Don't Ask Me Why

Don't Ask Me Why by Billy Joel
(no clue what's going on with the video here)



I've always sort of considered Billy Joel and Bon Jovi East Coast phenomenons. They always seem to be so much more East Coast than American and the success to each is sort of lost on everyone west of I-95. But apparently this theory does not hold true with Billy Joel.

It's not that I don't like Billy Joel, it's just he's so New York and so Long Island that to some kid from Chicago, he doesn't translate all that well in the 21st century. Of course this is the same man that wrote "Allentown" so who knows really. Maybe I'm the one who doesn't get it.

Anyway, this is easily my favorite Joel song. It's simple, it's catchy, it's a ditty. And I sort of like the message, take a chance, go for it, and don't ask me why. You only get one chance, so take that chance. Yet another carpe diem song, which isn't a bad thing. It's just amazing how large of a market we have as a society for these types of songs.

A song that puts me in a good mood, and I like songs like that.

Red-Eyed and Blue

Red-Eyed and Blue by Wilco

Let me clear my throat...



When we came here today
We all felt something true
Now I'm red-eyed and blue

If I were a really, really good writer, I would some how be able to connect this song to the Gettysburg Address. But I'm not. However, I think I'm going to try.

Like the Gettysburg Address, this song is short and doesn't mince it's words. It comes at you quickly and you listen to every word. None of the words are forced or wasted, they all mean something. And there is a brutal, honest, glorious truth to what is being said.

A mere 61 words, this song is frightfully true. This is what Tweedy does best, of course, some how packaging the heart break of relationships and life into a song that is bittersweet. Whenever I hear this song, I can't help but think of the love lost but somehow I'm better off for loving... despite being red-eyed and blue.

If you desire to love someone AND have someone love you, then eventually you'll find yourself in the position where you'll be with someone, feel something true, yet leave with tears in your eyes and a mental state that can only be described as blue. It's a horrible feeling. It's one that makes you upset and leaves you wondering why you can't keep the those true moments and hold them forever. Why you did what you did and why she did what she did. You're so close, yet so far away; like so many things in life.

Your Song

Your Song by Elton John



When it comes to all time greatest love songs, this has to crack the top five right? Top three? Isn't it pretty much everyone's dream to have someone write a song about them (this actually happened to my sister, I've never really known how she felt about that).

Anyway, I'm not sure who Elton is signing this song to, but it doesn't matter. I do love how he forgets the color of the girl/guys eyes, that's always made me smile. And when they're on a roof with moss on it beats me. But it's a great song that you can't help thinking of the person you're in love with. And I'm not adding to this song... so enjoy it.

"My gift is my song and/this one's for you"

The Obvious Child

The Obvious Child by Paul Simon



Without a doubt, it's the percussion that dominates this song. At the beginning it sounds like near chaos, yet the percussion quickly gains order and then drives the song the rest of the way. Sometimes it lingers in the background, but usually it's pounding away, driving one of the more interesting and better songs out there.

Simon's always been a gifted lyricist, but I'm not sure what to do with this line:
"Crosses in the ballpark".
This is either one of the most symbolic American lines ever penned or it's crap. I'm not sure. I think it I like it.

And count me as one who enjoys the story of Sonny.

At times this is a beautiful song, one of Simon's finest. At other times, it really is a near perfect combination, or fusion, of the Latin American (Brazilian in this case) rhythm with Simon's song writing. And finally, there are times when the percussion, by Olodum, are the genius of the song. It's a shame this song is over looked when one talks about the Simon catalogue. It's right up there with his best.

1997

1997 by Mason Jennings



This is D's favorite Mason song... and it's probably in my top three. Just a pretty and thoughtful song. It reminds me of all those days past that were nice, good days. Days that were some how special... days that linger in the back of your mind for some reason, neither good or bad, they just were. Some times the best of days are days that just were.

These days tend to be a bit bittersweet. They weren't perfect days, but upon reflection, it's the imperfect of these days that makes them perfect. (I realize that by saying that I don't mean anything, but I think it sounds cool and it makes perfect sense in my mind; and yes I said perfect three times in that sentence). ANYWAYS, maybe it was just a bit too cool out side. Maybe it was a little too humid out. Maybe you didn't say the right things that night, but you still kissed and cuddled when you went to bed. And for that reason, you still remember that day. Maybe not what you talked about, but how you felt.

Literally, this song is much different. But forget that for the moment... the song reminds me of those days when I'd walk around Old Town. And when the chorus starts up, I take a deep breath, and a small smile comes across my face. Those weren't always the best of days. But they weren't the worst of days either. I had a piece of mind and that's always nice.

Was it a sign? I think it probably was.