"Time stops. He's filling empty space with the substance of our lives, confessions of his bellybottom strain, remembrance of ideas, rehashes of old blowing. he has to blow across bridges and come back and do it with such infinite feeling soul-exploratory for the tune of the moment that everybody knows it's not the tune that counts, but 'IT--' Dean could go no further; he was sweating telling about it."
From this point of inspiration (or should I say perspiration?), I want you to leap, creatively, into the music of your life, creating a soundtrack for your life. A play list, 5-10 songs in length. Not the actual music files, just a list of the songs that you would want to play or listen to as you travel, as you move around campus. As you live. So many of us now move about campus constantly plugged in to our iPods. We remove them only reluctantly and even have conversations while the music continues to play.
Once you've created your play list, I'd like you to talk, in detail, about 3 of the songs. Talk about the lyrics, quote the lyrics, tell us why they speak to you, why they matter to you, what they say to you. Why does this song or piece of music move you? In what way? "It's got mad beats" might be a true statement, but I want a little bit more. Dig deeper! "Dig IT!"
Due Wednesday, October 3rd, by class.
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Playlist:
The River - Good Charlotte
Worth Taking - Rob Bleckedge
My Sacrifice - Creed
Here - Hellogoodbye
We’ve Only Just Begun - Run Kid Run
Storm - Lifehouse
You’re My Better Half- Keith Urban
Lose Yourself - Eminem
Crashing Down - Mat Kearney
The River- In this song, Good Charlotte gives their usual hard and distorted guitar sounds along with heavy drums and strong vocals. However, the lyrics of this song bring many spiritual and Biblical references. For example, the chorus reads, “Baptized in the River, I’ve seen a vision of my life and I wanna delivered. In the city was a sinner, but I swear I’m a Believer. I confess I’m a sinner, seen a Vision of my life and I wanna be delivered.” This is unexpected for a group, today, in this genre to express any of their possible spiritual beliefs. The song gives off a feeling of boldness and passion.
You’re My Better Half- This song has more of a pop or rock sound than most country tunes. Keith Urban creates a fun (riding in the car type) song with light lyrics that really don’t grab hold of your mind. They just pass over, making the melody and rhythm the most noticeable aspects. The song is not one to make you think; it’s best for pure enjoyment. This song creates a light mood which many times relaxes me during busy times.
Storm- Lifehouse creates a song that really grips you from the beginning. The whole first chorus is just the vocals. The song is almost a prayer. You can feel the desperation in Jason Wade’s voice. This is very relatable to me, because I have felt the same emotions that are present in this song. I can bear witness to the battle between your mind and your faith which is explored in the lyrics: learning how to live by what you believe instead of what you can only see in the present.
My play list
The play list for my life goes as follows:
Paper and ink- Tracy Chapman
Africa- Andy McKee
Verme- Baby ranks
Bebot- Black-eyed peas
Call on me- Eric Prydz
The future freaks me out- motion city soundtrack
The song “verme” (translation: look at me) definitely pertains to my life.
“Everybody needs to take time to reflect
Take time to put things in prospect
Soon as you realize …
And get a better hope
And get a better hope”
These lyrics are saying that occasionally you need to put every luxury that you have aside and “take time to reflect” on your life and what you have and if it is not what you want, then hope for the best. I listen to this song all the time because its good and it reminds me of not only home in Suriname, but also how people there are so happy with what they have. Growing up outside of the US, you begin to appreciate all of that as well and realize that you just need to live and reflect on your current situation in life. This song is also half in Spanish, so I can relate and understand to the Spanish aspect of the song.
The song “Africa” has no words but nonetheless is still a great song. The way the music is played is calming and then again exciting at the same time (if that makes sense). Its one of those songs that can fit into any scene and be the perfect soundtrack because it has many different sounds that can relate to any type of atmosphere. I love this song because it has so much meaning without having to say anything.
The song “the future freaks me out” is such a relatable song for not only me, but for anyone. I would always sing this song with my friend when there was a stressful day and just needed to yell something out or if there was an awkward silence. Part of the chorus says, “I’m on fire and now I think I'm ready to bust a move, check it out I’m rocking steady, to the beat in my head it goes oh-oh-oh-oh…”. We would do a silly pose to the “I’m ready to bust a move” and would allow us to release a lot of stress or even just be goofy. This song is not only a reminder of good times, but also a song that is able to bring out emotions freely.
