Hi there!
Just as a first quick and unpleasant thing, I want to apologize for the highly unprofessional attitude in my last post. Moving on, I'm overflowing with news - and of course, I have a song, too.
Last week were the CMTs - Country Music Television awards. The opening was quite funny, with Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, and of course, the host, Bill Engvall. The performances were also quite stellar, energetic, and exceptional - but you would expect nothing less from the top artists of country music, would you? I thought not. The link to relive it all is here: <http://www.cmt.com/videos/shows/cmt-music-awards/2009-cmt-music-awards/1614111/playlist-detail.jhtml>. I highly recommend it.
Recently, I've fallen in love with Blake Shelton's song "She Wouldn't Be Gone" and Brad Paisley's new single "Then," off of his new album, due to be released next Tuesday, June 30th. Blake performed his song at the ACMs in April and Brad his at the CMTs. The first song is very catchy, and thought-provoking. The latter is just beautiful, as only Brad can be. I've always said (I don't know if I ever have here) that Brad Paisley has the sexiest voice in country music. I could listen to it all day. And my sister, a classical music junkie and not well-versed in country, agrees with me, which is saying something. So all the beautiful romantic songs that Brad has are just made even more so by that voice!
As another news flash, I just want to register my shock and delight at the fact that certain people have begun following me on Twitter. My username is "countrymusik19," so I guess it's not that big a surprise, but I get email updates as to who is now following me. Last week I got ones that said "Veronica Ballestrini is following you on twitter" and "The Carter Twins are following you on twitter." For those of you who don't know, these two entities are acts in country music, the former a 17-year-old who performs all over Nashville, including in the CMA Music Fest, and the latter two twins (named Josh and Zach) who have made it big and were at the CMTs. I was stunned and happy, and am curious as to how they found me. But not that it matters, because they are following at least 1,000 other twitterers (official term?).
Next, today I had my last guitar lesson. I made for my teacher a CD of 14 of the songs that either he taught me how to play or that I played for him from my iPod or just my favourite (examples: Kenny Chesney's "Beer in Mexico" and "Summertime," Taylor's "Mary's Song," and Rodney Atkins' "Angel's Hands" - all songs that he taught me to play. Brad Paisley's "We Danced," Jason Michael Carroll's "Livin' Our Love Song," and Keith Urban's "Days Go By" - songs that I played for him. Among others.) He told me that on August 15th, he will be playing with a different band than his usual one, helping to open a show for Billy Ray Cyrus at Six Flags, and invited me to come watch. He also said that all of his good students leave him and he's stuck with all the not-so-good students, which I took as a sign that I'm a good student, which made me happy. One thing I regret, however, is not telling him about this blog so that he could read it and see what I'm up to/tell me what he thinks about my songs, since he's a recorded guitarist. Maybe next time. This is why I try to live up to my favourite line from a Doc Walker song, "I wanna leave this place with a smile on my face, knowing what's in my heart didn't just stay in my heart."
Which brings me to my next point of interest. We're at a crossroads in our lives now, where those we've counted on seeing every day will no longer be there, for better or worse, a situation I am in the middle of writing a song about, "Don't Forget About Me" (an apt title, I think). And yesterday, the boy about whom I gushed about so unprofessionally in the last post, the boy with whom I am still painfully in love (in case you were wondering), had a party to celebrate this crossroads and accomplishment. I wanted to let him know officially how I felt about him, and just to leave it all out there so that I have no regrets, and so that I know "what's in my heart didn't just stay in my heart," so I decided to print out the songs I've written about him (there are four on this blog) and give them to him, once and for all. I wrote him a note explaining the reason why I write songs in the first place, because he's never asked, and then I put post-it notes on each song page, annotating the songs so that he would understand all the subtle allusions I made, allusions that only he would understand anyway. In case you were wondering, the four songs are "Genius," "Tonight," "Truth," and "Thank You." The latter two, my favourites in the series, had the longest post-its and "Truth" even had a copy of the poem that inspired it, a poem that he was kind enough to write to me in November. Although I did keep the original copy of the poem, I rewrote it in my own handwriting on the same paper as the original. I did something special with "Genius," too. Remember the line "then he leaned over and wrote on my notebook / David is perfect"? That was true, and I had cut it out of my notebook, because those mere three words bring back floods of memories, so I attached it to the song. I also told him that how he used to put his arm on my knee, as I mention many times in the song, used to make my day. Okay, now that I've become unprofessional again and given you waaaaay too much personal information there, I'll move on, shall I?
This song hit me, and I sat down and wrote it in less than half an hour. Which probably means that it's not good at all. Nevertheless (or sin embargo, if you speak Spanish), I got the idea as I was walking away from my guitar lesson, and I didn't look back. This was unintentional, of course, but it inspired the first line of my chorus. And the rest, as they say, is history.
I think this song is a response to the crossroads I'm at. But aside from that, I'm not quite sure how I came up with it, because nothing like it has ever actually happened in my life. [long, pensive pause by the blogger]
Anyway, here's the song:
He Never Looked Back
we said, let's be friends and keep in touch
but we both knew we were lying
we both knew we were out of luck
so then what's the use in trying
and neither one of us really meant it
when we said let's hope for the best
we smiled but only I felt it
so I watched as he went back to the rest
CHORUS:
but he never looked back
after all that we had shared
he never looked back
as if he never cared
as my mind replayed how it used to be
so happy to the point of insanity
and again I heard every laugh
but he never looked back
I wanted to yell at his back
I don't know what I would've said
maybe asked how he could do that
just get what we had out of his head
CHORUS:
cause he never looked back
after all that we had shared
he never looked back
as if he had never cared
my mind replayed how it used to be
back when he was with me
and again I heard every laugh
but he never looked back
BRIDGE:
we said, let's be friends and keep in touch
but we both knew we were lying
we both knew we were out of luck
so then what's the use in trying
and I turned away and tried to forget
CHORUS:
that he never looked back
after all that we had shared
he never looked back
as if he had never cared
my mind replayed how it used to be
us against the world but we were free
and again I heard every laugh
but he, he never looked back
no, he never looked back...
It kind of reminds me of Faith Hill's "Like We Never Loved At All." And I don't know if the second verse is any good, but that's what you're here for. Criticism, comments, jeers, and kudos are all accepted with equal delight.
Much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. Brent Sutter, I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. The Calgary Flames do not deserve you. Nor, on second thought, do the Devils after your defection and betrayal. Oh dear, what a state of affairs. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you, Brent Sutter.
p.p.s. Yes, indescribably happy. Even more so if you did it more often, as you're falling behind. But yes, indescribably happy.
24 June 2009
12 June 2009
Thank You
Hi there!
I am writing this very late tonight, but very blissful and happy and marvellously in love (a bit one-sidedly, but it's still splendid). Last night I had the beautiful realization that I am helplessly, madly, and pathetically in love, and during my coming to this conclusion I was writing a song about the experience.
A quick country music-related news update, the CMT awards are on Wednesday, the 17th. I think they're available live on the GAC website, or if you have the CMT channel, you can watch in that way. Lots and lots of videos are up for awards, including Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Gloriana, Lady Antebellum, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Jamey Johnson, Carrie Underwood, and Brooks & Dunn among many others.
