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.
27 March 2010
Running in High Heels
Hello, everyone.
It has been over a month since I last posted, so I'll get down to business immediately.
I'll start with the new favourite song section, because it will be chock-full of songs. I have discovered the duo named Bomshell, whose debut album was named Fight Like a Girl. The title track is fabulous, but my very favourite is the one called "19 and Crazy." It's wild and up-beat and just plain catchy. Another song I absolutely love is Lee Brice's "Love Like Crazy." (What's with the 'crazy'?) It is phenomenal. In SO many ways. Next, and if I remember correctly, I mentioned the radio station WYNK 101.5 a while back. This station has afforded me an insane amount of new music. I made the live player my homepage: http://www.wynk.com/mediaplayer/?station=WYNK-FM&action=listenlive&channel_title=. Songs like Rascal Flatts' "These Days" and "Unstoppable"; David Nail's "Red Light"; Darryl Worley's "Have You Forgotten"; "Good Directions," by Billy Currington; "Sideways" by Dierks Bentley; Gary Allan's "Today," "Watching Airplanes," and "Nothing On But the Radio"; Eric Church's "Hell on the Heart"; "How Do You Like Me Now?" by Toby Keith (yeah, I know); and Craig Morgan's "This Ain't Nothin'," among others. I would also like to highlight the song that is number 1 in the country and on the country charts, "A Little More Country Than That," by Easton Corbin. If you want a good laugh, check out the music video which, of course, isn't meant to be funny, but if you want to hear a really great song, listen to the song without the video. If you want a video that is multiple times better than the song, check out Josh Turner's "Why Don't We Just Dance." The video is fabulous. I've also recently rediscovered the magic that is Kenny Chesney. And more specifically, "The Good Stuff," "There Goes My Life," "How Forever Feels," and "I Go Back." He is a bona fide superstar. In so many ways. The Zac Brown Band is another artist that I've discovered, and I can't believe that I lived as long as I had in completely ignorance of their talent and their beautiful songs. Of course, they're a really new band, but you get my drift. "Highway 20 Ride" still makes me cry (my favourite part? 'it was the pleasure of my life / and I cherish all the times / and my whole world, it begins and ends with you / on this highway 20 ride'...), and "Chicken Fried" was their first single and I know why - it's catchy and really turns you onto the band. I'm pretty sure there are so many other songs that I'm ignoring.
In other news, the ACM Award nominations have been released, and the show will be April 18th. Here's the link: http://www.acmcountry.com/awards/nominees.php. There will, again, be fan-voted categories, namely the Entertainer of the Year (nominees: Kenney Chesney, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, the Zac Brown Band) and Best New Artist. The nominees for Best New Artist were also fan-voted, from the winners of the categories of Top New Vocal Duo, Top New Solo Vocalist, and Top New Vocal Group. These were, respectively, Joey & Rory, Luke Bryan, and Gloriana. Voting for the other fan-voted awards starts April 1. I will not tell you for whom I will be voting, but if you've been reading this blog at all, I think you already know. I just don't want to sway you, but I do encourage you to vote.
I'm probably ignoring a month's worth of country music news, but that'll just have to wait for now, because I can't remember right now. But don't worry, I'll have another post in a few days anyway. Yup, that's right, I have finished a few songs, not just one. I feel accomplished - and I also want to reach 19 posts for this year as well, to keep the trend going.
So, onto today's song. I first conceived the notion of this song last May. May 2009. This is because...I was running in high heels at the time! Surprise, surprise. And it was raining, hence that part of the song. Or at least the ground was wet. And as I was running, I realised, despite my prowess at the activity, how freakin' hard it is to run in high heels. Especially if at the time you're wearing clothes that you're trying your best not to destroy, or at the very least, muss up because you still have to wear them at a function later that evening. So there are the circumstances in which the song was conceived. Then I was slightly reminded of one of my favuorite Doc Walker songs, "Driving with the Brakes On," which - allow me to go on a tangent here - I recently discovered is not even their song. It was written by some other guy who recorded it and had it as his single, so the Doc Walker song is just a cover of it, which kind of diminishes the power and weight of the song, but it shouldn't, because the Doc Walker version is equally good as the other guy's version. In fact, it's better. But I digress. I was reminded of "Driving with the Brakes On," and decided to model the rhyming patterns of their song in mine. (But, as it turns out, I did a better job, because the rhyming pattern in "Driving with the Brakes On" is only in the first verse, and the second verse is sporadic rhyming. This is probably because Doc Walker didn't write the song themselves.) And then I occasionally thought of the song from time to time, feeling guilty since I liked the idea of it but I hadn't actually done anything to further it. And then I thought of one angle of the song. And then I lost the paper on which I wrote that angle, so I abandoned that idea. And I picked up this version about two weeks ago, and really concentrated on getting the song to completion, which I finally managed to achieve yesterday.
So, here is:
Running In High Heels
we are walking hand-in-hand
just talking and it starts to rain
but we're together again
sometimes he thinks I'm too nice
I say that he's not right, well who knows
it's just goes to show
CHORUS:
when you're running in high heels
it's hard to get where you wanna be
when there's rain beneath your shoes
you gotta fight the fights you choose
we've been together three years
conquering all our fears and people's doubts
yeah, we've shut them out
those against us might've been right
but I don't wanna lose sight of what we've got
'cause it's a lot
CHORUS:
oh, when you're running in high heels
it's hard to get where you wanna be
when there's rain beneath your shoes
you gotta fight the fights you choose
yeah, when you're running in high heels
BRIDGE:
but we'll never say goodbye
cause we've always gotten by
and I'm gonna want you forever by my side
CHORUS:
and when you're running in high heels
it's hard to get where you wanna be
when there's rain beneath your shoes
you gotta fight the fights you choose
when you're running in high heels
yeah, running in high heels...