Playlist:
1. The General – Dispatch
2. Hide and Seek – Imogen Heap
3. To be loved– Curtis Steiger
4. Stay - Wood
5. Until my dying day – UB40
6. Wash Away – Joe Purdy
7. Who will save your soul- Jewel
8. Be Yourself - Audioslave
9. I can never make you mine – Deb Talan
10. The Freshman–The Verve Pipe
“The General” is a song about the preciousness of life; how people should experience life and live life to its fullest. “Take a shower, shine your shoes you got no time to lose, you are young men you must be living go now you are forgiven.” The general has already lead life’s journey and experienced it for himself, he wants his men to have that same chance. “…he told of past battles, won and lost, and legends of old a seasoned veteran in his own time. On the battlefield he gained respectful fame with many medals of bravery and stripes to his name he grew a beard as soon as he could to cover the scars on his face and always urged his men on.” The General is experienced; he has lived through many battles, and he has found himself. He has surpassed obstacles and accomplishments in his life. He is ready to fight, but the others have barely had to time to live and travel down the path of their own lives’. The General talks about making sure that the men don’t waste any time. They have one shot at life and they need to live in the moment and make the most of it. This song makes me remember that life is exciting and too short to put it off. I first heard this song at camp so whenever I hear it, that is what it reminds me of. It is a reminder of all the good memories that I have had so far.
The song, “Hide and Seek” emphasizes the uncertainties in life, and questions it. “The dust has only just begun to form” captures the idea of life as inspiring. Life has just begun. Whenever I listen to this song it makes me think about the world and other people. It reminds me of my life in Saudi and how so many people don’t have anything. It makes me appreciate life but also think about others that don’t have the same opportunities that I do.
“Be Yourself” is a song that describes the ups and downs in life. “Someone gets excited in a chapel yard catches a bouquet, Another lays a dozen white roses on a grave”. Everyone has good and bad stages in their lives; and this song reminds me that I just have to get through the bad times and enjoy the good. It says that “to be yourself is all that you can do” but it is the journey through life that counts. It makes me feel like it is ok to be anything I want to be, and that I don’t have to impress other people. It reminds to be confident in who I am, and not worrying about changing myself for everyone else.
destination unknown-alex guidoria
love generation- bob sinclar
under the bridge- RHCP
summer of 69- bryan adams
cant tell me nothing- kanye west
you make me better –fabulous
The first song Destination Unknown is techno, dance song that is usually played loud. When you listen to the song you can really feel the beat and the words are clear. The words are very straight forward and state that there is an unknown destination. When they talk about this you don’t know if there talking about a group traveling someplace, an individual, or love. This connects to Dean and Sal because it suits there position of traveling without no set destination.
The fourth song Summer of 69 is a rock song that can be pictured by driving a convertible in the summer blasting this tune. It is very easy to sing along to due to its repetition. The words tell a story about how he found what he thought was love but then walked away form it and became a rebel with his friend and couldn’t settle down after that. This is a prime example of Sal and Dean clashing at there differences.
The fifth sound Cant Tell me Nothing, is a rap/hip hop song that can be depicted a couple different ways but fits in the book perfectly this way. The songs says how nothing can stop him, he doesn’t care about anyone, he has money, girl, and the life, and that’s all he wants. This is the same situation Dean is in minus the money. Dean if the rebel or person that feels he doesn’t need rules to live.
1. Lost In America-Pepper
2. Heart of a Champion-Nelly
3. Sweet Honey-Slightly Stoopid
4. Cute Without the E-Taking Back Sunday
5. Creatures-311
6. Don’t Worry be Happy-Bob Marley
7. Beyond the Grey Sky-311
8. Won’t Back Down-Tom Petty
Don't worry be Happy - This is a song that I like to listen to when I am angry or stressed out; it calms me down and makes me realize that there are bigger problems in life then what I am worried about. “In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry you make it double, don’t worry be happy.” He is simply saying that everyone goes through problems in life and goes through lows times but, if we try not to think about them or worry about them we will be allot better off happier in the long run.
Beyond the Grey Sky - This is a favorite song of my friends and we used to always listen to it when we were together all the time. So not being around them, whenever I listen to it I think of them and all the great times we’ve had throughout the years. We really never listened to the lyrics we just enjoyed the beat and how it sounded, we later found out that the song was actually about the lead singers best friend committing suicide, which I can relate to because my neighbor who I was real good friends with in middle school, we went to different high schools and weren’t as close but we were still close. So when I hear this song it not only reminds of my great friends now but it also reminds me of Dan, and makes me wonder what made him end his life and if there was anything I could have done for him.
