For this week, I've been inspired to talk about one of the Moody Blues' less famous tunes, "A Winter's Tale."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE4UUZpOkqA
I have a sort of spiritual connection (for lack of a better term) with the Moody Blues. My parents are both huge fans of their music, so they took me to a concert when I was a baby and even named me after the lead drummer Graeme Edge. It's a little ironic because, personally, I've never really cared that much for most of their music, with some exceptions. Oh well. Wrong generation, I guess.
"A Winter's Tale" is a song from their album compilation of winter-related songs called December. I have lots of fond memories of listening to the album in my mom's car on Christmas Eve as we drove to Outback Steakhouse for dinner. Looking back, it's a good way to make me feel the joy of the holiday season.
To be honest, I probably could've chosen just about any song from this album, but there's a reason why I picked this one. Without really paying that much attention to the lyrics, just the tone and melody of this song makes me picture a forest landscape covered in snow on a starry night. It's a beautiful image that always puts me in the holiday spirit. I just love it so much.
When I was a kid, I loved winter entirely because it meant just two things: snow and Christmas. I always anticipated getting to play out in the snow, throwing snowballs and sledding in tow on my uncle's four-wheeler. One year, we even had enough to build a real snowman. Winter also brought promises of a magical Christmas season. They say the holidays are the most magical time of year and back then, I really felt it.
Sadly, now that I'm an adult, winter has become much more of an inconvenience. We still get snow days off from school, but since I'm now stuck at school anyway with nothing really exciting to do, it doesn't make much difference. Plus, to make it worse, I've developed eczema on my hands, so now I've got blisters and band-aids to look forward to every year. As for Christmas, it's still the best part about winter in my book, but sadly, the magic has more-or-less dwindled away with age. I still look forward to the holiday season with great anticipation every year, but it just doesn't quite excite as much as it used to. Just one more of the many perks of growing up, I suppose.
Well, now that I've thoroughly depressed you yet again, time to wrap this up. "A Winter's Tale," along with the other songs on the Moody Blues' December album, are a holiday tradition that I really like to revisit every year if just to attempt to maintain the thrill of the winter season.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
"Monster"
This week, we have the hit song "Monster" by Christian rock band Skillet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9NStVkSCuk
I don't really have a huge amount of things to say about this one, but it is one of my favorite songs not just because it's so catchy. I was first introduced to this song back when I was a sophomore in high school and I immediately loved it. It was also my introduction to Skillet as a group and I later discovered many more songs of theirs that I really liked. But "Monster" was pretty much my jam for the remainder of my sophomore year.
I've seen this song used on Youtube to pay tribute to so many villains in the media. Villains are always my favorite characters to look for because they're usually just so much fun to watch. But this song especially works for a certain type of person: the one with some sort of duplicity, or the "werewolf" if you will.
I've always been a fan of the werewolf. Not just the mythical creature, but also the character type. Usually, they have some kind of condition, like a split personality, that causes them great distress and puts others in danger. Just the concept of a split personality fascinates me and it's always interesting to delve into the psyche of somebody suffering from such a condition. The idea that somebody can just suddenly become a whole different person is both an amazing idea and a frightening one.
"Monster" is all about a person going through this exact struggle, with lyrics like "The secret side of me, I never let you see. I keep it caged, but I can't control it." The person in the song is fighting to, to quote the Incredible Hulk, "control the raging the spirit that dwells within him." If you want to think about it on a more broad level, everybody has a side to them or a secret that they're afraid to let people know about for fear of what might happen to their reputation. It doesn't necessarily have to be a split personality, but I think everyone has at least one skeleton in their closet.
For anybody who has ever had a deep personal secret, or just anyone who likes werewolves, Skillet's "Monster" is definitely the song for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9NStVkSCuk
I don't really have a huge amount of things to say about this one, but it is one of my favorite songs not just because it's so catchy. I was first introduced to this song back when I was a sophomore in high school and I immediately loved it. It was also my introduction to Skillet as a group and I later discovered many more songs of theirs that I really liked. But "Monster" was pretty much my jam for the remainder of my sophomore year.