Here's a challenge for you. Try to figure out the rhyming pattern that I used. I really like it, and it tangentially reminds me of the one in "Call This Home." And if you're not sure what 'running in high heels' means, explain to me what 'driving with the brakes on' is a metaphor for, and then we can talk. I know what it means for me, but it might connote something different for everyone else.
I hope you like it, I'm really happy with this one.
Much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. Tonight the Devils can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Canadiens! Actually, they only need one point, but it would be really nice to get a win, too. To be honest with you, they don't even need a point, they just need the Thrashers to lose tonight, but hey, I'd like to see them win against the Canadiens. With a hattrick by Travis Zajac. Life is good.
It has been over a month since I last posted, so I'll get down to business immediately.
I'll start with the new favourite song section, because it will be chock-full of songs. I have discovered the duo named Bomshell, whose debut album was named Fight Like a Girl. The title track is fabulous, but my very favourite is the one called "19 and Crazy." It's wild and up-beat and just plain catchy. Another song I absolutely love is Lee Brice's "Love Like Crazy." (What's with the 'crazy'?) It is phenomenal. In SO many ways. Next, and if I remember correctly, I mentioned the radio station WYNK 101.5 a while back. This station has afforded me an insane amount of new music. I made the live player my homepage: http://www.wynk.com/mediaplayer/?station=WYNK-FM&action=listenlive&channel_title=. Songs like Rascal Flatts' "These Days" and "Unstoppable"; David Nail's "Red Light"; Darryl Worley's "Have You Forgotten"; "Good Directions," by Billy Currington; "Sideways" by Dierks Bentley; Gary Allan's "Today," "Watching Airplanes," and "Nothing On But the Radio"; Eric Church's "Hell on the Heart"; "How Do You Like Me Now?" by Toby Keith (yeah, I know); and Craig Morgan's "This Ain't Nothin'," among others. I would also like to highlight the song that is number 1 in the country and on the country charts, "A Little More Country Than That," by Easton Corbin. If you want a good laugh, check out the music video which, of course, isn't meant to be funny, but if you want to hear a really great song, listen to the song without the video. If you want a video that is multiple times better than the song, check out Josh Turner's "Why Don't We Just Dance." The video is fabulous. I've also recently rediscovered the magic that is Kenny Chesney. And more specifically, "The Good Stuff," "There Goes My Life," "How Forever Feels," and "I Go Back." He is a bona fide superstar. In so many ways. The Zac Brown Band is another artist that I've discovered, and I can't believe that I lived as long as I had in completely ignorance of their talent and their beautiful songs. Of course, they're a really new band, but you get my drift. "Highway 20 Ride" still makes me cry (my favourite part? 'it was the pleasure of my life / and I cherish all the times / and my whole world, it begins and ends with you / on this highway 20 ride'...), and "Chicken Fried" was their first single and I know why - it's catchy and really turns you onto the band. I'm pretty sure there are so many other songs that I'm ignoring.
In other news, the ACM Award nominations have been released, and the show will be April 18th. Here's the link: http://www.acmcountry.com/awards/nominees.php. There will, again, be fan-voted categories, namely the Entertainer of the Year (nominees: Kenney Chesney, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, the Zac Brown Band) and Best New Artist. The nominees for Best New Artist were also fan-voted, from the winners of the categories of Top New Vocal Duo, Top New Solo Vocalist, and Top New Vocal Group. These were, respectively, Joey & Rory, Luke Bryan, and Gloriana. Voting for the other fan-voted awards starts April 1. I will not tell you for whom I will be voting, but if you've been reading this blog at all, I think you already know. I just don't want to sway you, but I do encourage you to vote.
I'm probably ignoring a month's worth of country music news, but that'll just have to wait for now, because I can't remember right now. But don't worry, I'll have another post in a few days anyway. Yup, that's right, I have finished a few songs, not just one. I feel accomplished - and I also want to reach 19 posts for this year as well, to keep the trend going.
So, onto today's song. I first conceived the notion of this song last May. May 2009. This is because...I was running in high heels at the time! Surprise, surprise. And it was raining, hence that part of the song. Or at least the ground was wet. And as I was running, I realised, despite my prowess at the activity, how freakin' hard it is to run in high heels. Especially if at the time you're wearing clothes that you're trying your best not to destroy, or at the very least, muss up because you still have to wear them at a function later that evening. So there are the circumstances in which the song was conceived. Then I was slightly reminded of one of my favuorite Doc Walker songs, "Driving with the Brakes On," which - allow me to go on a tangent here - I recently discovered is not even their song. It was written by some other guy who recorded it and had it as his single, so the Doc Walker song is just a cover of it, which kind of diminishes the power and weight of the song, but it shouldn't, because the Doc Walker version is equally good as the other guy's version. In fact, it's better. But I digress. I was reminded of "Driving with the Brakes On," and decided to model the rhyming patterns of their song in mine. (But, as it turns out, I did a better job, because the rhyming pattern in "Driving with the Brakes On" is only in the first verse, and the second verse is sporadic rhyming. This is probably because Doc Walker didn't write the song themselves.) And then I occasionally thought of the song from time to time, feeling guilty since I liked the idea of it but I hadn't actually done anything to further it. And then I thought of one angle of the song. And then I lost the paper on which I wrote that angle, so I abandoned that idea. And I picked up this version about two weeks ago, and really concentrated on getting the song to completion, which I finally managed to achieve yesterday.
