Summertime…it’s all fun and games…until it isn’t. No one dreams of having a bad summer and yet they still exist. But if summer isn’t all sunshine, thank heaven for quirky 80s songs that make the bad days bearable! Here’s where “Cruel Summer” by English pop group, Bananarama, comes in. Added to my summer music countdown for it’s easy chorus and spunky sound, it just screams summer…and then some.
The song actually debuted in 1983, but became a hit on the U.S. pop charts in 1984 thanks to the movie, “The Karate Kid.” The lyrics tell the story of one stuck in a miserable, hot city AFTER a bad breakup. Ouch! Unlucky in love, and unsure what to do next, the singer is mired in a hopeless situation. Shot on location in New York City during a record heat wave, the group didn’t have to do much acting. Unaccustomed to oppressive city temps, the girls share that they simply wanted to shoot the video in NYC because they hadn’t been there before and may have bitten off more than they could chew. Group member, Siobhan Fahey, details the misadventures of the video shoot in her book, “I Want My MTV.”
I was nine years old when this song was all the rage. I remember the ratty hair, big belts and overalls and did my best to emulate the look! And of course, I remember singing this song…over and over (and over.) Today, I sing this song in an attempt to bring back the 80s…AND to torture my kids, of course 🙂
Probably not the first song that comes to mind when one puts together a summer playlist, “Island in the Sun” by Weezer made the list simply for its juxtaposition of bliss and melancholy. When I hear this song I think of summer longing…a desire to escape not necessarily because you’re in a bad place, but simply because. It’s a love song of sorts…two people who get away for what seems like a never-ending vacation where there are no worries, no cares and no responsibilities. Sounds like a summer destination to me!
Making the song extra catchy is its straight-faced “hip, hip” background vocals and the almost monotone lyrics. Not Weezer’s most famous song, still it did manage to earn a place on several music charts overseas. Also interesting, the band made two (very different) videos for this tune in 2001. The first depicted a Mexican wedding where the traditional festivities carried on around the band as if they didn’t exist. The second video shows the band interacting with wild animals at a refuge (actually somewhere in California although they do a good job making it look like Africa.) The latter, receiving the most air time on MTV. Personally, I love the wedding–those deadpan faces among the happy-go-lucky bride and groom get me every time!
This mellow, California vibe is perfect for a lazy, daydreaming sort of summer day. The kind of day where if you’re lucky enough to own a hammock you can “wish” yourself away to your own personal island in the sun.
College radio. It’s not for the faint of heart! Ok, I’m not trying to be dramatic but the eclectic nature of college radio makes it barely palatable for a large chunk of the “listening” population. That being said, I still find myself tuning in occasionally for the sheer randomness that it offers. I “worked” at my college radio station…sure it was in the news department, but the news is flanked by programming and a lot of that programming is music after all. This opened the door to a wide variety of music genres and styles and for whatever reason (at least for me) it opened the door to a gem of a group called Sly and the Family Stone.
By the time I “discovered” them, a greatest hits CD existed…and boy did I love it! Optimistic, upbeat, socially progressive, soulful, it quickly became one of my favorites and “Hot Fun in the Summertime” stood out above the rest. I’m not sure what I like better…the way the song builds, the creative use of strings or the horns (probably the horns.) The song just oozes good times. I found it interesting to learn that this tune actually came out in August of 1969…at the end of summer. Sly and the Family Stone performed it as part of their set at Woodstock helping to propel them to stardom and push the song to the No. 2 spot on Billboard Hot 100. The song is also listed on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 of all time and is considered by many to be a “summer anthem.”
Jamming out to this song reminds me of summertime in good, ol’ Lawrence, Kansas…cruising up the hill in my little red car blasting the CD (I’m sure my music choice turned a few heads!) I was tickled to learn years later that the group hailed from the San Francisco area…my absolute favorite city for summertime fun! I still enjoy their greatest hits collection today and if you listen closely you just might see me blasting their music again…this time in my red swagger wagon! Not as cool, but just as fun.
I’ll admit that I don’t watch a lot of MTV these days, but I so clearly remember when the network first debuted in the 80s. Practically THE perfect channel (in my adolescent assessment,) as it was brilliantly simple–music videos with young, hip, fun personalities known as video jockeys (VJs.) The ability to tune in to my favorite songs, 24/7, served as the backdrop to my tween and teen years and I’m sure that was the story for countless others from my generation. And while reminiscing about Paula Abdul videos, Yo! MTV Raps, Pauly Shore and MTV News typically bring a smile to my face, it’s at this time EVERY year that my thoughts about MTV merely result in a long, sad sigh as the network offers up the its annual MTV Music Awards show.