I've seen this song used on Youtube to pay tribute to so many villains in the media. Villains are always my favorite characters to look for because they're usually just so much fun to watch. But this song especially works for a certain type of person: the one with some sort of duplicity, or the "werewolf" if you will.
I've always been a fan of the werewolf. Not just the mythical creature, but also the character type. Usually, they have some kind of condition, like a split personality, that causes them great distress and puts others in danger. Just the concept of a split personality fascinates me and it's always interesting to delve into the psyche of somebody suffering from such a condition. The idea that somebody can just suddenly become a whole different person is both an amazing idea and a frightening one.
"Monster" is all about a person going through this exact struggle, with lyrics like "The secret side of me, I never let you see. I keep it caged, but I can't control it." The person in the song is fighting to, to quote the Incredible Hulk, "control the raging the spirit that dwells within him." If you want to think about it on a more broad level, everybody has a side to them or a secret that they're afraid to let people know about for fear of what might happen to their reputation. It doesn't necessarily have to be a split personality, but I think everyone has at least one skeleton in their closet.
For anybody who has ever had a deep personal secret, or just anyone who likes werewolves, Skillet's "Monster" is definitely the song for you.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
"Wonderbolt"
And now we have another song by the artist dBPony which I find to be very inspiring. Ladies and gentleman, dBPony's "Wonderbolt."
Yes, this is a song inspired by My Little Pony, but that's beside the point. Something you may have noticed about dBPony's music is that he tends to do quite a few rock ballads. I love rock ballads because you can just feel the energy and the passion behind them. It fills me with such a wonderful sensation just like any good work of art should. That's probably why I respond so well to this type of music.
"Wonderbolt" is all about another major aspect of living deliberately, which is following your ambitions. If you have a dream, whether it's being an elite flyer, a successful filmmaker, a great actor, or even just living a happy, healthy life, you need to go for it. Nevermind how anybody ever tries to put you down or tells you how to live your life.
Most everybody has goals in life and we will inevitably face challenges and obstacles in the process of reaching them. One of my biggest goals has always been to one day travel to Australia. I started saving when I was a kid and while that goal may have faded a little over time as I started focusing on other things, I still have hope that someday I will get to see the exotic land of Australia in person. I've never travelled abroad before and I've always wanted to see a real live platypus, one of my favorite animals, in person, plus many of the other unique creatures that live there, but a trip that far around the world would probably cost thousands of dollars, which I obviously don't have right now. Still, that doesn't stop me from working to get to Australia in my lifetime.
People may tell you what they think is the best way or the easiest way to follow your dreams, but as we all know, the easiest way isn't always the right way. Some may say that the best way to become a professional athlete is to take steroids, but I'm sure there are many professional athletes who consider steroids unethical and just plain unhealthy. If somebody tells you to go about following your dream in a way that you don't think is right, then don't listen to them and just do what you do think is right. "Follow your ambition, but do it your own way" as the lyrics go.
It's important to follow your dreams, but just make sure you're going about it in the right direction.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
"Life Is A Highway"
Here we have another tune by Rascal Flatts called "Life Is A Highway."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osuhlptx0J8
Personally, I much prefer this rendition of the song over the one by Tom Cochran, maybe because I heard this one first, but also because I think this one is frankly just more pleasant to the ear with more of a sense of rhythm. I've loved this song since I first heard it in Disney/Pixar's "Cars" and it was my jam for a good chunk of my freshman year of high school.
I believe this song almost directly relates to the course. I believe the idea that "life is a highway" and that you should "ride it all night long," as the lyrics say, is saying that there is a whole world out there to discover and if you really want to experience living, you need to go out and see it for yourself. Best to do it as soon as possible, too, as "there's not much time left today."
