I will let him go because it’s best for him. We’re not meant to be. I can see the Kevin Costner flick cueing up with that scene, can’t you? With Whitney belting out: “I Will Always Love You.”


  


I couldn’t end this blog without paying homage to that other big hair rock band staple of the 80s, Jon Bon Jovi. (He’s aged well, hasn’t he? Much better than Bret.) There are a lot of songs to pick from where he’s concerned. I love books where the hero and heroine fight all odds and have a HEA anyway. (“Living on a Prayer”) Or when the end rolls around and the hero grovels and says he’ll never leave her again. What we’re really hearing is “I’ll Be There For You.” If Jon stops singing, he could always turn his hand at romance writing.


 


So the cultural question of the day is “What is your favorite Poison song?” and barring that, are there any (big hair band era) songs you like that remind you of moments from novels or any songs you’ve listened to that have inspired a story you’ve written?

57 comments:

2nd Chance said...

I'm gonna suck at this one, Cap'n. I don't know no Poison songs. Don't throw the rum a' me! It's me generation!

I do know songs 'bout stories... Me favorite album be the second and last one a' October Project. From start ta finish, I can envision the story that album sings.

I'll be sittin' down ta write it one a' these days! And be bloggin' on one a' their songs next month.

I were arguin' this point wit' Jane-o the other day. That poetry be nothin' more than stories told wit' a' minimum of words. Only the best words. I heard a story on NPR the other day, a' books bein' writ on Blackberries and thru Twitter...very, very, very short books.

What is the world comin' to!?

ReneeLynnScott said...

Poison, huh? They were my very first concert. Oh, wait, they were my second, Robert Palmer was my first. Poison opened for AC/DC.

Every rose has its thorn
Just like every night has its dawn
Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song
Every rose has its thorn


Loved Slaughter's Fly to the Angels, and I was huge Guns n' Roses fan. (Gosh, are they consider big hair?)

All right, three weeks! And I should be back for good.

Renee

Maggie Robinson said...

Hellion, you genius, I'm doing poetry/song lyrics on MRMR today, LOL. No big hair though, just country. I was kind of tied up raising little kids during the period you cite and missed most of its cultural significance---ask me about Captain Kangaroo or Sesame Street instead! But I love Jon Bon Jovi, and he's a good actor too. AND he's married to his original wife...amazing.

Irisheyes said...

I wasn't into the big hair bands growing up. I was the dork with the bubblegum pop radio station playing, either that or the oldies (I had a lot of older brothers and sisters - The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Elton John). My one brother did introduce me to Neil Young, Jethro Tull, Lynrd Skynrd and The Allman Brothers.

Actually, Hellion, I was just thinking about this last week as I was driving in the car listening to today's music. There are a lot of songs out there that just scream romance novel. The two that come to mind immediately are Nickleback's "Far Away" -

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

And Lifehouse's "Whatever It Takes" -

A strangled smile fell from your face
It kills me that I hurt you this way
The worst part is that I didn't even know
Now there's a million reasons for you to go
But if you can find a reason to stay

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
Believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes

She said "If we're gonna make this work
You gotta let me inside even though it hurts
Don't hide the broken parts that I need to see"
She said "Like it or not it's the way it's gotta be
You gotta love yourself if you can ever love me"

Elyssa Papa said...

Great blog!!! I've been more heavily involved with music in the course of this new series. I'm "discovering" musicians that I never heard about and finding love for music I already know. But really my strength really lies in Broadway. Ask me a question about that, and I am golden. LOL.

Sin said...

This is truly an awesome blog.

I've always loved poetry and music. Though, I'm a free form lover, Yount taught me how to love the beauty and art of organized poetry.

One of my favorite songs that is like poetry, in my eyes, is Understanding (I also love October) by Evanescence (Pre-Fallen)

"You hold the answers deep within your own mind.
Consciously, you've forgotten it. That's the way the human mind works. Whenever something is too unpleasant, to shameful for us to entertain, we reject it. We erase it from our memories. But the imprint is always there."