Right now the web is blowing up with critiques and reaction to Sunday night’s show. The annual offering was pretty hard to miss given that it runs live on several Viacom channels aside from MTV. And while you couldn’t avoid it, there were plenty of reasons one might try to. Obviously, the show is edgy. It was edgy back in the day, but somehow the definition of edgy has been changed from simply “pushing the limits of good taste” to “practically naked” and “high on drugs.” Hence the long, sad, sigh.
I am a big music fan (I have kids so I think it’s important to know WHO and WHAT they’re listening to) and believe it or not, I was actually very familiar with most of the performers and nominees. I am genuinely impressed by the talent and creativity that goes into making a hit song, I just wish it could be different. The pop psychologist in me wonders if these music celebrities would be any less successful or culturally relevant if they decided to keep their clothes on and skip the pre-awards show doobie? I have a feeling those with true musical talent would still find fame, but those whose celebrity relies upon sensationalism might not. I guess that’s what they call “famous, for being famous.” My biggest disappointment in all this is that I’ve seen research that suggests provocative clothing (or lack there of,) foul language and drug references actually make today’s teens that much more inclined to like a song or artist. Apparently, marketing and public relations gurus are also hip to this trend as many advise their celebrity clients to continue to push the boundaries. Listen, I was young once…we all want to push a little, test the waters, and see what else it out there as part of declaring our independence from our parents, peers, etc. That’s pretty typical, but somewhere along the way we’ve also opened the door AND placed a welcome mat out to some pretty disappointing, potentially dangerous and scary behavior. Long, sad sigh.
The optimist in me keeps looking for a little glimmer of hope…a sampling of the fun, nostalgic MTV of days gone by, but that’s a pretty tall order for a network that has used sensationalism as its stepping stone toward continued relevance. Several writers have outlined their top ten moments from this year’s show and while I could recall each of these episodes…none of them stood out as great or outstanding. Most of them weren’t even about the music. Again…long, sad sigh. Just another f-bomb laden, almost nude, drug-promoting, angry ranting awards show. For me, the best part of the show was not what was taking place on the television, but rather my family’s reaction to the whole thing. I wish I had kept a tally for every time my husband asked “why we were watching this show, when we could change the channel, and if the show was over yet?” My tween daughter opted to watch YouTube tutorials in her room, and my teenage son didn’t even know the show was on (boy, I dodged a bullet there!)
No doubt the coverage of this event will continue. Miley Cyrus will be critiqued, the feud between her and Nicki Minaj will further develop, a reporter will be assigned to find out why Justin Beiber was in tears, and a campaign team is likely assembling now for Kanye’s presidential run. It’s all just a little too much. As I type this, plans are probably in the works for next year’s award show, but as much as I ascribe to the “devil you know” mantra…MTV just might have to count me out. I think I’m done.
When you get something like MTV, it’s like regular television. You get it, and at first it’s novel and brand new and then you watch every channel, every show. And then you become a little more selective and more selective, until ultimately… you wind up with a radio. David Lee Roth
My favorite things often have a story behind them…. –Amy Sedaris
As 2014 winds down the countdown to New Year’s Day 2015 begins. It’s at this time every year that we’re all subjected to the top news stories, songs, movies, television shows, etc. of the past twelve months (just in case we forgot.) We’re also treated to the “best of” and “worst of” inventories for just about every subject under the sun. And since we’ve already suffered through the roll call of Oprah and Ellen’s favorite things, I thought it was time that I got into the act with a list of my own (never mind the fact that I’m not a talk show host or a celebrity!) So enjoy (or is it endure?) a few of MY favorite things from 2014 🙂
Favorite Song: “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors This upbeat song hit my radar this spring and really spoke to me as a call to approach each day as an amazing blessing. I wrote about this song in a previous blog post and labeled it my personal “walk up song” for 2014. This fun little anthem encourages one to be young, to see each day as a new opportunity, and to wholeheartedly believe in the limitless possibilities of good and joy in this life. It’s a toe-tapping, high energy, nonsensical call to be AWESOME each and every day.
