I’ve always loved the feeling that a good string of words can incite. Whether a quote from a speech, a line in a book or a poem, I can easily be moved into a deeply contemplative space.
So it’s no surprise that I love song lyrics. Don’t get my wrong, I love the music behind the lyrics. But if I want music I’ll listen to classical or jazz – gotta love Monk on the ivories; Bird, Trane, Hawk or Sonny blowin’ sax or Charlie Mingus workin’ the bass. Then there’s Miles. But we’re not talkin’ jazz right now, we’re talking lyrics (okay, I know Bessie, Ella and Billie were amazing).
So Phil, there’s a taste of some of the music that makes my heart sing. But not always. I love jazz, but only when it feels right. For me to listen to Monk or Miles, I’ve gotta be with it. I’ve gotta feel it inside as though each note is waking up parts of my soul. That’s just the way jazz is for me.
But I’m not always in that place. Sometimes it’s the words in a song I want to inspire me. And that’s where it all gets tricky for me to express.
As my dear friend Adam Kayce knows, I’ve got tons of song lyrics packed away in my brain. And sometimes they just come flying out when he least expects them.
It’s actually difficult for me to pick one, or even five, songs that make my heart sing. Hilda asked for only one song to make thing easy on Joanna, Phil, Judith, Terry, Kirsten, Karen, Claire and the others she tagged. But I’m with Judith, I’m not finding this easy at all.
Why? Well, like Becca and Animaitaliana, there’s just so many options it’s hard to narrow it down. And because the music that makes my heart sing changes greatly with the mood I’m in. Truthfully, I love everything from the Blues to John Denver; Motown to Toad the Wet Sprocket; early 80’s rap to Prince, R&B and funk to Elton John and James Taylor. What I mostly don’t enjoy is Country, modern pop, and hip-hop.
In tagging me Adam mentioned he’s got 1800 plus songs in his iTunes. Well my iPod is carrying around over 5000 songs right now and iTunes tells me that’s about 30 days worth of music. The newest music I’m carrying is from Christine Kane – who I met, and heard, for the first time live at SOBCon07. She’s truly lovely – as a person, a songwriter and a performer. And I really enjoy her storytelling.
Okay, okay…maybe I am stalling. So I’ll share with you what I was listening to yesterday as I worked.
There’s no secret that I deeply love my wife and that I’m constantly striving to be a better husband, a better man, for her. One artist that inspires me from time to time is Brian McKnight. His lyrics, his voice, his expression all speak to my heart. Since I rarely listen to the radio anymore, I don’t know which of is songs are popular. But one of my many favorites is Never Felt This Way:
There will never come a day
you’ll ever hear me say
that I want and need to be without you.
I want to give my all.Baby, just hold me.
Simply control me.
‘Cuz your arms, they keep away the lonelies.(chorus)
When I look into your eyes
then I relize
that all I need is you in my life.
All I need is you in my life.
‘Cuz I’ve never felt this way about lovin’.
Never felt so good.
Never felt this way about lovin’
It feels so good.How it takes my breath,
starts a pounding in my chest,
makes me weak, when I think about you.
Makes me wanna give my all,
Life wouldn’t mean a thing.
Not a happy song to sing,
just emptiness if I had to live without you.(repeat chorus)
‘Cuz I’ve never felt this way about lovin’, darlin’
Never felt so good.
Never felt this way about lovin’
It feels so good. woo!
But it’s not just the lyrics. Listen to the delivery, the timing, the way he expresses the lyrics…
[audio:https://dmiracle.com/wp-content/audio/Never-Felt-This-Way.mp3]Then there’s Discovery:
[audio:https://dmiracle.com/wp-content/audio/Discovery.mp3]So now that I have seen
An angel spread it’s wings
Go on, lay me down
I can die now
Every since you came around
There’s a new love found
And since I’m certainly not perfect, I love So Sorry:
[audio:https://dmiracle.com/wp-content/audio/So-Sorry.mp3]For all the wasted time that we cannot replace.
