Bad Romance

** Disclaimer** I do NOT listen to this, listen at your own risk ***

Caught in a bad romance
Caught in a bad romance
Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your ugly
I want your disease
I want your everything
As long as it’s free
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

I want your drama
The touch of your hand
I want your leather-studded kiss in the sand
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want it bad
Your bad romance

I want your love
And I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your love
All your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Caught in a bad romance
Caught in a bad romance

Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your horror
I want your design
‘Cause you’re a criminal
As long as your mine
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love, uhh

I want your psycho
Your vertigo stick
Want you in my room
When your baby is sick
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
(‘Cause I’m a freak bitch, baby!)
I want it bad
Your bad romance

I want your love
And I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

I want your love
All your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Caught in a bad romance
Caught in a bad romance

Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance (x2)

Work-work fashion baby
Work it
move that bitch crazy
Work-work fashion baby
Work it
move that bitch crazy
Work-work fashion baby
Work it
move that bitch crazy
Work-work fashion baby
Work it
I’m a freak bitch baby

I want your love
And I want your revenge
I want your love
I don’t wanna be friends

J'veux ton amour
Et je veux ton revenge
J'veux ton amour
I don't wanna be friends

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
(I don't wanna be friends)
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

(I don't wanna be friends)
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
(Want your bad romance)
Caught in a bad romance
(Want your bad romance)

I want your love
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!)
I want your love
And all your lovers is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
(Want your bad romance)
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
(Want your bad romance)
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
(Want your bad romance)
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Lady Gaga 2009

This could very well cause my death. Now why would I post such horrible music? Well the reason is simple.... if ever I am found dead with a horrified look on my face check my daughter's stereo. This is what she has been playing over and over and over..... now of course she is related to me and has grown up with me meaning if you're playing music you don't play it quietly. So..... not only do I know the lyrics to this song, the spew out like verbal vomit. I nearly go into a catatonic state now as soon as I hear it start.

I am not even going to attempt a musical or lyrical analysis on this song except to say I hate this shit. Let this post simply be a clue to begin with in the event of my untimely demise.

Rick.... enjoy :-)

Merry Christmas!

A little less politically correct:



And now for some of my favorite modern Christmas songs:

Silent Night:


Heavy Metal Christmas (12 Days)


Christmas in Hollis:


Oiche Chiun (Silent Night)


MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas!

Not politically correct, but ask me if I care.

Merry Christmas everyone

Hours of Wealth

Found a way to rid myself clean of pain
And the fever that's been haunting me
Has gone away

Looking through my window
I seem to recognize
All the people passing by
But I am alone
And far from home
And nobody knows me

Never heard me say goodbye
Never shall I speak to anyone again
All days are in darkness
And I'm biding my time
Once I am sure of my task I will rise again

- Opeth (2005)

Opeth has been one of my more satisfying musical finds. I remember watching the premiere of the current iteration of Headbanger's Ball and seeing a video for a song from their album Damnation. I really liked the song, but they fell off my radar for a couple of years while I tried to get my life bearings back. A couple of years later I was in Best Buy looking for new tunes and came across Ghost Reveries, which had some really good reviews. I put it in the CD player and was blown away.

Opeth has made their mark by crafting long and complicated songs with non-traditional structures. The basic sound is death and doom metal with other sounds thrown in the mix. The music ranges from heavy and brutal to dark and brooding. Every album sounds different, which is something that most bands stive for but few actually ever achieve. This song is taken from Ghost Reveries, which to this point has been their most commercially successful album.

Musically I find this song very haunting. The song is slow, with the underlying clean guitar joined by some wood instruments, violins, and piano. The timing of this music never changes, but the violins build a crescendo of sound, bringing a painful intensity to the emotional. Then all goes quiet as Mikael Akerfeldt begins singing the lyrics. The change to the sound brings forth the feeling of calm and peace. When the lyrics are finished, we are treated to a smooth electric guitar solo in the slow classical guitar tradition, which gives us the feeling that smooth sailing is ahead.

Lyrically this song brings forth mixed emotions in me. The singer has come to the decision on how to end what is troubling him, but at what cost will this be? In the lyrics there seems to be unfathomable sadness and loneliness present, but his voice is almost emotionless, as to demonstrate the resolve of his decision. But what is his decision? Is it leaving the place where he is currently? Is it suicide? Or is it a complete reorientation of his life? Each of these paths (along with a few others) could be followed from his words, but there are no clues as to the path he has chosen. I won't offer any conjecture at to what I think his path is as I don't really know. It is this cryptic message where the song holds its mystery for me.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this one while I continue to shop for Christmas.

And speaking of which... if our faithful and not-so-faithful readers don't hear from us before the end of the week, I just want to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Broken

I wanted you to know, I love the way you laugh
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away
I keep your photograph, I know it serves me well
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when your gone away
You've gone away, you don't feel me here anymore

The worst is over now and we can breathe again
I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away
There's so much left to learn and no one left to fight
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain

'Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away

'Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away

'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away
You've gone away, you don't feel me here anymore


Seether Featuring Amy Lee 2004

This video was shot in a trailer park destroyed by a meth lab that had blown up. The video features Amy Lee (Evanesence) and Shaun Morgan (Seether) wandering threw the park looking for each other. Seether has been around since 1999 though they haven't been at the top of many charts the band is still quite successful. They are a South African band which started out as Saron Gas, changing their name to Seether in 2002.

This song is pretty straight forward and strongly supported by the video. All romantic implications aside this song to me speaks of a lost friend. When that friend is gone for any reason one can feel broken and lost. Often times small things are blown into large issues unnecessarily. You feel like you are wandering through the day lost and lonesome. Relationships aren't always perfect, sometimes they aren't exactly what we want them to be but still we work on what we can.

"The worst is over now and we can breathe again" this line tells me that the bad part is over, whatever was done is done and now we can move on. No matter what was said it can be worked through. No matter what the problem it can be fixed, and the friendship will survive.

There is a version of this song with just Shaun singing though I definitely like this one better. Amy's vocals add to the intensity of the song. The melody and emotion in her voice are a good match as well.

Any other thoughts?

Oroborus

Serpent of light, movement of the soul
Crawling stately along the spine
Mighty Phoenix, from the ashes arises
Firebird cycle, life, regenerate the cell

Life burns fierce, reduced to ashes
Resurrection from the flame, ageless process
Quest for Absolution, out of bounds introspect
Self-consuming womb, ever-present, meet no end

It seems like I always knew this
Since I'm a child I can feel it
My inner light everlasting
Revolving within a circle

Extended wings I'm flying
Over the valleys and planes
The curve of space I'm leaving
Death is just an illusion

Oroborus symbol of eternal life
Dig a tunnel through light, through ignorant walls
I'm counting the days but I'm dying
Grow up with impatience I'm falling down

On the peaks of radiant mountains
This truth is growing before before me
My attention fixed on this silence
Rediscover life while I'm breathing

Designing the shape of material
Frozen icon distant reminder
Mankind has forgotten the gateways
By the mouth of the serpent regenerate

- Gojira (2008)

Gojira hails from France and has left a big footprint on the heavy metal scene here in the United States. Their raw, heavy sound found quickly found favor among American audiences following the release of the Prosthetic Records debut From Mars to Sirius in 2006. Their crushingly heavy sound, thoughtful lyrics, and high level of musicianship stuck a thumb in the eye of a scene that was starting to suffer from a bad case of sameness. I had the good fortune of interviewing vocalist Joe Duplantier before their show in support of In Flames in Houston last year. This song is taken from their most recent album The Way of all Flesh.

The oroborus is a symbol of a serpent eating its own tail. The most common interpretation of this symbol is that of the cycle of destruction and re-creation. To be more specific, once something ends, the cycle begins anew. The symbol itself is ancient and powerful.

This past weekend I was treated to the story of a little girl in a hospital room. She had ribbons in her hair and didn't speak much. The story scared the hell out of me for some reason. I was told later by more than one medical professional that the little girl often appears in hospital rooms when a patient is close to death.