Moving on rapidly, because I love the song and just want to get it out into the ether quickly, this song is about the best night of my life (to date). It's about spending time with the one, and just being grateful for every little thing he does and every little moment that is spent with him (Brad Paisley has a song titled "Little Moments" and it's wonderful, from his Mud on the Tires album). The first verse is my favourite, because I wrote that specifically as it was happening, so it really feels authentic to me. The chorus is what was coursing through my mind as he took my hands and he was paying attention to me, just me, so I was thankful that no one else was getting in the way and that he wasn't disgusted by me (always a plus!). Here it is:
Thank You
standing out there on the dance floor
just the two of us and many many more
me in my pink dress, him in his tux
I wanna tell him I love him so much
it's kind of awkward, I'm wearing heels
is it possible that this is all I need
he's beautiful, he takes my hands
and slowly we start to dance
CHORUS:
and all the while, I'm thinking thank you
thank you for being you
thank you for making this so easy
for teaching me what I never knew
for not making me beg you please
thank you for being you
sitting in the bus on the drive back
I'm feeling there's nothing the night lacks
he leans his head back and starts to hum
my favourite song and my heart goes numb
slowly I block out the background noise
until all that I hear is his voice
he keeps going and it's raining outside
I can't believe for tonight he's mine
CHORUS:
and all the while I'm thinking thank you
thank you for being you
thank you for making this so easy
for teaching me what I never knew
thank you for not making me beg you please
thank you for being you
BRIDGE:
thank you for the touch of your hand
thank you for saying yes when it was easier to say no
thank you for being strong and helping me to stand
thank you for dancing with me real slow
thank you for coming here with me tonight
it's something I'll remember for the rest of my life
his dad picks us up and drives me home
I fall deeper every second so please time go slow
he walks me with an umbrella to my door
I've never felt so in love before
I'd give anything for him to kiss me right now, but it's okay
that he says goodbye and walks away
I walk inside and think that's the way it should be
but I forever after relive the night for me
CHORUS:
and all the while I'll be thinking thank you
thank you for being you
thank you for making this so easy
for teaching me what I never knew
thank you for not making me beg you please
thank you for being you
thank you for being you
thank you for being you
I have no idea if it's any good at all. Maybe I'm just blinded because of how I feel about this guy so instead of being able to distinguish the good from the bad I merely equate anything to do with him as good (which, if you knew him, is slightly ironic) but in that case, that's why I post these things here, in the hope that there will be criticism. Anyway, that's what's new in my life.
Much much love from the pathetically-in-love girl and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. Pittsburgh Penguins = Stanley Cup Champions 2009. Now Sidney Crosby's ego can really be larger than Mellon Arena.
I am writing this very late tonight, but very blissful and happy and marvellously in love (a bit one-sidedly, but it's still splendid). Last night I had the beautiful realization that I am helplessly, madly, and pathetically in love, and during my coming to this conclusion I was writing a song about the experience.
A quick country music-related news update, the CMT awards are on Wednesday, the 17th. I think they're available live on the GAC website, or if you have the CMT channel, you can watch in that way. Lots and lots of videos are up for awards, including Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Gloriana, Lady Antebellum, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Jamey Johnson, Carrie Underwood, and Brooks & Dunn among many others.
Moving on rapidly, because I love the song and just want to get it out into the ether quickly, this song is about the best night of my life (to date). It's about spending time with the one, and just being grateful for every little thing he does and every little moment that is spent with him (Brad Paisley has a song titled "Little Moments" and it's wonderful, from his Mud on the Tires album). The first verse is my favourite, because I wrote that specifically as it was happening, so it really feels authentic to me. The chorus is what was coursing through my mind as he took my hands and he was paying attention to me, just me, so I was thankful that no one else was getting in the way and that he wasn't disgusted by me (always a plus!). Here it is:
Thank You
standing out there on the dance floor
just the two of us and many many more
me in my pink dress, him in his tux
I wanna tell him I love him so much
it's kind of awkward, I'm wearing heels
is it possible that this is all I need
he's beautiful, he takes my hands
and slowly we start to dance
CHORUS:
and all the while, I'm thinking thank you
thank you for being you
thank you for making this so easy
for teaching me what I never knew
for not making me beg you please
thank you for being you
sitting in the bus on the drive back
I'm feeling there's nothing the night lacks
he leans his head back and starts to hum
my favourite song and my heart goes numb
slowly I block out the background noise
until all that I hear is his voice
he keeps going and it's raining outside
I can't believe for tonight he's mine
CHORUS:
and all the while I'm thinking thank you
thank you for being you
thank you for making this so easy
for teaching me what I never knew
thank you for not making me beg you please
thank you for being you
BRIDGE:
thank you for the touch of your hand
thank you for saying yes when it was easier to say no
thank you for being strong and helping me to stand
thank you for dancing with me real slow
thank you for coming here with me tonight
it's something I'll remember for the rest of my life
his dad picks us up and drives me home
I fall deeper every second so please time go slow
he walks me with an umbrella to my door
I've never felt so in love before
I'd give anything for him to kiss me right now, but it's okay
that he says goodbye and walks away
I walk inside and think that's the way it should be
but I forever after relive the night for me
CHORUS:
and all the while I'll be thinking thank you
thank you for being you
thank you for making this so easy
for teaching me what I never knew
thank you for not making me beg you please
thank you for being you
thank you for being you
thank you for being you
I have no idea if it's any good at all. Maybe I'm just blinded because of how I feel about this guy so instead of being able to distinguish the good from the bad I merely equate anything to do with him as good (which, if you knew him, is slightly ironic) but in that case, that's why I post these things here, in the hope that there will be criticism. Anyway, that's what's new in my life.
Much much love from the pathetically-in-love girl and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. Pittsburgh Penguins = Stanley Cup Champions 2009. Now Sidney Crosby's ego can really be larger than Mellon Arena.
01 May 2009
(Just) One More Victory
Happy May, everyone!
I have a song this time. :)
But before we get there, just a few updates on the world of country music. For one, the nominees for the first round of the CMT (Country Music Television) Awards have been announced. The special thing about these awards is that it is the one country awards show that is completely fan-voted, so if you wish to vote for the next round of nominees, please check out this website: http://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards/vote.jhtml. In case you were wondering, I've already voted. The nominees are all deserving, so just go and vote for your favourites (or just to check out some new songs!). I think voting closes May 11th or so.
Next, and I know this is rather old news (I love oxymorons), the ACM Awards have come and gone. In fact, it'll be a month on Tuesday. Nevertheless, I will bore you to tears and give you a rundown of performers and winners, because I notate these things with precision. The opening number was a showcase of many talents, with the main focus being Brooks and Dunn with "Play Something Country"; the other performers were Taylor Swift ("Picture to Burn"), Sugarland ("It Happens"), Carrie Underwood ("All-American Girl"), and Rascal Flatts. Kenny Chesney with "We Went Out Last Night" was next. Following with a live interpretation of her music video for the song was Heidi Newfield with "Johnny and June" and lots of rings of fire. The next performer was Toby Keith and "God Love Her." For Toby Keith, it was an okay song. Jamey Johnson performed "In Colour" next, and it was beautiful - the lights cast a black and white glow on him, and it was only him and the acoustic guitar on top of a pile of old colourless pictures. Next was the timeless George Strait with his song "Troubadour." The next performer was introduced by the magician David Copperfield, and she appeared in a box out of nowhere; playing the piano accompaniment to "You're Not Sorry" was Taylor Swift, who was then called over by host Reba McIntire and received a Crystal Milestone Award for selling more albums than anyone else this year. After that the next performers were Lady Antebellum (my new favourite group!) with "I Run to You" and its beautiful harmonies. The next song, a slower one, was LeAnn Womack's "Solitary Thinkin'." Keith Urban performed next, his latest single "I Wanna Kiss a Girl." The subsequent performer was Miranda Lambert, with her new song "Dead Flowers," which will be a hit and is beautiful. John Rich sang next, his solitary effort "Shuttin' Detroit Down." The omnipotent Miley Cyrus performed "The Climb," from Hannah Montana: The Movie, which is actually a powerful and tremendous country song. The next group was Montgomery Gentry, with "One In Every Crowd." Carrie Underwood wore the most gigantic dress when she performed "I Told You So," which was the next song. After that was "Strange" by host Reba McIntire. The next was an homage and a tribute by Trace Adkins, "Til the Last Shot's Fired," a song which made me tear up (which was probably the point). Sugarland continued its streak with "What I'd Give." The last two performances were Blake Shelton with "She Wouldn't Be Gone," a very catchy and nice song, and "Here Comes Goodbye" by Rascal Flatts, which was very moving.