“Sundays in America” by Suzanne Strempek Shea
Favorite Book I Read: “Sundays in America” by Suzanne Strempek Shea I came upon this book by accident or sheer laziness (you decide.) My daughter and I happened to be at the local library during an unusually heavy downpour. We had already finished up in the children’s book section, when the thought of facing the rain seemed idiotic (a lifelong Kansan…I knew it would let up in 5-10 minutes.) So rather than get drenched, we moseyed over to the religion section of the library and this little goodie caught my eye. It was the subtitle that really sold me: A Yearlong Road Trip in Search of Christian Faith. In journal form, the author offers up insight as she sets out to visit a different church every Sunday for a year. Her journey takes her across every region of the country, including Hawaii. As a self-proclaimed “Church Nerd,” I found this book to be very eye-opening, offering up moments of hope and reflection while inciting a few sad and squeamish realizations about the Christian faith and how it is received and perceived. An easy read…fellow “Church Nerds” should make it a point to check this book out.
Favorite Item Purchased: Fire Pit Let me start by saying that I am both equally terrified and mesmerized by fire! Yet nothing soothes my spirit like hanging out around a fire pit. Watching the flames dance around under a star-filled sky is my ultimate idea of relaxation. No item that we have purchased in the last year has brought this much excitement to every member of our family. While the kiddos have enjoyed having friends over to share in the fun, they seem to be just as content to hang out with their Dad and I. And I’m all for anything that brings everyone together for an evening (with minimal bickering, of course!)
Favorite TV Show: “The Middle” The kiddos first stumbled upon this show in reruns and I wasn’t exactly hooked (at first.) In fact, I was more insulted than anything. Somehow, my children got it into their little brains that our family was just like the fictitious Hecks and that as “Mom” I was relegated to the “Frankie” character. This scatter-brained, (often times) sad excuse for a mother was supposedly me? No way! I refused to accept such a role and couldn’t believe my kiddos could put me in the same category. Yet, over time I came to appreciate this TV family. In their own unique way, the Hecks love each other, look after each other, and in so many ways this imperfect family is absolutely relatable on a number of levels. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I still find the “Frankie” reference insulting (let the record show that Sue is my favorite character,) but 2014 has brought about a new appreciation for “Frankie” and this dysfunctional (yet adorable) family sitcom. You can find it in reruns on a variety of channels, or for new episodes check out ABC on Wednesday nights.
Favorite Snack: S’mores Okay, since we now have a fire pit, s’mores have earned the top spot for favorite snack of 2014. While traditionally I am a nachos kind of person, s’mores have gained prominence as the treat of choice. Funny thing is, that while I could probably eat a pound of nachos…I generally just want one s’more. Maybe that’s another reason to eat more s’mores! One little tidbit of advice that I will offer up…we’ve discovered that regular size marshmallows work best. They toast quickly and provide the right proportion of marshmallow to chocolate to graham cracker ratio. After experimenting with campfire (extra-large sized) marshmallows and marshmallow squares, we’ve discovered that these varieties seriously affect the ratios. TIP: If you just want toasted marshmallows go BIG or square, otherwise for traditional s’mores regular-sized marshmallows are best. Yummy 🙂
Favorite Product to Hit the Supermarket Shelf: Peet’s Coffee As a coffee lover I am pretty much Starbucks all the time. However, whenever I visit the San Francisco Bay Area, for me it has to be Peet’s Coffee. Later, when I found out that they sold Peet’s at the supermarkets in Northern Cali…well I just had to have that AND buy enough to bring some home to Kansas after a trip. Now…you won’t believe what I found on the supermarket shelf? Peet’s Coffee in KANSAS! People, this is exciting!!! This coffee is so amazing…strong, rich, full flavor…perfect 🙂 I went through a bag in a blink and I can’t wait to buy more–locally! Hooray, hooray…such a happy day! Jump on to their website for supermarket locations near you. http://www.peets.com/
Favorite Podcast: Freakonomics My husband first introduced me to Freakonomics a few years ago. He came across the documentary on Netflix. Later I found out about the book and the blog. Finally, I discovered the podcast! For “News Nerds” like me this is awesome! Freakonomics is the product of a journalist and an economist. Together, they uncover the hidden side of everything (their tagline, not mine.) Both educational and extremely entertaining this is my weekly go-to for information and insight. Each podcast is about 40-45 minutes long and they cover a variety of topics. A little something for everyone.
