Hi, there,
Did I promise this song, or did I promise this song? I am so on the ball. Sometimes I promise a song, and then gradually I discard the notion of the song. Not this time. It's been one of those days, when you don't really want to do anything, so I decided to post the song I finished yesterday. The song I promised y'all.
Before I share it with you, I should mention that the ACMs are tomorrow! Are you excited? I'm excited. It should be fantastic, with so many wonderful perfomances and nominees, and just all-around people of a high caliber. It takes place in Las Vegas, and the show will be broadcast on CBS, starting at 8, I believe. If you haven't yet voted for the Top New Artist or Entertainer of the Year categories, I once again encourage you to do so, at www.voteacm.com. Do it.
Songs which have struck my earlobes in the past nine days since I've posted last include "Mr. Mom," by Lonestar (you might be familiar with an '80s movie by the same name, but I hated that movie), "Suds in the Bucket," by Sara Evans, and Justin Moore's "Backwoods." They're all really nice songs, and will probably always conjure up images of spring, and me dancing to them, singing along at the top of my lungs, in an empty room. Fun times, I wouldn't trade them for gold.
I think that's virtually the extent of my country music updates. Next time I post, you can be assured that I will do my patented and critically-acclaimed annual run-down of the performances and winners of the ACMs, as I have been doing since the inception of this website. Looking forward to it. You should be, too.
As for today's song, "Hold Me Now," I don't think it's based on anything. I certainly see it as the sexiest song I've ever written. And you'll know what I mean when you read it yourself. Sexy, sexy, sexy...
Hold Me Now
Hey, baby, you know what I've been thinking
we should lie in bed and let the telephone ring
why should we listen to what others say
we'll stay together and waste away the day
'cause it's been forever since we've done so
and I'm looking forward to just being alone
with you
CHORUS:
stay with me, don't make a sound
just hold me now
so I can find so many ways to tell you that I love you
reassure me, let me know you'll be around
and hold me now
somethin' 'bout me holdin' you just feels right
boy, doesn't it feel good to let everything slide
turn off your cell phone and turn off the lights
today let's spend all our time living in the night
tomorrow we'll rejoin the human race
for now, let me see my reflection in your face
CHORUS:
stay with me, don't make a sound
just hold me now
so I can find so many ways to tell you that I love you
reassure me, let me know you'll be around
and hold me now
BRIDGE:
we've never really had it easy
but, baby, thata's no excuse
for you to let go of me
and for me to let go of you
CHORUS:
so stay with me, don't make a sound
just hold me now
and I can find so many ways to tell you that I love you
reassure me, let me know you'll be around
and hold me now
baby, stay with me, don't make a sound
reassure me, let me know you'll be around
and baby, hold me now...hold me now
hey, baby, you know what I've been thinking
we should lie in bed and let the telephone ring...
If you think I've used the word "baby" too many times in this song, I suggest you purchase some Keith Urban albums, and you'll see he uses the word "baby" like normal people use salt. And you'll also notice, that I rarely ever use the word "baby" in other songs, because I used to think it breeds insincerity, but somethin' 'bout the use of the word in this song just felt right.
If you're familiar with the song by the same name by Johnny Logan (which I think only someone as weird as I am is), then you'll see that songs with the same title can be about highly different things. By the way, I absolutely love that song by Johnny Logan; it's so incredibly powerful and touching and sad and moving and it gives me the chills.
I usually tell you a little about the song before I post the song itself, but to be honest with you, I kind of forgot about that, so I'll do it now. There's nothing to say about the origin of the song. Except, that is, about the bridge. One day over the Christmas holiday, I woke up with the bridge just flowing from my lips, and I had to write it down, because it rhymed and everything. Seriously, how many times is that going to happen, that a fully-formed and rhyming bridge/part of a song is going to come out of your mouth completely at random, and especially as you're in that half-asleep stupor? Not often, let me tell you. So I'm glad I was able to recall it and implement it here.
Please let me know what you think, everything you have to say is welcomed with open arms. I may not listen to the criticism, but I'll read it and mentally defend my song from your words. And I don't mind, because I just like the thought that someone, somewhere is actually reading what I've produced.
Much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. The Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Devils and the Filthydelphia Cryers (uh, the Philadelphia Flyers, that is) is tied at 1 game apiece, and is both explosive and nerve-wracking. I don't think I'll be able to take it if the Devils lose this one, and I don't think I'll be able to write as good a song about a first-round exit (heaven forbid) this year as I did last year at the time. (You get bonus points (a) if you have read all the way down to the p.s. in this post, and (b) if you know what song I'm talking about.)
