High Hopes

Beyond the horizon of the place we lived when we were young
In a world of magnets and miracles
Our thoughts strayed constantly and without boundary
The ringing of the division bell had begun

Along the Long Road and on down the Causeway
Do they still meet there by the Cut?

There was a ragged band that followed in our footsteps
Running before times took our dreams away
Leaving the myriad small creatures trying to tie us to the ground
To a life consumed by slow decay

The grass was greener
The light was brighter
When friends surrounded
The nights of wonder

Looking beyond the embers of bridges glowing behind us
To a glimpse of how green it was on the other side
Steps taken forwards but sleepwalking back again
Dragged by the force of some inner tide

At a higher altitude with flag unfurled
We reached the dizzy heights of that dreamed of world

Encumbered forever by desire and ambition
There's a hunger still unsatisfied
Our weary eyes still stray to the horizon
Though down this road we've been so many times

The grass was greener
The light was brighter
The taste was sweeter
The nights of wonder
With friends surrounded
The dawn mist glowing
The water flowing
The endless river

Forever and ever

- Pink Floyd (1994)

As far as songs go, this one happens to be my favorite Pink Floyd song. It also has the honor of being on my list of all time favorites. David Gilmour was a master of creating moods with his guitar, and to me this song was the pinnacle of his creative genius. It's just too bad he couldn't translate that to a decent solo career, but I digress...

This song is about memories. I'm not talking about the utter nonsense we hear on the radio like Nickleback's "Photograph" or "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams (note - both songs make my stomach turn and if I never hear either one ever again it will be too soon). This goes deeper into the emotions we feel now versus what we felt then. There is a yearning to return to the days when the grass was greener, the light was brighter. But the bridges have been burned. And as he looks back, life moves inexorably forward. The ultimate sadness is that even as he looks forward, he can only see what was in his past.

Who hasn't looked back? Back then it was a simpler time with a simpler truth. We knew what we knew and what we didn't know didn't really matter one bit. We think those days are going to last forever but time has a way of changing the dynamic. Whether it is a traumatic event or a subtle change over a period, nothing stays the same. The hard part is trying to stay focused on what's ahead of us in the journey, something here the singer is not able to accomplish.

Given that David Gilmour was probably in his mid-40's at the recording of this song, it could be argued that maybe he was venting out his own mid-life crisis. When taken into context with the rest of the album (with several seemingly direct attacks on a former Pink Floyd member), he could be recalling the glory days of the band. Whatever the motivation behind the lyrics, they are a powerful reminder of how strongly we are affected by our own personal histories and how we sometimes long to be back in those places. I myself have felt this longing more than once. Sometimes the longing is overwhelming but somehow I move forward. The funny part is I'm nowhere close to my mid-life crisis.

I'm sure the departure from metal is a welcome surprise to Mardi. So tell us, Mardi, what do you feel when you hear this song?

Love Story

We were both young, when I first saw you.
I close my eyes and the flashback starts
I'm standing there, on a balcony in summer air.

I see the lights; see the party, the ball gowns.
I see you make your way through the crowd
You say hello, little did I know...

That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles
And my daddy said "stay away from Juliet"
And I was crying on the staircase
begging you, "Please don't go..."

And I said...Romeo take me somewhere, we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all there's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess,
It's a love story, baby, just say yes.

So I sneak out to the garden to see you.
We keep quiet, because we're dead if they knew
So close your eyes... escape this town for a little while.
Oh, Oh.

Cause you were Romeo
I was a scarlet letter,
And my daddy said "stay away from Juliet"
but you were everything to me
I was begging you, "Please don't go"

And I said...Romeo take me somewhere, we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all there's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess.
It's a love story, baby, just say yes

Romeo save me, they're trying to tell me how to feel.
This love is difficult, but it's real.
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess.
It's a love story, baby, just say yes.
Oh, Oh.

I got tired of waiting.
Wondering if you were ever coming around.
My faith in you was fading
When I met you on the outskirts of town.

And I said...Romeo save me, I've been feeling so alone.
I keep waiting, for you but you never come.
Is this in my head, I don't know what to think

He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said...
Marry me Juliet, you'll never have to be alone.
I love you, and that's all I really know.
I talked to your dad -- go pick out a white dress

It's a love story, baby just say... yes.
Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh.
'cause we were both young when I first saw you


Taylor Swift 2008



Taylor Swift is a 19 year old with a big voice. I warned Rick I was changing pace on him. Let's take a dip into country music. Taylor Swift is one of the only country artists I really like. I think she has a great voice and is a great song writer. Taylor has been performing and writing since she was ten years old.