The person who told the story is close to 93 years old and has really been wanting to die for the past 6 years. It's in the past 2 months that dementia has started to settle in on her mind, which doesn't help after she was weakened physically by a mild heart attack. Life is burning fierce for her and is reducing quickly to ashes in a short amount of time.

As I reflected on my human experience over the weekend I pondered the circle of life. Her life is ending, probably very soon, while mine is nearing the middle of the cycle. Even though we never spent that much time together, I can feel her influences in me. She will live on through me... she is just simply leaving this plane of existence to go forth to another to be with her husband who she misses so much. Those influcnces will be passed on to the next generation, where they may not know it is her hand guiding, but it will be felt. She has, in her lucid moments, achieved an understanding for herself what it means when she dies. Not everyone will be so lucky.

Anyway, if you were looking for a dissection of the song, I can't provide it here, I can only tell that this is a reflection of my current state of mind. Feel free to dissect it your will.

Never Enough

I'm so fed up with everyone around me
No one seems to care
I'm just so far gone and nothings gonna change
I'll never be the same
It's always do this, do that, everything they want to
I don't wanna live that way
Every chance they get they're always pushing me away

It's never enough, no it's never enough
No matter what I say
It's never enough, no it's never enough
I'll never be what you want me to be

It's all so messed up and no one ever listens
Everyone's deranged
I'm just so fucked up and I'm never gonna change
I wanna lay it all to waste
They're always say this, say that, nothing that you want to
I don't wanna live that way
Every chance they get they're always shoving me aside

It's never enough, no it's never enough
No matter what I say
It's never enough, no it's never enough
I'll never be what you want me to be
I'M DONE!

In the end we're all just chalk lines on the concrete
Drawn only to be washed away
For the time that I've been given
I am what I am

I'd rather hate you for everything you are
Than ever love you for something you are not
I'd rather you hate me for everything I am
Than have you love me for something that I can't

It's never enough, it's never enough
No matter what I say
It's never enough, no it's never enough
No matter who I try to be
It's never enough, no it's never enough
No matter how I try to taste
It's never enough, never never enough
I'll never be what you want me to be

Five Finger Death Punch 2008

Five Finger Death Punch was formed in 2005 by Hungarian guitarist, Zoltan Bathory. The band was named "Five Finger Death Punch" as a tribute to Hong-Kong Kung-Fu cinema. 5FDP just found its way onto my play list. I was actually asked to post this song and dissect it.

You can see in the video this song is about dysfunction. The adultress mom, the drug-addict cop dad and the murderer son end the video in a burning picture of the "perfect" family. I personally don't think the perfect family exists. Every family has some dysfunction. Going beyond that theme this song to me talks about how we never feel good enough for something. Either we aren't good enough to get the person we lust for, we can't get the job we so want because we aren't smart enough or we aren't the parent we think we should be.

Sometimes we get the feeling nothing is good enough by the response of others around us, you get the person who also has one up on you. They either do everything you do and have to try to do it better, or they have to know everything about everything. Every subject, every conversation they have the answer and are experts on the subject. Often this will leave us feeling inadequate, and as if nothing will match up.

We get to a breaking point where we have to decide if we can take the step away or if it causes a bad ending for us. In the song you hear the singer say "For the time that I've been given I am what I am" this sounds to be a turning point in the singers decision. Something in them has made them decide they are not going to be what everyone else wants them to be. They would rather be hated and be themselves than be someone they aren't.

I think this song just totally supports my attitude..... If you don't like it, don't talk to me.

Ace of Spades

If you like to gamble, I tell you I'm your man,
You win some, lose some, it's all the same to me,
The pleasure is to play, makes no difference what you say,
I don't share your greed, the only card I need is
The Ace of Spades

Playing for the high one, dancing with the devil,
Going with the flow, it's all the game to me,
Seven or eleven, snake eyes watching you,
Double up or quit, double stake or split,
The Ace of Spades

You know I'm born to lose, and gambling's for fools,
But that's the way I like it baby,
I don't wanna live for ever,
And don't forget the joker!

Pushing up the ante, I know you wanna see me,
Read 'em and weep, the dead man's hand again,
I see it in your eyes, take one look and die,
The only thing you see, you know it's gonna be,
The Ace of Spades

- Motorhead (1976)

Motorhead has been around for a looong time. After being fired from the band Hawkwind, Lemmy Kilmister founded the band Motorhead (after originally wanting to call the new band Bastard). Motorhead quickly earned a cult following in England and helped launch what is now known as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Motorhead's contemporaries at the time were bands such as Def Leppard, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden. The band is still making music to this day, with Lemmy as the sole original member. Lemmy, even pushing 64, is still very active in the heavy metal culture. His most recent project was as the voice of "The Killmaster" in the new hit video game Brutal Legend. This song is from their 1976 album of the same name.

Lyrically this song is all about gambling in the Las Vegas style. We're presented with terminology from different games such as poker and craps. But there is more under the surface of the lyrics. Here he pretty much says that he's not in the game to win but rather it's the thrill of the game that keeps him going. For a lot of people in life this holds true. There are those professions that don't earn very much money, but people do them because they love what they do. Of course, it all depends on your definition of winning... for some it's the money and for others it's the satisfaction of a job well done. All he needs is the Ace of Spades, which is probably the metaphor for winning.

The same could also be said of life in general. Let's face it - every second we live is a gamble. We don't know what could happen from one moment to the next (that's why he reminds us not to forget about the Joker). As we've seen in other songs in the past, it's not the result, but the thrill of the game that should keep us going. If we're lucky enough to draw the Ace of Spades, then so be it, but that should never be the all consuming goal.

Musically, this song is loud, heavy, and fast, which pretty much sums up the way Lemmy lived in the 1970's and 1980's (he said he was fired from Hawkwind for doing the wrong drugs). The music is what made it a good party song back in the day, but it does tie closely to the underlying theme of the song. Life is fast and hard and it's the thrill of the game that keeps us all in it.

Any thoughts, Mardi?

Break

Tonight, my head is spinning
I need something to pick me up
I've tried but nothing is working
I won't stop
I won't say I've had enough
Tonight, I start the fire
Tonight I break away,

Break!
Away from everybody
Break!
Away from everything
If you can't stand the way this place is
Take, yourself to higher places
Oh oh

At night I feel like a vampire
It's not rightI just can't give it up
I'll try to get myself higher
Let's go
We're gonna light it up
Tonight we start the fire
Tonight we break away

Break!
Away from everybody
Break!
Away from everything
If you can't stand the way this place is
Take, yourself to higher places

Oh oh oh
If you can't stand,
The way this place is
Take, yourself, to higher places

Break!
Away from everybody
Break!
Away from everything
If you can't stand the way this place is
Take, yourself to higher places

Oh oh
Higher places,
Oh oh
To higher places,
Oh oh
Higher places,
Take yourself to higher places

Three Days Grace 2009

Three Days Grace is a Canadian band. Originally they were formed in 1992 as Groundswell, they reformed in 1997 as Three Days Grace. Musically they could be compared to bands like Seether or Helmet. Three Days Grace has been named number one rock band of the year and number artist in airplay across all rock categories.

This song to me speaks of the moment when all you want to do is run away and hide. I think everyone has had a time in their life when they just wanted to leave the crap behind. They wanted break away from what seemed to hold them back. This song tells us to take control, get away from what drags you down and go to your own happiness. "Take yourself to higher places" is telling us we are in control and can bring ourselves up or down. We have to choose the direction we want to go. I think the general moral of this song is don't bitch about it, do something.

Musically there isn't anything real unique about the sound. The guitar riffs break in at the right moment to support the lyrics. You can definitely hear the energy in the music and vocals. And now I open it to comments, complaints, etc.

