30 Seconds To Mars - Kings and Queens

"Kings And Queens"

Into the night
Desperate and broken
The sound of a fight
Father has spoken.

We were the kings and queens of promise
We were the victims of ourselves
Maybe the children of a lesser god
Between heaven and hell,
Heaven and hell.

Into your eyes
Hopeless and taken
We stole our new lives
Through blood and pain
In defense of our dreams
In defense of our dreams

We were the kings and queens of promise
We were the victims of ourselves
Maybe the children of a lesser god
Between heaven and hell,
Heaven and hell.

The age of man is over
A darkness comes at dawn
These lessons that we've learned here
Have only just begun

We were the kings and queens of promise
We were the victims of ourselves
Maybe the children of a lesser god
Between heaven and hell.

We are the kings
We are the queens
We are the kings
We are the queens

Carol of the Bells (for 12 cellos) - ThePianoGuys

Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts

Where are you Christmas - Faith Hill

3 Doors Down - She don't want the world

Sometimes we ask too much. Sometimes too little. We might think, "I'm not asking for the world here"...and yet it is that big, to scramble after a need with no face. You cannot fill what you cannot name.

Jericho - Mary Chapin Carpenter

Jericho

"You can’t see me yet, seeing takes a long, long time.
From the outside in, measuring each shift and sound.
But as you let your eyes adjust to the darkness deep within,
Sifting through the ash and dust, we are the places that we’ve been.

And you can’t hear me yet, listening takes a long, long time.
And I’ve so much to tell, but words die on these lips of mine.
But in the stillness you may sense everything I long to say,
Unraveling like golden threads, the walls will all come down this way.

And you don’t know me yet, knowing takes a long, long time
And time is all we have, never travelling in straight lines.
So memorize each turn and twist, and just be careful as you go
For love is a labyrinth and my heart is Jericho."

Jason Walker

"Jason Walker is an American house, pop and soul recording artist." Okay...not much else available on this guy, but I'm a fan. His song "Down" is probably his most popular.

Don't Give Up - Calling Glory

These lyrics are powerful. They made me cry. I do not expect. I have learned that help is not coming, at least that is my experience. I remember sitting across the kitchen table from a friend of ours and him saying those exact words. "Annie. No one is coming." It was up to me. But I will concede that perhaps I cannot see help, accept help, or acknowledge it has arrived. I can concede now that there are things about myself that could change, although I haven't much hope that they will. But just the "could" is an improvement for me.

Baby steps. I am condemned to baby steps. I think that might be my consequence for wishing I would never be old.

Drunken Poet's Dream - Ray Wylie Hubbard

I want to be sitting around a campfire with this guy and the beat up old Martin he bought from the shady pawn shop on Fifth and Greer. The name of the song hooked me, but it's his "ancient-ness", or something like that, that makes me keep watching and listening. I think he's lived it all. I'll bet his guitar could tell tales.

Lego House - Ed Sheeran

Edward Christopher "Ed" Sheeran (born 17 February 1991) is an English singer, songwriter, and producer. Born in Halifax, before moving to Framlingham, he learned to play guitar and started writing songs at a young age. He began recording in 2005 and moved to London in 2008 to pursue a music career. In 2009, inspired by James Morrison, he played 312 gigs.

April 2010, after leaving his old management company, Sheeran bought a ticket to Los Angeles, with no contacts other than one poetry night. He played open mic nights all over the city, before his talent was spotted at The Foxxhole by Jamie Foxx, who was so impressed that he offered Sheeran the use of his recording studio and the run of his Hollywood home for the rest of his stay.

I've posted two versions of one of his songs. Which do you prefer?