The lyrics of this song are a simple, sweet love song. The song makes me think of forbidden love. The boy your parents hated, the girtl your friends never liked. The one love you knew you couldn't have but loved them anyway. I think most people have experienced this at some point. The crazy thing about love is it is the most powerful force in the world yet it is the one we have the least control over. No one can determine who they are going to fall in love with. No one can control who loves them. All we can do is cherish the love we have and guard it with our lives.

Sorry this is so long in the making, I though I posted it :-) It's been a crazy week!

Heathen Tribes

This is my church
It stands so tall
And proud it has done for all time

It has no walls
Yet its vast halls
Reach from shore to shore

Whatever shore
You know as your own
We stand as one, we stand alone

And we are born
From the same womb
And hewn from the same stone

And from the frozen Baltic
I watched the sunrise over Athena
I walked the battlefields of Flanders
And saw dusk fall at Cintra

And beneath the spires of Sofia
And fields of crosses at Arnhem
Armenius stood tall in Teuteborg
Senatus Populusque Romanus

To the fjords of Hordaland
In shadows of ancient Albion
And to the shores of a thousand lakes
Saint Vitus dance in Praha

Yet when to Ireland we return
I know that I am home at last
And with every sun that sets
It takes me nearer to her earth

To whatever shore you know as your own
We stand as one, we stand alone

- Primordial (2007)

I was going with something different, but I decided at the last second to change things up a little bit.

Primordial hails from Ireland. Starting out they released pretty much straight forward black metal. As the collective career of the band progressed, they began incorporate the influences of their Celtic heritage in their songwriting. Their most recent album, To the Nameless Dead, sees this influence coming full circle both lyrically and musically.

This song could almost be a unifying anthem. Ireland, like Scotland, was at one time a clan society. The clans were self-contained entities that looked after their own affairs and every once in a while came together to defeat a common enemy. The first half of this song attests to that "Friends, Romans, Countrymen" philosophy. It's the second half of the song where things take a turn, both musically and lyrically, that has the most meaning for me.

The second half talks of journeys far from home. There are those who have taken these journeys and long for the comforts of home. The singer has seen some amazing sights as have I. I have seen the Great Pyramid at Giza and walked the halls of Kyongbok Palace in Seoul, ROK. The call to prayer in a large Muslim city makes St. Vitus Dance look like a mere wiggle of the hips. I walked the Cowpens Battlefield where a rag-tag group of soldiers defeated the greatest military power in the world. I have seen sunrises and sunsets in many corners of this earth.

The journey always leads to home. Here we know the singer longs to return to Ireland, but everyone has their home for which they long to return. The tricky part is keeping your sights set on your goal.

Ok, Mardi, I know I've shown you these lyrics before. Now please tell me, as well as those watching at home, what do you think?

Pull Me Under

Lost in the sky
Clouds roll by and I roll with them
Arrows fly
Seas increase and then fall again

This world is spinning around me
This world is spinning without me
Every day sends future to past
Every breath leaves me one less to my last

Watch the sparrow falling
Gives new meaning to it all
If not today nor yet tomorrow then some other day

I'll take seven lives for one
And then my only father's son
As sure as I did ever love him
I am not afraid

This world is spinning around me
The whole world keeps spinning around me
All life is future to past
Every breath leaves me one less to my last

Pull me under, pull me under
Pull me under, I'm not afraid
All that I feel is honor and spite
All I can do is set it right

Dust fills my eyes
Clouds roll by and I roll with them
Centuries cry
Others fly and I fall again

This world is spinning inside me
The whole world is spinning inside me
Every day sends future to past
Every step brings me closer to my last

Pull me under, pull me under
Pull me under, I'm not afraid
Living my life too much in the sun
Only until your will is done

Pull me under, pull me under
Pull me under, I'm not afraid
All that I feel is honor and spite
All I can do is set it right

Pull me under, pull me under
Pull me under, I'm not afraid
Living my life too much in the sun
Only until your will is done

Dream Theater 1992

This song has many nice guitar riffs in it. It is a very long song but I think the music makes it completely worth it.