17 April 2010
08 April 2010
Long Day (I'll Be Fine)
Hi there,
It's me. What's new with you?
I'm currently obsessed with the song "American Ride," which is apparently Toby Keith's new single. If you put aside the fact that he is basically a self-centered redneck hick - as evidenced by his songs "Beer for my Horses" (basically a hanging propoganda song) and "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" (featured quote: we'll put a boot in your ass / it's the American way...) - and take his songs at face value, you'll find gems within his gruff, take-no-prisoners voice. My favourite part of "American Ride"? The bridge, and not necessarily for the lyrics (more for the melody), but I'll put them up so that you know which part is the bridge: "Poor little infa-Miss America's down / She gained five pounds and lost her crown / Quick fix plastic surgical antidote / Got herself a record deal, can't even sing a note." Especially the "surgical antidote" part. And I just realised that the "infa-Miss" part is supposed to imply "infamous." Genius.
And in other country music news, I'm going to reiterate the voting for the ACMs, which is still going on, until the show, which is next weekend (April 18th). I'm excited for the show, particularly since I've already cast my votes, and now can just sit back and hope against hope that the people for whom I voted will actually win (and not Luke Bryan or Carrie Underwood). Again, the nominees for Best New Artist are: Luke Bryan, Joey & Rory, and Gloriana. The nominees for Entertainer of the Year are: Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and the Zac Brown Band.
I do, actually, have to say that I like Luke Bryan's new single, "Rain is a Good Thing." Actually I like it a lot, and specifically the chorus, which begins like this, "rain makes corn, corn makes whiskey / whiskey makes my baby feel a little frisky...," and that's just awesome.
CMT first-round nominees have also been announced, so if you're really into music videos and fan-voting, which I happen to be, actually, check that out: http://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards/vote.jhtml. First-round voting means that you pick the nominees, and the final ballot/nominee list will be released on May 11th.
Now onto the song that I have for you today. I finished it the same day I finished "Running in High Heels," but I've had a lot to do since then, so I haven't actually gotten around to posting this until...well, now, if you can imagine that. The day I wrote it I was stuck in one of the most boring discussions I had ever participated in, and I had been awake since 4:30 am that morning, so I was tired and bored and annoyed and hungry. That is the context. Oh, and it was raining that day, and I literally forgot my umbrella in another state.
Long Day (I'll Be Fine)
this morning I woke up and felt I hadn't slept a wink
as I got up, I stubbed my toe and slammed into the kitchen* sink
now it's nine a.m. and I'm starving already
tryin' to pay attention but I'm fallin' asleep
and the only thing I'm thinkin' is it's gonna be a long day
but when I get home
CHORUS:
I'll listen to some music and dance around the room
then I'll pick up a pen and mail a love letter off to you
eat a piece of chocolate and laugh until I cry
call up an old friend and work harder as the days go by
as long as I'm living with greater things in mind
one thing I know is that I'll be fine
the afternoon got longer as the day kept going
it began to rain outside and I was stuck with knowing
that I had run out of the house without taking my umbrella
but I'm still sleep and so done with work as well
and the only thing I'm thinkin' is it's gonna be a long day
but when I get home
CHORUS:
I'll listen to some music and dance around the room
then I'll pick up a pen and mail a love letter off to you
eat a piece of chocolate and laugh until I cry
call up an old friend and work harder as the days go by
as long as I'm livin' with greater things in mind
one thing I know is that I'll be fine
BRIDGE:
and I'm finally through the door in the evening
it's been a long day but I'll shake off that feeling
'cause I'm finally home
CHORUS:
And I'll listen to some music and dance around the room
then I'll pick up a pen and mail a love letter off to you
eat a piece of chocolate and laugh until I cry
call up an old friend and work harder as the days go by
as long as I
oh, I put on some music and danced around the room
picked up a pen and mailed a love letter off to you
ate a piece of chocolate and laughed until I cried
called up an old friend and didn't want to say good-bye
as long as I'm livin' with greater things in mind
oh, as long as I'm living with greater things in mind
one thing I know is that I'll be fine
as long as I'm livin' with greater things in mind
I know for sure, I know that I'll be fine
*Kitchen, or bathroom? That part of the line is scribbled and written on over and over, because I constantly waffle over which one is better. You see, bathroom would be more apt, because it's the morning and it connotes that my character (read: me) brushed her teeth, but kitchen implies eating breakfast, and so the line "now it's nine a.m. and I'm starving already" makes sense within the context that she ate breakfast, but time is passing so slowly that she's hungry already. Which would you say? (Clearly I have thought about this a lot.)