Favorite Place to Shop: Ulta I have loved playing with make-up since I was a teenager. So as I near 40, you would think that I would be over it. NOT! Enter Ulta, the make-up mega store. It has just about every make-up product known to (wo)man, in every shade imaginable, and at prices to fit all budgets. I could spend hours in there. As far as make-up goes I’m pretty traditional and extremely conservative, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t like to look. Orange lipstick, green eyeliner, purple fingernails…yes, I am intrigued (even if I’d never have the guts to wear any of it!)
Snapped this photo while cleaning the kitchen! With the Tadaa SLR app your photo can go from “cleaning up” to looking all “cleaned up” with just a few tweaks. Love this app!
Favorite iPhone App: Tadaa SLR I’m pretty sure everyone on the planet knows that I love to take photos. Now that our phones are our cameras, this makes taking pictures easy and a full-time hobby without all the gear. I have tried and use a lot of photo apps on my iPhone, but this year’s stand out is Tadaa SLR. With features that let you adjust the focus and depth, blur with precision (it also includes all the standard editing features) this app makes me feel like a professional photographer (even if it’s only in my head!) Seriously, at only $2 this is definitely an app worth having and it’s so easy you’ll wonder what you ever did without it! HONORABLE MENTION: Wal-mart Savings Catcher because I am a mother on a budget!
Favorite Lesson Learned: GOD’S CONSTANT PROVISION. I could write a whole book about this line alone! Going into 2014 I knew there would be one big hurdle for our family life. (In fact, I heard that little voice as early as December 2013.) And just as surely as I had been warned, these things came to be. Without going into too much detail, let me say that God has provided time and time again. And He has provided in ways and with means that I would never have expected and all in His perfect timing. Whenever I should have been stressed out and overcome with worry/fear I knew and felt God’s presence. I’m sure it was maddening for those around me to see that I wasn’t worried (heaven knows I found other things to worry about!) But let me tell you that we always had what we needed exactly when we needed it! Friends, God is good–all the time! I won’t pretend to know God’s plans or why I needed to learn the lesson of provision, but I am grateful for it and I know that it serves a larger purpose in our family’s faith walk.
That pretty much sums it up! Like the popular song from the Sound of Music…these are a few of my favorite things. Well, 10 of my favorite things anyway 🙂 Would love to hear about some of your “best of” or “worst of” items from this past year.
Looking forward to learning, growing and discovering new things in 2015!
Baseball is a lot like life. It’s a day-to-day existence, full of ups and downs. You make the most of your opportunities in baseball as you do in life. -Ernie Harwell
Baseball fans for life 🙂
When you park your back-end on a bleacher for a good chunk of the summer, your mind occasionally wanders. I think it’s a by-product of the summer air, sunshine and warm nights, and the endless possibilities stretched out before you as a favorite player/team take the field. This magical time at the ball diamond lends itself to reflection and contemplation. And as a result, I’ve come to appreciate the game on an entirely new level this season.
If you’ve played the sport (or you know someone who has,) you’ve heard the adage “baseball is 90% mental, the other half physical.” While I’m not sure exactly how the math adds up, I do think there’s a lot to be said for the mental game. Everything from practice and coaching to adequate sleep time and game day meals, contributes to and sets the tone for a player’s performance during a game. From little league to MLB, players have their own unique rituals–special socks, flavored sunflower seeds, eye black design and even music…e.g., “the walk up song.” Sure team’s have been playing tunes in the locker room for years. Music selections that inspire and pump up the crowd are blared from the speakers at numerous sporting venues. We’ve all seen images of ball players from every sport getting off the team bus with headphones/ear buds playing their favorite jams. This attempt to block out the world, focus on the task at hand, energize the athlete and ultimately get him into the zone, have been going on for decades. For a non-athlete like myself, the process is fascinating! And thus, the baseball walk-up song has been at the forefront of my mind this summer…so much so that I’ve been experimenting with the concept on my children (how’s that for parenting?)
Before you starting thinking that I must have a lot of time on my hands (or that I’m an insane baseball mom,) let me explain. I’ve always thought of sports as a metaphor for life: work hard, practice and learn the basics, prepare, be a sponge, respect the coach, LISTEN, try your best, believe in yourself, be a team player, never blame the officials, realize that there will be both good AND bad days (and the bad days don’t define you), stay coachable and finally HAVE FUN! Baseball teaches these concepts, but there’s one more notion that I had somewhat overlooked (until now,) and that’s attitude– you know, confidence and the mental game. When our children are young, I think we focus on fundamentals and rightly so (there’s only so much teaching that can be absorbed at that age.) As they grow up and develop we can add the nuances, the fine distinctions that play a big role in success and in the long run, enjoyment and satisfaction with one’s efforts. Accomplishing a goal in any area of life hinges on these details. And if the details include being in the right frame of mind (and not relying on luck, superstitions or circumstances) then the baseball walk up song makes a lot of sense.