You wouldn't expect it but this song actually takes lyrics from Hamlet. I think the song takes a look at the circle of life. It looks at life, death and the in between. If you really look at the lyrics you can see where it seems like the singer is feeling as if he is just rolling through life being pulled along. It doesn't seem like he feels like he has any control and is just giving in.

I can think of various times in my life when I have felt this way. I didn't want to fight for anything, I didn't want to look for anything, I just wanted to be and let life pull me through as it would. A feeling that the past is driving me, taking me where it sees fit.

I can assure myself that I am not seeing life this way any longer but I do still like this song. I think the music is cool, the meaning in the song is easy to relate to and its just a cool tune.

Rick.....

The Messenger

I'm the one you call the liar
I'm the lamb who slayed the lion

Crawl upon your cross again
Play the victim till the end
What you've gained is nothingness
What you've learned is useless

You play the martyr, crawl upon your cross again
Always the victim but it's all inside your head

Dark are those that lie to lovers
Your father's past, the weakest cover

Perched upon your soiled throne
Cast your sticks, I'll throw stones
Envy and Lust will drown you
Just look around you

You play the martyr, crawl upon your cross again
Always the victim but it's all inside your head

Remembering days we felt we were chosen
Those were the days when the hunger was all that we had
Can't take back the past, can't heal the wounds
No one can rescue your faded ideals
All that remains are scars of a wasted youth

You play the martyr, crawl upon your cross again
Always the victim but it's all inside your head
When will you ever learn to trust another, my friend
Just play the martyr 'till the world stands to it's end

- Warrel Dane (2008)

Warrel Dane's full time job is as the frontman for the metal band Nevermore. In 2008 he released a solo album entitled Praise to the War Machine. I have never been a fan of Nevermore, so I was a little hesitant about this until I heard a couple of songs. This is actually very much closer to my tastes in metal. But, I digress...

At first glance one notices this song contains biblical imagery (martyrs, crosses - you get the idea). Knowing Warrel Dane's views on religion, it wouldn't be a stretch to say this song is against religion. But it seems there is more to it than just religion-bashing. This song seems to send a direct message to those who play the victim card whenever things don't seem to go their way.

Victimization seems to be everywhere we look - from national groups claiming they were victims of predatory lending to songs describing how they were victims of mommy or daddy not loving them enough. While there are plenty of true victims out there, claiming victimhood seems to have become the path of least resistance for many to get what they want. Mr. Dane sends a direct message to them when he describes what they have gained, how envy and lust will destroy them, and how their youth is wasted. One can almost feel his contempt as he changes from clean singing to something that resembles anger, almost as if he is spitting on the objects of his comtempt.

Contrast that to "Buried Alive" where all we hear is the rage against the victimhood. This song tells those types they really need to get over themselves. After all, life is really too short to be pissed off all the time.

And now to Mardi for commentary...

It's Tricky

This speech is my recital, I think it's very vital
To rock a rhyme, that's right on time
It's Tricky is the title, here we go...

It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...it's Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky)
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...Tr-tr-tr-tricky (Tricky) Trrrrrrrrrrricky

I met this little girlie, her hair was kinda curly
Went to her house and bust her out, I had to leave real early
These girls are really sleazy, all they just say is please me
Or spend some time and rock a rhyme, I said "It's not that easy"

It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...(How is it D?) It's Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Trrrrrricky)
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...Tricky (Tricky) Tricky

In New York the people talk and try to make us rhyme
They really (hawk) but we just (walk) because we have no time
And in the city it's a pity cause we just can't hide
Tinted windows don't mean nothin', they know who's inside

It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...(How is it D?) Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky)
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky) huh!

When I wake up people take up mostly all of my time
I'm not singin', phone keep ringin' cause I make up a rhyme
I'm not braggin', people naggin' cause they think I'm a star
Always tearin' what I'm wearin', I think they're goin' too far
A girl named Carol follows Daryll every gig we play
Then D dissed her and dismissed her, now she's jockin' Jay
I ain't lyin', girls be cryin' cause I'm on TV
They even bother my poor father cos he's down with me
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time

It's Tricky...(How is it?) Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky)
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...Tr-tr-tr-tr-tr-tricky (Tr-Tr-Tr-Tricky) Tr-tr-tr...

