A Writer's Song

What I love most about music, is that there is always a song to be recommended and shared. A friend of mine recently reminded of this song and at first it was one of those songs that I had to hear the chorus to be reminded of how good it is. And now it’s back on my radar full force… #onrepeat :D

“Bleed”

Hot Chelle Rae

Lyrics:

I feel like I'm drowning in ice water
My lips have turned a shade of blue
I'm frozen with this fear that you may disappear
Before I've given you the truth
I bleed my heart out on this paper for you
So you can see what I can't say
I'm dying here (I'm dying here)
'Cause I can't say what I want to
I bleed my heart out just for you 

Read the lyrics HERE

This is one of those songs that just fits. Sometimes a song just hits home, and in my current state of mind, this song could not be more perfect. Reading the lyrics I feel as if I could have written them myself. The song is about feeling a range of emotions about someone and not being able to tell them out of fear. Fear of what may happen if you do.

Sure your mind goes straight to a romantic relationship, and I’m sure that’s what this song is about. About being in love with someone who you can’t tell them yourself, so putting it on paper is your way of getting those feelings out before they destroy you.

But in a way I think this song has many layers. I think it could easily be about a number of relationships, it could be about a relationship with a friend, or a family member, or it could be about a relationship with a significant event in your life. It could also in a deeper sense, be about the relationship you have with yourself. Maybe you've been hiding things from yourself, not allowing yourself to see what you truly need to see. Good or bad, whatever it is, you know you need the time to be able to say what you need to say.

As someone who loves to write, sometimes you don’t really know why you write what you write. Sometimes a simple train ride home looking out the window is enough to trigger a thought. A lot of times whether you know it or not, you’re writing about someone, or something, because writing is a way of saying the things you feel you need to say, but don’t feel you can muster up the courage to actually say them. That’s what I think this song is about, and that’s why I feel such a personal connection to it.

There’s this quote I keep coming across, by Ernest Hemingway, it says

“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” 

Kind of fits doesn’t it?

-<3-

Michelle

The Fray Fights Forward

So my very first post was about The Fray’s Happiness, and I have to say looking back now, I don’t think I did the song, nor the band justice. At the time writing it, I was just getting started. I was still trying to find my voice and the style I wanted for this blog. So I thought it would be nice if I did another one of my favorite songs by The Fray. As a way of allowing myself to redeem the greatness of what I consider, my favorite band.

The Fighter  

by The Fray

       

Source

Lyrics:

What breaks your bones
Is not the load you're carrying
What breaks you down
Is all in how you carry

The lover held her love
She begged him not to go
She unwrapped his gloves
The lover said I know, I know, 

I know

Kissed his trembling lips
She touched his fingertips
But somehow they both know
He's not coming home, coming home

Read the rest  HERE

Lead vocalist Isaac Slade, explains in a track by track blog post;

“I was writing it mainly about the guy wrestling with his doubts. It's a scary thing to face your doubts, especially in a relationship. I think if it's just like [the notion that] if you don't face death, you can't really live. If you don't face divorce, you can't really stay married. It's not an 'I do,' and then you're set. It's an 'I do,' every day. So what I meant to communicate was that doubts are okay. Struggling in a relationship is okay. Wondering if there's somebody better is okay. Because then you choose to stay, instead of shrugging your shoulders, saying it's good enough. If you carry those doubts secretly hidden in the corner of your chest, they'll kill you.”

Read the rest of the song descriptions HERE

He used this metaphor of a boxer, to achieve that message. I love the lyrics because I feel like you see that power struggle there. You see a man trying to make the decision between love of a woman and love of his dream. But what Isaac describes as the meaning behind it, you can see how the lyrics do apply. The fight is the fight for this relationship, that striving to not give up in the face of doubt. I love that line “what breaks your bones, is not the load you’re carrying…” because I think that sentiment is spot on. Everyone has things they consider their deepest hardships, but maybe it isn’t those hardships that get the best of us, but rather how we handle them, and how we push through them.