So, here is:
Running In High Heels
we are walking hand-in-hand
just talking and it starts to rain
but we're together again
sometimes he thinks I'm too nice
I say that he's not right, well who knows
it's just goes to show
CHORUS:
when you're running in high heels
it's hard to get where you wanna be
when there's rain beneath your shoes
you gotta fight the fights you choose
we've been together three years
conquering all our fears and people's doubts
yeah, we've shut them out
those against us might've been right
but I don't wanna lose sight of what we've got
'cause it's a lot
CHORUS:
oh, when you're running in high heels
it's hard to get where you wanna be
when there's rain beneath your shoes
you gotta fight the fights you choose
yeah, when you're running in high heels
BRIDGE:
but we'll never say goodbye
cause we've always gotten by
and I'm gonna want you forever by my side
CHORUS:
and when you're running in high heels
it's hard to get where you wanna be
when there's rain beneath your shoes
you gotta fight the fights you choose
when you're running in high heels
yeah, running in high heels...
Here's a challenge for you. Try to figure out the rhyming pattern that I used. I really like it, and it tangentially reminds me of the one in "Call This Home." And if you're not sure what 'running in high heels' means, explain to me what 'driving with the brakes on' is a metaphor for, and then we can talk. I know what it means for me, but it might connote something different for everyone else.
I hope you like it, I'm really happy with this one.
Much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. Tonight the Devils can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Canadiens! Actually, they only need one point, but it would be really nice to get a win, too. To be honest with you, they don't even need a point, they just need the Thrashers to lose tonight, but hey, I'd like to see them win against the Canadiens. With a hattrick by Travis Zajac. Life is good.
22 February 2010
I Want It For You
And...it's February! Didn't see that coming, did you?
And with February comes all that fun stuff, like Groundhog's Day and the Super Bowl and (every four years) the Olympics. All in all, February is a wonderful month, except for that measly little day called Valentine's Day. I do love it when it's on the weekend, however, because I can do good things for my parents.
Moving on.
There are a few albums that have changed my world. It is the most amazing experience when, for the first time, you press play and everything changes. I hope you've felt it, because it's spectacular. The first album to do this, that I can remember, was in 2006. Within that year, it was the Dixie Chicks' Taking the Long Way that introduced me to the power that a song can have. Their songs, on that album, are basically individual pieces of literature, like chapters in a novel that when pieced together are worthy of anything and everything. That album inspired me to write songs. 2007 introduced me to what was more a compilation, Totally Country, Vol. 6, which is an anthology of the most popular songs of 2005, with Sugarland and Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and George Strait, Faith Hill and Montgomery Gentry, Lonestar and Blake Shelton, Phil Vassar and Martina McBride, Gary Allan and Kenny Chesney, Big and Rich and Gretchen Wilson, the Wreckers and Keith Anderson and Billy Currington. That record introduced me to country music, set the course for me to become a country music freak, because from there, I got all of the Brad Paisley albums, and expanded my collection with artists from that album, which led to me to watch the CMAs that year. And voila, enter the third album to change my life, Taylor Swift by (who else?) Taylor Swift. She sang "Our Song" during the show, and I was hooked. More than anything, "Tied Together With a Smile" defined my life and it was after I had memorised every one of her songs that my own songwriting began to get better. Thankfully, because the first couple of songs were nothing to write home about and are better off left forgotten and lost.
The reason I'm spouting off all of this boring history is because in the last post I mentioned Lady A's Need You Now. I am proud to list this in the same category as the aforementioned albums, because it is unbelievable. My favourite song is the title song, but I do also love "Our Kind of Love" (the intro is just phenomenal) and "Something 'Bout a Woman." Just because I've singled these out specifically doesn't mean that I don't like the others, because they're all sing-along songs that will blow your mind.
Other songs I've gotten into lately are "Giddy on Up," by Laura Bell Bundy, "Beer on the Table," by Josh Thompson, and "My Life Again," by the McClymonts.
And because I've mentioned the Olympics, I should call attention to the fact that both Rascal Flatts and Gloriana are featured on the Team USA soundtrack, and that "Unstoppable" and "The World is Ours Tonight," respectively, are available on iTunes. "The World is Ours Tonight" is one of my new very favourite songs; the harmonies and the syncopation of the chorus are just unbelievable.
You have a treat in store for you today, I've been working on this song for quite some time. The concept hit me, I guess, almost three years ago. It was the Devils-Senators playoff series in 2007 (before the influence of Taylor Swift, mind you!), so the unfinished song I came up with then was all about how "I'm watching you through a screen" and that "it makes me sad / all your dreams are dying." Blah blah blah, I know. Thanks. Come to think of it, I probably still have that sheet of paper that I used to start writing that song. Time to burn it, I suppose.
Anyway, to continue. Then I shelved it, thankfully. Then came last year's playoffs, which were also unfavourable to the Devils, and the hockey World Championships, which featured a loss to Russia for my favourite Devil, who played on Team Canada. And I realised that, no matter how long I hold my breath and no matter how much each fibre of my being is straining for another person to achieve his/her dreams, sometimes it just doesn't happen. Sometimes the odds are too great or that person is too exhausted or the opponent too good or too [fill in the blank]. The spectator can do nothing but watch and cross her fingers. And that, ladies and gentleman, is what the song is about.
How fitting it is for the Olympics, too. I was really rooting for Yevgeni Plushenko, but it just didn't work out for him.