For everytime that a discussion turned into an argument, we’d fight.
Hey, how I wish that I could have it back tonight.I’m so sorry for anything I might have done.
And I’m sorry, I never meant to hurt the only one,
And I’m sorry, the best laid plans sometimes fall through,
For anything that I might’ve done, I apologize to you.
So there you get a taste of my sentimental, openly emotional and soft side. Thanks for the space to share.
Now, I have to tag a few people I’d love to hear from – David Airey, Liz Strauss, Christine Kane (what one song truly inspires you?), Chris Cree (and Gorgeous too), Wendy, David, Char, Gayla, Carma, Randa, Lauren, Edward, Ben, Mark, Lorelle, and Scoble (Robert, this seems right up your alley).
And you…what song(s) inspire you? Lift your spirits? Express how you feel? Or just get the blood flowing? I’d really love to know…
You are truly the lyrics hound; I love it.
(nice job tagging Christine, too — why didn’t I think of that?)
I also liked how you talked about the song that inspires you to be a better husband… a couple of years ago there was a song that came out (can’t remember who sings it), about ‘fathers, be good to your daughters’ — as a dad of two, that one slayed me (in a good way) every time I heard it.
I took no time to think as there is only one answer for me: Yentl’s A Piece of Sky.
The more I live, the more I learn,
The more I learn, the more I realize,
The less I know.
Each step I take,
Each page I turn,
Each mile I travel only means
The more I have to go.
Whats wrong with wanting more?
If you can fly – then soar!
With all there is – why settle for
Just a piece of sky?
Oh! Me? You want to hear from me? How honored am I! Well, since I don’t have a blog, I’ll post my answers here.
I really love the band Delerium. Their songs remind me of a really beautiful Photoshop composite, so intricate, colorful and sweet.
I like the classic jazz artists, too. I used to play the clarinet and tenor sax.
Sometimes I’m in the mood for more spiritual music, so I turn to Lifehouse, News Boys or Jars of Clay.
Sometimes I just need silly songs like Veggie Tales or Animaniacs, and when I’m feeling nostalgic (am I old enough to feel that way yet?) I like listening to the Disney songs from Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, etc. I can’t believe I just said/wrote that out loud *blush*
But what really moves me (literally) is Egyptian pop. Way crazy, you think, because all the lyrics are in Arabic! Well, yes, but you don’t need to understand the lyrics in order to dance! Those songs from Hakim really get my hips shakin! I love the remix of Days Gone By on the Electric Oasis CD. I’ve got goosebumps just thinking about it!
And I’m with you Dawud, the only kind of music I really don’t like is rap (the hard core stuff, I like Will Smith, though) and country. Certain kinds of hip-hop is ok, but most of the time the lyrics are rather disgusting >:(
Oh, and Adam, it’s by John Mayer and it’s called Daughters 😀 I like that one, too.
Hey, man, there’s a the poets’ heart and soul inside of you. Great picks. I haven’t heard of Brian McKnight (I don’t listen to music on the radio), but, dang, he can make you cry. Rodney Crowell does a pretty goog job of stitching words together – if you haven’t heard of this guy, give him a listen. Speaking of the man, do you have Miles’ “Cookin’ at the Plugged Nickel”? How about “Seven Steps”? —-Later.
Lorelle,
So lovely. Thank you for sharing it.
Adam,
Yeah, I’ve heard it too. I guess I’m just a sap. I can’t help loving songs that bring up my emotions.
LaurenMarie,
Egyptian pop…interesting. That one’s unexpected. But you know I’m going to have to check out Hakim now.
And thanks for John Mayer…
Hi Dawud, thanks for sharing your thought processes and emotions as well as the final choice! It’s proving to be a great tag – although hard most people can, somehow, pick out the one (or two or three) songs that really connect with them.
Joanna
By the way, any tips you can share on how you managed to upload the song samples?
Thanks for linking to me! (and for the kind words about my songs!) I’m in major meme debt (just ask starbucker) but I’ll work on this at some point!