-<3-

Michelle

Princess of Pop guides young girls into womanhood

Looking back on all the songs and lyrics I’ve discussed here, I realized I couldn’t leave this one woman out. Growing up in the 90’s, there is no way to mistake her influence; she will always be the Princess of Pop…the legendary Ms. Britney Spears.

Say what you will about her, but I’ll always love her. She may not have the greatest voice, and we all know she is known for lip syncing. But you can’t doubt she’s a star performer.

Star Performer

I’ve seen her in concert twice, and both times she gave it her all!

 I’m choosing an oldie of hers…this is Not a Girl, Not yet a Woman

by Britney Spears

Lyrics:

[Chorus:]
I'm not a girl,
Not yet a woman.
All I need is time,
A moment that is mine,
While I'm in between.

[Verse 2]
I'm not a girl,
There is no need to protect me.
It's time that I
Learn to face up to this on my own.
I've seen so much more than you know now,
So don't tell me to shut my eyes.

Read the rest HERE

I remember when this song came out, a lot of people were ragging on it, the media turned it into a joke. And ok maybe the concept is corny to some, but for me I remember really understanding the song, and really loving its meaning. As young girls try to navigate the growing up process, it’s a bumpy ride. There are all these things being thrown at you. Do this, be that, say this, dress like that.This song is about ignoring that, and paving your own path and finding your way yourself, without the input of the world around you.

It’s difficult to try and step away from being that young innocent wide eyed girl, and become an independent woman. That transition can be overwhelming, and I can only imagine how difficult it is, to do that in front of the entire world watching your every move.

She talks about being “caught in the middle,” somewhere along the line you reach a point in that transitioning phase toward adulthood when you realize you are growing into a young lady. That you realize you can take on more responsibility, you can take care of yourself. I love the line “All I need is time, A moment that is mine, While I'm in between.” I feel like it’s true.  You are no longer a little girl, but you haven’t quite made it to the true woman you dream of being. Growing up, is just that a process…and allowing young girls that time, to see where their life takes them, is very important. It’s in that pre-adult stage where they learn to find out who they truly are. And if you ask me, I think that time is needed so they don’t grow up too fast. I think that's an important lesson for young girls to learn...so Thanks Britney for allowing your music to always be inspiring.

-<3-

Michelle

John Mayer gives "Gravity" a deeper meaning

Gravity

by John Mayer

Source

Lyrics:                             

Gravity is working against me
And gravity wants to bring me down

Oh gravity, stay the hell away from me
And gravity has taken better men than me (now how can that be?)
Just keep me where the light is

Read the rest of the lyrics HERE

This has to be one of my favorite John Mayer songs. Every time I hear it, I need to restart it; I just think it has a very distinct sound. The beginning of the song puts me in another place, it kicks starts your imagination, it’s almost like you are alone in a room full of instruments, playing for your ears only.

The slow steady drum dances with the electric guitar as they compliment each other. And then John Mayer’s voice chimes in and his slightly raspy tone blends with an almost church like chorus humming as background vocals. This combination brings the song to another level. Of course it wouldn’t be a John Mayer song without a little guitar solo! The song creates a whole package; I could definitely see him singing this is an old jazz club.

The song’s message to me appears pretty simple. I feel as though it’s a testament to the hardships of life. Gravity is what brings you down, literally, it is what keeps us from floating about. So this song is describing that inner issue, that personal struggle with trying to keep from falling apart. That fight to stay positive, to hold onto hope for a better day tomorrow. This Gravity he speaks of could be made up of whatever you are personally going through and I think because of that, the song can reach almost anyone who listens to it. And the ending lyric “Keep me where the light is,” in a way displays that fragment of hope.

John explained his feelings on this particular song in a studio session at Abbey Road Studios saying that: 

“Gravity is one of the most important songs I’ve ever written, and it’s an experiment for me in not explaining everything in a song. And that keeps it open for me, so I can address whatever I’m thinking about, at any day that I’m playing Gravity and I can really sing to it. Because no matter what happens in your life Gravity is a universal theme about not falling from whatever rung of grace you’re on for the moment, not losing the happiness, not losing the success. Temptation, the darkness all that’s just a human struggle… It’s kind of soulful, thick and simple in a way…” 

Guess I wasn’t too far off! Check out the interview and his studio performance of Gravity HERE

-<3-

Michelle

Techno Originals vs. Acoustics

“Clarity”

by Zedd feat. Foxes (Acoustic Version)

Lyrics:

'Cause you are the piece of me I wish I didn't need
Chasing relentlessly, still fight and I don't know why
If our love is tragedy, why are you my remedy?
If our love's insanity, why are you my clarity?