We are not thugs we don't use drugs but you assume on your own
They offer coke and lots of dope but we just leave it alone
It's like that y'all (y'all), but we don't quit
You keep on (rock!) shock! Cause this is it...


Run D.M.C. Original 1987 Remixed 1997


There is absolutely no meaning in this song that I can quickly apply to life. The tune is catchy the lyrics are easy and its fun to bounce around to. Simply put it is a fun song, nothing more.

The movie "Road Trip" and "White Chicks" made the song big. It was the final single released from the group's third album. The song peaked at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100.
So this song had really no message to portray but I know at least one reader will be surprised this is on my music list. It's just a fun song when your feeling goofy or have too much energy.

My next choice will be more in depth.....

Your turn my dear other half.....

Buried Alive

I speak in verses, prophecies, and curses
I speak in verses, prophecies, and curses

I hate my life

No miracle is coming (hate you)
It's just a hole (hate you)
Nothing's wrong with you (hate you)
Must maintain control (hat you)

Everyone's asking questions
No place is safe
I'll forfeit resurrection
To escape this pain

I hate my life

I speak in verses, prophecies and curses

This storm of thorns is growing (hate me)
There's no end in sight (hate me)
Chaos claws my jaw (hate me)
And incites a mental riot (hate me)

I'm in the mouth of madness
With its tongue of poetry
I ate the spine of Atlas
Now the world is crushing me

I hate my life

Buried alive behind enemy lines
Surrogate child for the sins of all mankind
Hate
Buried alive behind enemy lines, buried alive, buried alive
Buried alive behind enemy lines, buried alive, buried alive
Buried alive behind enemy lines, buried alive, buried alive
For the sins of all mankind

- Otep (2004)

Otep Shamaya got her start on a recommendation from none other than Sharon Osbourne. Legend has it that Sharon saw her perform and made a phone call. Otep had a record contract on the basis of that phone call from Sharon to the record label, no demo involved. That's a hell of a way to get started in this business. And let's face it, she shreds her voice better than a lot of men.

To know Otep is to know the sometimes all too pure misanthropy behind her compositions. Her lyrics are a dark and painful journey expressed through a master poet's tongue. The music behind her songs only serves to compound the emotion of the lyrics. "Buried Alive" expresses a frustration that comes with having to pay the price for the sins of the father - in this case the world our predecessors have left for us. Along with the frustration we can hear a hoplessness and misanthropy that makes this song all the more dark and brutal.

I know of no one who has not wondered about "what if" when it comes to things out of their control. I used to wonder a lot about those things. Without going into details because they are highly personal, I just wonder how different my life would be. But as it is, we all suffer the sins of the father. The past is the past and we cannot change it, despite the best efforts of special interest groups. The thing we have to do, however, is to not let those sins define us... we define ourselves and make our own journey.

This song is on my all time favorites list. The first time I heard this song I was blown away by the raw power and emotion of the song. I'm going to be upfront and say that I doubt my better half will like this song. In fact, she may hate it. As this is the darkest I have gone so far, I am curious to see how it makes her feel.

Less than 10% battery - time to recharge the iPod.

Suicide Messiah

Crawl through the flames that eat your flesh
Drowned in my waters that know you best
Step inside I've been waiting here for you

On your knees where you shall crawl
Flying so high you'll never fall
Step inside we've been waiting here for you

Bow down you've chose your maker
He never gives he's always the taker
The electric burns that fuel the fire
It's just your suicide messiah

Oh Yeah Oh Yeah
Walk through the streets that know your name
All that's pure is now insane

Step inside I've been waiting here for you
Another trip another lie
Lifes hand of doom has you feeling fine

Step inside we've been waiting here for you
Bow down you chose your maker
He never gives he's always the taker
The electric burns that fuel the fire

Black Label Society


My other half should be smiling right now. I have to give him credit, he first told me to listen to BLS and now ..... I love it.

Black Label Society is headed by front man Zakk Wylde who was Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist. The band formed in 1998. Suicide Messiah was released in 2005 on BLS' album Mafia. The song was written by Zakk Wylde and was about a man and his heroin addiction. If you read the lyrics you can easily see how it relates. I think this can be translated into any addiction. When one is truly addicted to something it becomes their idol, their maker.