Hi Dwaud, thanks for tagging me. Music is therapy for me. I get lost in it when I exercise, write, work around the house and when I am alone.
There are many songs to fit my many different moods. I love Jerry Lee Lewis’ raunchy, rocking style and Neil Diamonds, poignant “Coming to America”
Now I have found another song and I will paste the link on my blog at CarmasWindow and here just in case it doesn’t take. I am technically challenged.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtclD4vMY_c
Come on by and listen to it. It’s all about Words.
MorganLighter,
I haven’t heard Rodney Crowell but I will go check him out. Thanks.
Joanna,
Thanks. It was only difficult for me because I choose to really put myself into it. Otherwise, i could have just put up whatever was on my mind.
As for song samples…if you’re using WordPress, there’s a plugin, Audio Player. It takes care of all the player side of things. All you have to do is upload an mp3 and link to it in your post using the simple player’s very simple syntax. WordPress makes most things pretty simple.
If I remember, you were using TypePad. I’ve built a few TypePad sites but haven’t worked with audio. But I know there’s a way because I’ve seen it. Just not sure on the simplest way. Perhaps check with SixApart.
Christine,
Sure. It’s just great to connect with you. If you get to it, I’d love to know what song really inspires you.
Carma,
Sweet. Thanks for the video. Nice song and I love the karaoke effect.
Okay Dawud – I have played along! You can see it at My Music Meme
Thanks for tagging me – this one was fun once I wrapped my brain around it.
Hi Dawud,
I hope all’s well with you.
Thanks for mentioning me above and I’ll get around to a creatively musical post quite soon.
Bye for now buddy.
Char,
Thanks for playing along. I love some of your music choices.
David,
It is, thanks. I trust that you’ll get around to it. I’d love to hear more of your music choices. Let me know when it goes up.
Great entry, Dawud. I’ve been playing around with the idea of starting a Law of Attraction playlist meme for a while. Looks like you beat me to it. Or maybe not! I see a link up there to an Edward that goes to Aaron’s blog. Hmm? Either way, you know that I’ll be getting in on this one!
Great topic, Dawud. I started a project called “Let´s Write A Song Together” at Stixster and we took that post over to Char at Casual Keystrokes for great response. It is kind of a bloggers joined venture for song lyrics. We are going to use the lines for a new THE(LOST)FRIEND song to be presented in the bloggosphere. It is great fun and still open for new lines.
And for this post: “Biko” by Peter Gabriel has very strong words.
“September ’77
Port Elizabeth weather fine
It was business as usual
In police room 619
Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko
Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko
Yihla Moja, Yihla Moja
-The man is dead
When I try to sleep at night
I can only dream in red
The outside world is black and white
With only one colour dead
Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko
Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko
Yihla Moja, Yihla Moja
-The man is dead
You can blow out a candle
But you can’t blow out a fire
Once the flames begin to catch
The wind will blow it higher
Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko
Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko
Yihla Moja, Yihla Moja
-The man is dead
And the eyes of the world are
watching now
watching now”
Wiki:
“Stephen Bantu Biko (18 December 1946 – 12 September 1977) was a noted nonviolent anti-apartheid activist in South Africa in the 1960s and early 1970s. Since his death in police custody, he has been called a martyr of the anti-apartheid movement.”
Peter Gabriel played that song for the Amnesty International album “Conspiracy Of Hope” which I like very much.
Edward,
Oops. Typo on the link to your blog. Sorry…fixed.
Let me know when your post is up. I’d love to see what inspires you today.
Ingo,
Interesting song. What’s the inspiration for it?
To tie my article into the general theme of my site I’ve published a few mucis videos that I think are creative, linking back here too.
Bye for now, Dawud.
Ingo,
Wow! Thank you. Somehow I’ve not heard of Stephen Biko. Now you know I must search around a bit to read more of his life. Again, thanks.
Well done Dawud. You took this one and ran it far past where I did.