A full list of winners follows:
Vocal Event of the Year - "Start a Band," Brad Paisley and Keith Urban
Video of the Year - "Waitin' on a Woman," Brad Paisley (is anyone surprised?)
Song of the Year - "In Color," Jamey Johnson
Single Record of the Year - "You're Gonna Miss This," Trace Adkins
Album of the Year - Fearless, Taylor Swift (I loved her speech)
Top New Artist [fan-voted] - Julianne Hough
Top Vocal Duo - Sugarland (duh)
Top Vocal Group - Rascal Flatts (duh, again)
Top Female Vocalist - Carrie Underwood
Top Male Vocalist - Brad Paisley
Entertainer of the Year [fan-voted] - Carrie Underwood
Brad Paisley was not there, on account of the fact that his wife was about to give birth, so he accepted his awards via satellite.
Here comes my song! I hope you like it. I'd love to hear what you think it is about before I tell you. I wrote it on Tuesday night, and I like it. The first two lines of the chorus just popped into my head and it was just so beautiful I couldn't not use it, and I love when that happens. The reason there are ( ) around the "Just" in the title is because I'm not sure if it belongs. Please tell me what you think!
(Just) One More Victory
that's not the way it was supposed to be
too soon, too unfair, the end came too quickly
still don't know exactly what happened
too stunned to move, too stunned to speak
but what is there for us to say anyway
CHORUS:
it's just one more victory for the doubters
and another blow to the innocence of the believers
don't try to apologize, I see the tears in your eyes
we tried and left it all out there
no one can say we don't care
we were winning for so long
when just like that it all went wrong
that's not what was supposed to happen
we should've stayed strong and not given in like that
still not sure exactly how it ended
but time keeps on movin' and bringing change
and there we were, swept up by a hurricane
CHORUS:
it's just one more victory for the doubters
and another blow to the innocence of the believers
don't try to apologize, I see the tears in your eyes
we tried and put ourselves all out there
we were winning for so long
when just like that it all went wrong
BRIDGE:
it'll take some time for us to recover
and I love you and I will - forever
someday we'll look back and point and say
that's what made us all that much stronger
it only took a minute for it to go wrong
in the blink of an eye what we've built has gone
still don't know exactly how it happened
now we're stuck wondering why us
to figure out how we got so lost
we didn't think we'd actually feel this empty
it's like everything's gone, some part of me
still don't know exactly how it ended
all the promise escaped with all the glory
and all the hope we had for us destroyed
CHORUS:
it's just one more victory for the doubters
and another blow to the innocence of the believers
don't try to apologize, I see the tears in your eyes
we tried and left all we had out there
no one can say that we don't care
we were winning for so long
when just like that, it all went wrong
and what we've had for so long slipped away
so we shake hands and go our separate ways...
So there it is. Comments, criticism, ideas all welcome and accepted.
Much love and thank you for the musik,
NBK
I have a song this time. :)
But before we get there, just a few updates on the world of country music. For one, the nominees for the first round of the CMT (Country Music Television) Awards have been announced. The special thing about these awards is that it is the one country awards show that is completely fan-voted, so if you wish to vote for the next round of nominees, please check out this website: http://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards/vote.jhtml. In case you were wondering, I've already voted. The nominees are all deserving, so just go and vote for your favourites (or just to check out some new songs!). I think voting closes May 11th or so.
Next, and I know this is rather old news (I love oxymorons), the ACM Awards have come and gone. In fact, it'll be a month on Tuesday. Nevertheless, I will bore you to tears and give you a rundown of performers and winners, because I notate these things with precision. The opening number was a showcase of many talents, with the main focus being Brooks and Dunn with "Play Something Country"; the other performers were Taylor Swift ("Picture to Burn"), Sugarland ("It Happens"), Carrie Underwood ("All-American Girl"), and Rascal Flatts. Kenny Chesney with "We Went Out Last Night" was next. Following with a live interpretation of her music video for the song was Heidi Newfield with "Johnny and June" and lots of rings of fire. The next performer was Toby Keith and "God Love Her." For Toby Keith, it was an okay song. Jamey Johnson performed "In Colour" next, and it was beautiful - the lights cast a black and white glow on him, and it was only him and the acoustic guitar on top of a pile of old colourless pictures. Next was the timeless George Strait with his song "Troubadour." The next performer was introduced by the magician David Copperfield, and she appeared in a box out of nowhere; playing the piano accompaniment to "You're Not Sorry" was Taylor Swift, who was then called over by host Reba McIntire and received a Crystal Milestone Award for selling more albums than anyone else this year. After that the next performers were Lady Antebellum (my new favourite group!) with "I Run to You" and its beautiful harmonies. The next song, a slower one, was LeAnn Womack's "Solitary Thinkin'." Keith Urban performed next, his latest single "I Wanna Kiss a Girl." The subsequent performer was Miranda Lambert, with her new song "Dead Flowers," which will be a hit and is beautiful. John Rich sang next, his solitary effort "Shuttin' Detroit Down." The omnipotent Miley Cyrus performed "The Climb," from Hannah Montana: The Movie, which is actually a powerful and tremendous country song. The next group was Montgomery Gentry, with "One In Every Crowd." Carrie Underwood wore the most gigantic dress when she performed "I Told You So," which was the next song. After that was "Strange" by host Reba McIntire. The next was an homage and a tribute by Trace Adkins, "Til the Last Shot's Fired," a song which made me tear up (which was probably the point). Sugarland continued its streak with "What I'd Give." The last two performances were Blake Shelton with "She Wouldn't Be Gone," a very catchy and nice song, and "Here Comes Goodbye" by Rascal Flatts, which was very moving.
A full list of winners follows:
Vocal Event of the Year - "Start a Band," Brad Paisley and Keith Urban
Video of the Year - "Waitin' on a Woman," Brad Paisley (is anyone surprised?)
Song of the Year - "In Color," Jamey Johnson
Single Record of the Year - "You're Gonna Miss This," Trace Adkins
Album of the Year - Fearless, Taylor Swift (I loved her speech)
Top New Artist [fan-voted] - Julianne Hough
Top Vocal Duo - Sugarland (duh)
Top Vocal Group - Rascal Flatts (duh, again)
Top Female Vocalist - Carrie Underwood
Top Male Vocalist - Brad Paisley
Entertainer of the Year [fan-voted] - Carrie Underwood
Brad Paisley was not there, on account of the fact that his wife was about to give birth, so he accepted his awards via satellite.
Here comes my song! I hope you like it. I'd love to hear what you think it is about before I tell you. I wrote it on Tuesday night, and I like it. The first two lines of the chorus just popped into my head and it was just so beautiful I couldn't not use it, and I love when that happens. The reason there are ( ) around the "Just" in the title is because I'm not sure if it belongs. Please tell me what you think!