I Want It For You
you've got stars in your eyes and your feet in the air
and I'd do anything to help keep you there
you open your eyes and you can see your dreams
but getting there is not as easy as it seems
so lean on me as much as you have to
'cause everything you want, I want it for you
CHORUS:
I'm crossing my fingers and holding my breath
but only you determines what will happen next
and I'll be there when you look in your rearview
'cause all that you want, I want it for you
when you reach the top you gotta take care
the obstacles in your way will be bitterly unfair
they'll try to prevent you from winning the race
but I just want to see the smile on your face
so let me know if there's anything I can do
'cause everything you want, I want it for you
CHORUS:
I'm crossing my fingers and holding my breath
but only you determines what will happen next
and I'll be there when you look in your rearview
'cause all that you want, I want it for you
BRIDGE:
now all my dreams I had before don't matter to me anymore
'cause what I know you want so badly means the same to me
so keep working hard, as hard as you have been
so that you can show off that excited grin
you know that you deserve to be there
with stars in your eyes and feet in the air
so lean on me as much as you have to
'cause everything you want, I want it for you
CHORUS:
I'll be crossing my fingers and holding my breath
'cause only you determines what will happen next
but I'll be there when you look in your rearview
'cause all that you want, I want it for you
I'm crossing my fingers and holding my breath
'cause all that you want, I want it for you
So there you have it. Hot off the presses. I also like it, because I think everybody wants to know that there's someone behind them, rooting for them, and there's someone they can lean on when the weight of the world gets a little to much to handle.
What do you think? Does it have the potential to one day be on the Team USA soundtrack (as if)?
Much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK (BMIL)
And with February comes all that fun stuff, like Groundhog's Day and the Super Bowl and (every four years) the Olympics. All in all, February is a wonderful month, except for that measly little day called Valentine's Day. I do love it when it's on the weekend, however, because I can do good things for my parents.
Moving on.
There are a few albums that have changed my world. It is the most amazing experience when, for the first time, you press play and everything changes. I hope you've felt it, because it's spectacular. The first album to do this, that I can remember, was in 2006. Within that year, it was the Dixie Chicks' Taking the Long Way that introduced me to the power that a song can have. Their songs, on that album, are basically individual pieces of literature, like chapters in a novel that when pieced together are worthy of anything and everything. That album inspired me to write songs. 2007 introduced me to what was more a compilation, Totally Country, Vol. 6, which is an anthology of the most popular songs of 2005, with Sugarland and Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and George Strait, Faith Hill and Montgomery Gentry, Lonestar and Blake Shelton, Phil Vassar and Martina McBride, Gary Allan and Kenny Chesney, Big and Rich and Gretchen Wilson, the Wreckers and Keith Anderson and Billy Currington. That record introduced me to country music, set the course for me to become a country music freak, because from there, I got all of the Brad Paisley albums, and expanded my collection with artists from that album, which led to me to watch the CMAs that year. And voila, enter the third album to change my life, Taylor Swift by (who else?) Taylor Swift. She sang "Our Song" during the show, and I was hooked. More than anything, "Tied Together With a Smile" defined my life and it was after I had memorised every one of her songs that my own songwriting began to get better. Thankfully, because the first couple of songs were nothing to write home about and are better off left forgotten and lost.
The reason I'm spouting off all of this boring history is because in the last post I mentioned Lady A's Need You Now. I am proud to list this in the same category as the aforementioned albums, because it is unbelievable. My favourite song is the title song, but I do also love "Our Kind of Love" (the intro is just phenomenal) and "Something 'Bout a Woman." Just because I've singled these out specifically doesn't mean that I don't like the others, because they're all sing-along songs that will blow your mind.
Other songs I've gotten into lately are "Giddy on Up," by Laura Bell Bundy, "Beer on the Table," by Josh Thompson, and "My Life Again," by the McClymonts.
And because I've mentioned the Olympics, I should call attention to the fact that both Rascal Flatts and Gloriana are featured on the Team USA soundtrack, and that "Unstoppable" and "The World is Ours Tonight," respectively, are available on iTunes. "The World is Ours Tonight" is one of my new very favourite songs; the harmonies and the syncopation of the chorus are just unbelievable.
You have a treat in store for you today, I've been working on this song for quite some time. The concept hit me, I guess, almost three years ago. It was the Devils-Senators playoff series in 2007 (before the influence of Taylor Swift, mind you!), so the unfinished song I came up with then was all about how "I'm watching you through a screen" and that "it makes me sad / all your dreams are dying." Blah blah blah, I know. Thanks. Come to think of it, I probably still have that sheet of paper that I used to start writing that song. Time to burn it, I suppose.
Anyway, to continue. Then I shelved it, thankfully. Then came last year's playoffs, which were also unfavourable to the Devils, and the hockey World Championships, which featured a loss to Russia for my favourite Devil, who played on Team Canada. And I realised that, no matter how long I hold my breath and no matter how much each fibre of my being is straining for another person to achieve his/her dreams, sometimes it just doesn't happen. Sometimes the odds are too great or that person is too exhausted or the opponent too good or too [fill in the blank]. The spectator can do nothing but watch and cross her fingers. And that, ladies and gentleman, is what the song is about.
How fitting it is for the Olympics, too. I was really rooting for Yevgeni Plushenko, but it just didn't work out for him.