(Can't wash it all away)
(Can't Wish it all away)
(Can't hope it all away)
(Can't cry it all away)

The pain that grips you
The fear that binds you
Releases life in me
In our mutual
Shame we hide our eyes
To blind them from the truth
That finds a way from who we are
Please don't be afraid
When the darkness fades away
The dawn will break the silence
Screaming in our hearts
My love for you still grows
This I do for you
Before I try to fight the truth my final time

"We're supposed to try and be real. And I feel alone, and we're not together. And that is real."

Can't wash it all away
Can't wish it all away
Can't cry it all away
Can't scratch it all away

Lying beside you
Listening to you breathe
The life that flows inside of you
Burns inside of me
Hold and speak to me
Of love without a sound
Tell me you will live through this
And I will die for you
Cast me not away
Say you'll be with me
For I know I cannot
Bear it all alone

"You're not alone, honey."

"Never... Never."

Can't fight it all away
Can't hope it all away
Can't scream it all away
It just won't fade away, No

Can't wash it all away
Can't wish it all away
Can't cry it all away
Can't scratch it all away

(Can't fight it all away)
(Can't hope it all away)
Can't scream it all away
Ooh, it all away
Ooh, it all away

"But the imprint is always there. Nothing is ever really forgotten."

"God, please don't hate me. Because I'll die if you do."

"I'll die if you do."

Sin said...

Hm, big hair bands. I tell you every time I hear "Pour Some Sugar on Me" I want to hop up on a table and dance. But that's Def Leppard. Another hair band, another day.

I loved Every Rose Has its Thorn.

You know, I loved Guns and Roses too. And Jon Bon Jovi (I must agree, he's aged really well). But I also was a Metallica girl. My Metallica tapes used to start to smell after I'd play them non-stop.

Hellion said...

No worries, Chance, I'm good with some non-big hair bands too. Frank Sinatra could sing some sweet stuff that was romance novel worthy. And Johnny Horton had some songs that I could put in my books. "Words can cause our love to tumble (ooh-ooh); Jealous words are so unkind..."

I'm just not good with Simon and Garfunkel. Those boys need a shot of testosterone. Geez. *shudders*

Hellion said...

Renee, Guns & Roses are DEFINITELY a big hair band. And I love Robert Palmer as well. *LOL* His Simply Irresistible is every hero I know:

How can it be permissible?
She compromised my principle (yeah, yeah)
That kind of love is mythical
SHE'S ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL

How perfect is that really? I mean that just sums up the Glittery Hooha right there!

Hellion said...

Maggie, as you know, Great minds think alike...and Country songs are LITTERED with great love stories in them. And some not so great love stories because when I pick out MY favorite country songs of all time, they involve: cheating, drinking, broken hearts, and I'm so lonesome I could die.

Though admittedly when I was about 13 or so, I knew all the words to Conway Twitty's "I'd Love to Lay You Down" (my FAVORITE song at the time), which for some reason disturbed my parents when I went around singing it. Imagine. However, with that in mind, I think it was rather hypocritical then that my Dad was so mad that I also loved the songs of George Michael--and had the cassette tape with "I Want Your Sex" on it. I mean, Conway and George were saying the same thing. (Though to be honest, I'm pretty sure they were saying it to different genders.)

Hellion said...

Irish: I was a bubblegum dork too. *LOL* I loved Richard Marx--Endless Summer Nights. My favorite-favorite song (and Holly cracked up when I told her because she loved it too) was The Whispers, "Rock Steady."

And we began to rock
Steady
Steady rocking all night long...

Yeah, I know what we were rocking to...and there was Madonna's True Blue. "True love, you're the one I'm dreaming of...your heart fits me like a glove...and it's gonna be, true blue, baby I love you..." I mean, just let me whip out my hairbrush now, I'll sing it!