(Just) One More Victory
that's not the way it was supposed to be
too soon, too unfair, the end came too quickly
still don't know exactly what happened
too stunned to move, too stunned to speak
but what is there for us to say anyway
CHORUS:
it's just one more victory for the doubters
and another blow to the innocence of the believers
don't try to apologize, I see the tears in your eyes
we tried and left it all out there
no one can say we don't care
we were winning for so long
when just like that it all went wrong
that's not what was supposed to happen
we should've stayed strong and not given in like that
still not sure exactly how it ended
but time keeps on movin' and bringing change
and there we were, swept up by a hurricane
CHORUS:
it's just one more victory for the doubters
and another blow to the innocence of the believers
don't try to apologize, I see the tears in your eyes
we tried and put ourselves all out there
we were winning for so long
when just like that it all went wrong
BRIDGE:
it'll take some time for us to recover
and I love you and I will - forever
someday we'll look back and point and say
that's what made us all that much stronger
it only took a minute for it to go wrong
in the blink of an eye what we've built has gone
still don't know exactly how it happened
now we're stuck wondering why us
to figure out how we got so lost
we didn't think we'd actually feel this empty
it's like everything's gone, some part of me
still don't know exactly how it ended
all the promise escaped with all the glory
and all the hope we had for us destroyed
CHORUS:
it's just one more victory for the doubters
and another blow to the innocence of the believers
don't try to apologize, I see the tears in your eyes
we tried and left all we had out there
no one can say that we don't care
we were winning for so long
when just like that, it all went wrong
and what we've had for so long slipped away
so we shake hands and go our separate ways...
So there it is. Comments, criticism, ideas all welcome and accepted.
Much love and thank you for the musik,
NBK
30 March 2009
It's Just Sand
Hey all!
Right now, I am listening to my new favourite song, "Wild at Heart," by Gloriana. It's amazing. It's a country song by a new band (they're touring with Taylor Swift on her Fearless tour), and the lyrics are beautiful ("That rebel moon is shinin' / Those stars burn like diamonds / Hell bent on chasin' down that crazy slide / I'll follow you where you're leading / To the first sweet taste of freedom" is part of the chorus) and the melody is one surprise after another. I love it.
A few weeks ago, I was in Montreal for a long weekend because it was my parents' 25th wedding anniversary (yay!!). It was cold, but lovely. We drove there and the first day was terribly cold, but we walked from our hotel to the Bell Centre (the place where the Montreal Canadiens play), which was at least 25 blocks in freezing temperatures and coat-cutting winds, so you have leave to be impressed. The next day was wonderful; we walked to the Vieux Port and Vieux Montreal (for you non-French speakers, Vieux means old) and we popped into stores on the way there and back (mostly to warm up, but also to immerse ourselves into the culture of the city). That evening, we went into a sports bar/restaurant and watched the New Jersey Devils versus the Montreal Canadiens game in a place that was clearly pro-Canadiens. It was the most intense game ever, because the Devils' goalie, Marty Brodeur, is from Montreal and if the Devils won that night (which they did, with a score of 3-1!) he would tie the all-time wins record by a goalie at 551 wins, tying Patrick Roy (also a Montrealer). Every time the Devils scored, we cheered like crazy, and at the end of the game, when Marty tied the record, everyone at the Bell Centre and everyone at the restaurant stood up and cheered for him. I get goosebumps whenever I think of it. The next day was also spectacular, as we went to the manmade islands surrounding the city, where the World Expo in 1967 was held. When we crossed the bridge, we stopped for a while to look at the ice breaking on the river below us. I've never seen anything like it. On one of the islands was the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the Formula 1 race track where the Canadian Grand Prix had been held for years (it has been dropped for this season, sadly). We walked the length of the track, pointing out where certain events we remember happened (pit lane - "oh, this is where Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg took out Kimi when the pit lane was closed last year." or "here at this hairpin was Robert Kubica's frightful crash in 2007."). I loved doing that track walk. And since I'm on the subject, I'll just mention that the first Formula 1 race of the 2009 season was yesterday, in Melbourne. It was intense, with the most dramatic crash happening in the last three laps and deciding the final podium as Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel took each other out unnecessarily; my favourite driver, Kimi Raikkonen, didn't finish in his Ferrari (and neither did his teammate, Felipe Massa) because he spun into the wall; and Jenson Button and Reubens Barrichello, whose team went from panic when Honda pulled out of the sport in December to redemption when team principal Ross Brawn bought the team and renamed it Brawn GP just three weeks ago, finished first and second respectively, the first time a team went 1-2 in its first Grand Prix since Mercedes in 1954 (and that's cause that was the first year of the championship). It was phenomenal, and I can't wait until next week, when the circus moves to Malaysia! Going back to North America, however, the third day we again walked around the city and we left the next day. The day we came back was the day Marty broke Roy's record and I cried.
When we were in Montreal, I discovered this terrific band from Manitoba. It was the freezing day that we were walking to the Bell Centre, and I saw a music store on the way and suggested we warm up there for a while. I specifically looked for this band because I'd heard of them before (it's Travis Zajac's favourite band, he's from Winnepeg and he likes country and no I'm not obsessed because he told me so himself, personally), and to my absolute delight they had two albums there. The band is called Doc Walker, and I have their self-titled album and Beautiful Life. I haven't opened the latter because I'm waiting until my fervour over the first dies down (which tells me I'll be waiting for a long time to open the second one), but I absolutely love love love Doc Walker. My favourite songs are "My Life," because it is essentially my philosophy on life set to music, and "Driving with the Brakes On," because of the beautiful melody and the bridge (btw, the opening notes sound like Taylor Swift's "The Best Day"). So if you're interested, I highly recommend the band and the songs.
My song today is called "It's Just Sand," and I don't think it needs any explanation. I mean, aside from the obvious fact that it's not based on a true story. It's a happy song (my sister would be so proud), but it's not without its conflict.
It's Just Sand
you call me on the phone one afternoon
say "your mom won't let me see you sometime soon
you can't sneak out, I don't have a car
I don't see how we can make it far"
I take a deep breath and think hey
are we gonna let this get in our way
(you know that)
CHORUS:
it's just sand, it'll fall through the cracks
we've got each other so baby, just relax
we'll figure it out, we'll make this count
and somehow we will make them understand
all these obstacles are like sand
your friends are laughin' cause they don't think we'll last
they think we're gonna break up, and fast
do you still think that we can't make it
cause if you do I don't think I can take it
you look at me and whisper hey
are we gonna let this get in our way
(don't you know that)
CHORUS:
it's just sand, it'll fall through the cracks
we've got each other so baby, just relax
we'll figure it out, we'll make this count
and somehow we will make them understand
all these obstacles are like sand
BRIDGE:
there's you and I and between us the world
all the small things against this boy and girl
but just like you can't ruin a castle with the rain
you can't break us apart by throwin' grains
(don't you know that)
CHORUS:
it's just sand, it'll fall through the cracks
we've got each other so baby, just relax
we'll figure it out, we'll make this count
and somehow we will make them understand
that it's just sand, it'll fall through the cracks
and we've got each other so baby, just relax
we'll figure it out, we'll make this count
and now we hold the future in our hands
cause all these obstacles are like sand
What do you think? I like it. I've been cultivating it since last Friday and I started writing the chorus before I fell asleep last night (cause that's what I do instead of counting sheep, although sometimes I don't get drowsy because I'm so excited about the new song).
Much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. Be on the lookout for "I Should've Said Yes" and "Promises That You Don't Keep."
Right now, I am listening to my new favourite song, "Wild at Heart," by Gloriana. It's amazing. It's a country song by a new band (they're touring with Taylor Swift on her Fearless tour), and the lyrics are beautiful ("That rebel moon is shinin' / Those stars burn like diamonds / Hell bent on chasin' down that crazy slide / I'll follow you where you're leading / To the first sweet taste of freedom" is part of the chorus) and the melody is one surprise after another. I love it.