It's kind of like Sugarland's "Something More," but not really. As usual, all manner of comments are welcomed, particularly notes of importance.
So here's what is coming up for this blog. Be on the lookout for "Hold Me Now," which I'm kind of working on sporadically. Also, if anyone besides me actually remembers, not that I'd ever expect you to, in the "All That's Good" post I mentioned briefly my desire to write a song for my birthday. Well, that has been progressing, albeit slowly, and the title is "Nineteen Candles." I'll probably try to post it May 19th (you know, 19 - Nineteen) or May 21st (the actual date for the nineteen candles). That is, if I actually finish it. Which is not entirely likely at the moment. But we'll see.
Much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. My heart and thoughts go out to the incomparable and venerable Pat Burns, one-time coach and current employee of the New Jersey Devils. He won the Stanley Cup with the Devils in 2003 and the Jack Adams Trophy (Coach of the Year NHL award) three different years with three separate teams (the Montreal Canadiens, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Boston Bruins). He is on his third round of cancer (first it was colon cancer, which forced him to step down from coaching the Devils in 2004, then it was liver, and now lungs and who knows where else), and has opted not to take treatment. At a recent ceremony in Quebec, in which he was honoured with the building of an arena in Quebec with his name, he made it clear that he doesn't think he'll be around to see it in its completed form, which is estimated to happen in 2011, next year. All of this, and his absolute determination and heart and bravery in the face of death, illicit goosebumps and tears on my part and have led me to the decision to write a song about him/for him. It's tentatively titled, "This Song's For You," and I hope to finish it before...as soon as I can. I want it to be perfect. There is an issue of getting him inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame while he and his family can still enjoy it, and if you are at all interested in helping the selection committee to select him before the nomination deadline of April 15th, PLEASE visit www.patburns.ca, or join the facebook group "Let's Get Pat Burns into the Hockey Hall of Fame - NOW" and invite all of your friends. I really hope this happens for him, and it's something I'm incredibly passionate about. Thank you so much.
It's me. What's new with you?
I'm currently obsessed with the song "American Ride," which is apparently Toby Keith's new single. If you put aside the fact that he is basically a self-centered redneck hick - as evidenced by his songs "Beer for my Horses" (basically a hanging propoganda song) and "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" (featured quote: we'll put a boot in your ass / it's the American way...) - and take his songs at face value, you'll find gems within his gruff, take-no-prisoners voice. My favourite part of "American Ride"? The bridge, and not necessarily for the lyrics (more for the melody), but I'll put them up so that you know which part is the bridge: "Poor little infa-Miss America's down / She gained five pounds and lost her crown / Quick fix plastic surgical antidote / Got herself a record deal, can't even sing a note." Especially the "surgical antidote" part. And I just realised that the "infa-Miss" part is supposed to imply "infamous." Genius.
And in other country music news, I'm going to reiterate the voting for the ACMs, which is still going on, until the show, which is next weekend (April 18th). I'm excited for the show, particularly since I've already cast my votes, and now can just sit back and hope against hope that the people for whom I voted will actually win (and not Luke Bryan or Carrie Underwood). Again, the nominees for Best New Artist are: Luke Bryan, Joey & Rory, and Gloriana. The nominees for Entertainer of the Year are: Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and the Zac Brown Band.
I do, actually, have to say that I like Luke Bryan's new single, "Rain is a Good Thing." Actually I like it a lot, and specifically the chorus, which begins like this, "rain makes corn, corn makes whiskey / whiskey makes my baby feel a little frisky...," and that's just awesome.
CMT first-round nominees have also been announced, so if you're really into music videos and fan-voting, which I happen to be, actually, check that out: http://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards/vote.jhtml. First-round voting means that you pick the nominees, and the final ballot/nominee list will be released on May 11th.
Now onto the song that I have for you today. I finished it the same day I finished "Running in High Heels," but I've had a lot to do since then, so I haven't actually gotten around to posting this until...well, now, if you can imagine that. The day I wrote it I was stuck in one of the most boring discussions I had ever participated in, and I had been awake since 4:30 am that morning, so I was tired and bored and annoyed and hungry. That is the context. Oh, and it was raining that day, and I literally forgot my umbrella in another state.