I wasn't a huge Debbie Gibson fan--not enough drama for me--but that Taylor Dane? I loved me some Taylor Dane! And whoever sang, "Holdin' Out For a Hero"! I was always dancing on a table, singing in a hairbrush, acting like I was auditioning for Red Neck Solid Gold Dancing.

My first--and only--45 album (which I still have) was Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know?" I still know all the words to that as well.

By the way, I love Nickelback and I'm totally digging on that song. I'm going to have to YouTube it repeatedly throughout the day, I can tell.

Hellion said...

*grins at Ely* You want to burst into a couple choruses of "How Do Solve a Problem Like Maria?"

Hellion said...

Man, you guys are putting out some really good songs! (The Lifehouse about shattered me until I read Sin's "Understanding" song. Holy cow...)

I felt a shiver at the "Can't wash it all away, can't wish it all away..." I want to run away from the blog just reading it.

I almost mentioned Def Leppard, but then I'd have to mention that time in 7th grade and JJ and Mountain Dew...and I really don't like reliving my humilations any more than I absolutely have to.

Hellion said...

Nothing beats Metallica's black album.

By the way, Sin, in BodyPump, our biceps track now features "Enter Sandman"--BodyPump is just getting that much more fun. *LOL*

terrio said...

How did you manage to take not one but TWO of my blog ideas with just one of yours? LOL! I'm still doing some poetry stuff at the end of the month. I owe it to Janga.

Now, my favorite topic - MUSIC.

It looks as if Renee and I could have gone to the same HS. And we would have been BFFs immediately. Though GnR was one of the few bands I never saw live. Bon Jovi's Living On A Prayer will always remind me of Flag Corps since that's the song used for our try out routine.

But Def Leppard was the be all end all for me. At 15 I was certain I was going to marry Joe Elliott. What angst filled teen girl wouldn't love lyrics like these?

Love bites, love bleeds
It's bringin' me to my knees
Love lives, love dies
It's no surprise
Love begs, love pleads
It's what I need

Angst out the WAZOO! But I also loved the pop thing. I have the strangest 80s albums. Air Supply, Lionel Ritchie (Hello? Is it me you're looking for....), Madonna, Culture Club, Adam Ant and (possibly the strangest) Rick Springfield.

Irish - I have both those songs on my iPod. LOL! And I do love Nickelback but mostly because they can go from a great rock ballad like Far Away to something down and dirty like S.E.X.

I'm loving what you wanna wear
I wonder what's up under there
Wonder if I'll ever have it
Under my tongue

I'll love to try to set you free
I love you all over me
Love to hear the sound you make
The second you're done

S is for the simplety
E is for the ecstasy
X is just to mark the spot
'Cause that's the one you really want

I'm LMAO at the idea of a Red Neck version of Solid Gold. LOL! And I do like the lyrics to the Sound of Silence but those dudes needed caffeine or something. Talk about a sleeper.

Country has some of the best lyrics you'll find anywhere IMO. There's a particular Kenny Chesney song that has lyrics perfect for this group.

I move on like a sinners prayer
I let 'em go like a levee breaks
walk away as if I don't care
learn to shoulder my mistakes
I'm built to fade like your favorite song
gettin reckless when there's no need
laugh as your stories ramble on
break my heart but it won't bleed
my only friends are pirates, it's just who I am
I'm better as a memory than as your man.

Sin said...

LOL. I'd love to go. In fact, my intent was to go to BodyPump last night; but I didn't leave work until about 7. I'm going to try to make TurboKick tonight and not be late. I was 20 minutes late last week.

Sin said...

ITA nothing beats the black album. "Nothing Else Matters" is still one of my favorite songs. There's just something about the power of that whole album and to have a song like this right in the middle of it is just killer.

So close, no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

I never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters

Yeah, trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
And I know

So close, no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
And I know, that's right

Never opened myself this way
And life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters, yeah

Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters

Never cared for things they say
Never cared for games they play
I never cared for what they do
I never cared for what they know
And I know, yeah yeah yeah

Sin said...