A few weeks ago, I was in Montreal for a long weekend because it was my parents' 25th wedding anniversary (yay!!). It was cold, but lovely. We drove there and the first day was terribly cold, but we walked from our hotel to the Bell Centre (the place where the Montreal Canadiens play), which was at least 25 blocks in freezing temperatures and coat-cutting winds, so you have leave to be impressed. The next day was wonderful; we walked to the Vieux Port and Vieux Montreal (for you non-French speakers, Vieux means old) and we popped into stores on the way there and back (mostly to warm up, but also to immerse ourselves into the culture of the city). That evening, we went into a sports bar/restaurant and watched the New Jersey Devils versus the Montreal Canadiens game in a place that was clearly pro-Canadiens. It was the most intense game ever, because the Devils' goalie, Marty Brodeur, is from Montreal and if the Devils won that night (which they did, with a score of 3-1!) he would tie the all-time wins record by a goalie at 551 wins, tying Patrick Roy (also a Montrealer). Every time the Devils scored, we cheered like crazy, and at the end of the game, when Marty tied the record, everyone at the Bell Centre and everyone at the restaurant stood up and cheered for him. I get goosebumps whenever I think of it. The next day was also spectacular, as we went to the manmade islands surrounding the city, where the World Expo in 1967 was held. When we crossed the bridge, we stopped for a while to look at the ice breaking on the river below us. I've never seen anything like it. On one of the islands was the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the Formula 1 race track where the Canadian Grand Prix had been held for years (it has been dropped for this season, sadly). We walked the length of the track, pointing out where certain events we remember happened (pit lane - "oh, this is where Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg took out Kimi when the pit lane was closed last year." or "here at this hairpin was Robert Kubica's frightful crash in 2007."). I loved doing that track walk. And since I'm on the subject, I'll just mention that the first Formula 1 race of the 2009 season was yesterday, in Melbourne. It was intense, with the most dramatic crash happening in the last three laps and deciding the final podium as Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel took each other out unnecessarily; my favourite driver, Kimi Raikkonen, didn't finish in his Ferrari (and neither did his teammate, Felipe Massa) because he spun into the wall; and Jenson Button and Reubens Barrichello, whose team went from panic when Honda pulled out of the sport in December to redemption when team principal Ross Brawn bought the team and renamed it Brawn GP just three weeks ago, finished first and second respectively, the first time a team went 1-2 in its first Grand Prix since Mercedes in 1954 (and that's cause that was the first year of the championship). It was phenomenal, and I can't wait until next week, when the circus moves to Malaysia! Going back to North America, however, the third day we again walked around the city and we left the next day. The day we came back was the day Marty broke Roy's record and I cried.
When we were in Montreal, I discovered this terrific band from Manitoba. It was the freezing day that we were walking to the Bell Centre, and I saw a music store on the way and suggested we warm up there for a while. I specifically looked for this band because I'd heard of them before (it's Travis Zajac's favourite band, he's from Winnepeg and he likes country and no I'm not obsessed because he told me so himself, personally), and to my absolute delight they had two albums there. The band is called Doc Walker, and I have their self-titled album and Beautiful Life. I haven't opened the latter because I'm waiting until my fervour over the first dies down (which tells me I'll be waiting for a long time to open the second one), but I absolutely love love love Doc Walker. My favourite songs are "My Life," because it is essentially my philosophy on life set to music, and "Driving with the Brakes On," because of the beautiful melody and the bridge (btw, the opening notes sound like Taylor Swift's "The Best Day"). So if you're interested, I highly recommend the band and the songs.
My song today is called "It's Just Sand," and I don't think it needs any explanation. I mean, aside from the obvious fact that it's not based on a true story. It's a happy song (my sister would be so proud), but it's not without its conflict.
It's Just Sand
you call me on the phone one afternoon
say "your mom won't let me see you sometime soon
you can't sneak out, I don't have a car
I don't see how we can make it far"
I take a deep breath and think hey
are we gonna let this get in our way
(you know that)
CHORUS:
it's just sand, it'll fall through the cracks
we've got each other so baby, just relax
we'll figure it out, we'll make this count
and somehow we will make them understand
all these obstacles are like sand
your friends are laughin' cause they don't think we'll last
they think we're gonna break up, and fast
do you still think that we can't make it
cause if you do I don't think I can take it
you look at me and whisper hey
are we gonna let this get in our way
(don't you know that)
CHORUS:
it's just sand, it'll fall through the cracks
we've got each other so baby, just relax
we'll figure it out, we'll make this count
and somehow we will make them understand
all these obstacles are like sand
BRIDGE:
there's you and I and between us the world
all the small things against this boy and girl
but just like you can't ruin a castle with the rain
you can't break us apart by throwin' grains
(don't you know that)
CHORUS:
it's just sand, it'll fall through the cracks
we've got each other so baby, just relax
we'll figure it out, we'll make this count
and somehow we will make them understand
that it's just sand, it'll fall through the cracks
and we've got each other so baby, just relax
we'll figure it out, we'll make this count
and now we hold the future in our hands
cause all these obstacles are like sand
What do you think? I like it. I've been cultivating it since last Friday and I started writing the chorus before I fell asleep last night (cause that's what I do instead of counting sheep, although sometimes I don't get drowsy because I'm so excited about the new song).
Much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. Be on the lookout for "I Should've Said Yes" and "Promises That You Don't Keep."
28 February 2009
Who Will
Hello, all, once again!
I am writing very happily today, because literally two minutes ago, I finished the song "Who Will" and I like it very much. But more on that later.
I also have many things to report and discuss before I dive into that certain kettle of fish. The first of which is that I don't think I shared with you what I did for Valentine's Day. I think it must be said that I detest with a vehement passion the holiday, if you can call it that. On many levels. But that's not important. I decided that, instead of focusing on my lack of a valentine, I would make the day special to two of the three people most important to me: my parents. (my sister being the third.) The preparation took days. First, I made a CD for each person, consisting of six songs each. The first and last songs on both were the same: "Two People Fell In Love" by Brad Paisley, which began the CD, and "The Best Day" by Taylor Swift, which concluded it. For my Dad, the other songs were "I Loved Her First" by Heartland (a sentimental song about a father watching his daughter dancing with her fiance, telling his son-in-law-to-be that he loved her first, to be careful with her), "Song For Dad" by Keith Urban (a song about how great an influence his dad was on him), "Stealing Cinderella" by Chuck Wicks (a suitor goes to ask a man for his daughter's hand in marriage and sees all these pictures of the girl growing up), and "Salvem El Mon/Let's Save The World" by the Andorrian band Anonymous (because my dad hates gooey songs so I figured he needed a break). For my mom, the other songs were "Drama Queen" by the Denmarkian band DQ (because she loves it), "Love Story" by Taylor Swift, "In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride (mother looks in her daughter's eyes, sees everything she wants to be), and "I'm Only Me When I'm With You" by Taylor Swift. For CD booklets, I put pictures of the singers/bands with their families. I also bought wooden roses someone was selling, a red one for each. Whenever my mom went to pick up my dad from the bus stop, I would plan how I would give these things to them. I finally decided on putting the roses in separate glass vases, leaning the CDs against them, and spreading an array of chocolates and other heart-shaped sweets on doilies on the dining room table. I woke up at 3 in the morning on Saturday the 14th in order to execute it properly without either one finding out.