LEGO HOUSE
"I'm gonna pick up the pieces and build a Lego house
If things go wrong we can knock it down
My three words have two meanings but there's one thing on my mind
It's all for you

And it's dark in a cold December, but I've got you to keep me warm
If you're broken I will mend ya and keep you sheltered from the storm that's raging on, now

I'm out of touch, I'm out of love
I'll pick you up when you're getting down
And out of all these things I've done, I think I love you better now
I'm out of sight, I'm out of mind
I'll do it all for you in time
And out of all these things I've done, I think I love you better now, now

I'm gonna paint you by numbers and colour you in
If things go right we can frame it and put you on a wall
And it's so hard to say it but I've been here before
Now I'll surrender up my heart and swap it for yours

I'm out of touch, I'm out of love
I'll pick you up when you're getting down
And out of all these things I've done, I think I love you better now
I'm out of sight, I'm out of mind
I'll do it all for you in time
And out of all these things I've done, I think I love you better now

Don't hold me down, I think the braces are breaking and it's more than I can take

And it's dark in a cold December, but I've got you to keep me warm
If you're broken I will mend ya and keep you sheltered from the storm that's raging on, now

I'm out of touch, I'm out of love
I'll pick you up when you're getting down
And out of all these things I've done, I think I love you better now
I'm out of sight, I'm out of mind,
I'll do it all for you in time
And out of all these things I've done, I think I love you better now
I’m out of touch, I’m out of love
I’ll pick you up when you’re getting down
And out of all these things I’ve done, I will love you better now"

The Civil Wars Live

Are you in the mood for a concert?






"In some ways, music doesn't get much more modest or minimalist than it is in the hands of The Civil Wars, a duo comprised of California-to-Nashville transplant Joy Williams and her Alabaman partner, John Paul White. They travel without a backup band, and on their first full-length album, Barton Hollow, the bare-bones live arrangements that fans hear on the road are fleshed out with just the barest of acoustic accoutrements. Each song is an intimate conversation, and no third wheels or dinner-party chatter are going to interrupt that gorgeous, haunting hush."

Acadian Driftwood - The Band

Jodee Messina - Bring On The Rain

"Modern Day Socrates" by Thesis

This is my youngest son Jordan (aka Thesis) taped and posted by my cousin Molly! He is attending the Los Angeles Recording School. If you like the song, a note, a word, or a beat....please like it on YouTube!

Homework

My son had to create a soundtrack and all sounds except dialogue for this movie trailer. He is the only one in his class to get a standing ovation. I am super proud :)

What The Hell Is Going On - Paul Thorn

What Matters Most is How Well We Walk Through the Fire - Thom Stockton

My son Jordan (aka Elevated Thoughts) wrote this melody and produced this song for Thom Stockton. "Thom Stockton is a multi-faceted musician born and bred in the heart of Northern California. Specializing in lyricism and charm, Thom is sure to win you over with something from his eclectic repertoire. Whether accompanied by an acoustic guitar, or a slappin' beat, if you get into the message, you're sure to get something out of it."

6:16 p.m. PDT, April 10, 2012

STOCKTON—
Demonstrators protesting the death of Luther Brown, a Stockton man who was killed in an officer-involved shooting Friday afternoon, were joined by Occupy Oakland and the Oscar Grant Committee Tuesday afternoon.

Between 150 and 200 people packed Martin Luther King Park, across the street from Stockton City Hall. Around 50 Stockton Police officers donned riot gear.


“They say use your head
Instead I always use my heart
That’s probably why I’m losing my mind
I was falling apart at the seams
Of my heart on my sleeve
Of my hardened heart
Please pardon me…

Let’s face the facts
I know you’re fightin’
But I wouldn’t let you go through hell alone
I’m right here.

…What matters most is how well we walk through the fire”

Walk off the Earth - Somebody That I Used to Know (Gotye - Cover)

Thanks Rabbit, for bringing this one to my attention! From their Facebook page: "Walk Off The Earth is an unconventional, multi-talented five-piece musical phenomena that is currently taking the world by storm. Based in Burlington, Ontario (just outside of Toronto), their brilliant 5-people-playing-one-guitar interpretation of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" recently exploded on Youtube garnering well over 35 million views in under 2 weeks. The massive fan response quickly drew attention to their collection of innovative songs and videos spanning their last 5 years and generated an unprecedented flood of media interest. New fans from around the world immediately fell in love with the band's organic, independent, sincere and honest original songwriting, cover interpretations and beautifully filmed videos. For the past 5 years, the band has built a massive following of dedicated fans from around the world through their unique and heartwarming approach to songwriting, filming and constant, open interaction with everyone their music touches.