And "Understanding" by Evanescence is my top 1 song.

When she sings, "Can't wash it all away, can't wish it all away" I get goosebumps. In fact, I'm listening to it now.

And the end, "I'll die if you do." She sounds so heartbroken.

Marnee Jo said...

I wasn't a huge Poison fan, but I liked Bon Jovi (I love'd I'll Be There For You).

I liked Tesla's Love Song.

So you think that it's over,
That your love has fin'lly reached the end.
Any time you call, night or day,
I'll be right there for you if you need a friend.

It's gonna take a little time.
Time is sure to mend your broken heart.
Don't you even worry, pretty darlin'.
I know you'll find love again. Yeah.

Chorus:
Love is all around you. Yeah
Love is knockin' outside *YOUR* door.
Waitin' for you is this love made just for two
Keep an open heart and you'll find love again, I know.

Love is all around you.
Love is knockin' outside **YOUR** door.
Waitin' for you is this love made just for two
Keep an open heart and you'll find love again, I know.

Chorus / Outro:
Love will find a way.
Darlin', love is gonna find a way,
Find its way back to you.
Love will find a way.
So look around, open your eyes.
Love is gonna find a way.
Love is gonna, love is gonna find a way.
Love will find a way.
Love's gonna find a way back to you, yeah,
I know. I know. I know. I know.


It just seems so much like the guy is trying to convince a girl that he loves that she should forget her loser last relationship and look around, that he's waiting for her.

:)

I also liked Motley Crue's Without You. You got to love the power ballads.

Without you there's no change
My nights and days are grey
If I reached out and touched the rain
It just wouldn't feel the same

Without you I'd be lost
I'd slip down from the top
I'd slide down so low
Girl you'd never never know...

(Pre Chorus)
Without you without you
A sailor lost at sea
Without you woman
The world comes down on me

(Chorus)
Without you in my life
I'd slowly wilt and die
But with you by my side
You're the reason I'm alive
But with you in my life
You're the reason I'm alive
But without you, without you...

Without you, my hope is small
Let me be me all along
You let the fires rage inside
Knowing someday I'd grow strong

(Pre-Chorus)

(Chorus)

I could face a mountain
But I could never climb alone
I could start another day
But how many, just don't know
You're the reason the sun shines down
And the nights, they don't grow cold
Only you that I'll hold when I'm young
Only you...as we grow old

Those hair bands really knew how to express a romantic sentiment.

Sin said...

This was a bad blog because I could find poetry in songs the rest of the day and not get any work done and completely miss the gym tonight.

I was listening to this song on my way to work this morning. I love Digital Summer. This is off their EP Hollow. It is really dark. Can you just not see someone standing in the middle of their living room, the house in shambles and all they are holding in their hand is a bottle of lighter fluid? And a cigerette cherry glowing bright in the darkness?

"Worth The Pain"

Cover it all in kerosene,
Light a match and watch it,
Burn everything
(Everything)

All that remains,
Where the pictures used to hang,
Is shattered and broken frames.
(Broken frames)

So let the rain fall down,
And wash away,
All the suffering from my mistakes.
It's taking everything,
To just walk away,
'Cause the memories aren't worth the pain.

(It's not worth the pain)
(It's not worth the pain)
(It's not worth the pain)
(It's not worth the pain)

Handful of pills to escape,
The nights that hold no sleep.
An empty bottle to release,
The thoughts and memories,
Of everything:

Buried beneath,
This hollow shell of mine,
The self-inflicted stain of it,
Is killing me inside.
(Killing me inside)

So let the rain fall down and wash away,
All the suffering from my mistakes.
It's taking everything to just walk away,
'Cause the memories aren't worth the pain.