I think the reason I respond so well to songs like this is because they're so motivational. Every once in a while, we all just need a good kick in the pants to get us to do what we really want. to do. I'm not sure what I can say that I haven't said already before.
Rascal Flatts is one of my favorite bands and I think this is one of their best songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osuhlptx0J8
Personally, I much prefer this rendition of the song over the one by Tom Cochran, maybe because I heard this one first, but also because I think this one is frankly just more pleasant to the ear with more of a sense of rhythm. I've loved this song since I first heard it in Disney/Pixar's "Cars" and it was my jam for a good chunk of my freshman year of high school.
I believe this song almost directly relates to the course. I believe the idea that "life is a highway" and that you should "ride it all night long," as the lyrics say, is saying that there is a whole world out there to discover and if you really want to experience living, you need to go out and see it for yourself. Best to do it as soon as possible, too, as "there's not much time left today."
I think the reason I respond so well to songs like this is because they're so motivational. Every once in a while, we all just need a good kick in the pants to get us to do what we really want. to do. I'm not sure what I can say that I haven't said already before.
Rascal Flatts is one of my favorite bands and I think this is one of their best songs.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
"When Can I See You Again"
Today, we have a charming number performed by a little group called Owl City, which is entitled "When Can I See You Again."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM1YMeDsc-M
This song first appeared during the end credits for Disney's "Wreck-It Ralph" in 2012, a movie which quickly became not only one of my favorites from that year, but also one of my favorite Disney movies of all time.
I saw the movie during Thanksgiving Break in my freshman year of college and when I came back for Intensive Arts, I was totally obsessed pretty much the whole time. Since then, I've come to associate WIR and this song with my very first Intensive Arts, which was a pretty intriguing new experience. The only problem with that is that when one tries to recreate that original excitement, one usually ends up feeling a little disappointed when it doesn't feel quite the same.
More on the song, I think it's another one that talks about living life to the fullest, as indicating with lines like "Go see the world 'cause it's all so brand new," as well as "Life is way too short to take it slow." More than that, however, I think it's about embracing and cherishing the little instances of fun and excitement while they last and not being too upset when they're over because there's always a chance that you'll have that joy again someday.
Sure, it's a shame that all good things have to come to an end, but what's important is being grateful that we experience such good things in the first place. And if we're lucky, we'll have plenty of other great things to come. I think Owl City expresses that very well through "When Can I See You Again."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM1YMeDsc-M
This song first appeared during the end credits for Disney's "Wreck-It Ralph" in 2012, a movie which quickly became not only one of my favorites from that year, but also one of my favorite Disney movies of all time.
I saw the movie during Thanksgiving Break in my freshman year of college and when I came back for Intensive Arts, I was totally obsessed pretty much the whole time. Since then, I've come to associate WIR and this song with my very first Intensive Arts, which was a pretty intriguing new experience. The only problem with that is that when one tries to recreate that original excitement, one usually ends up feeling a little disappointed when it doesn't feel quite the same.
More on the song, I think it's another one that talks about living life to the fullest, as indicating with lines like "Go see the world 'cause it's all so brand new," as well as "Life is way too short to take it slow." More than that, however, I think it's about embracing and cherishing the little instances of fun and excitement while they last and not being too upset when they're over because there's always a chance that you'll have that joy again someday.
Sure, it's a shame that all good things have to come to an end, but what's important is being grateful that we experience such good things in the first place. And if we're lucky, we'll have plenty of other great things to come. I think Owl City expresses that very well through "When Can I See You Again."
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
"My Wish"
For this week's blog post, I'll be talking about the song "My Wish" by the band Rascal Flatts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4irLbcFfpYU
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is another song that makes me think about growing up and having to leave home. The lyrics sound just like a parent wishing the best for their child as they go off into the world on their own. For instance, there's the line "If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile." Tell me that doesn't sound close to a mother telling her child to wear a jacket because it's chilly out.