Players will tell you that a certain degree of thoughtfulness goes into their walk up song choice. The selection is used to invoke baseball nostalgia, entertain fans, instill confidence, set a tone for success and maybe even intimidate the opponent. Above all, it gives the player a moment to focus, be still, assess the situation, breathe and maybe even smile. The value of the strategy is obvious. So, why leave this mental game method strictly to secular areas like sports? Imagine if we purposefully approached our daily lives in this manner?
For years, I have used scripture and music as a source of peace, to call my spirit into focus, and essentially to put myself in a good mood. When walking into a job interview, the doctor’s office, approaching a loved one with a difficult situation, in parenting, ministry, and countless other situations… this practice has proven helpful in preparing myself for whatever lies ahead–both good and bad. And I know that it works! Psychologists often refer to this approach as “visualization,” a mental technique geared to create success and/or positive outcomes. While all of this sounds pretty heavy, I think there’s a place for it in both serious and less weighty scenarios…and you may already be using this strategy without even realizing it. Here’s how it works: You’re all set for a night out on the town with your friends–you know the right music will set the tone. Family road trip? You create a playlist that incorporates a little something for everyone in the car. Special date night or anniversary…a little Sinatra never hurt anyone! You get the picture 🙂
So here’s where it comes full circle…. My baseball musing went from the bleachers to my favorite players–my kiddos. These competitive and determined little league players often put a lot of pressure on themselves. As a parent, we want our children to have SUCCESS as well asFUN and having a good attitude plays a key role in that. It wasn’t long before our pregame routine included a couple of walk-up songs. Sean has two or three songs that he looks forward to hearing as we cruise over to the ball park. Casey enjoys listening to her own personalized playlist before games, but also before practice as well. Look, I’m not saying this tactic is the missing link between Losertown and Winnerville…but it sure has led to high-spirits, less pressure, and a lot more smiles! Ultimately, I hope it’s a game plan that the children will carry with them as the grow up, not just where sports are concerned, but for life. Setting the tone truly can make a difference!
We have a choice in how we approach, prepare and deal with every situation that comes our way…and the mental game has a lot to do with just how successful we will handle both the highs and the lows. And personally, I welcome any positive strategy that sets us up to “win.” I’ve even claimed my own walk-up song, a little ditty that rolls through my head as I’m pouring coffee in the morning. Because come on…we could all use that extra something (especially at 6am!)
Okay, Mom-friends…here goes. Truth is…I haven’t seen the movie Frozen and I don’t plan to see it anytime in the near future. So, when you talk about how adorable it is and how it’s a must see, when you tell me that you rushed to buy the DVD the day it came out and your family knows the movie line by line, and when you share that it’s your go-to drive time music (even if the kids aren’t in the car with you)–I will smile, but I just CANNOT relate. Sorry 😦
I’m not anti-Disney, too busy, or boycotting any number of supposed agendas, etc…it honestly just doesn’t look that interesting to me. I know–GASP! My children (a boy and a girl) have both seen the movie, we own the CD (a birthday present to my daughter from a friend), and I think I’m pretty familiar with the basic story line. My kiddos (and their friends) sing the songs around the house and in the van (they do seem to be very catchy tunes.) Once I even played the music during a snowman themed church event to the delight of dozens of girls AND boys–it’s obviously a big crowd pleaser! I have read countless articles and blog posts about the wonderful and not so wonderful (depends upon the viewpoint of writer) themes in the film. Plus, I’ve heard numerous raving reviews from young and old alike about the movie. Still…nothing. My husband even wants to see Frozen to find out what all the hubbub is about. To which I have to say, “Watch it with the kids.” It’s just not my cup of tea.