I Want It For You
you've got stars in your eyes and your feet in the air
and I'd do anything to help keep you there
you open your eyes and you can see your dreams
but getting there is not as easy as it seems
so lean on me as much as you have to
'cause everything you want, I want it for you
CHORUS:
I'm crossing my fingers and holding my breath
but only you determines what will happen next
and I'll be there when you look in your rearview
'cause all that you want, I want it for you
when you reach the top you gotta take care
the obstacles in your way will be bitterly unfair
they'll try to prevent you from winning the race
but I just want to see the smile on your face
so let me know if there's anything I can do
'cause everything you want, I want it for you
CHORUS:
I'm crossing my fingers and holding my breath
but only you determines what will happen next
and I'll be there when you look in your rearview
'cause all that you want, I want it for you
BRIDGE:
now all my dreams I had before don't matter to me anymore
'cause what I know you want so badly means the same to me
so keep working hard, as hard as you have been
so that you can show off that excited grin
you know that you deserve to be there
with stars in your eyes and feet in the air
so lean on me as much as you have to
'cause everything you want, I want it for you
CHORUS:
I'll be crossing my fingers and holding my breath
'cause only you determines what will happen next
but I'll be there when you look in your rearview
'cause all that you want, I want it for you
I'm crossing my fingers and holding my breath
'cause all that you want, I want it for you
So there you have it. Hot off the presses. I also like it, because I think everybody wants to know that there's someone behind them, rooting for them, and there's someone they can lean on when the weight of the world gets a little to much to handle.
What do you think? Does it have the potential to one day be on the Team USA soundtrack (as if)?
Much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK (BMIL)
31 January 2010
All That's Good
Happy 2010!
I know that comes a little late, considering that tomorrow is the first day of February (ALREADY?!?!), but this is my first post of the year, and I think it's fitting to pay tribute to the new year. May nothing but "all that's good" fill your lives and be the theme of your year - and I guess not just this year, but every year as well.
This year's Grammy Awards are going on as we speak, or as I type, so I'll probably elucidate on those in my next post, so I'll just say that Taylor is due to perform in about 5 minutes, and Lady Antebellum has already (in my opinion) stolen the show with their absolutely stunning song, "Need You Now."
That serves as a wonderful segway into my next section, which is the one where I introduce new music that I've recently fallen in love with. I guess I'll start with Lady Antebellum, because the band's new album was released on Tuesday (January 26th). I myself got it on Friday, and so far I am lovin' it completely. The track listing is as follows: (1) "Need You Now," (2) "Our Kind of Love," (3) "American Honey," (4) "Hello World," (5) "Perfect Day," (6) "Love This Pain," (7) "When You Got a Good Thing," (8) "Stars Tonight," (9) "If I Knew Then," (10) "Something 'Bout a Woman," and (11) "Ready To Love Again." I haven't listened to it enough times to be able to pass judgment on any of the songs yet, but as you may have guessed, I absolutely love the first one. But they're all written and executed in the only way Dave Haywood, Chris Kelley, and Hillary Scott and their various additional songwriters know how: in beautiful Lady Antebellum fashion.
I would also like to dwell a little on a movie that I saw the other day, "Crazy Heart." It features the talents of Jeff Bridges, Robert Duvall, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Colin Farrell. It's a movie about a run-down-by-life country singer, and it contains the most beautiful country songs that I have ever heard, really Johnny Cash- and Hank Williams-caliber songs, including (my personal favourite) "Fallin' and Flyin'," "I Don't Know," and "Hold On You," as well as the award-winning theme, "The Weary Kind." I recommend this film to anyone and everyone, and I think the plethora of film and critics' awards it has won also recommend the film. I like to think of it as the emobiment of a country song: life, love, and loss, and then, ultimately, the gain of something great that takes the place of what was lost.
Taylor Swift has a new single out, "Today Was a Fairytale," and it's featured on the soundtrack for a movie that she is in, "Valentine's Day." The song continues in the formidable Taylor tradition, and is a wonderful addition to her body of work to date.
What a jump. From Taylor Swift to my less-than-formidable basic lyrics, but, that's the way it is. Deal with it.
This song is about, as the title so subtly suggests, all that's good. It started out as a tribute to someone I love and respect and admire greatly, and it ended up as a song that's about a person (whether he is real or not is irrelevent, but I like to think he is real) who embodies all of the good qualities and personal characteristics that are rare enough to find individually. The pre-chorus was the first thing I wrote (and it just popped into my head one day while I was en route to the garage in my house around Christmastime), and at first it connected to a completely different chorus, but then I realised that chorus was really really bad, so I wrote this one and the song kind of evolved into that which is presented here for you to read.
All That's Good
Every time something good happens to you
and works out the way you wanted it to
you never take credit for it
When people give praise you keep none for yourself
you've always put others ahead of yourself
and I love you for it
PRE-CHORUS:
But please, don't sell yourself short
there's more to you than meets the eye
don't forget what that's worth
CHORUS:
There's something special 'bout you
all that's good comes first to you
you stand out against the crowd
your heart's bigger than any I've found
you're like some modern-day Robin Hood
filling lives with all that's good
Whenever you are walking by yourself
and you run into anybody else
you hold the door open for them
If ever you see people being mean
or others not being treated fairly
you will stick up for them
PRE-CHORUS:
But please, don't sell yourself short
there's more to you than meets the eye
don't forget what that's worth
CHORUS:
There's something special 'bout you
all that's good comes first to you
you stand out against the crowd
your heart's bigger than any I've found
you're like some modern-day Robin Hood
filling lives with all that's good
BRIDGE:
you move with such elegance
possess such intelligence
speak with such eloquence
smile with benevolence
and wait with such patience
PRE-CHORUS:
that you shouldn't sell yourself short
'cause there's more to you than meets the eye
please don't forget what that's worth
CHORUS:
Y'know, there's something special 'bout you
all that's good comes first to you
you stand out against the crowd
your heart's bigger than any I've found
like some modern-day Robin Hood
you fill lives with all that's good
like a hero or modern Robin Hood
you fill my life with all that's good
I just realised, that Taylor writes about princes and fairytales and I just wrote a song about Robin Hood and his modern incarnation. I just wanted to point that out on account of the fact that I think it's funny.