Plague of Butterflies

[I. Losing the Sunsets]

Cold was the air that the evening wind brought
Silent and so quiet were the woods
On the eve of that night.
Don't know why I stayed there for so long,
So long that I could hear that voice.
The whisper we all avoid.
Sound from within, the quiet truth

I felt my blood slowly turning cold,
Turning cold from waiting.
Hours I spent there awaiting,
Hoping for someone, someone to come.
To silent the voice that felt like thunder

Evael is the light, the white light.
In the chill of my world, she is the one.
She brings the butterflies, pure light.
When ever she comes by
The darkness steps aside

But I felt my blood turn cold.
Hours I spent there awaiting,
Watching the light fading

You're losing the sunsets, you will never get them back.
The days you spend in loneliness are seconds in shades of black

Winter was cold, but summer is even colder.
Nights have been longer, they have made me much older

You're losing the sunsets, you will never get them back.
Every night you spend in loneliness are years in shades of black

Years pass, but has time stopped on me?
Morning always arises with vaster pain
And then it is sunset again

We weep the winds for your loneliness,
Choir of broken dreams for the love you had.
But now she walks forever lost in gray and woe.
She's not forgiven, she's the one for winter to own.
Not yours, old man, never again...

[II. Plague Of Butterflies]

Silent people walking by.
They are leaving, again someone is living.
They don't seem to be well,
Quiet death on their faces

Buried a few of them today,
The children and the old by the road.
I could give them shelter but they decide to go...

Village is empty, dead, cold, empty
Only frozen bodies greet my arrival.
Tortured by the plague, a ghost town.

But her face I could not find.
I searched for her in the woods again
And kept a light on my window, for anyone to come.
But when even the trail of dead ended by the road,
I gave up waiting, hoping.

In this kingdom of my loneliness,
On this throne of my thoughts

Maybe I'm the old one, sheltered by these woods.
And when I lay my body to rest,
I watch the ballet of shadows.
Dancing through the flame of a candle.
Taking me to sleep...

But the night trembled my heart,
For black wings moved upon me.
Hoping for my time to come,
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
But like every night before, death did not come.

The wings, they moved and danced.
As a butterfly, they kept dancing,
Dancing around my candle.
But why are you here when Evael is lost still?

The morning came with its cold caress.
I curse your light for waking me again.
The candle burnt down, and the burnt wings beside.
Is this a sign of Evael, I arise

I opened my window, painted by thick ice,
Took a deep breath and whispered her name in the air

The freezing summer burned my lungs again
As I walked through the snow.
Looked deeper into the woods,
And the trees waved their heads in sorrow

[III. Evael 10:00]

Cold, oh so cold is this air that the night brought.
Silent, too quiet are the woods in the eve of this night.
Once again I lit the candle on my window
And waited for the sleep...

Evael, my dream has been so alive,
And this plague has cleansed this world for us.
So please, release me now

Sink deeper to your loneliness
And you will lead her to your grave.
She's lost in gloomy light
Still trying to hold her flame.
You're losing the sunsets and you will never get them back
This life you spend in loneliness is forever in shades of black.
Wake up, old man, let it go, let it go...

Was it a weak sound on my door that woke me up
Or the trees sheltering me from the night?
I kept my eyes closed but still felt the light,
And the room was filled by butterflies

I rose with my heart beating.
For the weak hope of the midnight's hour I prayed
And opened my door to the winter night

And she fell...
She fell to my arms.
In tears I carried her
And laid her down to sleep.
Her eyes frozen from the thousand nights alone
She trembled and whispered

"I was lost in the woods
And the trees kept me away from you
For I brought the plague with them
With the butterflies"

Hush now and let it go.
Close your eyes now.

And we drift away, together away from the pain,
Deep in this sheltering night, to a forgiving dream.
Until one minute past midnight, the room was filled.
Filled only with butterflies.

- Swallow The Sun (2008)

Swallow The Sun hails from Finland. Now the Finnish metal scene is known for a progressive style that usually finds nothing more than a niche audience in the United States. The progressive elements are present in their sound, but the base is pure technical death metal. Complicated song structures and atmospheric elements paint the setting for poetic and sometimes dark lyrical content. This song, from the eponymous EP, clocks in at nearly 35 minutes and is done in 3 movements.

The first movement, "Losing the Sunsets" sets the stage of this epic love story. Our tragic hero is wandering the woods, searching for Evael, his love. The words are sung almost as if the unnamed hero is recalling this all from memory. The sadness and lament are felt until he receives the warning. The warning is to turn back, to give up the search for Evael. His time is wasted. When he tries to plead his case, sympathy is expressed for his loss, but never again shall he find his love.

"Plague of Butterflies" finds our man coming to a village. People are leaving and those who haven't are either dead or dying. He searches for Evael's face among the dead, but does not find her. After burying some of the dead, he lights a candle as an offering of shelter to those who may yet still be alive. A sadness fills his heart as no one comes to him. He gives up and prays for death, which to his agony never comes. He sees black wings dance around him like a butterfly, which tortures him more as he thinks only of Evael. Morning comes and he sees the wings are burnt by the spent candle. Seeing this as a sign, he begins his search again deeper into the woods.

Night returns in "Evael 10:00". The disappointment at not realizing this sure sign of Evael is expressed as he again lights a candle and prays for death to take him. Again we here the argument that he is wasting away. Evael wanders the woods forever a prisoner, and the only thing the hero gains is to be one day closer to death in loneliness. Just as he finally sleeps, something awakens him. He feels something and opens his eyes to realize the room is filled with butterflies. Opening the door, Evael falls into his arms. She tells her story only in 1 verse... the trees kept her prisoner from him, for she brought the plague with the butterflies. As he holds her in his arms, they both drift into the black. The love is felt and until they die together, the room is filled with nothing but butterflies.

Musically this song reminds me of "Symphony No. 7: Leningrad" by Shostakovich. There are a series of highs and melodic lows throughout the song. The underlying sadness is punctuated by the dark tone of the story. Even in the moment of happiness of Evael's return, we can feel a darkness and sadness in the music as she tells her story, of how she stayed away from him as she was the bringer of the plague, and if they were together they both would die.

One of the things I love about metal is that it encompasses a range of styles and creative freedom that would never even be considered in genres. Metal musicians even have the freedom to incorporate other musical styles into their compositions to great effect. This is something that a few artists in other genres have attempted as one off experiments, but never fully explored. The epic song is normally found only in the realm of opera. The length of this composition is normally left to the realm of classical composers. Swallow The Sun has brought these 2 elements together into a death metal base to very great effect.

Chris didn't want another love song, but then again he just said that he didn't want anything sappy. I'm leaving this one open to interpretation by all readers... whether you follow the blog or not I challenge each of you to listen to the entire song and provide your thoughts.

Run To You

She says her love for me could never die
But that'd change if she ever found out about you and I

Oh - but her love is cold
It wouldn't hurt her if she didn't know, cause...

When it gets too much
I need to feel your touch

I'm gonna run to you
I'm gonna run to you
Cause when the feelings right I'm gonna run all night
I'm gonna run to you
She's got a heart of gold she'd never let me down
But you're the one that always turns me on
You keep me comin round

I know her love is true
But its so damn easy makin love to you

I got my mind made up
I need to feel your touch

I'm gonna run to you
Ya - I'm gonna run to you
Cause when the feelins right I'm gonna stay all night

I'm gonna run to you
Ya - I'm gonna run to you
Oh when the feelins right I'm gonna run all night
I'm gonna run to you

Bryan Adams 1984

I debated on songs this time and decided to go with this oldie. Bryan Adams comes to us from Canada and is a well-known rock/pop star. Most classify him as a rock singer and I agree to an extent but his sound tends to hit the pop side of rock, if that makes sense. Adams has had many hits with this being just one of them.

I can't say there is a deep-seeded meaning in this song, I mean it pretty much lays it out for us. Our singer seems to be rationalizing his own thoughts. And our listener the one being sang to, do you wonder what she must be thinking? I mean quite literally he says "it's so damn easy making love to you" well is this about the sex or this about emotions and feelings? Our singer also seems torn as he doesn't want to hurt the one who has been by his side for what seems to be quite some time now. He poses the old saying "what she doesn't know won't hurt her" in so many words. I pose the question: Is that true? And for everything or does it only apply in certain situations?