I should admit that I’m not a huge fan of children’s movies or animated flicks of any kind. But as a Mom, I’ve had to watch several more than my fair share (we’ve all been there!) Many times, to my surprise, I find that I actually end up enjoying the movie. There are even a few…like The Incredibles and Megamind…that I would watch repeatedly. Most recently we’ve seen The Muppet Movie and Sherman and Mr. Peabody. Both two thumbs up! So, I really can’t explain my reluctance to sit down and watch Frozen. No biggie, right? Move on. But just when I thought that most of the hype surrounding this movie had sort of died down (like maybe I was in the clear of being “outed” as the only Mom on the planet who had not seen it), a funny thing happened to me at Wal-Mart….
While in the party section, a desperate woman wandered into the aisle, frantically looking from side to side and up and down. She left her children near the end cap display (two in the cart and an older child to monitor the group.) I couldn’t help but feel like I was in the way somehow–clearly she was on a mission. It was about this time that one of her kiddos said, “Mom! That looks like Frozen blue!” and pointed to some “icy, blue-toned” colored plates and napkins. The woman quickly snatched them up. She moved closer to me and said, “Where can someone find snowflakes in the middle of summer?” Not sure if she was speaking to me or just to herself (or both)…we started to make small talk. She was trying to put together a Frozen themed birthday party and wasn’t having much luck. Apparently this shopping adventure was taking a little more time than she had planned and while Frozen toys were readily available, she was scrambling to find the right table accessories and decorating supplies. All I could offer were a few measly sympathetic head nods along with a suggestion that maybe she could arrange rhinestone stickers in the shape of a snowflake if she couldn’t find what she was looking for…and then…the record scratch. You know that moment where time stands still…it usually happens when you can’t believe what someone has just said or done…immediately followed by everyone staring at you. No, the record scratch moment wasn’t in response to my rhinestone snowflake suggestion (?) –it was a reaction to what I said after that, “I’m sorry if I’m not much help. I haven’t seen the movie.”
The look of disbelief on her face took me by surprise…suddenly I was stammering to say that I’d heard nothing but good things about the movie and that my kids really liked it…especially my daughter! In a last-ditch effort I threw out there that she should try a larger Wal-Mart or maybe Party City…I wished her luck and couldn’t get out of the aisle fast enough! I scrambled past her cartload of kids–who were also wearing shocked expressions and staring at me. Yikes…what just happened? Heart beating frantically, I realized that I felt guilty for not having seen the movie! Obviously, this was a big Mom fail on my part to say the least.
As I share this, it all seems pretty silly. Angst over a movie, I mean. But I guess that I while I don’t really plan to see it, I do understand the huge impact that it’s had on this generation and their parents and families. I can see it now…Frozen will be its own category on Jeopardy someday. It will probably show up as movie trivia during the previews at the theatres for years to come. Down the road we’ll have a whole army of baby girls named for the movie characters. Suddenly, Annas and Elsas (and maybe even Olafs for the boys) will fill up classroom name lists and sports team rosters! We’re not just talking about national impact, either. Frozen is a major hit and a force to be reckoned with worldwide. I hear that there are plans for a Broadway musical and maybe even a sequel. The merchandise is everywhere and there’s probably much more on the way. And I will have missed out on all of this!
Love Songs to Melt Your Heart and Move Your Soul: Song 14
Love is…having a Valentine by your side every day of the year. –me
Well…it’s finally here—Valentine’s Day! A holiday absolutely loathed by some and totally adored by others (all subject to one’s current relationship status, of course.) It’s also the final day of my love song countdown. While the list includes some romantic music staples, I’ve tried to include a few unlikely additions as well (no Barry White, Celine Dion or Mariah Carey here.) So in conclusion, I offer up this little goody by The Proclaimers 🙂 An absolute brain worm and feel good ditty, this tune is about one of the greatest love qualities that I can think of…WILLINGNESS. It’s not a ballad that promises the world. It’s not a steamy song with lots of suggestive innuendo. And nothing about this song would break your heart or move you to tears. Rather, it’s one person saying to another…”if you’ll let me, I’ll be there in the morning, all throughout the day, I’ll be the one talking your head off, working hard to provide for you, growing old with you, dreaming about you, always coming home to you, and thinking about you whenever we have to be apart. I’m not perfect, but I am WILLING to be all that I can for you.” While this chart topper doesn’t necessarily fit the typical love song mold, I think it’s the perfect “dark horse” candidate to complete my list—unlikely, improbable and least expected…yeah, that sounds a lot like love to me. Happy Valentine’s Day 🙂
***This post is part of an ongoing series. As part of my cup half full approach to loving the month of February, I vow to jump in with both feet and embrace the whole Valentine thing with my own custom list of Love Songs to Melt Your Heart and Move Your Soul. Ambitious? Yes! Bold? Absolutely! Crazy? You betcha! Pointless? On just about every level. Regardless, let’s give it a go—I mean it’s February and how else am I going to get through the coldest, bleakest, cloudiest, shortest (and longest at the same time) month on the calendar. Let the countdown to Valentine’s Day begin! I (gritting teeth) LOVE February, how about YOU?