As always, criticism/compliments/corrections/commendations are equally accepted.
Much love, and thank you for the musik,
NBK
p.s. The Olympics are coming fast! I'm really excited, they should be really good. Many of the Devils will be participating: Martin Brodeur (duh) and Jacques Lemaire for Team Canada, Johnny Oduya and Tommy Albelin for Team Sweden, Jamie Langenbrunner (captain) and Paul Martin and Zach Parise for Team USA, and Patrik Elias (captain) for Team Czech Republic. Hopefully he'll be able to participate, as he is still recuperating from a hit by a Colorado Avalanche a few weeks ago. As for Travis Zajac, he is having a wonderful season, with 16 goals and 29 assists to date. Perhaps he'll reach that milestone of 30 goals. Here's to you.
p.p.s. The Super Bowl is next Sunday! I'm rooting for the New Orleans Saints, but they're probably the absolute underdogs going up against the Colts. Here's to you.
p.p.p.s. I've decided that I'm going to write a song for my birthday. So stay tuned for that, sometime in the next four or five months.
I know that comes a little late, considering that tomorrow is the first day of February (ALREADY?!?!), but this is my first post of the year, and I think it's fitting to pay tribute to the new year. May nothing but "all that's good" fill your lives and be the theme of your year - and I guess not just this year, but every year as well.
This year's Grammy Awards are going on as we speak, or as I type, so I'll probably elucidate on those in my next post, so I'll just say that Taylor is due to perform in about 5 minutes, and Lady Antebellum has already (in my opinion) stolen the show with their absolutely stunning song, "Need You Now."
That serves as a wonderful segway into my next section, which is the one where I introduce new music that I've recently fallen in love with. I guess I'll start with Lady Antebellum, because the band's new album was released on Tuesday (January 26th). I myself got it on Friday, and so far I am lovin' it completely. The track listing is as follows: (1) "Need You Now," (2) "Our Kind of Love," (3) "American Honey," (4) "Hello World," (5) "Perfect Day," (6) "Love This Pain," (7) "When You Got a Good Thing," (8) "Stars Tonight," (9) "If I Knew Then," (10) "Something 'Bout a Woman," and (11) "Ready To Love Again." I haven't listened to it enough times to be able to pass judgment on any of the songs yet, but as you may have guessed, I absolutely love the first one. But they're all written and executed in the only way Dave Haywood, Chris Kelley, and Hillary Scott and their various additional songwriters know how: in beautiful Lady Antebellum fashion.
I would also like to dwell a little on a movie that I saw the other day, "Crazy Heart." It features the talents of Jeff Bridges, Robert Duvall, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Colin Farrell. It's a movie about a run-down-by-life country singer, and it contains the most beautiful country songs that I have ever heard, really Johnny Cash- and Hank Williams-caliber songs, including (my personal favourite) "Fallin' and Flyin'," "I Don't Know," and "Hold On You," as well as the award-winning theme, "The Weary Kind." I recommend this film to anyone and everyone, and I think the plethora of film and critics' awards it has won also recommend the film. I like to think of it as the emobiment of a country song: life, love, and loss, and then, ultimately, the gain of something great that takes the place of what was lost.
Taylor Swift has a new single out, "Today Was a Fairytale," and it's featured on the soundtrack for a movie that she is in, "Valentine's Day." The song continues in the formidable Taylor tradition, and is a wonderful addition to her body of work to date.
What a jump. From Taylor Swift to my less-than-formidable basic lyrics, but, that's the way it is. Deal with it.
This song is about, as the title so subtly suggests, all that's good. It started out as a tribute to someone I love and respect and admire greatly, and it ended up as a song that's about a person (whether he is real or not is irrelevent, but I like to think he is real) who embodies all of the good qualities and personal characteristics that are rare enough to find individually. The pre-chorus was the first thing I wrote (and it just popped into my head one day while I was en route to the garage in my house around Christmastime), and at first it connected to a completely different chorus, but then I realised that chorus was really really bad, so I wrote this one and the song kind of evolved into that which is presented here for you to read.
All That's Good
Every time something good happens to you
and works out the way you wanted it to
you never take credit for it
When people give praise you keep none for yourself
you've always put others ahead of yourself
and I love you for it
PRE-CHORUS:
But please, don't sell yourself short
there's more to you than meets the eye
don't forget what that's worth
CHORUS:
There's something special 'bout you
all that's good comes first to you
you stand out against the crowd
your heart's bigger than any I've found
you're like some modern-day Robin Hood
filling lives with all that's good
Whenever you are walking by yourself
and you run into anybody else
you hold the door open for them
If ever you see people being mean
or others not being treated fairly
you will stick up for them
PRE-CHORUS:
But please, don't sell yourself short
there's more to you than meets the eye
don't forget what that's worth
CHORUS:
There's something special 'bout you
all that's good comes first to you
you stand out against the crowd
your heart's bigger than any I've found
you're like some modern-day Robin Hood
filling lives with all that's good
BRIDGE:
you move with such elegance
possess such intelligence
speak with such eloquence
smile with benevolence
and wait with such patience
PRE-CHORUS:
that you shouldn't sell yourself short
'cause there's more to you than meets the eye
please don't forget what that's worth
CHORUS:
Y'know, there's something special 'bout you
all that's good comes first to you
you stand out against the crowd
your heart's bigger than any I've found
like some modern-day Robin Hood
you fill lives with all that's good
like a hero or modern Robin Hood
you fill my life with all that's good
I just realised, that Taylor writes about princes and fairytales and I just wrote a song about Robin Hood and his modern incarnation. I just wanted to point that out on account of the fact that I think it's funny.