I think besides the amazing guitar riffs in this song and I will admit Zakk has a powerful, unique voice I do like, the song delivers a strong message. I apply this song to life as a learning tool. When I think about how my job is running me down, or my kids are running me ragged or life seems to suck in general I can crank up this song and it just pulses with power. In my case this song is kind of opposite what it was written for. The song reminds me, I am in control of my life. Not my work, my projected obligations, just me and its up to me to make it what I need it to be.

I know I probably didn't do my other half proud with that sappy analysis but its what I see!

Hold on to My Heart

There's a flame, flame in my heart
And there's no rain, can put it out
And there's a flame, it's burning in my heart
And there's no rain, can put it out
So just hold me, hold me, hold me

Take away the pain, inside my soul
And I'm afraid, so all alone
Take away the pain, that's burning in my soul
Cause I'm afraid that I'll be all alone
So just hold me, hold me, hold me

Hold on to my heart, to my heart, to me
Hold on to my heart, to my heart, to me
And oh no, don't let me go cause all I am
You hold in your hands, and hold me
And I'll make it through the night
And I'll be alright, hold on, hold on to my heart

- W.A.S.P. (1992)

As part of the Los Angeles hair-metal scene of the 1980's W.A.S.P. made a name for themselves with their wild stage theatrics. Notable among this was their gimmick of throwing raw meat into the crowd during their set. While they never enjoyed the success of other LA acts such as Motley Crue and Ratt, they did develop a nice cult following.

"Hold on to My Heart" is part of the concept album The Crimson Idol. The story basically goes like this - There are 2 brothers and one is favored over the other by the parents. When the favorite son is killed in an accident, the remaining son is basically asked why the wrong son had to die. Our tragic hero then sets off on a path to stardom but engages in self-destruction along the way because all he wanted, the love of his parents, would never come. The story ends with the hero committing suicide in front of a crowd at his final performance. This song, the next to last of the album, finds our hero realizing what he needs to do to finally gain his parents' approval.

What's to say about the song? Anyone who has ever been in love knows the feeling of complete surrender and vulnerability that this song conveys. Or that moment when someone takes a chance on something and lays everything on the line for what he or she wants. Or even the emotional honesty that's felt when something really good or really horrible happens. We all have that moment where our defenses are completely down.

When I first heard this song back in 1992 I didn't think much about it other than it was part of the story. After certain events in the past that left me reeling, this song has become more important to me. I'll admit that I've felt that vulnerability and defenselessness. It can be a beautiful yet frightening experience. The lyrics are a simple statement of how defenseless we can really be after something happens.

I leave this to my better half here to listen and give her input. I'm curious to see what she thinks.

I need to get a bigger iPod.

The Climb

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming but
There's a voice inside my head sayin,
You'll never reach it,
Every step I'm taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing,
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on, cause

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb (yeah)

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you going to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb (yeah yeah ea ea)

Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It's all about
It's all about
The climb
Keep the faith
Keep your faith
Whoa a oh oh

I have to thank my five year old daughter for forcing me to see the "Hannah Montana" movie to discover this song. Let me assure you Miley Cyrus is not a regular on my iPod, ok she isn't on there at all but this song hit me hard.

I can not imagine there is one person in this world who cannot relate to this song at some point. The message is simple, life is hard and there are rewards but its a damn nice view along the way. Everyone should step back and take time to look around them, enjoy life, enjoy the view.

Personally this song hits home on many levels. For me the lyrics in this song are exactly what I needed to hear. And I will admit the tune isn't bad either.

Take what you will but try to hear the meaning not the artist.

Cry of the Blackbirds

Raise your swords up high
See the blackbirds fly
Let them hear your rage
Show no fear

Attack!

Charge your horses across the fields
Together we ride into destiny
Have no fear of death when it's your time
Oden will bring us home when we die

The ground trembles under us
As we make our thunder charge
The pounding hooves strike blinding fear
Into their hearts

Our helmets shine in the sun
As we near their wall of shields
Some of them turn and run
When they hear our frenzied screams

Draw your swords to strike
Hear the blackbirds cry
Let them feel your hate
Show no fear!

Attack! Attack! Attack! Attack!