Won't Back Down - “No I’ll stand my ground, won’t be turned around, and I’ll keep this world from draggin me down gunna stand my ground, and I won’t back down.” This is a great song that talks about not being afraid of what life has to offer, and how we have to stand up for our beliefs and fight for what we think is right. He is saying he’s not going to let people drag him down or put his beliefs down he will fight for what he thinks is right, and he will fight for his beliefs till the death. I like to listen to this song because it is a good motivating song that shows sometimes you have to fight for what you think is right and not “back down.”
Classic- Kanye West,Nas,Rakim
Do You Wanna Ride- Jay-Z
I Made It- Jay-Z
I Tried- Akon
Shooter- Robin Thicke, Lil wayne
I Wish- R.kelly
La La La- Lil Wayne
Do You Wanna Ride- This song by Jay-z is talking about taking a ride and is a very good tune to listen to when driving down the high way because it is also a very relaxing song. I think personally that this represents a type of journey through life. The reason i picked this song because this is one of my favorite songs from this album and it has a catchy beat.
I Made It- This song "I Made It" by Jay-z talks about a rapper making it and having success and crossing a big thresehold in his career. Just like in the book Sal crosses a similar threshold when he leaves his mom behind and goes on his journey. The main reasons i chose this song is because i can relate to it.
Classic- This by kanye West, Nas and rakim brings back old school rap and mixes with new artist. The main reason i like this is because it has a different unique beat and lyrics to it. Its not like any other rap song and you can also jam to it while driving.
Andrew Veilleux
“Brick” Ben Folds
“Ghetto Gospel” 2 Pac
“What’s the difference” Dr. Dre
“So lonely” The Police
“Baba O’Riley” The Who
“In The Name of love” U2
“Drive slow” Kanye west
Baba O’Riley- I chose this song because I really like to listen to it if I am felling down. The first part of the song just makes me think about what is going on there are no words for awhile and it’s just nice to listen to. It makes me want to go and do something I find it almost inspirational.” I don't need to fight
to prove I'm right” I think that this line is very true if you are right then you are. And there is no need to fight.
What’s the difference- I chose this song because whenever I listen to it reminds me about my friend we use to listen to this game all the time when we were in the car. I really don’t know what the song is about but I really like the beet of it.
In the name of love- I really don’t know what to say about this song but I put it on because my parents use to play it all the time when I was younger and I think I just really liked the beet of the song and I never really listened to the lyrics. One other thing is that I saw this song live. The song talks about a man and love and the man being caught up in love and trying to be free. For example “Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky Free at last, they took your life They could not take your pride”
Playlist:
1) A Horse with No Name- America
2) Born to Be Wild- Steppenwolf
3) Born to Run- Bruce Springsteen
4) Carry On- Crosby, Stills, Nash
5) Come Sail Away- Styx
6) Conquering Fools- OAR
7) Crossroads- Derek and TheDominos
8) Danny's Song- Loggins & Messina
9) Divisions- Umphrey's McGee
10) Vehicle- The Ides of March
Conquering Fools- This song has an important meaning to me as it underlines the importance of independence and the coming of age. Mark, the lead singer sings, "this is quite a struggle what can i gotta do tomorrow gonna find that gold." Even though we face struggles, we must pick ourselves up and keep searching for greatness.
Danny's Song- This song is very quiet throughout, but loud in its meaning. Although it can be analyzed in many different ways, I see it as a song of love and hope. Logging sings, "And even though we ain't got money, I'm so in love with ya honey,And everything will bring a chain of love.And in the morning when I rise, you bring a tear of joy to my eyes,
And tell me everything is gonna be alright." These words echo the notion that love is a more powerful force than anything in the world. Even being poor cannot stop love so therefore love doesn't have to come between economic struggles.
Divisions- This song comes from my favorite band, Umphrey's McGee. This song is about a decision that must be made, and the person making it is torn between the two sides. Chris sings," Moments of division, lost about the way, I can't feel my vision, swollow and remain." This person instead of making up his/her mind decides to stay in this state of nothingness. Instead of doing something, inaction is the road that is followed, although probably not the correct road.
PLAYLIST:
Snow- Red Hot Chili Peppers
Tim McGraw- Last Dollar(Fly away)
Rascal Flatts- Bless The Broken Road
Uncle Cracker- Drift Away
Steve Miller Band- Fly Like An Eagle
George Strait- True
The Blues Brothers- Soul Man
Clint Black- A Better Man
Billy Joel- All About Soul
Rodney Atkins- If Your Going Through Hell
Snow- In this song, what is talked about from my view is this group of people cant decide on what to do or what they really need in life, similar to Sal. Tere's more to one person than just"self", "need more than myself this time". There's something within each person that that individual has to find.