(It's not worth the pain)
(It's not worth the pain)
(It's not worth the pain)
(It's not worth the pain)

And it feels like,
I'm a million miles away,
But I still feel the pain.
And I'd rather drown,
Than feel this for another day.
It's not worth the pain.
It's not worth the pain.
It's not worth the pain.
It's not worth the pain.
It's not worth the pain.

Sin said...

Love that Motley Crue song Marn.

And obviously I don't listen to enough Nickelback. I gave up on them because every song sounds the same.

terrio said...

I've been seeking out soundtracks lately. They are perfect for books. And I've found that the instrumental stuff is fun to listen to while you do regular everyday things because it really makes you feel like you're in a movie. I listened to the soundtrack to The Holiday (my fav instrumental stuff right now) while in the airport and you can't help but look around and start imagining stories for everyone around you.

The song I've been playing over and over though is the latest Natasha Bedingfield. It's called Soulmate.

Incompatible, it don't matter though
'cos someone's bound to hear my cry
Speak out if you do
You're not easy to find

Is it possible Mr. Loveable
Is already in my life?
Right in front of me
Or maybe you're in disguise

Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone

Here we are again, circles never end
How do I find the perfect fit
There's enough for everyone
But I'm still waiting in line

Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone

If there's a soulmate for everyone

Sin said...

There's actually two versions of a Lacuna Coil song that I love. "Falling" was on their first EP. And "Falling Again" made it onto their album. There's just something really haunting about the words. It's like being in a dream where everything you thought you knew isn't true.

"Falling Again"

I lay, looking at my hands
I search in these lines
I've not the answer
I'm crying and I don't know
watching the sky
I search an answer
I'm free, free to be
I'm not another liar
I just want to be myself... myself

And now the beat inside me
is a sort of a cold breeze and I've
never any feeling inside
ruining me...
bring my body
carry it into another world
I know I live... but like a stone I'm falling down

I pray, looking into the sky
I can feel this rain
right now it's falling on me
fly, I just want to fly
life is all mine
some days I cry alone,
but I know I'm not the only one
I'm here, another day is gone
I don't want to die...?
Please be there when I'll arrive, don't cry... please

Hellion said...

Terri, I didn't mean to take two blog ideas. *LOL* I just wanted to talk about Poison.

And Def Leppard.

And Jon Bon Jovi. And about twenty other bands I was absolutely in love with 20 years ago. *LOL*

Lord, you guys are pulling out the ANGST big time now! *LOL*

Hellion said...

P.S. I can't handle that song by Kenny Chesney. There's too much truth in it. When a guy TELLS you you'd be better off without him, he means it and you should get out...and that song just sums up every guy I've ever been in love with. I can't stand it. I just want to set it on fire and leave. *LOL* It just pisses me off because it's such...a pussy thing to say. *LOL* It's so, "I could never be better than I am, I'm just a shithead, deal with it."

Hellion said...

Sin, I love "Nothing Else Matters" but "The Unforgiven" trumps it.

With time the child draws in
This whipping boy done wrong
Deprived of all his thoughts
The young man struggles on and on hes known
A vow unto his own
That never from this day
His will theyll take away

What Ive felt
What Ive known
Never shined through in what Ive shown
Never be
Never see
Wont see what might have been

What Ive felt
What Ive known
Never shined through in what Ive shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub the unforgiven

They dedicate their lives
To running all of his
He tries to please them all
This bitter man he is
Throughout his life the same
Hes battled constantly
This fight he cannot win
A tired man they see no longer cares
The old man then prepares
To die regretfully
That old man here is me

Sin said...

"The Unforgiven" is good but ruined because they made a sequel song to it. LOL

Hellion said...

Marnee, Tesla's Love Song was my FAVORITE song. I must have played it until the cassette died. The guitar solo piece at the beginning just slays me more than the words ever do.

(I use Love Song in my book soundtrack for Lucy. *LOL* There are a lot of big hair band songs in the Lucy soundtrack. *LOL*)

Hellion said...

