Falling In Love

She wanted to be a cowboy
She was shooting them down
She was tramping around

He walked in crooked with the clear blue eyes
"There's a nice pool in my motel - you want to go for a swim?"
That night he moved in

The time between meeting and finally leaving is
sometimes called falling in love
The time between meeting and finally leaving is
sometimes called falling in love

At night she'd wait for the sound of his feet on the doormat
The sound of his hand on the doorknob
The sound of her heart beating in her head
He'd go out playing nickel slots ‘cause he knew he'd lose
She didn't know, so she couldn't choose

But one night while sleeping alone in her bed
The phone rang, she woke up, and sat up and said
"What time is it? What time is it?"
"Well it's 5:30 here and it's 2:30 there
And I won't be home tonight," he said

The time between meeting and finally leaving is
sometimes called falling in love
The time between meeting and finally leaving is
sometimes called falling in love

Now she sits in a booth in a diner
Waiting for someone to take her order
Waiting for someone to come and sit down

She rubs the smudge off the photograph, puts it back in her purse
The grey sky was romantic cause he was holding her hand
He was her man

The time between meeting and finally leaving is
sometimes called falling in love
The time between meeting and finally leaving is
sometimes called falling in love
Sometimes called falling in love…

She wanted to be a cowboy
She was shooting them down
She was tramping around

Sex and Violence

I used to love you now I don't care
Now I turn around, you're everywhere
So you can chew me up and spit me out
You're just the little bitch I cared about

I know you can see me
But you don't believe me
I know that you're lonely
Time will tell and time is hell

No sex or violence
No morbid silence
Forever sleeping
You won't stop breathing

You hold me captive and it's not fair
Progressed insanity is everywhere
You need to love me but you kicked me out
My head is wandering so knock me out

I keep my head afloat I'm drowning in
The muddy water pulls me down again
I used to love me but I hate me now
I'm just a little bitch I cared about

Heaven and Hot Rods

You can get it if you really want it
But you better off just leave it alone
You won't forget it if you ever had it
So you're better off just staying at home

She walked in with her alligator sister
Trying to get to Heaven on Sunday
You'll never get it if you never had it
So better off just leave it alone

And the dogs came in
Just to see her smile
And the dogs came in
Just to see her smile
Just to see her smile

You don't get it, no, you won't forget
So you're better off just leave it alone
If you don't stop thinking, soon you will be drinking
And you're better off just staying at home

And the dogs came in
Just to see her smile
And the dogs came in
Just to see her smile
Just to see her smile

Coming Down
Mom I'm still healing
Coming Down
Oh, and I'm still breathing
Coming Down

In The Arms of Sleep

Sleep will not come to this tired body now
Peace will not come to this lonely heart
There are some things I’ll live without
But I want you to know that I need you right now
I need you tonight

I steal a kiss from her sleeping shadow moves
’Cause I’ll always miss her wherever she goes
And I’ll always need her more than she could ever need me
I need someone to ease my mind
But sometimes a someone is so hard to find

And I’ll do anything to keep her here tonight
And I’ll say anything to make her feel alright
And I’ll be anything to keep her here tonight
’Cause I want you to stay, with me
I need you tonight

She comes to me like an angel out of time
As I play the part of saint on my knees
There are some things I’ll live without
But I want you know that I need you right now

Suffer my desire
Suffer my desire
Suffer my desire for you

Becoming

Listen, heart
Listen close, listen
To the melancholy
Melody of your own voice

I am weary
Of my own dreaming
I am tired of waiting
So this time, I'm leaping

I reach beyond myself to see
What I find, beyond my mind, there is no time
In this place beyond my sight
My heart knows what is not yet seen
I'm witnessing my own becoming

Lash myself to the
Mantle of my desire I will
Turn from its temptations
But the wanting takes me higher

I am hurting
Oh, I am not yet born
I am the mother and the father
Of what is not yet known

I reach beyond myself to see
What I find, beyond my mind, there is no time
In this place beyond my sight
My heart knows what is not yet seen
I'm witnessing my own becoming

Darkness surrounds me
I scratch, I struggle, I breathe

I reach beyond myself to see
What I find, beyond my mind, there is no time
In this place beyond my sight
My heart knows what is not yet seen
I'm witnessing my own becoming

Pure Morning

A friend in needs a friend indeed
A friend with weed is better
A friend with breasts and all the rest
A friend who's dressed in leather

A friend in needs a friend indeed
A friend who'll tease is better
Our thoughts compressed
Which makes us blessed
And makes for stormy weather