Charge your horses across the fields
Together we ride into destiny
Have no fear of death when it's your time
Oden will bring us home when we die

The enemies are in disarray
Ride them down as they run
Send them to their violent graves
Don't spare anyone

Dead and wounded lie all around
See the pain in their eyes
Over the field an eerie sound
As we hear the ravens' cry

- Amon Amarth (2006)

To celebrate my next assignment, I thought I would post some material from the band I will be interviewing on the 18th of April. Amon Amarth ('mountain of fate' - one of the alternate names for Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) hails from Sweden and puts out Viking-themed death metal. I remember hanging outside the back of the venue during the Sounds of the Underground tour stop in 2007 in Houston and seeing Johann Hegg, the singer, step off his tour bus - the man only needed a horned helmet and broad sword and he would have been a viking.

The song itself is part rallying war-cry, part battle hymn, and part ballad. With the warrior culture that was Viking society, I wouldn't have been surprised to hear this was taken from a Viking manuscript. Indeed, I am reminded of Beowulf (the epic poem, not that horrible movie from last year) whenever I read the lyrics of this song. The pounding rhythm of the song gives the feel of a battle from beginning to end... the build-up, the high and low pitches, and then the sudden finish. It's over almost as soon as it's begun.

There is no real deep meaning to the song other than the symbolism of the blackbird. For those who may wonder, blackbirds carry a dual symbolism. For some they symbolize good omens. On the other hand, they are also considered harbingers of doom as the term blackbird is often applied to ravens and crows. Here we don't have to wonder about the symbol of death, but we are left to wonder as to which side is receiving which omen. It's only at the end that we find out that the birds were ravens, which alludes to the enemy receiving the omen of doom.

Those who have served in the military (especially in the last 20 years) can probably attest to the literal meaning of the lyrics. While I never personally served in direct battle, I was in Korea just after the first nuclear crisis in 1994 and when the US Army helicopter was shot down over the wrong side of the DMZ on Christmas morning. We also didn't know very much about Kim Jong-Il, given that he had not at that point consolidated his hold on power in North Korea. And before I forget, 3 NK commandos snuck over the DMZ during my time in 1995. The last one was finally cornered and killed only 30 miles from my base.

During an invasion we were expected to take the brunt of an amphibious assault on the west coast of the peninsula. There were times while I was on duty at night and I felt a great fear that at any moment there may be an assault by North Korean Commandos. While it may not compare to actual bullets flying for some, sometimes the anticipation of battle that never comes can be more damaging to the psyche than the actual battle.

As for the rest of it, we each take what we can from the song. Aside from the literal, I personally can get a sense of strength from the song as I go into unknown situations every day. To others it may be good to get pumped for a big game while others may find it a cool tune for jamming. Take what you will from it, as long as you can take something.

This is the first step into death metal for my counterpart. I'm wondering how painful she will find this song, even though I chose something that is relatively very mild. I will be waiting patiently to read her thoughts on this song. Next time I will post the song I had originally intended, which I'm sure will be waaaaaaaaaaaay off anyone's radar.

Putting the iPod back on shuffle.

Last Alone

A subtle light
Frays and scatters
Shadows calling down
Alluding to the days

I forgot why I left
I thought I'd be the one to last alone

The vespers chime
Distant hours
Softly questioning
Every step I have taken

I forgot why I left
I thought I'd be the one to last alone

- Daylight Dies (2008)

Now that we've gotten some of the old stuff out of our systems, I thought maybe I would move it in to the 21st Century for the first time. This particular song is a little off the radar of most, but not quite as far as I wanted to go. The song I really wanted couldn't be put up due to lack of reliable lyrics. I guess I'll have to try again soon.

There's not much to say on the history of this song or band as Daylight Dies has been rolling under the mainstream radar since around 2000. Their record label could be one reason why - Candlelight Records puts out some top shelf music. Indeed, some of the best albums in my collection come from Candlelight Records. The problem is that the label does not seem to be all that good when it comes to distribution and marketing. As for the song itself, it is sung in clean vocals (which my countpart is sure to appreciate) but is a very sad song.

We all sometimes come to a point in our lives and realize that we are not where we want to be. There are as many reasons for this as there are people in the world, but for whatever reason not even the best laid plans bear the desired fruit. We sit and question how we got to that point. The problem we are faced with in this song is that the singer has forgotten why he set on his path.