The chemistry between the members of Walk Off The Earth is undeniable. Marshall, Sarah and Gianni's individual vocal stylings mesh seamlessly with Taylor's haunting harmonies and keys all the while soaring over epic melodic arrangements held together by Joel Cassady's driving and prolific percussion work. Their independent spirit, unstoppable work ethic and awe-inspiring creativity has catapulted Walk Off The Earth into new and uncharted waters with only bigger and better things on the horizon."

ThePianoGuys - Michael Meets Mozart

This video excites me. I've watched it several times and have to thank this blog. I am mesmerized by the way they use their entire instruments.




This version of Paradise is gorgeous!



From their YouTube channel...."Our vision is to create music and videos that inspire & uplift. We want to take that music to the world and make a difference. We like to put a new spin on classic stuff and a classic spin on new stuff. Whatever we do, we put our heart and souls into every note and frame." I believe it.

Amazing together and individually

Trey Lockerbie with Josh Hoge, and Ernie Halter.

(Trey Lockerbie was born in the indie-rock hotbed of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but grew up in Bloomington, Indiana. However, the Carolina connection came in handy when he met the man who was to become a major influence, Joe Firstman, the former Music Director of “Last Call with Carson Daly” and an acclaimed musician from the Tar Heel State in his own right. The duo met when Trey was playing with Josh Hoge, who was on a co-headlining tour with Firstman. The latter heard some of Trey’s original songs and started inviting him up on stage to perform a song during his own sets. The pair quickly hit it off and established a relationship that endures to this day.)

Come To Jesus - Mindy Smith

"Oh, my baby, when you're older
Maybe then you'll understand
You have angels to dance around your shoulders
'Cause at times in life you need a helping hand


Oh, my baby, when you're prayin'
Leave your burden by my door
You have Jesus standing at your bedside
To keep you calm, keep you safe,
Away from harm


Worry not my daughters,
Worry not my sons
Child, when life don't seem worth livin'
Come to Jesus and let Him hold you in His arms


Oh, my baby, when you're cryin'
Never hide your face from me
'cause I have conquered hell and driven out the demons
I have come with a light to set you free


Worry not my daughters,
Worry not my sons
Child, when life don't seem worth livin'
Come to Jesus and let Him hold you in His arms


Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Yeah, yeah, yeah


Oh, my baby, when you're dying
Believe the healing of His hand
Here in Heaven we will wait for your arrival
Here in Heaven you will finally understand
Here in Heaven we will wait for your arrival
Here in Heaven you will finally understand


Worry not my daughters,
Worry not my sons
Child, when life don't seem worth livin'
Come to Jesus and let Him hold you in His arms"

(Smith gained popularity in 2003 when she was asked to contribute to the Dolly Parton tribute album Just Because I'm a Woman by her label, Vanguard Records. Her contribution to the project was a cover of Parton's classic "Jolene". Dolly Parton followed by adding backing vocals to a new mix of the song, which was then featured on Smith's debut album that was released in January 2004, One Moment More. The pair also performed the song on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.


"Come to Jesus" was Smith's second single and biggest hit, receiving airplay on country music, Christian, AAA and adult contemporary radio. The song charted at #32 on Billboard's Adult Top 40 chart. "One Moment More" was the album's final single.)

Lonely Tonight - Matt Wertz

"6th and green is a warm place in November
When the air is cold and the leaves blow on the ground
And I don't think that I can even remember
Why it was that i came to this town

Because I just want to be lonely tonight
Just me and my maker in this cold moonlight

This is me on the eve of an ending
To what I've known's been constant for a year
And I'm so scared of this pain that I'll be sending
Sometimes I just want to run away in fear

Because I just want to be lonely tonight
Just me and my maker in this cold moonlight

No, I haven't heard your voice in two weeks now
And anticipation's been wearing me thin
And I just can't help but wonderin' baby if somehow
We could tear these pages out and begin again

Because I just want to be lonely tonight
Just me and my maker in this cold moonlight
I just want to be lonely tonight
With no one around to see the sight
Of me lying here

