Sometimes I worry that my blog will take an exclusively negative tone. Since I think people who always find the crap in everyday life and ignore the good things are missing the point of life, I've decided to write a blog that is postive.
To that end, I have decided to list some songs that I love. These songs hold a special place in my heart. Maybe if you remember the songs and understand why they are so important to me, you'll have a better day.
1. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
I love this song for a few reasons. First, it reminds me of my favorite movie of all time, Titanic. Second, it is the song that played in the background when I proposed to my wife. Finally, it was the song we (my wife and I) chose to play on a constant loop at the reception after our wedding. Oh, and we also had it on repeat in our car for the first six weeks of our marriage.
2. Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
Sss-Aaa-Fff-Eee-Ttt-Yyy. I live by three rules: 1) Love like you have never been hurt. 2) Live like there is no tomorrow. 3) Dance like no one is watching. I don't need to remind you about the importance of dancing, I'll let Ren from "Footloose" do that. We can dance if we want to, we can leave your friends behind. Ivan Doroschuk's words have become my words. I have always enjoyed this song, but one event in my life gives it special meaning; a date with a really cool girl. I thought we had a great time (by the way, it was a blind date) and I was really looking forward to going out with her again. When I took her to her house at the end of the date, I was sure I had a repeat customer. Oh man, was I wrong. I pride myself on enjoying awkward moments, but this one was bad. When I asked her if she would like to go out again she said that she didn't date bald guys. I know! Ouch! I didn't know what to say. There was silence for probably close to a minute. Then all of the sudden I knew what I was supposed to do. I was supposed to dance. Right on her porch. There wasn't any music or anything, just me and my feelings. I'd like to think I put that one right back in her eye.
3. Women by Def Leppard
This is a good song because not only is it catchy, but it also explains the story the Creation way better than the Bible. Women, women, lots of willing women. This song isn't all that inspiring, but it does help me understand life.
4. Something to Believe In by Poison
This an excellent song about social injustice, faith, and the desire to improve the condition of the common man. Brett Michaels could probably single-handedly save the human race if he were called upon to do so. Combine his uncanny ability to succinctly explain complicated issues (not to mention excellent piano skills) with C.C. DeVille's catchy riffs and you have a song that will stand the test of time. I should also confess that I had a hand in writing that song. Brett, C.C., Rikki, and Bobby were in the studio and knew they were close to a hit with this song, but something was missing. I suggested they bring in a Baptist choir and add the "You take the high road/I'll take the low road" to the end of the song. I'd like to think that I had a hand in making that song a true monster ballad. You're welcome.
5. Don't Know Much by Aaron Neville & Linda Ronstadt
Aaron Neville has a huge mole on his face but he still starts the song out by asking his lover (us) to look at his face. He knows the years are showing. The couple singing the song is obviously in love and nothing else is as important as that one fact. This song is important to me because it reaffirms my belief that love does, in fact, conquer all. Also, this was the song that got me out of a huge funk at a time when I thought I had lost all hope. I won't go into too much, I'll just say that I missed some free throws that cost my Junior Jazz team a very important game in the 9 year old division. Thanks, Aaron and Linda. You don't know how much you mean to me and my teammates.
I think that is enough for now. I hope these songs will inspire you like they have inspired me. Music truly is powerful.
9 comments:
I'm sure you meant to include "when the children cry" in this non-exhaustive list of songs you love. It was written in much of the same vein as "something to believe in" and I'm sure you had a role in writing it. Well, if it didn't change your life it certainly did mine. "All that we've destroyed that you must build again"
We will always have our Celin, won't we, baby?
I think a song that's really inspiring to me (and I know inspiring to you seeming as how you always hum this song when you're feeling down) would be Making Love Out of Nothing At All by Air Supply.
First of all, Air Supply rocks. I would argue that there's not a better band out there.
Second of all, this song is their best one, by far. It has this sense of vulnerability to it that reaches your heart and makes you really look inside yourself. Russell and Russell know ALL these different things, like the roads to riches and the ways to fame, but even they don't know how to make love out of nothing at all.
I think this is a very powerful song and shouldn't be listened to lightly. We can all learn something from this song.
So true lizzy, so true. Well, I enjoyed your list and would like to add if I may, In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel. If you haven't seen Say Anything, you are missing out. There is something so touching about holding a boom box over your head to tell a girl you love her. That was the song that inspired me in my high school make out career.
This blog is soooo inspiring. I'd have to add some of my fav's. (BTW I totally agree with Lizzy about the Air Supply, "I was dancin in the dark with strangers, no love around me.. then suddenly you found me ohhh..." They are the best!) Ok I'd have to say that Skid Row has truly inspired me. (We are the youth gone wild). Also I absolutely love Def Leopard. Poor some sugar on me baby!
I forgot, you should totally add "From This Moment" from Shania Twain. That is the ULTIMATE wedding song. As great at Celine is, you can't deny that this duet is perfect for any loving couple that is vowing to share their life together, from that moment on.....
John, at this moment I have never been more proud to call you family!
thank you for those thoughts. may i add my testimony to music and testimony to our friendship of 25 or so years that "you are the wind beneath my wings". thank you Bette Midler for describing my best friend. thank you. thank you. thank God for you.
Bette Midler, of course! Did you know Bettie and Barry used to sing together? That's not only inspiring-it's pure magic!
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