Love Songs to Melt Your Heart and Move Your Soul: Song 13
Love is…the best (and the worst) kind of mystery. –me
You may have noticed that I haven’t included much contemporary music in my love songs list. Not a diss really, I guess I’m just more old school. However, this song is currently on Billboard’s Top 10 and I find it especially moving. The lyrics could be interpreted a number of ways…pertaining to an unfulfilled or one-sided romantic relationship, a broken friendship, troubled family systems, a loved one dealing with illness, aging and maybe even loss. It could also be read spiritually. Like any good love song this one speaks directly to the soul, but it takes things one step further as it addresses the difficult and unpleasant part of putting your heart on the line. Will you let go, are you willing to grow up and make tough decisions, how much are you able to give before it all becomes too overwhelming?
In this crazy world we never expect (or plan for) the rejection, hurt and pain that can accompany love. The reality is that sometimes love sucks. Love isn’t fair. And often, as hard as it is to hear, it’s just not enough. I’ve always believed that actions speak louder than words and when we finally get to the point of asking a loved one to “say something,” I presume that on a lot of levels we already know the answer. And as difficult as that answer may be, it ultimately leads to this question…is it REALLY better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? Yes..a hundred times, yes.
Coming Up: Love Songs to Melt Your Heart and Move Your Soul: Song 14
***This post is part of an ongoing series. As part of my cup half full approach to loving the month of February, I vow to jump in with both feet and embrace the whole Valentine thing with my own custom list of Love Songs to Melt Your Heart and Move Your Soul. Ambitious? Yes! Bold? Absolutely! Crazy? You betcha! Pointless? On just about every level. Regardless, let’s give it a go—I mean it’s February and how else am I going to get through the coldest, bleakest, cloudiest, shortest (and longest at the same time) month on the calendar. Let the countdown to Valentine’s Day begin! I (gritting teeth) LOVE February, how about YOU?
Love Songs to Melt Your Heart and Move Your Soul: Song 11
Love is….knowing that I’m with you every step of the way (whether you like it or not.) –me
Love, laughter and loyalty. No, I’m not trying to impress you with some fancy alliteration; I’m simply listing the makings of a solid relationship. If we’re honest, we all know that love really isn’t enough. Sure, they say love can move mountains, it knows no boundaries, and it can conquer all, but there are too many instances out there where love alone is nothing more than a starting place.
Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” addresses a cornerstone of any long lasting relationship—loyalty. Most of us can recall a time when someone’s unfaithfulness has brought us to our knees. Only time can heal those type of wounds. And in order for a relationship to truly have a solid foundation it has to be built on a mutual trust. Music historians say that King’s song was inspired by an old spiritual as well as the words of Psalm 46:2-3. This scripture expresses God’s willingness and His commitment to stand by His people through all things—both the highs and the lows. Loyalty and fidelity…having a confidence in the one who promises to love you everyday and in every way. This is the best kind of love.
Coming Up: Love Songs to Melt Your Heart and Move Your Soul: Song 12
***This post is part of an ongoing series. As part of my cup half full approach to loving the month of February, I vow to jump in with both feet and embrace the whole Valentine thing with my own custom list of Love Songs to Melt Your Heart and Move Your Soul. Ambitious? Yes! Bold? Absolutely! Crazy? You betcha! Pointless? On just about every level. Regardless, let’s give it a go—I mean it’s February and how else am I going to get through the coldest, bleakest, cloudiest, shortest (and longest at the same time) month on the calendar. Let the countdown to Valentine’s Day begin! I (gritting teeth) LOVE February, how about YOU?
Summertime…it’s all fun and games…until it isn’t. No one dreams of having a bad summer and yet they still exist. But if summer isn’t all sunshine, thank heaven for quirky 80s songs that make the bad days bearable! Here’s where “Cruel Summer” by English pop group, Bananarama, comes in. Added to my summer music countdown for it’s easy chorus and spunky sound, it just screams summer…and then some.
hymningandhaing 