Of course one can look at this from the point of view that we have two people in love that just cannot be together, at least not at the time being. But there has to be the moments together if even for only a few hours. On the flip side there is a victim portrayed in this song.... but who is it? That is for you to decide.

Ok that one turned more into questions than anything but I am curious to see what people may say about this one.

Sorry didn't post the video, YouTube disabled it.

Unholy Terror/Charisma

I was here when time began
I was in them all
A wicked one magician's hand
I am what John had saw
I'm a thing that lives and breathes
With slaves to worship me
There are many that are born of me
Anytime there are many me's

Crowned messiah, I crucified him
And still ya don't believe
I am kings - I am queens
Unholy terror is me

I'm the feces of the species
Still you're all in awe
I'm something a prophet saw
Hister with a rise and fall
Obsessed with Lenin
Manifested Marx
I am incest in the hearts of dark
I'm riding on some atomic bomb
To blind you all into kingdom come

I am - I am - I am - I am

I've a breath in minds of men
With the lies I breathe
No man's ever ruled the world
Not knowing the curse of me
I'm some of the seven sins
Vanity in the lust of men
I'm the Alpha - Omega man
I'll show you who I am

Hypnotic charm, mesmerizing face
My soul has a dark embrace
A magic tongue, I'll seduce you all
Till I'm your king, till you know my

Charisma - do you know my name?
I'm the God that you pray
When you worship my name
Charisma - are you idolizing me?
I'm a dangerous thing
Your new messiah's me

I'm a liar blinding your vision
Vaticam man
Preaching fear and using religion
With the bible and Koran
I wrap myself in the American flag
And tell people I'm for which it stands
I'm coming back till you know I'm God
Till you believe, till you know my

Charisma - do you know my name?
I'm the God that you pray
When you worship my name
Charisma - are you idolizing me?
I'm a dangerous thing
Your new messiah's me

I'm a fear from a shadow land
I seduce you all
Here I come new messiah man
To bow to me, make me your God
I got them all marching to the rhythm
Believing me, oh yeah, their new religion
I'm a racist with a waving flag
Of domination with a fascist plan
I'm gonna be the new world leader
I got a lot of 9 millimeter baby eaters
I'm coming back til you know I'm God
Till you belive, till you know I'm

Charisma - do you know my name
I'm the God that you pray
When you worship my name
Charisma - are you idolizing me?
I'm a dangerous thing
Your new messiah's me

- WASP (2001)

A brief background of W.A.S.P. was given in the entry for "Hold On to My Heart". The albums following The Crimson Idol had seen the band fall into a mediocrity and almost fade away. In 2000 original guitarist Chris Holmes had cleaned up a little and rejoined the band. Together Blackie Lawless and Chris were able to pen a nice little comeback album called Unholy Terror, from which this entry is taken.

This is actually 2 songs that flow together seemlessly on the album. The first, "Unholy Terror', brings us the 'master'. He is someone who has always been there and is watching over us. He has an invisible hand that guides the events around us, and we don't suspect a thing. The second song, "Charisma", follows in the same vein, but this time it is the master personified. Here he takes a direct part in all things that happen, and nothing happens without his approval. As he does these terrible things, the people will bow down and worship him for it.

Josef Stalin, Mao Tse-tung, Kin Il Sung - these are but a few of those leaders that have held a charisma that caused the people to love them as they were crushed underfoot. The cult of personality built was frightening, but they were able to hold the love of the people to a frightening degree. The problem is that people have a tendency to forget history, and worse, sometimes people have a way of putting a spin on history that often results in history being rewritten under a false context.

The songs to me serve as a warning. There are always things at work that we don't see, but guide us along in our lives, for better or for worse. "Unholy Terror" paints a picture of that force that guides us for worse. Think what you want on the religious imagery, but through a lot of history, the common thread sometimes makes you wonder. As to "Charisma" we are being told to be on our guard. Danger lurks behind every leader, especially those blessed with a silver tongue and charm. That's not to say that loved leaders have all been bad, but more often than not there is a dark side to them. Even some of the more benevolent among histories leaders have had skeletons in the closet that were only discovered years later. The difference here is that those dark secrets didn't cause death and destruction on massive scales.

Musically the first song is low key as the master tells his story. The song is almost sung in a whisper, leading the listener to believe he is being told a dark secret. The music picks up on "Charisma" as his presence is announced to a larger audience. The doomy feel to both songs adds weight to the dark message.

And now for commentary I turn you over to Mardi.

Lose Yourself

Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted
In one moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?

Yeah,
His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy
There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti
He's nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready
To drop bombs, but he keeps on forgetting
What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud
He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out
He's choking how, everybody's joking now
The clock's run out, time's up over, bloah!
Snap back to reality, Oh there goes gravity
Oh, there goes Rabbit, he choked
He's so mad, but he won't give up that
Easy, no
He won't have it, he knows his whole back's to these ropes
It don't matter, he's dope
He knows that, but he's broke
He's so stagnant that he knows
When he goes back to his mobile home, that's when it's
Back to the lab again yo
This whole rhapsody
He better go capture this moment and hope it don't pass him

x2
You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go go
You only get one shot,
Do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo

This soul's escaping, through this hole that is gaping
This world is mine for the taking
Make me king, as we move toward a, new world order
A normal life is boring, but super stardom's close to post mortem
It only grows harder, homey grows hotter
He blows us all over these hoes is all on him
Coast to coast shows, he's know as the globetrotter
Lonely roads, God only knows
He's grown farther from home, he's no father
He goes home and barely knows his own daughter
But hold your nose cause here goes the cold water
His hoes don't want him no mo, he's cold product
They moved on to the next schmoe who flows
He nose dove and sold nada
So the soap opera is told and unfolds
I suppose it's old partner', but the beat goes on
Da da dum da dum da da

x2
You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go go
You only get one shot,
Do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo

No more games, I'ma change what you call rage
Tear this motherf***ing roof off like two dogs caged
I was playing in the beginning, the mood all changed
I been chewed up and spit out and booed off stage
But I kept rhyming and stepwritin the next cypher
Best believe somebody's paying the pied piper
All the pain inside amplified by the
Fact that I can't get by with my nine to
Five and I can't provide the right type
Of life for my family
Cause man, these god***m food stamps don't buy diapers
And it's no movie, there's no Mekhi Phifer, this is my life
And these times are so hard and it's getting even harder
Trying to feed and water my seed, plus
Teeter totter caught up between being a father and a prima donna
Baby mama drama's screaming on and
Too much for me to wanna
Stay in one spot, another day of monotony
Has gotten me to the point, I'm like a snail
I've got to formulate a plot or end up in jail or shot
Success is my only motherf***ing option, failure's not
Mom, I love you, but this trailer's got to go
I cannot grow old in Salem's lot
So here I go is my shot.
Feet fail me not this may be the only opportunity that I got

x2
You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go go
You only get one shot,
Do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo

You can do anything you set your mind to, man

Eminem 2002

Eminem was born Marshall Bruce Mathers III in 1972. He has had a successful run as a rapper and has done some acting as well. Eminem tends to cause controversy with his raps yet they catch on like wildfire. Some may know him better as Slim Shady. Many people followed Eminem enjoying how he seemed to speak his mind without concern of the repercussions.

This song has an obvious meaning to it and anyone who has seen the movie 8 mile can pick it out instantly but I think the lyrics can be twisted and applied to many situations in life. As the title suggests I think people lose themselves all too often. We give ourselves to so many areas in our life that we tend to lose focus of we are or who we once were. Between work, family, friends and obligations to them all, when is there time for oneself? In the lyrics you hear a man desperate to make his life better and telling himself it's now or never. He is losing himself in the music in order to fulfill his destiny, losing himself in order to find himself. He is dealing with the day to day life dragging him down and barely able to keep his head up. I can certainly relate to times when I have looked in the mirror and wondered who I was looking back at, this isn't the person I was supposed to be, this isn't where my life was supposed to go.