Next, I want to introduce a new item, where I talk about a category at the ACMs and discuss the nominees and potential winner. Today, I will take on the prestigious categories (because they go hand-in-hand) of Song of the Year and Single of the Year. Here are the nominees for Single of the Year:
Gunpowder and Lead, Miranda Lambert
In Colour, Jamey Johnson
Johnny and June, Heidi Newfield
Waitin' on a Woman, Brad Paisley
You're Gonna Miss This, Trace Adkins
Well. What a great category. In order to fully be able to assess this category, I bought the two songs I did not have on iTunes, and I can honestly say that each song deserves a win. That said, I think "In Color" has no chance, considering that Jamey Johnson is also nominated for the Top New Male Artist category. I doubt that the combination of the song's topic/its lilting inflection that reminds me of Kenny Chesney's "In a Small Town" and Johnson's snarl that is reminiscent of Johnny Cash himself is enough to sway the Academy. Heidi Newfield's sweet song, about country's first couple, Johnny and June Carter Cash, has a greater chance, but I think it will be overshadowed by the feisty Miranda Lambert, the sentimental Trace Adkins, and the charming Brad Paisley. Of these three, my money is on "Waitin' On a Woman," purely because of the fact that the Academy loves its Brad Paisley, who has won Artist of the Year multiple times. However, if "You're Gonna Miss This" wins, because I think it's a close second, it will be the first win for Trace Adkins and look for Brad Paisley and "Waitin' on a Woman" to take Video of the Year.
Here are the nominees for Song of the Year:
I Saw God Today, George Strait
In Colour, Jamey Johnson
Johnny and June, Heidi Newfield
Waiting on a Woman, Brad Paisley
You're Gonna Miss This, Trace Adkins
My money here is on George Strait. The Academy loves its George Strait, who has won this category two years ago, and will be awarded the ACM Artist of the Decade award this year. In addition, "I Saw God Today" won this same category at the CMAs in November. The only serious contest is by Trace Adkins here, because Brad's song was first released on his album "Time Well Wasted, released in 2005, and only released as a single this past year (hence all its nominations); Johnson is also nominated for TNMA, as I mentioned; and "Johnny and June" is too sweet and sugary for the Academy to give it an award. "You're Gonna Miss This," the nostalgic look at growing up, will give "I Saw God Today" a good run for its money, but look for the veteran George Strait on the podium.
I wonder what categories I will be discussing next time! I liked this.
And here is my song, not worthy of any accolades such as these, but I guess worthy of this blog. It doesn't really need an explanation, so without further ado, here it is:
Who Will
I'm too nice or so they tell me
too ready to smile, too quick to agree
can't say no to save my own life
and maybe, just maybe, they've got it right
CHORUS:
but if I don't say good morning or tell you I like your shirt
get you to smile even when you've been hurt
help pick up your things after they've fallen down
look in your eyes and say I'll see you around
who will
and so you say you're needing a friend
well, I've got two ears I'm willing to lend
you say all you need is a little mercy
and I'd go there for you gladly
CHORUS:
cause if I don't say good morning or tell you I like your shirt
get you to smile even when you've been hurt
help pick up your things after they've fallen down
look in your eyes and say I'll see you around
who will
BRIDGE:
give you a fresh start
who will
show you a heart
who will
make kindness an art
CHORUS:
who will say good morning and tell you they like your shirt
get you to smile even when you've been hurt
help pick up your things after they've fallen down
look in your eyes and say they'll see you around
who will
who will
Just let me know what you think! Comments, praises, scorn, and criticism all equally accepted.
Much love, and thank you for the musik,
NBK
p.s. In case anyone out there was wondering, Travis Zajac is okay. In fact, he has scored twice in the past two games, today and Thursday, and has reached his career-high number of goals (18). So he is healthy and back on his form. Martin Brodeur is also healthy, and has won the first two games after missing fifty with scores of 4-0 and 7-2. The Devils play again tomorrow, against the Philadelphia Flyers.
p.p.s. Another sport I love is cycling, and last week was the Tour of California. The victor was once again Levi Leipheimer (who has won the last three TOCs), but notable was the returning Lance Armstrong, who finished in seventh place overall. One of my most favourite cyclists, David Zabriskie, was second; Michael Rogers of Australia was third; and big Jens Voigt was fourth. Other notable placers were Tommy Danielson, who finished ninth, Jose "Chechu" Rubiera in tenth place, Frank Schleck in eleventh, and Georgie Hincapie in fifteenth. Floyd Landis, of the 2006 Tour de France doping scandal, took part in California, his first race since his two-year doping ban, and placed 23rd. This is not indicative of anything yet, however, as the first test will come in Italy, towards the beginning of May (Giro d'Italia). I'm rooting for Alberto Contador.
I am writing very happily today, because literally two minutes ago, I finished the song "Who Will" and I like it very much. But more on that later.
I also have many things to report and discuss before I dive into that certain kettle of fish. The first of which is that I don't think I shared with you what I did for Valentine's Day. I think it must be said that I detest with a vehement passion the holiday, if you can call it that. On many levels. But that's not important. I decided that, instead of focusing on my lack of a valentine, I would make the day special to two of the three people most important to me: my parents. (my sister being the third.) The preparation took days. First, I made a CD for each person, consisting of six songs each. The first and last songs on both were the same: "Two People Fell In Love" by Brad Paisley, which began the CD, and "The Best Day" by Taylor Swift, which concluded it. For my Dad, the other songs were "I Loved Her First" by Heartland (a sentimental song about a father watching his daughter dancing with her fiance, telling his son-in-law-to-be that he loved her first, to be careful with her), "Song For Dad" by Keith Urban (a song about how great an influence his dad was on him), "Stealing Cinderella" by Chuck Wicks (a suitor goes to ask a man for his daughter's hand in marriage and sees all these pictures of the girl growing up), and "Salvem El Mon/Let's Save The World" by the Andorrian band Anonymous (because my dad hates gooey songs so I figured he needed a break). For my mom, the other songs were "Drama Queen" by the Denmarkian band DQ (because she loves it), "Love Story" by Taylor Swift, "In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride (mother looks in her daughter's eyes, sees everything she wants to be), and "I'm Only Me When I'm With You" by Taylor Swift. For CD booklets, I put pictures of the singers/bands with their families. I also bought wooden roses someone was selling, a red one for each. Whenever my mom went to pick up my dad from the bus stop, I would plan how I would give these things to them. I finally decided on putting the roses in separate glass vases, leaning the CDs against them, and spreading an array of chocolates and other heart-shaped sweets on doilies on the dining room table. I woke up at 3 in the morning on Saturday the 14th in order to execute it properly without either one finding out.
Next, I want to introduce a new item, where I talk about a category at the ACMs and discuss the nominees and potential winner. Today, I will take on the prestigious categories (because they go hand-in-hand) of Song of the Year and Single of the Year. Here are the nominees for Single of the Year:
Gunpowder and Lead, Miranda Lambert
In Colour, Jamey Johnson
Johnny and June, Heidi Newfield
Waitin' on a Woman, Brad Paisley
You're Gonna Miss This, Trace Adkins
Well. What a great category. In order to fully be able to assess this category, I bought the two songs I did not have on iTunes, and I can honestly say that each song deserves a win. That said, I think "In Color" has no chance, considering that Jamey Johnson is also nominated for the Top New Male Artist category. I doubt that the combination of the song's topic/its lilting inflection that reminds me of Kenny Chesney's "In a Small Town" and Johnson's snarl that is reminiscent of Johnny Cash himself is enough to sway the Academy. Heidi Newfield's sweet song, about country's first couple, Johnny and June Carter Cash, has a greater chance, but I think it will be overshadowed by the feisty Miranda Lambert, the sentimental Trace Adkins, and the charming Brad Paisley. Of these three, my money is on "Waitin' On a Woman," purely because of the fact that the Academy loves its Brad Paisley, who has won Artist of the Year multiple times. However, if "You're Gonna Miss This" wins, because I think it's a close second, it will be the first win for Trace Adkins and look for Brad Paisley and "Waitin' on a Woman" to take Video of the Year.