*LOL* Marn, I just read your interpretation of Love Song--and my interpretation of it was so different. (God, I'm so clearly a pessimist.) I took it as a song where he was "letting her down easy"--that I know you love me, but it just isn't going to work out (because I only think of you as a friend)--but you'll find someone someday.

I like your interpretation much better.

Hellion said...

Okay, I have to pick on the Soulmate song. It's pretty and a sweet sentiment, but it's so doomed to failure. It's like Cinderella waiting for a prince to rescue her. It's so...passive, in a way, that she'll just find a guy who will love her exactly as the way she always wanted/needed to be loved. I mean, isn't that expecting a little bit too much from another human being?

I think love should be "easy", but it's still work.

I don't know. Maybe I'm having an off day about Soulmates.

terrio said...

But she doesn't say I want a love who will love me the way I want. She says "someone who loves you without being told." Big diff. ;)

And it's really just a question. I'm so tired of people telling me "You'll find the right guy some day" and "He's out there, don't worry." Well, he's freaking late and this playing hard to find shit is for the birds.

*deep breath*

I was watching one of those extra MTV channels (or was it VH1?) last night and they were showing the making of the Black album. Those guys HATED each other while they made that record. LOL! And were MEAN about it. Even the producer was a jerk. But what they got out of all that intensity is amazing.

And yes, I have to agree and you should not be surprised that Kenny Chesney is singing about a man copping out on commitment. LOL! Hello! It's Kenny "I'm married to the music" Chesney. LMAO!

Elyssa Papa said...

The Sound of Music made me think of this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k

Sin said...

And have you ever noticed that Metallica fans are two seperate groups. You either like old school Metallica or you like new Metallica.

terrio said...

I was never a huge fan and never saw them in concert. But I know enough to know this new stuff is HORRIBLE compared to the old stuff. When Hetfield got therapy, it all went to hell. LOL!

Hellion said...

That video cracks me up. *LOL*

Hellion said...

Yeah, I'm definitely a fan of when Metallica hated each other. *LOL* (I haven't heard the Unforgiven Part 2 bit...)

*makes note* "Never get therapy if you want to remain a great artist." Got it. Okay.

terrio said...

I watched that video over the weekend and it cracked me up. I'm saving it to show kiddo when she comes back because that's one of her favorite songs. LOL!

If you're going to forego the therapy so as to keep the artistry, you might want to add more drinking. I'm pretty sure that was also an ingredient in the Metallica recipe. LOL!

Hellion said...

I love alcohol.

2nd Chance said...

Well, crap. I've had therapy...

terrio said...

Chance - That's why you're the bartender. We all come to you to keep us sane. And inebriated....

I realize this one isn't exactly romance novel inspiring, but one of my fav songs right now is All American Rejects Gives You Hell.

Now you'll never see
What you've done to me
You can take back your memories
They're no good to me
And here's all your lies
If you look me in the eyes
With the sad, sad look
That you wear so well

When you see my face
I hope it gives you hell, I hope it gives you hell
When you walk my way
I hope it gives you hell, I hope it gives you hell
If you find a man that's worth the damn and treats you well
Then he's a fool you're just as well hope it gives you hell

Janga said...

Hellion, I love Simon and Garfunkel. The Central Park reunion album is one of my all-time favorites. Just this morning I listened to "April She Will Come." It just seemed appropriate music for the day. :)

If we are talking power ballads and romance novels, what about Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings"?


Take these broken wings
And learn to fly again, learn to live free
When we hear the voices sing
The book of love will open up and let us in
Take these broken wings...

Baby, I think tonight
We can take what is wrong and make it right
Baby, it's all I know
That you're half of the flesh and blood
that makes me whole
I need you so, ohhhh...

I too find country lyrics most inspiring. I think Keith Urban's "My Heart Is Open" could serve as the hero's final song in thousands of romance novels.