The chorus of the song pretty much sums it up. You get one shot in life, you have to take it and make it what you want it to be. You cannot just let go or you may lose yourself forever. Sometimes in life we have to make decisions that are not easy to make yet they are the decisions that are best for us. Rather than lose our being it is better to make the hard decision and retain our self identity. Sometimes we have to do what we have to do for ourselves and hope others can support that. You can only give so much of yourself before there is nothing to give and you have no idea who you are. The song tells us to go for your dream, grab the moment. Live in the moment and make it your own.

Devilizer

Born in the deepest lake of tears
From the crypts, my lair I rise
Summoned by cruelty and pain
With southern blow I arrive

In blackest of territory of your soul
Emptiness just waiting for fill
I come bringing relief
Like a shadow on the waste

I smell your excitement...
South as I arrive

Hate and desire is like a prayer
I spread my wings on the wind
I howl wild in my madness
I come to you tonight

Open your soul for me!

Born in the deepest lake of tears
From the crypts, my lair I rise
Summoned by cruelty and pain
With southern blown I arrive

I spread my wings on the wind
I howl wild in madness
I come to you tonight
To raise the undead

- Vader (2009)

I decided to kick it very new school this time around, although it is with an old school band. Vader was formed in Poland in 1983 when heavy metal was illegal in the old Soviet bloc. Peter, the last original member, has been keeping the project going for 26 years and shows no signs of letting up. I had the good fortune of seeing them (and hearing them) live for the first time at Summer Slaughter 2008 in Houston, TX. I was blown away by their performance and have been a fan ever since. Vader has returned in 2009 to bring forth some old school death metal with the crushingly heavy album Necropolis. "Devilizer" is the lead track from this new album.

Obvious imagery aside. this song is a very dark one. Here we have the insidious monster that creeps into our lives, born from our pain, suffering, and sin. Where "Monster" showed us the victim, here we have the demon that has turned him into what he's become. The demon is here to fill the emptiness inside. Although he comes invited, he does not ask for trust from his prey. He simply announces his presence and fills the need. What is that need? It could be anything... vengeance, sex, power, lust... the possibilities for the demon are endless as he takes hold.

I'm sure we've all felt this insidious presence in our lives that has driven us to do things that would normally seem outside the realm of possbility. Extreme situations have a tendency to bring out the parts in people that are normally buried very deep within the soul. I know in my life I have been driven to do things that, upon reflection, would have been impossible for me to even conceive before or after the event. It can be a scary thing indeed to be driven to such a point.

The song is pounding and heavy with Peter's voice very high in the mix to add extra punch. The first time I heard the song I could actually picture the fire from which the demon was born. This song has made it into my rotation is holds a spot in my workout mix on my iPod.

What do you think, Mardi.

Angel

Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
Theres always one reason
To feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
Let me be empty
And weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight

In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there

So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
And the storm keeps on twisting
You keep on building the lie
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference
Escaping one last time
It's easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees

In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there

You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

- Sarah McLachlan (1997)

I first met Mimi Mindajao in 1995 when while visiting my wife's family in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Mimi was my wife's cousin, all of 7 years old at the time. There were other kids there, but I noticed she wasn't playing with any of them. When I saw her father talking to her, he was signing. That's when I figured out she was deaf. I went up to her and tried to offer her a treat, but she quickly shied away. I knew she was afraid simply because I didn't look like anyone else there, but I didn't mind. Her father took the candy from me and gave it to her.

This continued every time she came over. She would stare at me with intense curiosity, but would shy away when I caught her looking. I wasn't sure how I would get through to her since I don't know how to sign and I definitely don't speak Visayan. I just figured we would connect somehow and that when the time was right, it would happen. My wife and I were there over Christmas of 1995 and every year my wife's family hosts a big Christmas party for the neighborhood. I was videotaping some of the festivities when I saw Mimi staring with interest at the video camera. I stopped filming and rewound it to a scene with her. I held out the camera. At first she shied away, but curiosity got the best of her and she approached. I motioned for her to put her eye to the eyepiece. She did and I pressed the play button.

Mimi, that smile you wore upon seeing yourself in the camera is something that I will never forget. The fact I was able to bring that kind of happiness to your life is something that has stuck with and will always stick with me for the rest of my life. That night I was your best friend, and you were mine. When your father died my thoughts were immediately of you as I knew you were the apple of his eye.

I know things were never easy for you. I just found out this evening you had a congenital heart defect. I can't imagine how hard it was for you growing up not being able to hear as well as not being able to play with the other kids. I also know that when the weather got hot you suffered mightily. Although I wish we could have spent more time together, please know wherever you are that those moments with you will be with me always. It's tragic that you were never able to experience the joy I find with music. The song I dedicate to you is a beautiful song... I know you would have felt the same. My heart is with you now Mimi, as I hope now you find the peace you deserve after your much too short life of suffering.

Rest in Peace, Mimi Mindajao... you are already missed.

Monster

The secret side of me, I never let you see
I keep it caged but I can't control it
So stay away from me, the beast is ugly
I feel the rage and I just can't hold it

It's scratching on the walls, in the closet, in the halls
It comes awake and I can't control it
Hiding under the bed, in my body, in my head
Why won't somebody come and save me from this, make it end?

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a monster

I, I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster

My secret side I keep hid under lock and key
I keep it caged but I can't control it
'Cause if I let him out he'll tear me up, break me down
Why won't somebody come and save me from this, make it end?

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a monster

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster

It's hiding in the dark, it's teeth are razor sharp
There's no escape for me, it wants my soul, it wants my heart
No one can hear me scream, maybe it's just a dream
Maybe it's inside of me, stop this monster

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a monster

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I've gotta lose control, he something radical
I must confess that I feel like a monster

I, I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster

Skillet 2009

Skillet is a Christian rock band which I can't say I normally find in my library but this song came on the radio and grabbed my attention.

The song is all about putting on an act for others, being someone you're not for the benefit of others. I am sure many of us at some point in our life have done this and experienced it in others. I am reminded quickly of high school days when everyone wanted to be accepted. Fortunately for me I was perfectly content to be the outsider or at least be the one who "thought outside the box". This song now reminds me so much of my daughter, being 14 she is stuck in this rut. People tend to put on an act in many different situations in life. Sadly people seem to think it is necessary to do so. Personally I think it's just easier to be who I am and if people don't like it... well that sucks for them.

This song really has no deeper meaning in my mind. I think it has a good tempo, great sound and the growl just adds to the song. What do you think?

Shake Your Foundations

You gotta see me leanin' on the bar
I got my head in a whiskey jar
Feelin' good 'cos the city's alive
I'm gettin' ready to rock and jive
I get up and I slide across the floor
You wanna come and I'll meet you at the door
No one can stop us 'cos we're feelin' too right
We're gonna steal our way around tonight

Alright, alright

Aye, aye, oh, shake your foundations
Aye, aye, oh, shake it to the floor
Aye, aye, oh, shake your foundations
Aye, aye, oh, shake it

I was takin' no liberties
She's gettin' hotter off the heat on me
I was oilin', she was slick
Lickin' off the sweat, her favorite trick
She cried help me, help me, please
Tame this animal, help me to breathe
I said no, no way
You gotta come with me all of the way

Ok, I'll play

Aye, aye, oh, shake your foundations
Aye, aye, oh, shake it to the floor
Aye, aye, oh, shake your foundations
Aye, aye, oh, shake it

Aye, aye, oh, shake your foundations
Aye, aye, oh, shake it to the floor
Aye, aye, oh, shake your foundations
Aye, aye, oh, shake it

We had the night, we had the time
She had the sugar and I had the wine
Took my hand, shook me to the core
Told her not to touch, but she was coming back for more

You know what for
Aye, aye, aye, aye

Aye, aye, oh, shake your foundations
Aye, aye, oh, shake it to the floor
Aye, aye, oh, shake your foundations
Aye, aye, oh, shake it

- AC/DC (1985)

What more can be said about the artists collectively known as AC/DC? Coming from very humble beginnings in Australia, this band has been sitting atop the world of rock and roll for nearly 40 years. Despite bassist and drummer changes, along with the tragic death of vocalist Bon Scott, the band has pressed on and turned out classic album after classic album. Fly on the Wall, released in 1985, saw the band dip their toes into a more heavy sound.