Read the rest HERE

This song has been on the radio a lot lately and has gotten stuck in my head for weeks. I chose the acoustic version, well because I just think it’s amazing! But you can listen to the original version below. 

To me the original music video is very futuristic and has a hint of an Avant Garde feel to it. It seems like a long journey through a struggling relationship. There are also several images of different objects flying toward one another and then colliding and exploding, to me I see this as a metaphor for a relationship. When opposites attract, or when similarities clash violently. You can see all the emotions mixing together accompanied with the more techno-infused version, which in turn makes for much more of a dance song. Which in my opinion can take away from the beauty of the lyrics.

The song in general is about understanding the fact that regardless of whatever hardships you may come across in your relationship with another, there is that moment of pure Clarity. Clarity can be defined as “The quality of being clear, the quality of coherence and intelligibility.”

I think this song, as displayed in the lyrics I’ve chosen, shows that in the face of tragedy, and insanity love of another person can be your guide. It can be the one thing that can pull you away from the edge. Feeling that pull toward that other person, in spite of what your head may say your heart sees its own form of clarity. Understanding, that love is experiencing that crystal clear clarity. 

I’ve been pretty vocal about my love of acoustic versions. I think this version just allows a better understanding of the meaning behind the song. Her voice is beautiful and the piano is the perfect companion. I don’t think this song needs much else. What’s your take, on original vs. acoustic? Thoughts?

-<3-

Michelle

Ne-Yo Mentors Young Hitmaker

Get his album on iTunes!

Today’s post is going to be a little unconventional. After all change is good, right? Or at least that’s what I keep hearing, haha ;) Any who…have you ever been on YouTube listening to one of your latest music obsessions and you see on the side bar that some young guy or girl has covered that same song, and do you ever think to yourself, hey, what the hell, let me check this out? Well I do this ALL the time. Because honestly half the time, there are covers out there that beat the originals!

I remember randomly coming across Conor Maynard a few years ago, pretty sure I watched him cover a Chris Brown song, and I was hooked! He mixed Chris Brown’s Yeah 3x, with hints of Katy Perry’s Firework, David Guetta’s Sexy Chick, Rihanna’s Only Girl in the World, and The Jackson 5’s Blame it on the Boogie. If that’s not the sickest combination, then I don’t know what is!

I’ve noticed that often times YouTube artists make a name for themselves first through the idea of covering other well known songs. But since then, Conor has shown he has quite the catalog of original material too, but regardless his covers always speak for themselves. For, all of his renditions are always very different from the originals. His voice is one of those soulful, young, powerful voices that you wouldn’t expect him to have; his voice definitely does not fit him! And I mean that in the nicest way, Lol! He is truly a star on the rise!

Check out Conor’s Latest Radio Hit; Turn Around!

Source

Read the lyrics HERE

While we’re on the topic of Conor…in his latest hit Turn Around, you may have noticed a familiar face and voice… the one and only Ne-Yo!

For me, Ne-Yo has always been one of those artist that whatever he comes out with, you know it’s gonna be good! He has that way about him, and he has made wearing shades in doors, more tolerable for my liking, haha. He has also brought back the fedora trend and I thank him tremendously!

Ne-Yo is best known for his hits like So Sick, Because of you, Mad, Closer, Beautiful Monster, and most recently Let me love you. And in a rather convenient coincidence Ne-Yo in a way has become The Usher to Conor’s Justin Bieber.

While your at it, grab Ne-Yo's album on iTunes too!