'Cause this is the hardest thing I've ever done before
I said this is the hardest thing I've ever done before
And I don't want to be lonely
But I won't be lonely tonight
Because my maker's holding me"

In The Shape of A Heart - Jackson Browne [LIVE] Solo Acoustic Spain

"It was a ruby that she wore
On a chain around her neck
In the shape of a heart
In the shape of a heart
It was a time I won't forget
For the sorrow and regret
And the shape of a heart
And the shape of a heart
I guess I never knew
What she was talking about
I guess I never knew
What she was living without

People speak of love don't know what they're thinking of
Wait around for the one who fits just like a glove
Speak in terms of belief and belonging
Try to fit some name to their longing

There was a hole left in the wall
From some ancient fight
About the size of a fist
Or something thrown that had missed
And there were other holes as well
In the house where our nights fell
Far too many to repair
In the time that we were there

People speak of love don't know what they're thinking of
Reach out to each other though the push and shove
Speak in terms of a life and the learning
Try to think of a word for the burning

You keep it up
You try so hard
To keep a life from coming apart
And never know
What breaches and faults are concealed
In the shape of a heart

It was the ruby that she wore
On a stand beside the bed
In the hour before dawn
When I knew she was gone
And I held it in my hand
For a little while
And dropped it into the wall
Let it go, heard it fall

I... I guess I never knew
What she was talking about
I guess I never knew
What she was living without
People speak of love don't know what they're thinking of
Wait around for the one who fits just like a glove
Speak in terms of a life and the living
Try to find the word for forgiving

You keep it up
You try so hard
To keep a life from coming apart
And never know
The shallows and the unseen reefs
That are there from the start
In the shape of a heart."

-----------------------

Browne's first songs, such as "Shadow Dream Song" and "These Days", were recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Tom Rush, Nico, Steve Noonan, Gregg Allman, Joan Baez, the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, the Byrds, and others. Browne did not release his own version of many of these early songs himself until years later. I highly recommend Solo Acoustic Vol.1, and Solo Acoustic Vol. 21

Rain - Creed

"Can you help me out, can you lend me a hand?
It's safe to say that I'm stuck again
Trapped between this life and the light
I just can't figure out, how to make it right...

A thousand times before
I've wondered if there's something more... something more...

I feel it's gonna rain like this for days
So let it rain down and wash everything away
I hope that tomorrow the sun will shine
With every tomorrow comes another life...

I feel it's gonna rain, for days and days
(I feel it's gonna rain)
I tried to figure out, I can't understand...
What it means... to be whole again...
Trapped between the truth and the consequence
Nothing's real, nothing's making sense...

A thousand times before
I've wondered if there's something more... something more...

I feel it's gonna rain like this for days
So let it rain down and wash everything away
I hope that tomorrow the sun will shine
I feel it's going to rain like this... rain like this... rain like this...

Fall down, wash away my yesterdays
Fall down, so let the rain fall down on me...

I feel it's gonna rain like this for days
Let it rain down and wash everything away
I hope that tomorrow the sun will shine
I feel it's going to rain like this... rain like this...

So let the rain fall...
I feel it's gonna rain like this... rain like this...
So let the rain fall down...
I feel it's gonna rain like this...

I feel it's gonna rain."


Creed was formed in 1995 as a heavy metal, rock, and alternative rock group. They broke up in June 2004.

Many people consider Creed to be a Christian rock band, because their songs include many religious and spiritual implications. While most of the band members are Christians, frontman Scott Stapp disagrees with the label: 'No, we are not a Christian band. A Christian band has an agenda to lead others to believe in their specific religious beliefs. We have no agenda!'

On June 4, 2004, it was announced that Creed had broken up. Stapp will record a solo album, collaborating with popular Canadian group The Tea Party, while the other band members will form a new band, Alter Bridge, with Myles Kennedy.