We all have those nights where everything seems to come together and it completes with a perfect ending. That's what this song is about. The adventure begins inside the bar, where the singer is starting his night of raising hell. She walks in the bar, and the night takes a turn for the better. Of course, being an AC/DC song, the central theme quickly turns to sex, but that's okay for me. The night is perfect for everyone involved.

This song was one of the first that made me want to just tear stuff up. The sound is among the heaviest in the AC/DC catalog. It's more metal and less blues, especially when the chorus of the song kicks in. And when the chorus kicks in, all hell breaks loose. Even the guitar solo advances the song rather than just showcase Angus's talent. I can just imagine the crowds at the shows when the band did this song live. All in all, there is no lesson to the song. It's just good fun rock and roll.

Does Mardi like this song?

Had Enough

Milk it for all it's worth.
Make sure you get them first.
The apple of your eye.
The rotten core inside.
We are all prisoners.
Things couldn't get much worse.
I've had it up to here, you know your end is near.

[Chorus:]You had to have it all,
Well have you had enough?
You greedy little bastard,
You will get what you deserve.
When all is said and done,
I will be the one to leave you in the misery and hate what you've become.

Intoxicated eyes, no longer live that life.
You should have learned by now, I'll burn this whole world down.
I need some peace of mind, no fear of what's behind.
You think you've won this fight, you've only lost your mind.

[Chorus:]You had to have it all,
Well have you had enough?
You greedy little bastard,
You will get what you deserve.
When all is said and done,
I will be the one to leave you in the misery and hate what you've become.
Hold me down (I will live again)
Pull me out (I will break it in)
Hold me down (better in the end)
Hold me down.

[Chorus]You had to have it all,
Well have you had enough?
You greedy little bastard,
You will get what you deserve.
When all is said and done,
I will be the one to leave you in the misery and hate what you've become.

Heaven help you.

Breaking Benjamin 2006

Breaking Benjamin was formed in 1998. The name came from an incident when the lead singer Benjamin Burnley was performing at a club doing a cover of a Nirvana song and kicked over a mic stand breaking it. The owner of the stand came up on stage and said "I'd like to thank Benjamin for breaking my fucking microphone". Thus the name Breaking Benjamin.

My interpretation of this song is probably very different than others. The message it sent to me came through very clear. I hear the voice in the song as one of someone feeling trapped, being controlled by someone else who only takes and does not give. Someone who is abusive in many ways. I think the singer in this song is finally at the point where they have decided enough is enough. The point where they have finally decided to walk away.

In an abusive relationship this can take a long time to get to and sometimes the person is pushed to the very edge where they feel like they are going to snap. The lyrics in this song say to the other person, you will get whats coming to you. I think in life we all have felt that way at some point. Someone has wronged us in some way and though we may be mad as hell we come to the reasoning that they will get what's coming to them we just have to sit back and watch it happen.

The song also is almost taunting. The opening line "Milk it for all its worth" it's almost as if the singer is saying come on do it again while you have the chance. Being abused by someone the person (I do not refer to people as victims as I believe we all the ability to take a stand, it just takes time to find your voice) gets to the point where you know it's coming and may even egg it on as a defense mechanism to show the abuser you are not afraid.

In the chorus our singer is asking if his "controller" so to speak has had enough, do they want more, and to let them know he is not going to take it much longer. When someone is finally breaking free of their abuser the same cycle may occur. A powerful feeling of freedom reigns over you and sometimes you are able to find words you never could before.

I really don't think this song was meant for this meaning when it was written but it is what I got out of it. Let's see what my better half has to say.

Twilight Zone

Somewhere early morning in a hotel room
There's a guy starting to realize
That eternal fate
Has turned its back on him.

It's 2am....

It's 2 am
The fear is gone
I'm sitting here waiting
The gun's still warm
Maybe my connection
Is tired of taking chances

Yeah, there's a storm on the loose
Sirens in my head
Wrapped up in silence
All circuits are dead
Cannot decode
My whole life spins into a frenzy

Help I'm steppin' into the twilight zone
Place is a madhouse
Feels like being cloned
My beacon's been moved under moon and star
Where am I to go now that I've gone too far?
Help I'm steppin' into the twilight zone
Place is a madhouse
Feels like being cloned
My beacon's been moved under moon and star
Where am I to now that I've gone to far?

Soon you will come to know
When the bullet hits the bone
Soon you will come to know
When the bullet hits the bone

I'm fallin' down a spiral destination unknown
Double-crossed messenger all alone
Can't get no connection
Can't get through where are you?

Well the night weighs heavy on his guilty mind
This far from the borderline
When the hitman comes
He knows damn well he has been cheated

Help I'm steppin' into the twilight zone
Place is a madhouse
Feels like being cloned
My beacon's been moved under moon and star
Where am I to go now that I've gone too far?
Help I'm steppin' into the twilight zone
Place is a madhouse
Feels like being cloned
My beacon's been moved under moon and star
Where am I to now that I've gone to far?

Soon you will come to know
When the bullet hits the bone
Soon you will come to know
When the bullet hits the bone

When the bullet hits the bone

- Golden Earring (1982)

Mardi decided to go old school, I felt it only polite that I do so as well. Formed in The Hague, Golden Earring first hit the scene in 1965 with the album Just Earrings (under the name Golden Earrings). In 1973 they gave us the smash song "Radar Love" and in 1982 they let loose "Twilight Zone" from the album Cut. Those who may have wondered as to my favorite all time song, well, wonder no more. This song has stood on its own for 27 years and continues to stand the test of time with rockers and headbangers young and old alike.

On the surface it would seem that we were witnessing something out of either a Jon Le Carre novel (that would be the Bourne series for you younger folk) or something out of a Mario Puzo story (The Godfather or Prizzi's Honor). Digging a little deeper, it's about someone who has gotten himself too deep into a situation. The only way out for him, for what he can see, is not going to be good for him. The desperation at the final act is palpable. I know we've all felt this way at one point or another in our lives. It's how we handle the situation that tells us how strong we are.

The intensity of the song is driven by the beat. Prominent bass and guitars push along the desperation felt by the character in the story. Some may say this song is a little on the long side, but in my mind it fits with the emotion of the song. The driving beat keeps the desperate mood alive while he waits for the end that never seems to come.

So, Mardi, what do you think of this song?

Green, Green Grass of Home

The old home town looks the same as I step down from the train
and there to meet me is my mama and papa;
Down the road I look and there runs Mary, hair of gold and lips like cherries,
it's good to touch the green, green grass of home.

Yes, they'll all come to meet me arms a'reaching, smiling sweetly;
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home.

The old house is still standing, though the paint is cracked and dry,
and there's that old oak tree that I used to play on;
Down the lane I walk and with my sweet Mary, hair of gold and lips like cherries,
it's good to touch the green, green grass of home.

Then I awake and look around me at the four gray walls that surround me and I realize that
I was only dreaming. For there's a guard and there's a sad old padre.
Arm and arm we'll walk at daybreak - again I'll touch the green, green grass of home.

Yes, they'll all come to see me in the shade of that old oak tree;
As they lay me 'neath the green, green grass of home.

Kenny Rogers 1977

I decided it was time to mix it up a bit. So we went old school in a whole different genre. Let me start by saying I am in no way a Kenny Rogers expert. I am not even a fan but we had to mix it up. Kenny is definitely an influential singer and has been around forever.

This song is about a man that has been away from home for an undetermined amount of time. He is coming home and seeing his parents and what we assume his girlfriend. He is stepping off the train and touching the grass. He speaks of seeing the old oak tree, and the family house, walking along with his girl.

The hero than finds himself surrounded by four walls, he is in prison. He is actually awaiting his execution but he is dreaming of life outside. He will return home when he is dead and buried.