Last Dollar(Fly Away)- In this song, his journey towards love is very similar to Sal's adventure on the road. On the road, Sal's worries completely diminish and he becomes happy. the chorus reads, "There's nothing worth keeping me from places I should go, from happyville to lovinland im gonna tour from coast to coast". Very similar to Sal's Journey as well.
Bless The Broken Road- This song is very similar to Sal's adventure on the road. The character in this peice is on the road for years and in his journey's has many obstacles and bumpy roads,"I got lost a time or two, wiped my brow and kept pushing through". Like Sal's adventure, this person knows that somehow his journey will have a positive outcome as well.
1. Carry on Wayward Son -Kansas
2. When the Ship Comes In -Bob Dylan
3. These Are My People – Rob Atkins
4. My Way Home –Kanye West
5. Holiday –Green Day
6. Lookin Out My Backdoor –CCR
Carry on Wayward Son explains the concept of the book. Sal is a lost sole who finds him self in part of a generation that is lost in rebellion trying to find a new way of thinking. Sal is trying to find something missing in his life and he is wandering to find that something. And he hasn’t rested from the goal through out the book he is in constant search of “it”
When the Ship Comes In –By Bob Dylan is a classic song of weathering the storm and triumphing over adversity. Sal is traveling around the country with no money and at one point supporting a family. He some how finds a way to weather through his short comings to get a days dollar to support him self and others.
These Are My People –By Rob Atkins refers to a set of friends growing up and living their lives. This directly connects to Sal and Dean. Rob Atkins talks about how in college he majored in beer and girls and in some respects that are all Sal in Dean majored in throughout the book always parting and having fun.
My Way Home –By Kanye West is the song that most directly represents the book “Yeah (I'm on my way home)
They say home is where the hate is
My dome is where fate is
I stroll where souls get lost like Vegas (I'm on my way home)
Seen through the eyes of rebel glasses”
Kanye talks about how home isn’t the place for him because he sees the world through different eyes rebellious eyes so he needs to lose him self, get his sole lost.
Holiday –by Green Day refers to being different from everyone and to go on holiday or vacation from the real world. That is exactly what Sal is doing he is leaving his life as a college writer starting out as a novelist to hit the road and escape his current life. Going on a long vacation and trying something new and different. Sal is hitting the road to free his mind from his current way of thinking and seeing things in the world.
Running Away-Bob Marley
Ya running and ya running
And ya running away.
Ya running and ya running
And ya running away.
Ya running and ya running
And ya running away.
Ya running and ya running,
But ya can't run away from yourself
Can't run away from yourself -
Can't run away from yourself -
Can't run away from yourself -
Can't run away from yourself -
Can't run away from yourself.
Ya must have done (must have done),
Somet'in' wrong (something wrong).
Said: ya must have done (must have done),
Wo! Somet'in' wrong (something wrong).
Why you can't find the
Place where you belong?
So Much Trouble in the World- Bob Marley
So much trouble in the world
So much trouble in the world
Bless my eyes this morning
Jah sun is on the rise once again
The way earthly thin's are goin'
Anything can happen.
You see men sailing on their ego trip,
Blast off on their spaceship,
Million miles from reality:
No care for you, no care for me.
Lou Reed- Walk on the Wild Side
Sugar Plum Fairy came and hit the streets
Lookin' for soul food and a place to eat
Went to the Apollo
You should have seen him go go go
They said, hey Sugar, take a walk on the wild side
I said, hey honey, take a walk on the wild side
Jackie is just speeding away
Thought she was James Dean for a day
Then I guess she had to crash
Valium would have helped that dash
She said, hey babe, take a walk on the wild side
I said, hey honey, take a walk on the wild side
And the coloured girls say doo doo doo, doo ...