If this sounds like a familiar theme, then you win the prize. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) outlines the story of a boy who left home, reached a low point in is life and realized how good he had it at home, and returns to find redemption. We see this story in the song. Unfortunately, there seems to be no redemption for the singer as we only hear the regret of his journey and not any of his plans for redemption.

We all come to a point where we realize that we may not really be where we want to be in life. It's a tragedy, however, when one seems to just give up, as the singer seems to have done. I myself have felt what he is feeling on occasion, but I then take the step of evaluating where I am going and how to get where I need to be. I knew going in the path was never going to be easy and I would get lost on the way, but I know I will get to where I want to be.

The song is indeed sad, but if we can take the lesson it tries to teach us, we can find the positive. At least that's how it makes me feel when I listen to it. I'm curious to see how my counterpart feels after she listens to it.

Next time there is going to be something a little unexpected. I hope she's ready.

Time to put the iPod on shuffle.

Only In My Dreams

Every time I'm telling secrets
I remember how it used to be
And I realized how much I miss you
And I realize how it feels to be free

Now I see I'm up to no good (no, no, no)
And I wanna start again
Cant remember when I felt good (baby)
No I cant remember when

No, only in my dreams
As real as it may seem
It was only in my dreams

Couldn't see how much I missed you (now I do)
Couldn't see how much it meant
Now I see my world come tumbling down(tumbling down my world)
Now I see the road is bent

If I only once could hold you (no, no, no)
And remember how it used to be
If only I could scold you
And forget how it feels to be free

No, no, no, no, only in my dreams
As real as it may seem
It was only in my dreams

No, no, no, no, only in my dreams
As real as it may seem
It was only in my dreams
No, no, no, only in my dreams
As real as it may seem
It was only in my dreams

Debbie Gibson 1986

Nine years old.... let me make one disclaimer here: I don't think my ears fully developed until I was about 11.
This song came out in a time of teen pop stars all over the place. Tiffany, Debbie Gibson, it was also the time of "Pretty in Pink".
"Dreams" was written by Gibson herself when she was just 14. Believe it or not it was voted #95 on VH1's 100 Greatest songs of the 80's.
Thinking of this song reminds me of days at the roller rink, beating boys up on the play ground because they were "icky" and yes even playing with the newest Barbie and her 8 million accessories. I can't say there is a whole lot of deep seeded meaning in this song. It appears she may have let her man go and is now regretting that decision. I am sure many can relate to this. "The one who got away", and now all your left with is your dreams. Certainly everyone has that one person; the one person that always makes you say what if. This song gives you the bubblegum pop outlet to sing your heart out about it.
I am interested to see how my other half relates to this one, I am sure it was never on the top of his play list.

Master of Puppets

End of passion play, crumbling away
I'm your source of self-destruction
Veins that pump with fear, sucking darkest clear
Feeding on your death's destruction

Taste me you will see
More is all you need
You're dedicated to
How I'm killing you

Come crawling faster
Obey your master
Your life burns faster
Obey your master!

Master!

Master of Puppets, I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams
Blinded by me you can't see a thing
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master! Master!
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master! Master!

Needlework the way, never you betray
Life of death becoming clearer
Pain monopoly, ritual misery
Chop your breakfast on mirror

Taste me you will see
More is all you need
You're dedicated to
How I'm killing you

Come crawling faster
Obey your master
Your life burns faster
Obey your master!

Master!

Master of Puppets, I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams
Blinded by me you can't see a thing
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master! Master!
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master!

Master... master...

(Master, master) Where's the dreams
That I've been after?
(Master, Master) Promised only lies
(Laughter, laughter) All I hear and see
Is laughter
(Laughter, Laughter) Laughing at my cries

Hell is worth all that, natural habitat
Just a rhyme without a reason
Neverending maze, drift on numbered days
Now your life is out of season

I will occupy
I will help you die
I will run through you
Now I rule you too!

Come crawling faster
Obey your master
Your life burns faster
Obey your master!

Master!

Master of Puppets, I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams
Blinded by me you can't see a thing
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master! Master!
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master! Master!

