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?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, October 23, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, October 9, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
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.
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?
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?
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