And then there's the part where he sings "I hope you never look back but you never forget all the ones who love you and the place you left." This relates back to what I talked about in my very first post about never forgetting where you come from no matter where you go in life. I think that's a very important thing to remember always. As the saying goes, home is where the heart is.
I went to a Rascal Flatts concert back in 2009. I remember them playing this song and I just got up from my seat and started singing along at the top of my lungs. It was a great experience and I had the time of my life.
Overall, I think the songs talks about just being a good person and making the best choices no matter what life throws at you. I think that's the best anybody can wish for for someone else, especially parents.
"My Wish" is definitely a song I would play for my kids on graduation day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4irLbcFfpYU
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is another song that makes me think about growing up and having to leave home. The lyrics sound just like a parent wishing the best for their child as they go off into the world on their own. For instance, there's the line "If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile." Tell me that doesn't sound close to a mother telling her child to wear a jacket because it's chilly out.
And then there's the part where he sings "I hope you never look back but you never forget all the ones who love you and the place you left." This relates back to what I talked about in my very first post about never forgetting where you come from no matter where you go in life. I think that's a very important thing to remember always. As the saying goes, home is where the heart is.
I went to a Rascal Flatts concert back in 2009. I remember them playing this song and I just got up from my seat and started singing along at the top of my lungs. It was a great experience and I had the time of my life.
Overall, I think the songs talks about just being a good person and making the best choices no matter what life throws at you. I think that's the best anybody can wish for for someone else, especially parents.
"My Wish" is definitely a song I would play for my kids on graduation day.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
"Never Grow Up"
Here's another song that strikes a serious chord with me. It's Taylor Swift's "Never Grow Up."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6D3abgQEos
If you couldn't tell by now, I am a very nostalgic person. I love to revisit my past, whether it's music, movies, TV shows, or just anything that gives me a warm pleasant feeling. I first heard this song in my senior year of high school and I won't lie, it got me pretty emotional.
As I said, it was my last year of high school, which meant I would be going off to college soon and eventually, out into the world to live on my own. It's stressful thinking about having to take on so much responsibility for my own life. I knew I wasn't quite ready for it and, heck, I still don't feel quite ready. It's times like this when I wish I could just go back to being a young kid because, when you're that young, life is so much simpler, just as the song says. Swift sings about how, when you're young, you've got your whole life ahead of you and you don't have to worry about things like finding a well-paying job, managing your own taxes, or getting a driver's license. Your responsibilities are usually limited to school work, household chores and friends. Sometimes I wish everything could be the same as it was when I was a kid.
But there's also another point to be made here. It's one thing to be nostalgic, but it's another thing to live in the past. I don't think there's anything wrong with looking back on fond memories of childhood. In fact, it's where I get most of my inspiration for my writing. However, I believe there has to be a limit. Everybody says that if you're always looking back, then you can't see what's right in front of you. I believe that to be true, but for me, it's easier said than done. Sometimes, the present gets to be just too much and I just need a nice trip down memory lane. I think everybody does from time to time.
I think this song is not about just plain never growing up (like in a Peter Pan sort of way), but about retaining that childlike wonder into adulthood and staying faithful to your inner child. I'm a child at heart and I still enjoy lots of the same things I did when I was younger. I know I have to grow up and learn to make my own way in the world, but I don't think that means I can't still have the spirit of a little kid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6D3abgQEos
If you couldn't tell by now, I am a very nostalgic person. I love to revisit my past, whether it's music, movies, TV shows, or just anything that gives me a warm pleasant feeling. I first heard this song in my senior year of high school and I won't lie, it got me pretty emotional.