Forgiveness

"We are swimming with the snakes at the bottom of the well
So silent and peaceful in the darkness where we fell
But we are not snakes and what's more we never will be
And if we stay swimming here forever we will never be free
I heard them ringing the bells in heaven and hell
They got a secret they're getting ready to tell
It's falling from the skies
It's calling from the graves
Open your eyes boy, I think we are saved
Open your eyes boy, I think we are saved
Let's take a walk on the bridge right over this mess
Don't need to tell me a thing baby, we already confessed
And I raised my voice to the air
And we were blessed
It's hard to give
It's hard to get
But everybody needs a little forgiveness
We are calling for help tonight on a thin phone line
As usual we're having ourselves one hell of a time
And the planes keep flying over our heads
No matter how loud we shout
Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey
And we keep wavin and wavin our arms in the air but we're all tired out
I heard somebody say today's the day
Big old hurricane she's blowing our way
Knockin over the buildings
Killing all the lights
Open your eyes boy, we made it through the night
Open your eyes boy, we made it though the night
Let's take a walk on the bridge right over this mess
Don't need to tell me a thing baby, we already confessed
And I raise my voice to the air
And we were blessed
It's hard to give
It's hard to get
It's hard to give
But still I think it's the best bet
Hard to give
Never gonna forget
But everybody needs a little forgiveness
Everybody needs a little forgiveness"

Ain't No Reason - Brett Dennen

♫There ain’t no reason things are this way
It's how they always been and they intend to stay
I can't explain why we live this way,
We do it everyday.
Preachers on the podium speaking of saints
Paupers on the sidewalk begging for change
Old ladies laughing from the fire escape, cursing my name
I got a basket full of lemons and they all taste the same
A window and a pigeon with a broken wing
You can spend you whole life working for something,
Just to have it taken away
People walk around pushing back their debts
Wearing pay checks like necklaces and bracelets
Talking 'bout nothing, not thinking 'bout death
Every little heartbeat, every little breath
People walk a tight rope on a razor’s edge
Carrying their hurt and hatred and weapons
It could be a bomb, or a bullet, or a pen
Or a thought, or a word, or a sentence
There ain't no reason things are this way
It's how they always been and they intend to stay
I don’t know why I say the things that I say,
But I say them anyway
But love will come set me free
Love will come set me free, I do believe
Love will come set me free, I know it will
Love will come set my free, yes.
Prison walls still standing tall
Some things never change at all
Keep on building prisons, gonna fill them all
Keep building bombs, gonna drop them all
Working your fingers bare to the bone
Breaking your back, make you sell your soul
Like a lung, it's filled with coal, sufficating slow
The wind blows wild and I may move
But politicians lie and I am not fooled
You don't need no reason or a three piece suit, to argue the truth
The air on my skin and the world under my toes
Slavery is stitched into the fabric of my clothes
Chaos and commotion wherever I go
Love, I try to follow
Love will come set me free
Love will come set me free, I do believe
Love will come set me free, I know it will
Love will come set my free, yes.
There ain't no reason things are this way
It's how they always been and they intend to stay
I can't explain why we live this way,
We do it everyday.♫


"Brett Dennen – just an average American vocalist with a crazy passion for change and unity in our society. With such hits as “Darlin Don’t Fear”, “Desert Sunrise”, and “Ain’t No Reason” – Dennen’s music is gathering followers from all around the country. But as it grows, it seems his music remains true to its purpose, an ideology for hope for the hopeless and strength for the broken.

Brett Dennen was born and raised in Northern California, and from a young age, nature became a huge part in his life. His career was actually sparked from a freestyle song he composed around a campfire. His thoughts about everything in life from the environment, to love, to human rights is captured perfectly in each of songs. Dennen is part of many humanitarian and society reform missions, and has even created one called “Love Speaks.”

The Diary of Jane - Breaking Benajmin

(Acoustic version above and the original release below. Interested in hearing which you prefer and why.)



♫If I had to
I would put myself right beside you
so let me ask
would you like that?
would you like that?

and I don't mind
if you say this love is the last time
so now I'll ask
do you like that?
do you like that?