Long Day (I'll Be Fine)
this morning I woke up and felt I hadn't slept a wink
as I got up, I stubbed my toe and slammed into the kitchen* sink
now it's nine a.m. and I'm starving already
tryin' to pay attention but I'm fallin' asleep
and the only thing I'm thinkin' is it's gonna be a long day
but when I get home
CHORUS:
I'll listen to some music and dance around the room
then I'll pick up a pen and mail a love letter off to you
eat a piece of chocolate and laugh until I cry
call up an old friend and work harder as the days go by
as long as I'm living with greater things in mind
one thing I know is that I'll be fine
the afternoon got longer as the day kept going
it began to rain outside and I was stuck with knowing
that I had run out of the house without taking my umbrella
but I'm still sleep and so done with work as well
and the only thing I'm thinkin' is it's gonna be a long day
but when I get home
CHORUS:
I'll listen to some music and dance around the room
then I'll pick up a pen and mail a love letter off to you
eat a piece of chocolate and laugh until I cry
call up an old friend and work harder as the days go by
as long as I'm livin' with greater things in mind
one thing I know is that I'll be fine
BRIDGE:
and I'm finally through the door in the evening
it's been a long day but I'll shake off that feeling
'cause I'm finally home
CHORUS:
And I'll listen to some music and dance around the room
then I'll pick up a pen and mail a love letter off to you
eat a piece of chocolate and laugh until I cry
call up an old friend and work harder as the days go by
as long as I
oh, I put on some music and danced around the room
picked up a pen and mailed a love letter off to you
ate a piece of chocolate and laughed until I cried
called up an old friend and didn't want to say good-bye
as long as I'm livin' with greater things in mind
oh, as long as I'm living with greater things in mind
one thing I know is that I'll be fine
as long as I'm livin' with greater things in mind
I know for sure, I know that I'll be fine
*Kitchen, or bathroom? That part of the line is scribbled and written on over and over, because I constantly waffle over which one is better. You see, bathroom would be more apt, because it's the morning and it connotes that my character (read: me) brushed her teeth, but kitchen implies eating breakfast, and so the line "now it's nine a.m. and I'm starving already" makes sense within the context that she ate breakfast, but time is passing so slowly that she's hungry already. Which would you say? (Clearly I have thought about this a lot.)
It's kind of like Sugarland's "Something More," but not really. As usual, all manner of comments are welcomed, particularly notes of importance.
So here's what is coming up for this blog. Be on the lookout for "Hold Me Now," which I'm kind of working on sporadically. Also, if anyone besides me actually remembers, not that I'd ever expect you to, in the "All That's Good" post I mentioned briefly my desire to write a song for my birthday. Well, that has been progressing, albeit slowly, and the title is "Nineteen Candles." I'll probably try to post it May 19th (you know, 19 - Nineteen) or May 21st (the actual date for the nineteen candles). That is, if I actually finish it. Which is not entirely likely at the moment. But we'll see.
Much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. My heart and thoughts go out to the incomparable and venerable Pat Burns, one-time coach and current employee of the New Jersey Devils. He won the Stanley Cup with the Devils in 2003 and the Jack Adams Trophy (Coach of the Year NHL award) three different years with three separate teams (the Montreal Canadiens, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Boston Bruins). He is on his third round of cancer (first it was colon cancer, which forced him to step down from coaching the Devils in 2004, then it was liver, and now lungs and who knows where else), and has opted not to take treatment. At a recent ceremony in Quebec, in which he was honoured with the building of an arena in Quebec with his name, he made it clear that he doesn't think he'll be around to see it in its completed form, which is estimated to happen in 2011, next year. All of this, and his absolute determination and heart and bravery in the face of death, illicit goosebumps and tears on my part and have led me to the decision to write a song about him/for him. It's tentatively titled, "This Song's For You," and I hope to finish it before...as soon as I can. I want it to be perfect. There is an issue of getting him inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame while he and his family can still enjoy it, and if you are at all interested in helping the selection committee to select him before the nomination deadline of April 15th, PLEASE visit www.patburns.ca, or join the facebook group "Let's Get Pat Burns into the Hockey Hall of Fame - NOW" and invite all of your friends. I really hope this happens for him, and it's something I'm incredibly passionate about. Thank you so much.
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