As I said, it was my last year of high school, which meant I would be going off to college soon and eventually, out into the world to live on my own. It's stressful thinking about having to take on so much responsibility for my own life. I knew I wasn't quite ready for it and, heck, I still don't feel quite ready. It's times like this when I wish I could just go back to being a young kid because, when you're that young, life is so much simpler, just as the song says. Swift sings about how, when you're young, you've got your whole life ahead of you and you don't have to worry about things like finding a well-paying job, managing your own taxes, or getting a driver's license. Your responsibilities are usually limited to school work, household chores and friends. Sometimes I wish everything could be the same as it was when I was a kid.
But there's also another point to be made here. It's one thing to be nostalgic, but it's another thing to live in the past. I don't think there's anything wrong with looking back on fond memories of childhood. In fact, it's where I get most of my inspiration for my writing. However, I believe there has to be a limit. Everybody says that if you're always looking back, then you can't see what's right in front of you. I believe that to be true, but for me, it's easier said than done. Sometimes, the present gets to be just too much and I just need a nice trip down memory lane. I think everybody does from time to time.
I think this song is not about just plain never growing up (like in a Peter Pan sort of way), but about retaining that childlike wonder into adulthood and staying faithful to your inner child. I'm a child at heart and I still enjoy lots of the same things I did when I was younger. I know I have to grow up and learn to make my own way in the world, but I don't think that means I can't still have the spirit of a little kid.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
"On Track"
This song is much more recent than the last two, but it's also probably one of the most obscure. It's entitled "On Track" and it's performed by Matthew Pantano (aka dBPony).
The lyrics are pretty straightforward. If you want something to good happen, you've gotta get off your butt and make it happen instead of just sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. That's what "living deliberately" is all about. "Carpe Diem," as they say.
This has been my biggest take away from reading about Ben Franklin. Ben Franklin was a man who accomplished so many different things in his lifetime because he knew how to take advantage of his own life and make things special and meaningful. It's a message that really resonates with me on a personal level.
I look around this school and I see my fellow classmates getting hired on real film sets, talking with working professionals and winning awards for their work on indie movies. I've been going to school here for almost three years and I don't really have a lot to show for it. Don't get me wrong. I'm happy for my friends' accomplishments. I just sort of wish I could share in their success. I don't expect to get recognized for doing nothing, as I've tried many times to write a script that's at least good enough to be made into a student film. I try to treat each flop as a learning experience, but it kind of starts to weigh on you.
I don't like going through life as just a spectator. I have been taking steps recently to change. I'd love to take a more active approach to life, but I know it's not gonna happen overnight, partly because I lack one of the core elements to do so: motivation. I want to change my life for the better, but I'm just too lazy to take bigger steps. I know I'll get there someday, though. I just have to be patient.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
"Friend Like Me"
Today, my song of the week is "Friend Like Me" from Disney's Aladdin, sung by the late, great Robin Williams.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99Op1TaXmCw
Disney in general is special to a lot of people. There are few living today who didn't grow up watching the animated films from the House of Mouse. I, myself, am no exception. I have seen just about every animated Disney film ever made and I always love to go back and revisit them whenever I get the chance.
Although, I do have a confession to make. The first time I watched Aladdin was when I was about three years old. I was so afraid of the Cave of Wonders that I didn't go back and watch it again until I was 10. I already owned the soundtrack to the movie and I simply adored the songs, especially "Friend Like Me." My love for that song was what made me decide to finally give the movie another chance and once I did, I fell in love with it.
I believe that was the first time I can remember being so totally obsessed with one single song. It's just so incredibly catchy that whenever it started to play, I just had to sing along. The outrageous musical stylings of Robin Williams really make this Disney song unique among all others. His comedic randomness combined with the rhythm and tempo make for a really catchy tune that won't be leaving your head any time soon.
To many people of my generation, Robin Williams was one of the voices of our childhood. To me, he was also a personal hero and inspiration. Fortunately, his legacy still lives on through his film and television work, including this amazing piece of Disney history, which will always have a special place in my heart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99Op1TaXmCw
Disney in general is special to a lot of people. There are few living today who didn't grow up watching the animated films from the House of Mouse. I, myself, am no exception. I have seen just about every animated Disney film ever made and I always love to go back and revisit them whenever I get the chance.