No

Something's getting in the way
something's just about to break
I will try to find my place in the diary of Jane
so tell me how it should be

try to find out what makes you tick
as I lie down
soaring sick
do you like that?
do you like that?

there's a fine line between love and hate
and I don't mind
Just let me say that I like that
I like that

Something's getting in the way
something's just about to break
I will try to find my place in the diary of Jane
as I burn another page
as I look the other way
I still try to find my place in the diary of Jane
so tell me how it should be

Desperate, I will crawl
waiting for so long
no love, there is no love
die for anyone
What have I become

Something's getting in the way
something's just about to break
I will try to find my place in the diary of Jane
as I burn another page
as I look the other way
I still try to find my place
In the diary of Jane..♫


("Breaking Benjamin is an American rock band from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, currently consisting of Benjamin Burnley and Chad Szeliga. The band has released four studio albums to date and a greatest hits album that was released on August 16, 2011. The group initially went on indefinite hiatus due to frontman Benjamin Burnley's recurring illnesses and inability to tour in mid-2010. Further complications arose in August 2011, when it was revealed that members Mark Klepaski and Aaron Fink had been fired from the band." A legal dispute over a song released around the time of the split is still pending. The band plans to continue it's musical pursuits once the lawsuit is settled.)

Superstition / Isn't She Lovely

(Two of my favorite tunes. Which cover do you prefer?)

Anyway - Nichole Nordeman

"Bless the day
This restoration is complete
Dirty dusty something must be underneath
So I scrape and I scuff
Though it's never quite enough
I'm starting to see me finally

A gallery of paintings new and paintings old
I guess it's no surprise that I'm no Michelangelo
Every layer of mine hides a lovely design
It might take a little patience
It might take a little time

But you called me beautiful
When you saw my shame
And you placed me on the wall
Anyway

You who have begun this work will someday see
A portrait of the holiness you meant for me
So I polish and shine
til it's easier to find even an outline of mine

But you called me beautiful
When you saw my shame
And you placed me on the wall
Anyway
Anyway
And you placed me on the wall
Anyway"

Never Alone - BarlowGirl

(Another link that doesn't always play. If so, click on the words "Youtube link" within the video screen.)

♫I waited for you today
But you didn't show
No no no
I needed You today
So where did You go?
You told me to call
Said You'd be there
And though I haven't seen You
Are You still there?

I cried out with no reply
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I"m never alone

And though I cannot see You
And I can't explain why
Such a deep, deep reassurance
You've placed in my life

We cannot separate
'Cause You're part of me
And though You're invisible
I'll trust the unseen.♫

(Sums up my faith pretty much.)


Don't know why you made it rocky
why it's not come easy
why you dislocate my bones
with the force of my disagreements
why I shake my fists
at your decisions
yet your love reaches down this far
how you hear such a small faith
whispered in the world
how tenacious you've made it
made me
of rock

Say (All I Need) - OneRepublic

"Do you know where your heart is?
Do you think you can find it?
Or did you trade it for something
Somewhere better just to have it?
Do you know where your love is?
Do you think that you lost it?
You felt it so strong, but
Nothing's turned out how you wanted

Well, bless my soul
You're a lonely soul
Cause you won't let go
Of anything you hold

Well, all I need
Is the air I breathe
And a place to rest
My head

Do you know what your fate is?
And are you trying to shake it?
You're doing your best and
Your best look
You're praying that you make it

Well, bless my soul
You're a lonely soul
Cause you won't let go
Of anything you hold

Well, all I need
Is the air I breathe
And a place to rest
My head

I said I all I need
Is the air I breathe
And a place to rest
My head

Do you think you can find it?
Do you think you can find it?
Do you think you can find it?
Better than you had it
Do you think you can find it?
Do you think you can find it?
Do you think you can find it?
Yeah, better than you had it (Better than you had it)

I said I all I need
Is the air I breathe
And a place to rest
My head

I said I all I need
Is the air I breathe
And a place to rest
My head

Whenever the end is
Do you think you can see it?
Well, until you get there
Go on, go ahead and scream it
Just say it"

Hard Times - Eastmountainsouth

(You may have to click to watch this video on YouTube, as half the time I am restricted from view. I am curious as to which version you prefer...Eastmountainsouth, or James Taylor/Yo-Yo Ma.)