I thought I was doing all right being alone.
I swore I’d never let somebody get close again.
I was never gonna let my guard down,
Not for anyone.
But there’s a light in your eyes,
and it’s got me moving’ in.
And tonight these walls are all coming down.

And my heart is open.
I’m letting you in
Cause you give me a reason
and the faith I’ve been needing to start again.
And your love is healing
I’m finally breathing
I’ve been waiting so long hoping for this moment
My heart is open

terrio said...

Janga - I downloaded that one last week and I LOVE it. (The entire album I mean.) Now I have to pull out the iPod. LOL! Keith has some great songs on there and I think this may be his best since Golden Road, though that one is hard to top.

Brad Paisley is also a master at the turn of a phrase. The man can sing the most *guy* song then turn around and make our hearts melt.

From "I'm Still A Guy"
These days there's dudes getting facials
Manicured, waxed and botoxed
With deep spray-on tans and creamy lotiony hands
You can't grip a tacklebox

Well with all of these men lining up to get neutered
It's hip now to be feminized
I don't highlight my hair
I've still got a pair
Yeah honey, I'm still a guy

Oh my eyebrows ain't plucked
There's a gun in my truck
Oh thank God, I'm still a guy

In this one he also has the very hero comment that he'll knock some jerk to the ground if he cops a feel on his girl.

Then from "She's Everything"
She's the giver I wish I could be
And the stealer of the covers
She's a picture in my wallet
Of my unborn children's mother
She's the hand that I'm holding
When I'm on my knees and praying
She's the answer to my prayer
And she's the song that I'm playing

And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
I talk about her, I go on and on and on
'Cause she's everything to me

*sigh*

2nd Chance said...

Ah, ya guys are all saps... Geez! Way too touchy feely fer me today...

Tho I found meself humming one a me favorites as I walked my Bonnie girl...

Until The Day I Die

lyrics by Dee Carstensen,

Until the day I die
music, pour into my ears until the day I die
come here, come here
until I no longer see the sun
music, work my heart
until the dance is done
don’t depart, don’t depart

No more tears behind these eyes
I must have finally found a place
where every song begins
you’re all I need as you play on
I’ll never have to know where
one begins and where it ends

Until the day I die
music, stretch my soul, until the day I die
unfold, unfold
until I no longer can be touched
music, change my mind until the day I die
peace be mine, be mine, peace be mine, be mine

No more sorrow in the night
I must have finally found a place
Where feeling makes me strong
Now you know the thrill of my delight
fill me with your voice and let me
love you from now on

terrio said...

Chance - That's just lovely.

2nd Chance said...

It's a great song...just wonderful for walking to... She's a bit obscure, but well worth looking for...

Hellion said...

*LOL* Janga, I suspected you for a Simon and Garfunkel liker. But I am impressed by you pulling out the power ballads! Rock on!

And I can't turn away from anything Keith Urban wants to sing to me. *LOL* Or actually play for me on his guitar, while barefoot, wearing levis and looking rumpled and ever so intent on business... *SWOONS*

Hellion said...

Terri, thanks for breaking out the Brad. I love his turns of phrase on stuff. :)

Of course, if we keep this up, I'm going to start quoting George Strait and this will carry on for another week...

Hellion said...

Chance, we're sappy and you posted that SAPPY ASS song?

Just kidding. It's a wonderful sappy song.

Of course now I'm playing 80s music in my office now, and I can't get people to leave. I keep hearing, "OMG! I love this song!" and a 10 minute discussion of their youth.

I'm going to start playing Toby Keith. I think he plays great music, but on the whole, people run out of my office and don't waste my time.

terrio said...

I keep playing Pink's Sober on YouTube because I got it stuck in my head and it's not on my iPod. (YET)

George. *sigh* I'm still stoked about the tickets I got for his show (that I paid my right arm for!!!)

Dueling George lyrics. LOL! I'll go first...