Although, I do have a confession to make. The first time I watched Aladdin was when I was about three years old. I was so afraid of the Cave of Wonders that I didn't go back and watch it again until I was 10. I already owned the soundtrack to the movie and I simply adored the songs, especially "Friend Like Me." My love for that song was what made me decide to finally give the movie another chance and once I did, I fell in love with it.
I believe that was the first time I can remember being so totally obsessed with one single song. It's just so incredibly catchy that whenever it started to play, I just had to sing along. The outrageous musical stylings of Robin Williams really make this Disney song unique among all others. His comedic randomness combined with the rhythm and tempo make for a really catchy tune that won't be leaving your head any time soon.
To many people of my generation, Robin Williams was one of the voices of our childhood. To me, he was also a personal hero and inspiration. Fortunately, his legacy still lives on through his film and television work, including this amazing piece of Disney history, which will always have a special place in my heart.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
"Who Says You Can't Go Home?"
Welcome to "What Songs Mean To Z." Each week for the next ten weeks or so, I will be discussing one of my favorite songs and what makes it so special to me. Music is one of my favorite things. I usually don't care much about the genre. Whether it's rock, country, pop, etc., if I think it's just a joy to listen to, that's good enough for me.
For this first entry, let's talk about the hit song by Bon Jovi "Who Says You Can't Go Home."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cQ7aGAOg6o
I decided to talk about this song first because I think it best represents a very important time in my life. This song was the soundtrack to my 7th grade. I was absolutely obsessed with it. You think it was hard for you when you were twelve years old? Try being a twelve-year-old boy with Asperger's and then see how easy it is to talk to girls you like. Without going into too much detail, let's just say I knew what I was supposed to do, but I had no clue how to do it right. Yeah, it wasn't pretty.
But, like I said, that was a very important time in my life, as it is for all for people, and this Bon Jovi song is one of the things I often think of when looking back on those days. I love it because it has such an upbeat, positive feeling with a lot of energy behind it. Plus, the message really rings true: no matter where you go in life and what you end up doing, you should never forget where you came from and what lead you to where you are now.
If I had to choose, I think I really prefer the version of the song that includes Jennifer Nettles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6ddR4ohPSI
I think her singing really adds a lot more energy to an already pretty energetic song. She does it in a way that really makes you wanna get up and sing along. That's all I can really say.
Thanks you, Bon Jovi, for being there with me during my awkward transition from boy to man. And to my readers, if there are any, see you next time.
For this first entry, let's talk about the hit song by Bon Jovi "Who Says You Can't Go Home."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cQ7aGAOg6o
I decided to talk about this song first because I think it best represents a very important time in my life. This song was the soundtrack to my 7th grade. I was absolutely obsessed with it. You think it was hard for you when you were twelve years old? Try being a twelve-year-old boy with Asperger's and then see how easy it is to talk to girls you like. Without going into too much detail, let's just say I knew what I was supposed to do, but I had no clue how to do it right. Yeah, it wasn't pretty.
But, like I said, that was a very important time in my life, as it is for all for people, and this Bon Jovi song is one of the things I often think of when looking back on those days. I love it because it has such an upbeat, positive feeling with a lot of energy behind it. Plus, the message really rings true: no matter where you go in life and what you end up doing, you should never forget where you came from and what lead you to where you are now.
If I had to choose, I think I really prefer the version of the song that includes Jennifer Nettles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6ddR4ohPSI
I think her singing really adds a lot more energy to an already pretty energetic song. She does it in a way that really makes you wanna get up and sing along. That's all I can really say.
Thanks you, Bon Jovi, for being there with me during my awkward transition from boy to man. And to my readers, if there are any, see you next time.
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