let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears
while we all sup sorrow with the poor
there's a song that will linger forever in our ears
oh, hard times come again no more

'tis a song a sigh of the weary
hard times hard times come again no more
many days you have lingered around my cabin door
oh hard times come again no more

while we seek mirth and beauty
and music light and gay
there are frail ones fainting at the door
though their voices are silent
their pleading looks will say
oh, hard times come again no more

'tis a song a sigh of the weary
hard times... hard times come again no more
many days you have lingered around my cabin door
oh, hard times come again no more

'tis a sigh that is wafted across the troubled wave
'tis a wail that is heard upon the shore
'tis a dirge that is murmured around the lowly grave
oh, hard times come again no more

'tis a song ¦a sigh of the weary
hard times hard times come again no more
many days you have lingered around my cabin door
oh, hard times come again no more
oh, hard times come again no more

Lift Me Up - The Afters

(Sorry, you may have to click the Youtube link to view. I highly recommend it.)

"You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up

Waiting for the sunrise
Waiting for the day
Waiting for a sign
That I’m where you want me to be

You know my heart is heavy
And the hurt is deep
But when I feel like giving up
You’re reminding me
That we all fall down sometimes
But when I hit the ground

You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I’m letting go
You lift me up when I can’t see
Your heart is all that I need
Your love carries me so I’m letting go

You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up

I know I’m not perfect
I know I make mistakes
I know that I have let you down
But you love me the same

And when I’m surrounded
When I lose my way
When I’m crying out and falling down
You are here to

Lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I’m letting go
You lift me up when I can’t see
Your heart is all that I need
Your love carries me so I’m letting go

I can see the dawn is breaking
I am feeling overtaken with your love
With your love
I don’t know what I can offer
In this moment I surrender to your love
To your love

You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I’m letting go

You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I’m letting go
You lift me up when I can’t see
Your heart is all that I need
Your love carries me so I’m letting go

I can see the dawn is breaking
I am feeling overtaken with your love

You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up"

Dreamin' - Jordan Stevenson

I am a novice at iMovie and couldn't figure out how to make one photo extend through the entire song, so I just kept adding pictures of my son until his song ended (which he will surely hate)! We went to tour the Los Angeles Film and Recording School two days ago. For a couple hours that evening Jordan and his buddy Thomas fooled around writing and editing some music. It was an education and I am in awe of both of them. This version is "rough" and" unfinished" and "Gee Mom, it's nowhere near done!"


There are five layers to the high hat.
It is these layers that make it BOOOSHHHH
and your heart along with it in rhythmic synchronicity.

And from a recording they take as much as they add
such a delicate balance
of surgical extraction and masterful enhancement.
Much must be stripped away
before layer upon layer can be applied to the canvas of sound.

He loves the minor keys.
Of course he would.
My fluid is the river on which he entered this world.

A whistle sounds in the distance.
He knows it's pitch...
can replicate it two weeks from now if necessary.

I stand amazed
listening.

Crash and Burn - Lifehouse

All these nights are catching up to me
I just can't put insomnia to sleep
I close my eyes but all that I can see
Is someone who I'm never gonna be

I hope that you can bring me back
I gotta make it right

And if I fall and crash and burn
At least we both know that I tried
And as I crawl there's lessons learned
Yeah, they remind me I survived

Silence just keeps screaming back at me
The ones I love are lost in memories
And I wish that I could take back what was done
You can only change the person you become

I have to try and find a way
To leave it all behind
And if I fall and crash and burn
At least we both know that I tried
And as I crawl there's lessons learned
Yeah, they remind me I survived
And I've been hurt, and I've been scarred
At least I know that I'm alive
And If I fall and crash and burn
At least we both know that I tried

All of the things I tried to say
All of the words just got in the way
I'm waiting here, I need your help
Don't leave me down here all by myself

And if I fall and crash and burn
At least we both know that I tried
And as I crawl there's lessons learned
Yeah, they remind me I survived
And I've been hurt, and I've been scarred
At least I know that I'm alive
And If I fall and crash and burn
At least we both know that I tried