A friend in needs a friend indeed
My Japanese is better
And when she's pressed she will undress
And then she's boxing clever

A friend in needs a friend indeed
A friend who bleeds is better
My friend confessed she passed the test
And we will never sever

Day's dawning, skins crawling
Pure morning

A friend in needs a friend indeed
A friend who'll tease is better
Our thoughts compressed
Which makes us blessed
And makes for stormy weather

A friend in needs a friend indeed
A friend who bleeds is better
My friend confessed she passed the test
And we will never sever

Day's dawning, skins crawling
Pure morning

A friend in needs a friend indeed
My Japanese is better
And when she's pressed she will undress
And then she's boxing clever

A friend in needs a friend indeed
A friend with weed is better
A friend with breast and all the rest
A friend who's dressed in leather

White Lips Kissed

Wake me up, only nightmares take me in
Through these walls the winter bites
A draft from all sides

Why did you not include me on your list?
Let me in through the ceiling
White lips kissed

Our love is a fickle love
Keeps itself locked in a suitcase
To be ready to go always

I won't cry when the silver lining shows
But you're right, you understand
You ride with both hands
Worrying is the breathing that you need
So there won't be far to fall
You mustn't climb tall

Things that are supposed to mean lots
Leave you cold
And with a malady of the soul

Our love is a tricky love
Bet you know this, bet you noticed
Bet you know, which is why

I should know better than anyone ever could
Soon as I let go
Everything falls apart

I won't cry when the silver lining shows
But you're right, you understand
You ride with both hands
Worrying is the breathing that you need
So there won't be far to fall
You mustn't climb tall

Wake me up, only nightmares take me in
Through these walls the winter bites
A draft from all sides
Of course you can, there are diamonds in demand
It's a shame and as you know
The stain will not go

Saliva

And I'm sorry about you and me
And I'm sorry about us

You tried to give it your best but to what end, Saliva
You may not think so at first but I'm your designated driver
But this roadside is not yours or mine
And it's about time that I stop

She is the grey weather
At end of my tether
I didn't quite make it
I had to forsake it

And as I sit on the train I can taste her in my saliva
But I still depend on my Thursday friend, Saliva
And there's no book about you and me
All the snippets remain

I get a light, I get a light from everyone
That's right so undetermined
All I do now is just horrible and mean
I used to think that she and me could only be
Just fine, and to begin with
Nothing seems wrong
But it's not a happy song

And I'm sorry (I’m really, really sorry) about you and me
And I'm sorry (I’m really, really sorry) about us

She is the grey weather
At end of my tether
I didn't quite make it
I had to forsake it

I'm finding out
That you can't mess around with Saliva
And I drive a lot
Cause I can't stop thinking about her

(I'm in your hands)

I'll be yours, you'll be mine
It'll be fine, intertwined

Wet your dried out lips with saliva
What's more strange than this? Your saliva
If I did not miss you saliva
If my lips could kiss your saliva still

Symmetry

Bo, this is for you.

I'm caught in the symmetry of your mind
But I'm not happier than you
I'm caught in the symmetry of your mind
But I'm not happier than you

Did I really see you or was it just a dream
(Dreaming) that it was seamless, not a trace of wrong
(Wrong) words that we have spoken little did we know
(No) bigotry no tears shed, oh if only

You'd try to be polite thinking you were right
Only to find that you're unkind
But ironically you will always be
Belle of The Ball ...at least to me

I'm caught in the symmetry of your mind
But I'm not happier than you

But my words are frail, not audible
They do not even convince me, perhaps they are untrue
(Truly) with you the worst is always true
I gave you all the benefits of all the doubts I had

Never hoped to be as benign as me
Funny how you always get through
But ironically you will always be
Belle of The Ball ...at least to me

Comforting Sounds

To my Midnight Angel, in memory of better times.

If you have not noticed, I do not like to upload live concert clips, but this is the only snippet that features the longer, more complete version of this song. Besides, if this is any indication how cool a Mew concert looks, feel and sounds like, I can't wait for them to drop by Malaysia, as unlikely as that maybe.

I don't feel alright in spite of these comforting sounds you make.
I don't feel alright because you make promises that you break.
Into your house, why don't we share our solitude?
Nothing is pure anymore but solitude.

It's hard to make sense, feels as if I'm sensing you through a lens.
If someone else comes, I'd just sit here listening to the drums.
Previously I never called it solitude.