As always, criticism/compliments/corrections/commendations are equally accepted.
Much love, and thank you for the musik,
NBK
p.s. The Olympics are coming fast! I'm really excited, they should be really good. Many of the Devils will be participating: Martin Brodeur (duh) and Jacques Lemaire for Team Canada, Johnny Oduya and Tommy Albelin for Team Sweden, Jamie Langenbrunner (captain) and Paul Martin and Zach Parise for Team USA, and Patrik Elias (captain) for Team Czech Republic. Hopefully he'll be able to participate, as he is still recuperating from a hit by a Colorado Avalanche a few weeks ago. As for Travis Zajac, he is having a wonderful season, with 16 goals and 29 assists to date. Perhaps he'll reach that milestone of 30 goals. Here's to you.
p.p.s. The Super Bowl is next Sunday! I'm rooting for the New Orleans Saints, but they're probably the absolute underdogs going up against the Colts. Here's to you.
p.p.p.s. I've decided that I'm going to write a song for my birthday. So stay tuned for that, sometime in the next four or five months.
28 December 2009
Crack in the Wall
2009. What a year, huh? I can't really say anything bad about it, which is probably one of the best compliments a year could get - if it were cognizant of the fact that such a thing as compliments exist.
And so, here is my last post of the absolute cracker of a year that was 2009. It is also my nineteenth (19th) of the year, the same number that I posted last year. Interesting, huh, that I should post the same number in the entirety of a year that I succeeded in posting in half a year? Or, as I would say: dun dun DUH! (cue dramatic music, please...)
Congratulations are in order to Carrie Underwood on her recent engagement to Mike Fisher, an Ottawa Senator. Congratulations. Or, you could totally say, she picked the wrong hockey player. Either way, may they have a long and happy life in each other's arms.
Any other country news? Not that I can think of.
I have discovered my favourite ever radio station, WYNK 101.5 Baton Rouge. It is the most wonderful radio station in the world for country songs and country music-lovers, I can assure you. Through it, I became acquainted with Jessica Andrews' "Who I Am," which is just beautiful, and Steve Holy's "Good Morning Beautiful," which I think I'd heard before, but I'm not sure. I must have heard Dierks Bentley's 'sexy new single' about 12 times already. It's nice. But my new favourite song, and possibly the only, singlemost reason I can't wait for next month, January, is Lady Antebellum's single, "Need You Now," from the band's new album, which is being released in January 2010. It's addicting, haunting, and beautiful.
Also, since posting last, I have obtained Gloriana's album, Gloriana (no surprises with the title there). It's a stunning premiere effort from one of country music's most promising new bands. Although none of the other songs from the album can compare to the shining "Wild At Heart," or the catchy "How Far Do You Wanna Go?" and "The Way It Goes," there are other exceptional songs, namely "Lead Me On," "If You're Leaving," "Over Me Now?," and especially "Even If I Wanted To."
And now...drum roll, please...the biggest news OF. MY. LIFE. (possible slight exaggeration here, but please let it slide, thanks.) On 13 May 2010, I will be going to my first concert ever (unless you count numerous classical symphonic performances or Charles Aznavour, but most people don't). And not just any concert. TAYLOR SWIFT. With GLORIANA as her opening band. Tears were spilled, amid bursts of surprised laughter, when I saw the tickets in my hand. Enough said.
Introducing a new song of mine. A few precursory remarks are necessary, as it is a bit of a mean and passive-agressive song. The first of which is, and this is written rather emphatically, I do NOT have issues. I am a perfectly happy, contented, unselfish, and cheerful person. It just occasionally happens that people - and by people I mean the exceptionally hateful and entitled and self-absorbed - take advantage of the person I am and take, take, take, take, take all they can and I'm left with nothing but my heart. And this is what the song is about. I wrote it with Miranda Lambert's "Kerosene" in mind, so if you sing the phrases with her melody as the accompaniment, it comes out to "Kerosene" a la moi. And yes, the chorus is only two lines long, but that's not unheard of: "People are Crazy" by Billy Currington is a perfect example ('God is great, and beer is good / and people are crazy'). As for the slighly odd first line of the chorus, it is an abstract way of saying that the unknown 'she' entity thinks she is just all that and there is no one else in the world above her, so naturally everyone else is just something to step on and at which to curl up one's nose disgustedly; it is possible that I came up with the precise phrasing 'queen of the golden hall' due to the fact that the night I wrote it, I had been watching Lord of the Rings (absolutely incredible movies!). Which one I don't remember anymore.
Crack in the Wall
I ain't like her in any way
and I sure hope to stay that way
she can't see my heart of gold
thinks respect is bought and sold
she gets fat and takes up space
and walks in like she owns the place
CHORUS:
she's the queen of the golden hall
and me, I'm just a crack in the wall
she acts like she is such a saint
and makes it clear she thinks I ain't
she gets big and I get smaller
she's been pickin' at me like a flower
no wonder that I ain't been heard
biting back those hateful words
CHORUS:
she's the queen of the golden hall
and me, I'm just a crack in the wall
by day she thinks she's always right
but she lies alone at night
when she's mad she slams the door
but when I blink she says it's war
there's something wrong with me, she says
when I ask what, she just laughs
CHORUS:
she's the queen of the golden hall
and me, I'm just a crack in the wall
she sits on her throne and barks out orders
waits for everything to come towards her
she's up in my face like a dog with a bone
but it's always she who wants to be alone
I guess there's nothing for me to do
but tell her I'm never gonna be like you
CHORUS:
cause she's the queen of the golden hall
and me, I'm just a crack in the wall
she's the queen of the golden hall
hey I'm just a crack in the wall
Merry Christmas, etc, and HAPPY NEW YEAR. It ought to be a good one!