I don't know how to handle
The dream you left behind
It's like a lighted candle
Burning up my mind
At least I'm happy knowing
What love is all about
You'll always be a fire I can't put out

Embers to ashes
That's how it should be
You'd think by know my heart would know
And it could set you free
The things I've tried
The tears I've cried
I guess there's no doubt
You'll always be a fire I can't put out

Hellion said...

It was never played on the radio, but it's one of my favorites:

Girl you were always my yellow rose
And I was your on lone star
We always said
Together till death do us part

We had a love bigger then Texas
Where is that feeling now
It's taken some hits and some losses but it's fighting on
And standing somehow

Remember the man who asked for your hand
In the moonlight of San Antone
There by the mission you let your position be known
That you loved me so
Don't forget where it started
Remember the Alamo

Janga said...

Hellion, one of the fringe benefits of spending a lifetime surrounded by people from 15-25 is that I learned a little bit about popular music from a lot of years. And most of the time I found something I liked in each period.

Hellion said...

Janga, they do say young people keep you young. I do enjoy this about my BodyPump class...I'm constantly hearing music I wouldn't search out myself.

Now I'm wondering if there were any songs we had that Ms. Yount eventually came to enjoy? I mean, she didn't really care much for us (she called us "rocks with hair"), so I imagine her finding something in common with us would have been galling. *LOL*

terrio said...

This one was never on the radio either but it tells such a great story start to finish. It's called The Nerve.

I'm glad I had the nerve to talk to you that day
I could just have easily have let you get away
In that crowded airport, far from my hometown
If I had lost my courage then, you wouldn't be around
I'm glad I had the nerve.

And I'm glad he had the nerve to get down on his knees
And say "I bought this ring for you, won't you wear it please?"
My daddy sure touched somethin' in my momma's heart somehow
If he hadn't, I sure wouldn't be here with you now
I'm glad he had the nerve.

Or I never would've lived like this
Or learned like this
Or laughed like this
Or loved like this

I'm glad he had the nerve to sail across the sea
My great grand-daddy's great grandpa in 1833
He met an indian maiden in the smoky mountain mist
If they hadn't crossed that line, I would not exist
I'm glad they had the nerve.

And I'm glad he had the nerve, while staring into space
To give this universe a time and a place
With one tiny atom or an Adam and an Eve
However you look at it, whatever you believe
I'm glad he had the nerve.


I remember when I was a Sr and my history teacher (football coach/former Marine/totally cool) mentioned Pour Some Sugar On Me and it totally raised his cool factor. LOL! He was cool already, but he went around saying things like "Lets call a spade a spade" and clapping really loud to wake us up. So he needed extra points sometimes.

Hellion said...

I must have played this song a 100 times on Saturday. You would have thought I was practicing for Karaoke.

I had a love and it was all mine
I drove her out, I must've been blind
That's the thoughts of a fool thinking out loud
She loved me so, but I was untrue
She's gone for good, what can I do
That's the thoughts of a fool thinking out loud

There's not a thing that I can say about her
Except I don't know how I'm going to live without her
I had a love and it was all mine
I watched it fade a kiss at a time
That's the thoughts of a fool thinking out loud
That's the thoughts of a fool thinking out loud

Hellion said...

*LOL* "Let's call a spade a spade." The clapping is making me giggle too. History guys have it tough.

terrio said...

Oh, that's another good one. LOL! As this particular teacher was also considered a hottie (did you see the Marine part?) it was lots of fun when I went back the year after I graduated and he gave me a kiss on the cheek. LOL!

Here's a great Honky Tonk one. You can almost see the bell bottoms and the mechanical bull. LOL!

The band had just started when they walked in the door
He sat her at a table and strolled out on the floor
He grabbed the first sweet thang that gave him the eye
And left the door open for the steal of the night
Three dances later she was still in her chair
He was still on the dance floor like he didn't care
So I eased on over, there was no ring in sight
And I found myself facing the steal of the night.

Hellion said...

I have not heard of that one. That's a great one! *LOL*