Here are the nominees for Song of the Year:
I Saw God Today, George Strait
In Colour, Jamey Johnson
Johnny and June, Heidi Newfield
Waiting on a Woman, Brad Paisley
You're Gonna Miss This, Trace Adkins
My money here is on George Strait. The Academy loves its George Strait, who has won this category two years ago, and will be awarded the ACM Artist of the Decade award this year. In addition, "I Saw God Today" won this same category at the CMAs in November. The only serious contest is by Trace Adkins here, because Brad's song was first released on his album "Time Well Wasted, released in 2005, and only released as a single this past year (hence all its nominations); Johnson is also nominated for TNMA, as I mentioned; and "Johnny and June" is too sweet and sugary for the Academy to give it an award. "You're Gonna Miss This," the nostalgic look at growing up, will give "I Saw God Today" a good run for its money, but look for the veteran George Strait on the podium.
I wonder what categories I will be discussing next time! I liked this.
And here is my song, not worthy of any accolades such as these, but I guess worthy of this blog. It doesn't really need an explanation, so without further ado, here it is:
Who Will
I'm too nice or so they tell me
too ready to smile, too quick to agree
can't say no to save my own life
and maybe, just maybe, they've got it right
CHORUS:
but if I don't say good morning or tell you I like your shirt
get you to smile even when you've been hurt
help pick up your things after they've fallen down
look in your eyes and say I'll see you around
who will
and so you say you're needing a friend
well, I've got two ears I'm willing to lend
you say all you need is a little mercy
and I'd go there for you gladly
CHORUS:
cause if I don't say good morning or tell you I like your shirt
get you to smile even when you've been hurt
help pick up your things after they've fallen down
look in your eyes and say I'll see you around
who will
BRIDGE:
give you a fresh start
who will
show you a heart
who will
make kindness an art
CHORUS:
who will say good morning and tell you they like your shirt
get you to smile even when you've been hurt
help pick up your things after they've fallen down
look in your eyes and say they'll see you around
who will
who will
Just let me know what you think! Comments, praises, scorn, and criticism all equally accepted.
Much love, and thank you for the musik,
NBK
p.s. In case anyone out there was wondering, Travis Zajac is okay. In fact, he has scored twice in the past two games, today and Thursday, and has reached his career-high number of goals (18). So he is healthy and back on his form. Martin Brodeur is also healthy, and has won the first two games after missing fifty with scores of 4-0 and 7-2. The Devils play again tomorrow, against the Philadelphia Flyers.
p.p.s. Another sport I love is cycling, and last week was the Tour of California. The victor was once again Levi Leipheimer (who has won the last three TOCs), but notable was the returning Lance Armstrong, who finished in seventh place overall. One of my most favourite cyclists, David Zabriskie, was second; Michael Rogers of Australia was third; and big Jens Voigt was fourth. Other notable placers were Tommy Danielson, who finished ninth, Jose "Chechu" Rubiera in tenth place, Frank Schleck in eleventh, and Georgie Hincapie in fifteenth. Floyd Landis, of the 2006 Tour de France doping scandal, took part in California, his first race since his two-year doping ban, and placed 23rd. This is not indicative of anything yet, however, as the first test will come in Italy, towards the beginning of May (Giro d'Italia). I'm rooting for Alberto Contador.
24 February 2009
One Long Entry
Hello and welcome to another post!
I do realize it's been...over a month since my last post (quite the theme lately), and I apologize sincerely. Because of the depressing quality of my last two posts, I had hoped I would write a happy-themed post for you hot off the heels of "The Things You Loved," so just imagine that this is hot off the heels. Even if it's a month and 17 days later.
The title of this post is misleading, as I'm not expecting to write a particularly long entry. It is, in fact, the name of the song. But before I get there, you know that I like to discuss a few talking points in country music that have come up in the last little while. The most important of which is the fact that the nominees for the ACM (Academy of Country Music) Awards have been released. Me being a diehard fan, of course, I received my own personal email from the Academy itself last week. I won't cover all categories here, just the most important ones:
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Top Male Vocalist
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Keith Urban
Top Female Vocalist
Miranda Lambert
Heidi Newfield
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack
For all other nominees, including Top New Artist (which is fan-voted this year, nominees separated by gender--you can vote online), Top Vocal Group, Top Vocal Duo, Single Record of the Year, and Song of the Year, among others, I entreat you to visit <http://www.acmcountry.com/awards/nominees.php>.
There were also the Grammys, but as those awards are not specifically about country music (and because, to be honest, I recorded them but haven't watched them yet), I won't delve too deeply. Just to say, I know that Taylor Swift sang "Fifteen" with Miley Cyrus and that Brad Paisley won for "Letter to Me." Other than that, I do believe the country categories were overshadowed by the Rihanna-Chris Brown contratomb as well as the breakthrough news that Blink-182 will be coming back together. So yay Blink-182.
"White Horse" has come out as a music video, starring Stephen Colletti, of "One Tree Hill" fame (he is the second OTH actor to appear in a Taylor Swift music video, the first being Tyler Hilton in "Teardrops on my Guitar"). It is quite lovely, but not on iTunes as of yet.
"One Long Entry" was sort of a manifestation of the fact that I've really been neglecting writing in my diary. I wrote this song in early December, and I still hadn't written anything about the November 4th election. It is now nearing the end of February, and I can proudly say that I have. Finally. Be that as it may, however, this song is happy, cute, and infectious to the point where it makes me sick. So please, if it's lame, cheesy, or a combination of both, bear with me. With that in mind, here is "One Long Entry:"
One Long Entry
there's a little notebook by my bed
there's nothing there that Daddy hasn't read
and nothin' that will cause my mama shame
but I told him that I liked him and he said the same
and right in that moment, my world changed
CHORUS:
now I owe my diary one long entry
devoted to a story of the boy and me
it's been a month since I wrote last
can't believe so much time has passed
I know, I know, I know my diary's waiting
but so is he, outside my window
so oh well, maybe tomorrow
it'll take 30 sheets and a brand new pen
and a ton of time I'll waste without him
my last entry, is that what I wrote then
"his eyes are nice and his smile never ends"
CHORUS:
now I owe my diary one long entry
devoted to a story of the boy and me
it's been three months since I wrote last
can't believe so much time has passed
I know, I know, I know my diary's waiting
but so is he, outside my window
so I'm sorry, maybe tomorrow
BRIDGE:
I need time to have it all sink in
before I see it there in my writing
but I owe my diary one long entry
devoted to a story of the boy and me
laying out on his truck just the two of us
or the time we got lost and came home late
I know, I know, I know my diary's waiting
but so is he, outside my window
so I'm sorry, maybe tomorrow
tomorrow he'll be out of town
so that's my time to sit right down
grab a brand new pen and finally
write that one long long entry...
I hadn't read that song since I wrote it, so naturally I edited a few lines (mostly the beginning, which is the hardest part of any lyrics for me to write), but I kept everything else. If you notice, there's a LOT more country exuding from the lyrics here. For example, saying "mama" and "nothin'"and the general bad grammar and "laying out on his truck" and the melody in my head that's playing as I read this song (which of course you can't hear, but...). I can hear Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland singing this song. Which is a positive thing for me. But enough about what I think about the song. I wanna know what you hear/see/like/hate about this song!
Much much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. I want to say a few words about hockey here. Specifically New Jersey Devils hockey. Like, how ANGRY with Brent Sutter (whom, by the way, I adore and who makes me smile) I was when he played Scott Clemmensen in goal instead of Kevin Weekes on Saturday against the Islanders (the worst team in the league, with the lowest point total), leading to the second 0-4 shutout in three games. Play Kevin Weekes! He deserves it, because he and Clemmer should be considered equals when Martin Brodeur is gone. I certainly consider them equals. And then when future Hall-of-Famer Marty returns, spare him as much as possible so that he saves his energy/strength/etc for the playoffs. We could go far.