Much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. Last time I praised Mr. 103, but today I have to praise Mr. 104! Yes indeed, Martin Brodeur broke the shutout record set by Terry Sawchuck all those years ago. It was a gorgeous 4-0 smoking of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
And so, here is my last post of the absolute cracker of a year that was 2009. It is also my nineteenth (19th) of the year, the same number that I posted last year. Interesting, huh, that I should post the same number in the entirety of a year that I succeeded in posting in half a year? Or, as I would say: dun dun DUH! (cue dramatic music, please...)
Congratulations are in order to Carrie Underwood on her recent engagement to Mike Fisher, an Ottawa Senator. Congratulations. Or, you could totally say, she picked the wrong hockey player. Either way, may they have a long and happy life in each other's arms.
Any other country news? Not that I can think of.
I have discovered my favourite ever radio station, WYNK 101.5 Baton Rouge. It is the most wonderful radio station in the world for country songs and country music-lovers, I can assure you. Through it, I became acquainted with Jessica Andrews' "Who I Am," which is just beautiful, and Steve Holy's "Good Morning Beautiful," which I think I'd heard before, but I'm not sure. I must have heard Dierks Bentley's 'sexy new single' about 12 times already. It's nice. But my new favourite song, and possibly the only, singlemost reason I can't wait for next month, January, is Lady Antebellum's single, "Need You Now," from the band's new album, which is being released in January 2010. It's addicting, haunting, and beautiful.
Also, since posting last, I have obtained Gloriana's album, Gloriana (no surprises with the title there). It's a stunning premiere effort from one of country music's most promising new bands. Although none of the other songs from the album can compare to the shining "Wild At Heart," or the catchy "How Far Do You Wanna Go?" and "The Way It Goes," there are other exceptional songs, namely "Lead Me On," "If You're Leaving," "Over Me Now?," and especially "Even If I Wanted To."
And now...drum roll, please...the biggest news OF. MY. LIFE. (possible slight exaggeration here, but please let it slide, thanks.) On 13 May 2010, I will be going to my first concert ever (unless you count numerous classical symphonic performances or Charles Aznavour, but most people don't). And not just any concert. TAYLOR SWIFT. With GLORIANA as her opening band. Tears were spilled, amid bursts of surprised laughter, when I saw the tickets in my hand. Enough said.
Introducing a new song of mine. A few precursory remarks are necessary, as it is a bit of a mean and passive-agressive song. The first of which is, and this is written rather emphatically, I do NOT have issues. I am a perfectly happy, contented, unselfish, and cheerful person. It just occasionally happens that people - and by people I mean the exceptionally hateful and entitled and self-absorbed - take advantage of the person I am and take, take, take, take, take all they can and I'm left with nothing but my heart. And this is what the song is about. I wrote it with Miranda Lambert's "Kerosene" in mind, so if you sing the phrases with her melody as the accompaniment, it comes out to "Kerosene" a la moi. And yes, the chorus is only two lines long, but that's not unheard of: "People are Crazy" by Billy Currington is a perfect example ('God is great, and beer is good / and people are crazy'). As for the slighly odd first line of the chorus, it is an abstract way of saying that the unknown 'she' entity thinks she is just all that and there is no one else in the world above her, so naturally everyone else is just something to step on and at which to curl up one's nose disgustedly; it is possible that I came up with the precise phrasing 'queen of the golden hall' due to the fact that the night I wrote it, I had been watching Lord of the Rings (absolutely incredible movies!). Which one I don't remember anymore.
Crack in the Wall
I ain't like her in any way
and I sure hope to stay that way
she can't see my heart of gold
thinks respect is bought and sold
she gets fat and takes up space
and walks in like she owns the place
CHORUS:
she's the queen of the golden hall
and me, I'm just a crack in the wall
she acts like she is such a saint
and makes it clear she thinks I ain't
she gets big and I get smaller
she's been pickin' at me like a flower
no wonder that I ain't been heard
biting back those hateful words
CHORUS:
she's the queen of the golden hall
and me, I'm just a crack in the wall
by day she thinks she's always right
but she lies alone at night
when she's mad she slams the door
but when I blink she says it's war
there's something wrong with me, she says
when I ask what, she just laughs
CHORUS:
she's the queen of the golden hall
and me, I'm just a crack in the wall
she sits on her throne and barks out orders
waits for everything to come towards her
she's up in my face like a dog with a bone
but it's always she who wants to be alone
I guess there's nothing for me to do
but tell her I'm never gonna be like you
CHORUS:
cause she's the queen of the golden hall
and me, I'm just a crack in the wall
she's the queen of the golden hall
hey I'm just a crack in the wall
Merry Christmas, etc, and HAPPY NEW YEAR. It ought to be a good one!
Much love, and thank you for the musik!
NBK
p.s. Last time I praised Mr. 103, but today I have to praise Mr. 104! Yes indeed, Martin Brodeur broke the shutout record set by Terry Sawchuck all those years ago. It was a gorgeous 4-0 smoking of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)