I enjoy Toad the Wet Sprocket as well, and James Taylor is definitely a favorite. If you haven’t yet listened to Marc Cohn, he’s my #2 favorite artist right now, right behind Christine Kane.
I’m currently getting inspired by the new Maroon 5 CD. Though I can’t pick out a particular song that makes my heart sing, the whole CD is really lively and good!
Phil,
I love Marc Cohn. Also Joshua Kadison. Boy, I’m really tipping my hand, huh?
Maroon 5…haven’t heard of. I’ll check them out on iTunes.
On the same hand I love the blues and really miss Stevie Ray Vaughan. Talk about loosing yourself in your playing…
Stevie could wail, that’s for sure! Excellent choice.
Tipping your hand…or opening your heart? Both are good by me 🙂
SRV-Man, we lost a good one when he passed. Damm! Thank God Eric didn’t fly out with him. I think that just might have killed me as well. Here’s one for you all to check out – ‘Medussa’ by Annie Lennox – it’s all covers and it’s hot. Anyone ever hear of Django Reinhardt. Google this cat to get his bio – then pick up ‘Gypsy Jazz’.
Phil,
Yeah he could.
Of course, nothing can replace the Motown. Way too many artists to list. But was there really a sweeter voice then Marvin Gaye?
MorganLighter,
I hear you. I actually was a student a Purdue and had a chance to see what was his last concert – along with Clapton, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy up in Wisconsin. I didn’t end up going, though. A last minute problem with one of my friends driving us up there. The next morning when I heard of Stevie’s death, I was pretty bummed. My one and only chance to see this guy was gone. Oh well, I still get to hear him bend those chords on CD.
I know Medussa, but will give it another listen. And I will definitely check out Django Reinhardt. Thanks for the tip.
Hi Dawud,
thanks so much for getting stuck into this, great responses coming from your input. I’m not sure what I let myself in for, this could turn into a major project. But I’m committed to having the ultimate playlist compiled by mid-July and will let you know when it’s done.
all the best,
Hilda
Hilda,
Sure. Please let me know. I love music and am always interested in what others love as well. I never know what I’ll find.
Thanks for joining the conversation.
songs are very nice! surely i am looking for more online songs that give my heart peace when i come tired to home.
I love songs too. Especially those songs who really reaches my emotions. Even if it’s in hip hop, rnb or love songs, as long as i know the lyrics and i can relate on it I will listen to that song until my ears didn’t want to listen that song anymore.
I know that this song isn’t Jazz or the typical music that you might listen too, but Eric Clapton’s “Tears In Heaven” brings me to tears nearly every time I listen to it. Definitely one of my favorites. If you haven’t heard it before, go listen to it. It’s a good one.
“I am a beggar on a beach of gold” by Mike & the mechanics is one of my favorites.although its not like those typical music people world listen to but every time i listen to it i felt like something missing in my life.
Beautiful song lyrics have served to inspire me from a very young age. I used to spend all my pocket money on cassettes (back in the day of Sony’s original Walkman)
My tastes were a bit heavier, and in those days we had big hair and eyeliner, spandex and lipstick. Guns ‘n Roses were a great favourite, along with AC DC, Metallica, Bon Jovi. Twisted Sister and the like.
The rock ballads were inevitably my source of inspiration. Then my first true love came around, and her name was Mandy. I discovered Barry Manilow…wow. It has been an awesome musical experience since.
I love songs. Music makes my spirit on vibe. Your songs were great.Kinda new to my ear..Keep it up.
I am a music lover, i listen, and more importantly i express my feelings through the music. Thank you for sharing this blog and the lyrics. God bless and more power.
Hey, your and my music choices overlaps alot 🙂 But I am amazed you why didnt you mentioned the heart touching instrumentals of Enigma. And specially their titles you know like Shade of the ocean , etc Must listen and then do share your thoughts. hope to c u again 🙂
Good list – I love especially those songs who really reaches my emotions. Even if it’s in hip hop, rnb or love songs, as long as i know the lyrics and i can relate on it I will listen to that song until my ears didn’t want to listen that song anymore.