I also want to address Travis Zajac. Poor, poor Travis Zajac. On Sunday (a brilliant 6-5 win over the San Jose Sharks), he was hit in the face by a high stick from his teammate wearing number 24, defenseman Bryce Salvador. He was left with stiches on his nose and a partial black eye. Four days and two games later, on Thursday (a hard-fought 3-2 shootout win over the Tampa Bay Lightning), he took a puck to the face on a shot by his captain, Jamie Langenbrunner; a shot which, I might add, found its way off Pop's stick and Trav's face onto Zach Parise's stick and into the net, prompting Brent Sutter to say "Big assist by Trav off his face." This left Travis Zajac with 11 stiches on his upper lip. Saturday he managed to remain unscathed (despite the 0-4 loss) yet today at practice he came down with the flu. This flu had been circulating the Devils' locker room, and had indeed seen Zach Parise miss the second period of the Lightning game (but he obviously came back and scored the goal). So my question is, are you trying to kill the poor guy? My best wishes to the third-year center forward and I sincerely hope he survives the season. In all seriousness, get well soon, Trav. If you don't, I will certainly miss you on Thursday, as will the team, undoubtedly.
p.p.s. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you JUSTME!!! You are officially one of my favourite people and I love you and your kind words. Don't ever change. I know I'm a post late with this, but I appreciate you taking your time to read this (if indeed you still are) and I appreciate further you taking the time to respond. I hope to never disappoint you.
p.p.s. Be on the lookout for two new songs, "Who Will" and "You Should've Said Yes" coming soon.
So much for not a long entry, huh?
I do realize it's been...over a month since my last post (quite the theme lately), and I apologize sincerely. Because of the depressing quality of my last two posts, I had hoped I would write a happy-themed post for you hot off the heels of "The Things You Loved," so just imagine that this is hot off the heels. Even if it's a month and 17 days later.
The title of this post is misleading, as I'm not expecting to write a particularly long entry. It is, in fact, the name of the song. But before I get there, you know that I like to discuss a few talking points in country music that have come up in the last little while. The most important of which is the fact that the nominees for the ACM (Academy of Country Music) Awards have been released. Me being a diehard fan, of course, I received my own personal email from the Academy itself last week. I won't cover all categories here, just the most important ones:
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Top Male Vocalist
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Keith Urban
Top Female Vocalist
Miranda Lambert
Heidi Newfield
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack
For all other nominees, including Top New Artist (which is fan-voted this year, nominees separated by gender--you can vote online), Top Vocal Group, Top Vocal Duo, Single Record of the Year, and Song of the Year, among others, I entreat you to visit <http://www.acmcountry.com/awards/nominees.php>.
There were also the Grammys, but as those awards are not specifically about country music (and because, to be honest, I recorded them but haven't watched them yet), I won't delve too deeply. Just to say, I know that Taylor Swift sang "Fifteen" with Miley Cyrus and that Brad Paisley won for "Letter to Me." Other than that, I do believe the country categories were overshadowed by the Rihanna-Chris Brown contratomb as well as the breakthrough news that Blink-182 will be coming back together. So yay Blink-182.
"White Horse" has come out as a music video, starring Stephen Colletti, of "One Tree Hill" fame (he is the second OTH actor to appear in a Taylor Swift music video, the first being Tyler Hilton in "Teardrops on my Guitar"). It is quite lovely, but not on iTunes as of yet.
"One Long Entry" was sort of a manifestation of the fact that I've really been neglecting writing in my diary. I wrote this song in early December, and I still hadn't written anything about the November 4th election. It is now nearing the end of February, and I can proudly say that I have. Finally. Be that as it may, however, this song is happy, cute, and infectious to the point where it makes me sick. So please, if it's lame, cheesy, or a combination of both, bear with me. With that in mind, here is "One Long Entry:"
One Long Entry
there's a little notebook by my bed
there's nothing there that Daddy hasn't read
and nothin' that will cause my mama shame
but I told him that I liked him and he said the same
and right in that moment, my world changed
CHORUS:
now I owe my diary one long entry
devoted to a story of the boy and me
it's been a month since I wrote last
can't believe so much time has passed
I know, I know, I know my diary's waiting
but so is he, outside my window
so oh well, maybe tomorrow
it'll take 30 sheets and a brand new pen
and a ton of time I'll waste without him
my last entry, is that what I wrote then
"his eyes are nice and his smile never ends"
CHORUS:
now I owe my diary one long entry
devoted to a story of the boy and me
it's been three months since I wrote last
can't believe so much time has passed
I know, I know, I know my diary's waiting
but so is he, outside my window
so I'm sorry, maybe tomorrow
BRIDGE:
I need time to have it all sink in
before I see it there in my writing
but I owe my diary one long entry
devoted to a story of the boy and me
laying out on his truck just the two of us
or the time we got lost and came home late
I know, I know, I know my diary's waiting
but so is he, outside my window
so I'm sorry, maybe tomorrow
tomorrow he'll be out of town
so that's my time to sit right down
grab a brand new pen and finally
write that one long long entry...
I hadn't read that song since I wrote it, so naturally I edited a few lines (mostly the beginning, which is the hardest part of any lyrics for me to write), but I kept everything else. If you notice, there's a LOT more country exuding from the lyrics here. For example, saying "mama" and "nothin'"and the general bad grammar and "laying out on his truck" and the melody in my head that's playing as I read this song (which of course you can't hear, but...). I can hear Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland singing this song. Which is a positive thing for me. But enough about what I think about the song. I wanna know what you hear/see/like/hate about this song!
Much much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. I want to say a few words about hockey here. Specifically New Jersey Devils hockey. Like, how ANGRY with Brent Sutter (whom, by the way, I adore and who makes me smile) I was when he played Scott Clemmensen in goal instead of Kevin Weekes on Saturday against the Islanders (the worst team in the league, with the lowest point total), leading to the second 0-4 shutout in three games. Play Kevin Weekes! He deserves it, because he and Clemmer should be considered equals when Martin Brodeur is gone. I certainly consider them equals. And then when future Hall-of-Famer Marty returns, spare him as much as possible so that he saves his energy/strength/etc for the playoffs. We could go far.
I also want to address Travis Zajac. Poor, poor Travis Zajac. On Sunday (a brilliant 6-5 win over the San Jose Sharks), he was hit in the face by a high stick from his teammate wearing number 24, defenseman Bryce Salvador. He was left with stiches on his nose and a partial black eye. Four days and two games later, on Thursday (a hard-fought 3-2 shootout win over the Tampa Bay Lightning), he took a puck to the face on a shot by his captain, Jamie Langenbrunner; a shot which, I might add, found its way off Pop's stick and Trav's face onto Zach Parise's stick and into the net, prompting Brent Sutter to say "Big assist by Trav off his face." This left Travis Zajac with 11 stiches on his upper lip. Saturday he managed to remain unscathed (despite the 0-4 loss) yet today at practice he came down with the flu. This flu had been circulating the Devils' locker room, and had indeed seen Zach Parise miss the second period of the Lightning game (but he obviously came back and scored the goal). So my question is, are you trying to kill the poor guy? My best wishes to the third-year center forward and I sincerely hope he survives the season. In all seriousness, get well soon, Trav. If you don't, I will certainly miss you on Thursday, as will the team, undoubtedly.
p.p.s. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you JUSTME!!! You are officially one of my favourite people and I love you and your kind words. Don't ever change. I know I'm a post late with this, but I appreciate you taking your time to read this (if indeed you still are) and I appreciate further you taking the time to respond. I hope to never disappoint you.
p.p.s. Be on the lookout for two new songs, "Who Will" and "You Should've Said Yes" coming soon.
So much for not a long entry, huh?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)