Lou Reed- Heroin lyrics
I don't know just where I'm going
But I'm goin' to try for the kingdom if I can
'Cause it makes me feel like I'm a man
When I put a spike into my vein
Then I tell you things aren't quite the same
When I'm rushing on my run
And I feel just like Jesus' son
And I guess I just don't know
And I guess that I just don't know
OAR- The Wanderer
He's the wanderer looking for his long lost home
He's only got one place to go
He's wandering and wondering when to go home
He's not alone, not alone, not alone
Hey, he's the wanderer looking for his long lost home
He's only got one fine place to go
He's wandering wondering when to go home
He's not alone, not alone, not alone
We wan wan wandered along, grabbed our friends and we move along
We won won won the war, grabbed our friends and we ran for the door
OAR- About an Hour Ago (the gas was low)
There was a man on the road bout an hour ago
and he was looking for a ride to New Mexico
Well we was driving by
Way too fast to know
Well then we got to the place on a high speed chase
There was a girlie in the corner with a plastic face
And then she disappeared without a trace
I say without a trace
Well now we're kicking back and we're sipping beers
And there's a man telling stories about his inner fears
We was all choked up and too close to tears
Tom Petty- Runnin’ Down a Dream
It was a beautiful day, the sun beat down
I had the radio on, I was drivin'
Trees flew by, me and Del were singin' little Runaway
I was flyin'
Yeah runnin' down a dream
That never would come to me
Workin' on a mystery, goin' wherever it leads
Runnin' down a dream
I felt so good like anything was possible
I hit cruise control and rubbed my eyes
The last three days the rain was un-stoppable
It was always cold, no sunshine
I rolled on as the sky grew dark
I put the pedal down to make some time
There's something good waitin' down this road
I'm pickin' up whatever's mine
In the Song “So Much Trouble in the World” by Bob Marley he talks about “men sailing on their ego trip” which directly relates to On the Road because there are numerous characters we are introduced to throughout the book who seem to be on an ego-trip. Dean Moriarty, for example, is completely ignorant to anyone or anything that isn’t directly connected or related to his life in some way, he has no regard for anyone but himself and is completely narcissistic. He is very overconfident and in some aspects arrogant about where he is going in life and what he will make of it. Even though he isn’t making admirable decisions with his life he full heartedly believes that he is living life efficiently. Just as Bob Marley states, Dean has no care for anyone but himself, he just continues to live his life for himself and only himself.
In Lou Reed’s “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” it illustrates many different characters that are traveling on the road, they are all completely different and have various backgrounds and stories but they are all intertwined with one another traveling along this road. In On the Road Sal meets many characters along the way who have separate destinations, lifestyles and aspirations but yet they are all traveling along this road trying to get some place or just find themselves along the way. When Lou Reed refers to “taking a walk on the wild side” I think he is referring to taking the risk of traveling into the unknown. It takes courage to get up and leave everything that you know and that is stable and constant in your life, and although these people aren’t all extraordinary they still took the risk of journeying out to see where the road might take them.
In “Heroin” by Lou Reed, Sal Paradise’s character is easily depicted. He has no sense of where he is going, he initially starts out with a vague plan of where he wants to go on his road trip but ultimately is hoping to find a newfound knowledge or “IT” but he does not yet know what that is. Although “Heroin” is obviously about heroin addict, I think it can be compared to Sal’s life and journey. When Lou Reed says “But I'm goin' to try for the kingdom if I can. 'Cause it makes me feel like I'm a man. When I put a spike into my vein. Then I tell you things aren't quite the same.” Sal isn’t trying to get to heaven but rather his kingdom is this “IT” that he is searching for, and when he finds “IT” he will have in essence reached his kingdom, not through heroin but through experience, adventure and knowledge. “The spike in his veins” could also be translated as his road trip in a way because he changed his entire way of life around when he decided to take his journey out west and traveling on the road in a way is a drug or outlet for Sal.
Gimme Shelter- Rolling Stones
Can't Get Enough- One Be Low
After Midnight- Eric Clapton ft.
Carlos Santana
What It's Like- Everlast
More Money More Problems- Mase
Blues For Pablo- Miles Davis
Send Me on my Way-Rusted Root
Gimme Shelter is one of my all time favorite songs. The Stones sing this song with a very meaningful tone. It is about war and the raping and pilliaging that goes along with it. They reflect on the childern who are also involved. This song reminds me of either vietnam or african warfare. It is a pick up tune but gets the point that war is bad across strongly. This song is pretty easy to dig.
What It's Like by Everlast is one of the most popular songs of our generation. In a deep voice the singer of Everlast sings of the hardships of three different types of people. He sings their story and how they ended up. This is a song to show the bad things in live with a catchy tune. "We've all seen the man at the liqor store beggin for ya' change."
Send me on my Way by Rusted Root is and uplifiting and seemingly spiritual song. The tone is high pitched and fun and its a inspirational song. It sounds like its is the beginning of the singers journey and he is looking for a little bit of a kickstart.
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