I can't really put much more meaning to the song than the literal. Briefly listening to it I could also apply it to a serviceman or woman overseas for sometime.

So Rick, we totally flipped the coin. What do you think?

Walk With Me in Hell

Pray for blood
Pray for the cleansing
Pray for the flood
Pray for the end of this nightmare
This lie of a life can as quickly as it came dissolve

We seek only reprieve and welcome the darkness
The myth of a meaning so lost and forgotten

Take hold of my hand
For you are no longer alone
Walk with me in hell

Pray for solace
Pray for resolve
Pray for a savior
Pray for deliverance, some kind of purpose
A glimpse of a light in this void of existence

Now witness the end of an age
Hope dies in hands of believers
Who seek the truth in the liar's eye

Take hold of my hand
For you are no longer alone
Walk with me in hell

Walk with me in hell
Walk with me in hell
Walk with me in hell
Walk with me in hell
Walk with me in hell

Take hold of my hand
For you are no longer alone
Walk with me in hell
Walk with me in hell
Walk with me in hell

You're never alone
You're never alone
You're never alone
You're never alone
You're never alone

Walk with me in hell

- Lamb Of God (2006)

In the space of a few short years Lamb Of God went from obscurity in Richmond, VA to become one of the most important acts on the American metal scene. With their high level of musicianship coupled with Randy Blythe's pseudo-demonic voice, these guys quickly found favor. This particular song is interesting in that for the final take, the producer had Randy run 2 laps around the building where the recording studio was located, then come back in and record the song. That version, with Randy out of breath, is the version we hear on the album.

So many meanings can be taken from this song. This is truly one of those where it is left to the listener to figure out what it means to them. One can see a tormented man reaching out for help before something terrible happens. Another person could see one with Multiple Personality Disorder, and one dominant dark personality is entreating another more passive personality to aquiesce. Still one could go the social route and see one person trying to drag others down to their level. There are even political angles that could be attacked with this song. The possibilities are truly endless.

As for me, I go with option A. The person here is troubled and is reaching out to someone. When he finally finds someone he trusts, he lets them in... the journey through hell, as it were. The journey may be scary, but our hero has control over these demons and will keep his companion safe on the journey. The heaviness of the music adds to the weight of the journey that is about to be undertaken.

This song is my favorite Lamb Of God song and is on my list of all time favorite songs. It's a dark and heavy song with good open lyrics. I wonder what Mardi thinks.

Well, I'm off to charge my iPod.

Summertime is Gone

A new cold breeze in the air
Wish I could take you up there
Where we would drown in the sun
But summertime is gone

A chilly wind through my spine
And heavy clouds in decline
Winter's work has begun
And summertime is gone

And I wanna see you once again
And I wanna touch you once again
Oh, this is what dreams are made of
My, oh my
These soothing times
The summer wine
Summertime is gone!

Now clouds are hanging low
And paint the land in snow
The equinox is through and done
And summertime is gone

I dream a little dream of summer days
And spread my wings of dreams to leave this place
With summershine and dreams for two
One for me and one for you
I dream a little dream of summer days

Tiamat 2008

I found this song to be highly appropriate as the summer comes to an end, and today is cold in Minnesota. That being said let's dive in.

This song has our hero singing to his love. Speaking of times gone by. Dreaming of when they can return. To me this song speaks of a time when two lovers were together, when they had each other to themselves. A summer fling, a forbidden romance. That time has now ended and our hero is dreaming of when it will come back.

I suppose this could be applied to many areas but the song so obviously speaks of love. You know the kind, where everything is right in that moment. No one exists but the two of you and nothing matters. Time seems to stand still, yet rushes past way too fast at the same time. It's a moment when you can see the others soul in their eyes and feel their heart beating.

We than come to the end of the romance, or the pause during the seperation and we find our hero longing for it. He has succumbed to the fact that, that moment is over but is dreaming of more to come. Dreaming of the moment when the two can be reunited and share their love once again.

All in all I find this to be a very romantic, dreamy song. Let's see what my counterpart has to say.

Wishlist

I wish I was a neutron bomb, for once I could go off
I wish I was a sacrifice but somehow still lived on
I wish I was a sentimental ornament you hung on the Christmas tree
I wish I was the star that went on top

I wish I was the evidence, I wish I was the grounds
For 50 million hands upraised and open toward the sky

I wish I was a sailor with someone who waited for me
I wish I was as fortunate, as fortunate as me
I wish I was a messenger and all the news was good
I wish I was the full moon shining off a camaros hood

I wish I was an alien at home behind the sun
I wish I was the souvenir you kept your house key on
I wish I was the pedal brake that you depended on
I wish I was the verb to trust and never let you down
I wish I was a radio song, the one that you turned up

I wish...
I wish...

- Pearl Jam (1998)

Pearl Jam was one of the few things about the 90's alternative scene that managed to stand the test of time. Eddie Vedder's smooth voice lent a great counterpoint to the distortion of the guitars. The music was soulful and deep. I don't know if any of our readers out there caught the 1993 MTV Music Awards performance of Pearl Jam and Neil Young, but that was definitely one for the ages. I had the good fortune of seeing Pearl Jam in 2000... that remains one of the best concerts I ever attended.

While my favorite song from the album Yield is "Given to Fly", this one rates a very close second. Without sounding like a stalker, the singer is telling his love that he wants to be her all. It's that feeling of love for someone so deep that there is nothing he won't do for her. Anyone, man or woman, who has ever been in love knows this feeling. Although we can't tell if he's looking in from the outside or is trying to find a way to express his love, he certainly lets us feel it.

There really isn't much more to say about this song. It's simple, short and to the point. Anyone who has been in love knows the feeling of wanting to surrender. What do you think, Mardi?

Torn

(life)
I long for days like this
My heart pounds when you are near
The gift of life
Treasure it, for it is pure
Embrace it with all your heart

Not a thousand years of pain
Would be worth the loss of this
I hold for you a special gift
And on this day, a new life begins

(torn)
Facade the day of forest green
And calm my breath with words of plight
A question I ponder this hour
The light for me, or shadows engulf?

(death)
I am the answers you seek
You stand before me
And I see your sorrow
Even now, in your agony
You can have your doubt
For one last time

(torn)
Do I make make the sacrifice?
To walk among the restless souls?
How can I let this go on?
Torn between love and life
All is dead in my eyes

(death)
Close your eyes and welcome the truth
Innocence is so sweet
For only the aging of the flesh
Shall rain upon the sorrows of life
Admire this touch of heaven
Before it fades

I remember days of old
And through your grief, one stands clear
I can see you forge a smile

All these flowers are turning to snow
For all is lost in your heart
It's only her love that keeps you alive
Now's the time for your pain to end

(life)
How can I ever live without you?
This all seems so perfect
So perfect, until I dream of you
And your smile is my sunshine

(life)You deserve more than this
(death)Your saviour has come
(life)A strong soul to carry on
(death)To take you home
(life)I need you here with me
(death)Follow me now
(life)To pick me up when I fall
(death)Before the sunlight fades

- Novemeber's Doom (2002)

November's Doom is like Daylight Dies in that they have been around for a while and put out consistently great material, but managed to stay under the radar of the mainstrean metal crowd. I've known of their existence for a long time, but never really got around to listening to them. After hearing their latest effort, I was quite intrigued and decided to examine some of their back catalog. I was rewarded greatly by coming across this one.

The song is slow and melancholic. It is sung in 3 voices - a clean female voice (life), and clean male voice (torn), and a death growl (death). The conversation is a haunting one detailing someone about to make the ultimate sacrifice and the two forces pulling upon him. Both life and death are pulling on the hero, and he must make the decision on to which destination he must journey.