And if you are not familiar with that analogy, allow me to explain, Lol. Usher was the superstar backing that Justin Bieber gained at the start of his career and therefore has become his mentor. He has taken him under his wing and has shown him the tightropes of fame. Which Ne-Yo has now done for Conor. He brought music labels attention toward Conor and contracted him soon after. Thank you Ne-Yo it was about damn time that boy got a record deal…well deserved! However, let me just state the claim that although Justin Bieber is a favorite of mine, as is Conor, the two are very different musically, they each have their own styles and each hold their own.

Check out Ne-Yo’s Latest Radio Hit; Let Me Love You!

Read the lyrics HERE

-<3-

Michelle

Alexz Johnson's voice deems her an "Instant Star"

“Look at those eyes”

 By Alexz Johnson

Lyrics:

 
 

Soothing like a lullaby
I don't wanna fight this fight
You feel the weight of the world on your mind
We leave it all behind

It's been a long way long way long way home
It's been a lonely lonely lonely road
It's been a long time I can't find
So long I'm gonna lose my mind
It's been a long way long way long way home

Read the rest of the lyrics HERE

Alexz Johnson is one of those artists that have always been in my back pocket, and although at times she may not always be up front and center on my music list, she is never forgotten. She has one of the most original female voices, I’ve heard in a while. I feel like it’s not easily compared to many pop icons today. She’s unique and driven and her passion for music is very clear in her songs and in her performances.

Now if her face looks at all familiar, she is an actress too. She starred on a Disney show when she was much younger entitled So Weird, she played the girl that died tragically via Nail Gun to the face in Final Destination 3, and is probably most known for playing “Jude Harrison” on the n’s Instant Star.

I think it’s safe to say that the role of “Jude Harrison” may have paved the way for Alexz's music career. Her voice and talent doesn’t lie, but I am sure that by utilizing her role as a young teenager who instantly skyrockets to fame after winning a singing contest, it is easy to see how I feel it’s safe to say it was an outlet for Alexz. It also gave the young Ms. Johnson a fan base for not only her character’s musical career, but also gained her recognition for her own.

As for Look at those eyes, this was a song she wrote with her brother. And there are several versions of this floating about, but this performance just makes me fall in love with her music all over again. That pool area has some seriously good acoustics! Haha ;)

I think it’s interesting when you see a singer songwriter really get all they deserve. Often times songwriters will just sell their songs to other artists to sing. In my opinion that has got to hurt. I mean if I had to sell a script of my own work, I think I would cry, when you are a songwriter, I imagine those songs become your babies. And honestly I don't think any other artist could give Alexz's lyrics the voice it deserves.

Photos from alexzjohnson.com

This song is off of her 2010 album Voodoo, the reason why I chose this version is because it’s acoustics are simple, just the two accompanying guitars, that allow her voice to really shine. Even her little moments where she hums in between lyrics, make the song even more beautiful. She just has this beautiful tone, and it’s soft but powerful. When those strong guitar strums come in, her voice doesn’t waver, neither does it get over powered, in fact in my opinion her voice is all I pay attention to!

The song is very heavy with emotion. The lyrics I chose are some of my favorite parts of the song. When I decide on what lyrics to focus on, I usually base it on the parts where I really gravitate to her vocally. I mean it’s not to say I don’t like the actual lyric, because of course I do! It’s a beautifully structured piece. But if you watch for how she actually sings these few lyrics in this performance, your ears are just inclined to focus in.

The song is about feeling that weight of life upon you. And knowing that others around you see that weight displayed in your eyes and on your face. It’s stating that regardless of that weight and whatever it may be made of, you are not alone in that darkness. That life's weight is made of complications, hardships, old faces that turn into new faces, people coming in and out of your life, circumstances beyond your control, things that may make you feel like you’re losing your sanity. But even so, there are people in your life who are there for you, who are always there beside you.

Also, I feel like there could even be a bit of a religious factor here too, maybe displaying how even though you may feel as though you’re walking through life alone, God is always there to walk with you. Who knows that may be reading too much into things, but that’s just me!  I also love that in some way the song does have hope, and even though it’s “been a long way home,” eventually home is where you land, and by home I think it means understanding the realization that you are not alone. That life does go on, and you can get passed the hurdles.

The official music video sends a beautiful message as well…Check it out!

-<3-

 Michelle