- Metallica (1986)

"Master of Puppets" is the title track for Metallica's thrash classic. The year 1986 also saw the release of Reign in Blood by Slayer (considered by most metalheads to be the greatest thrash album of all time) and Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? by Megadeth, followed quickly in 1987 with Among the Living by Anthrax. In the mid-80's Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax were the big 4 of American metal. Their respective albums, considered by many as their greatest releases, cemented each bands' place in music history. In fact, Metallica is even now enjoying life as members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This song was the first one I can remember where I had to dig to find the deeper meaning behind the words. Up until I owned this album, all the songs I listened to were pretty straight forward since most of the bands in the 1980's sang about breaking rules, doing drugs, and getting laid. "Master of Puppets" is a drug song, but up to that point no one had given the point of view of the drug itself. On Master of Puppets James Hetfield was starting to come out of his shell when it came to lyrical expression, and this song was an early indicator of just how good he was going to be with the lyrical pen.

"Master of Puppets" gives us the point of view of the drug. Given the line "Chop your breakfast on a mirror" we can see Hetfield is not referring to anything so droll as pot or speed. He is referring to the highly addictive substances such as cocaine and heroin. This goes beyond the insidious creep of hardcore drug addiction. This drug, whatever he is, immediately declares his alignment and intentions - he is evil and he is going to kill you. You will suffer the whole time he is killing you but you will not want it to stop. The drug seems to be almost singing this to the addict, and at one point even allows the addict a chance to speak. The drug's response? It's too late and as you fall deeper into the abyss, you believe it is all worth it.

While this is a classic Metallica song for those who have been fans a long time, this song may not be as familiar to those newer fans (especially those who discovered Metallica only after their self-titled 5th release, aka "The Black Album"). Clocking in at nearly 9 minutes and bone-crushingly heavy, this is not a radio-friendly tune, even for classic rock stations. I'm sure my counterpart, however, is very familiar with this song. I'm interested in hearing her 2 cents and the 2 cents of our readers out there.

Put the iPod on shuffle.

Freak on a Leash - Korn

Let's start with the lyrics:

Something takes a part of me.
Something lost and never seen.
Everytime I start to believe,
Somethings raped and taken from me... from me.
Lifes got to always be messing with me. (you wanna see the light)
Cant they chill and let me be free? (so do I)
Cant I take away all this pain. (you wanna see the light)
I try to every night, all in vain... in vain.
Sometimes I cannot take this place.
Sometimes its my life I cant taste.
Sometimes I cannot feel my face.
Youll never see me fall from grace
Something takes a part of me.
You and I were meant to be.
A cheap fuck for me to lay
Something takes a part of me.
Feeling like a freak on a leash. (you wanna see the light)
Feeling like I have no release. (so do I)
How many times have I felt diseased? (you wanna see the light)
Nothing in my life is free... is free
Sometimes I cannot take this place.
Sometimes its my life I cant taste.
Sometimes I cannot feel my face.
Youll never see me fall from grace
Something takes a part of me.
You and I were meant to be.
A cheap fuck for me to lay
Something takes a part of me.
Boom na da mmm dum na ema
Go!So...fight! something on the...Fight...some things they fight
So...something on the...Fight...some things they fight
Fight...something of theNo...some things they fight
Fight...something of the...Fight...some things they fight
Something takes a part of me.
You and I were meant to be.
A cheap fuck for me to lay
Something takes a part of me.
Part of me...Part of me...Part of me...Oh...

Now that we have that out of our system...... This song has some meaning simply because of the title.. you know who you are!
Some people would be shocked to know I actually sat and listened to this whole song. But none the less I made it and it wasn't as painful as some upcoming songs may be.
The music behind the words is actually pretty good. The tempo is steady and has a good sound to it. But really who cares about that......
Let me start with the disclaimer that I do not particularly like Korn. I did however go into this with an open mind and listened to it completely.
Some demographics behind the song: Freak on a Leash is from Korn's third album Follow the Leader. The album did well as did the song. Freak on a Leash won a Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form, and received a nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance.
So, let's take a look at these lyrics....
For the most part I think almost everyone can relate to the lyrics, well most of them.
"Sometimes I cannot take this place.
Sometimes its my life I cant taste.
Sometimes I cannot feel my face."
Every one of us has had days where we feel like we just want to run away or escape. I think there are more then once when I have thought my life is just not where I want it to be. I don't even know who I am when I look in the mirror. Seems as soon as everything starts looking up you get knocked back down a few steps. On the whole I can relate to this song. There are a couple lines that make me say "Hmmm" but thats with anything. I know my counterpart is going to have much more to say on this one than me. This one is his arena and he will do it well.