In a way I'm reminded of "Stay" by Shakespear's Sister, only this time we hear the voice of the lover in the story (how awesome would it be if Marcella Detroit and Siobhan Fahey were the voices of life and death here?). While the hero here must decide on whether to make the ultimate sacrifice, the song is a huge metaphor for choice. Everyday we make decisions, but none are more important than when someone is depending on you. A parent makes decisions for the child, where in this case the child is life and selfishness is death. A police officer makes decisions for the safety of the public... here life is that order and safety while death could be literal. As in the song, death represents the easy way out.

This is not by any means a happy song. It is filled with a darkness and sadness not often heard in song. One can almost hear the emotional honesty in life's voice. The music gets heavy when death speaks, giving us an idea of how big torn's decision really is. November's Doom has me hooked with this song and can count me as a fan.

What do you think, Mardi?

ShadowHaunt

She already knows how this will all end
The wounds of memory she tends
Ghost and strangers
She flees her own grief
Forever running
Haunted she sleeps
In shadows she lays all alone
Remembering her lover gone
Through forests she walks every day
Through winter storms, every day
She looks through dark eyes
Over her shoulder
She already knows when
When it will find her

I'm coming, keep running
Tormenting you!
Hastily do you flee
I'm coming! I'm coming!
My dear, I'm here
All shadow and sorrow
I have thee, finally
Embracing you!
Young lover, it's over
Together and never!

- My Dying Bride (2009)

I received For Lies I Sire, the latest album from England's My Dying Bride, just a couple of weeks ago from Amazon.com. I finally got to listen to it a few days later and instantly fell in love with it. Since I write reviews for albums, I listen to A LOT of new music. As such, there are few albums that make a lasting impression on me, but this is one of them. In fact, 2009 has already given me 2 albums that have made my heavy rotation. In the first 6 months of the year I would say that's a pretty good year for my musical taste.

To those unititiated, My Dying Bride plays a slow brand of metal often referred to as Doom Metal. Similar to early Black Sabbath, the songs move along at a slow pace. The tone set by these songs ranges from darkness to eerie to colossal sadness to what some would consider clinical depression. Add some violins and the songs become funeral dirges.

This is another song in 2 acts. What sets this song apart is the fact that Act I is in the third person where Act II is in the first person. Both points of view focus on a lady. In the Humanities often a concept of importance is referred to in the feminine. Given the vague nature of the lyrics, it wouldn't be much of a stretch to consider the lady in this song a metaphor for things that are happening today.

When I first listened to this song, for some reason it brought to mind historical women such as Ann Boleyn, St. Joan of Arc, Marie Antoinette, and even Ethel Rosenberg. Their crimes - treason (Boleyn), heresy (Joan of Arc), being married to King Louis XVI (Antoinette), and espionage (Rosenberg) - earned each of them a death sentence. Act I tells us that they know they are facing death and the torment that runs in their mind over the fact that they know their end is imminent. When the end finally comes, it announces its presence and leaves no question what is happening. The part of the young lover would be most applicable to Ann Boleyn, as she was the young lover of King Henry VIII.

That was the first thing that came to mind when I heard the song and read the lyrics. What is your first impression, Mardi?

Decrystallizing Reason

Reason
This demigod
Unto which you cluster
Sacrilege
You sacrifice the purity
Of the air beneath your wings
A slow and painful ritual
To burn the youth you lost

Demigod
Blasphemers walk among your flock

Despite your blindfold
Proudly you carry the stone on your back
Disillusioned
You plant your feet safely to the ground

Demigod
Blasphemers walk among your flock

As the stone
You have become

Not once did you cry
For the lost ones of your world
Your care is limited
To this demigod
Onto which you cluster

Reason
Decrystallize me
Demigod
I do blaspheme

The fallen you condemn
Your heart even free of hate
Yet, scared to death by their disbelief
To ordinary common sense

And with autumn closing in
Forcing life away
No mercy will impale your sin
Dead are your tears

- Emperor (1999)

Black metal represents the the most of extreme of a genre of music that is considered the most extreme. Over-the-top dark (and often Satanic) imagery, blast beats, and demonic vocals are all hallmarks of the genre. Hailing from Norway, Emperor built on the work of Venom in bringing forth this extreme subgenre of heavy metal and helped pave the way for many of today's younger black metal acts. Emperor is probably the only band I know that can boast of having a convicted murderer (Faust in an act of extreme homophobia) and a convicted arsonist (Samoth acting out his hatred for Christianity) as members.

There have always been those who cry that reason should be the basis of everything. Indeed, it is by reason that we advance and only reason will solve our troubles. Many, if not most, of the people calling for the triumph of reason are atheists. Atheism holds no belief beyond that of the human being.

It is also worthy to note that most subscribers to reason also believe that human nature can be overcome by the use of reason.

To those people reason becomes god. Just a quick glance through some blogs where atheists are known to congregate can almost make my theory into scientific law. The attacks on anyone who does not believe as they do are swift, vicious, very severe, and almost always ad hominem. I myself have been on the receiving end of some this venom. Let's just say that an acknowledgment of something beyond reason is the equivalent of blasphemy in Christianity.

Thus we have the profile of a follower of reason. Their lives seem hollow as they can't see anything beyond themselves. The follower of reason cares nothing for the lost, takes no risk, and lives in fear of those who believe in something beyond this universe. Their lives, in a nutshell, are empty and meaningless. The singer once lived among them but now has committed blasphemy against the demigod Reason. It's almost as if the singer has thrown down the gauntlet and wants to take on the followers of reason.

While I have had my questions, I have always believed there is something beyond this world that we do not yet have the ability to understand. Perhaps someday we can understand, perhaps humanity may never understand, but that should never deter us from the quest. Besides, reason, just like religion, has yet to answer the ultimate questions of existence.

What do you think, Mardi?

PS - St. Anselm postulated the following - God is that which nothing greater can be thought. If something can exist in the mind, then it also must exist in reality. If it does not exist in reality, then it is not which nothing greater can be thought. Since God exists in the mind, He exists in reality and nothing greater can God can be thought. St. Anselm wrote this argument as a believer seeking to understand his own faith, but then I wonder how the followers of reason can use reason to refute the argument.

A Touch of Evil

You mesmerize slowly
Till I can't believe my eyes
Ecstasy controls me
What you give just serves me right

Without warning you're here
Like magic you appear
I taste the fear

I'm so afraid
But I still feed the flame

In the night
Come to me
You know I want your touch of evil
In the night
Please set me free
I can't resist a touch of evil

Aroused with desire
You put me in a trance
A vision of fire
I never had a chance

A dark angel of sin
Preying deep from within
Come take me in

I'm so afraid
But I still feed the flame

In the night
Come to me
You know I want your touch of evil
In the night
Please set me free
I can't resist a touch of evil

Arousing me now with a sense of desire
Possessing my soul till my body's on fire

A dark angel of sin
Preying deep from within
Come take me in

You're possessing me

In the night
Come to me
You know I want your touch of evil
In the night
Please set me free
I can't resist a touch of evil

- Judas Priest (1990)

Painkiller marked the end of the classic era of Judas Priest. Following a nasty lawsuit over 2 teenage boys that committed suicide and rumors of homosexuality, Rob Halford and Judas Priest parted ways for over a decade, finally reuniting in 2004. During that time, we got treated to Rob Halford coming out of the closet, 2 bad bands (Fight and Two), a capable yet ill-fitting replacement for Rob in Judas Priest (Tim "Ripper" Owens), and a movie starring Mark Wahlberg that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Judas Priest saga.

Where "Love Bites" shows one hunting and taking his prey, here we have the prey offering theirself unto the hunter. This is the answer to the call of the demoness in "Scorpion Flower" (gender ambiguity of this song notwithstanding). There is no question that he is given over completely to the other.

Ostensibly this is a sex song, but the feelings of temptation for any 'evil' are often described in terms of sex. We don't really know where the singer is being taken in his quest for a touch of evil. His touch of evil could be the heroin that pulls him closer to the abyss with each push of the needle. This could be the political movement that will cause him to kill in the name of one who care nothing for his (the singer's) well being but only furthering their own cause.

Who would have thought a Judas Priest song would have meaning? I think next time I'm going down a much darker path. What do you think, Mardi?