And probably you know all the dirty shows I've put on.
Blunted and exhausted like anyone.
Honestly I tried to avoid it. Honestly.

Back when we were kids, we would always know when to stop.
And now all the good kids are messing up.
Nobody has gained or accomplished anything.

City Voices

From the sounds of approaching footsteps
I got scared that it wasn't you
I had heard ‘bout that thing that happened
Still I hope that it wasn't true

But there in the dark
Voices call out someone's name
Have you heard ‘bout the city voices
Voices that tell you secrets?

Your eyes told of a million memories
Your mouth spoke of a million things

I said you were cool
You said 'no', I asked you why
You said don't trust the city voices
Voices that fill you with lies

You said don't trust the city voices
Voices that fill you with lies

Behind the Drapes

All of us now
Dent as we fall
To amorous light
We call out

Why are we so alone
Even with company?
If not the moon
Will us guide
Will then the street light?

All of us now
Breathe it like smoke
To know what it's like
Breathing to choke

Well for nine days
A small moth has
Tried to escape
Our bedroom

Why are we so alone
Even with company?
We are the prey
For each day
A striking distance

Why are we so alone
Even with company?
If not the moon
Will us guide
Will then the street light?

Why are we so alone
Even with company?
We ought to pray
For each day
A striking distance

I Can Only Imagine

Apparently my curt words implied Christian songwriters are shallow and inarticulate for producing pieces that focuses on being catchy rather than being profound. Well, to all the tactless critics out there, I would not have come to that conclusion if I was exposed to the same amount of songs, would I? I very much doubt I would only limit my musical features here to the meagre if you cared to share when I asked for recommendations.

Sorry for that outburst, innocent readers but please do not let certain hypocritical prigs to ruin this post. Before I get myself bombarded further, I am featuring a song that synchronizes eloquently evocative lyrics with emotive harmonies. The only one I know. I guess the title summarizes the main message here, and I must add that the idea does pique my mind at times. Beware though, for the tune is catchy and will most probably be stuck in your head. =)

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship you

Redeemer

This is the song that broke my stereotypical barrier in regards to Christian music. No offence to songwriters of this genre, but I did not know Christianity inspired lyrics would indulge in intelligent writing. Granted that my repertoire within the genre has never been the least bit extensive (since most ‘Christians’ are reluctant to help cultivate my spiritual growth with music via sharing), the majority of hymns I came across exhibited a preference for uplifting tunes instead.

Either way, before I offend some and confuse even more, take a moment of your time and enjoy this piece. Ultimately, both methods allow the message to have as much impact as possible so it does not really matter much. I suggests that you listen to it twice, once to immerse yourself in the video and once to savour the lyrics. Yes, I found the video fascinating despite its simplicity. If only more people will be like me and be a texturaholic… =)

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
Who told the ocean you can only come this far?
Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives yeah

The very same God that spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer, He lives

To take away my shame
And He lives forever, I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive and
There's an empty grave

And I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer
I know my Redeemer
I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
I know that I know that I know that I know that I know my redeemer lives
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
I Know I know
He lives He lives yeah, yeah I spoke with him this morning
He lives He lives, the tomb is empty
He lives I got to tell everybody

Hallelujah

Continuing with the Christian theme this week, I cannot think of a better song to include next. This is a little unorthodox so incorruptible Christians only. I do not want to be blamed for people losing their faith when it is weak to begin with.

Anyway, the frequency this song is used in various channels can be comparable to the regularity its title is articulated. And do not let me start on the lyrics, for apparently the original complete lyric is 15 pages long! Other than that, it is pretty straight forward and catchy. So, enjoy…

I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this: the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Your faith was strong, but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Baby I've been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you
I've seen your flag on the Marble Arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know
What's real and going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Maybe there's a God above
All I ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who out drew you
And it's not a cry you can hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Jesus Loves You

As the month end draws nearer, I am reminded of my declaration to dedicate this month to the beauty of music, using songs to reflect random thoughts and emotions I underwent. Despite this proclamation, the songs featured under the banner of Anthem Anthology are merely my favourite tunes, planned in advance according to a linear relationship I saw. In a way, it is comparable to psychology, where philosophers form theories and draw conclusions to rationalize common, but chaotic, sense. In spite of my meticulous planning to favour this imaginary linkage, I am humbled (and amazed) how each song fitted perfectly according to the daily developments.

For instance, I had a rough day at BSF yesterday. The one of the main messages of the sermon was predestination and close Christian friends should know how I abhor this theory. (Due to the complexity of the concept, ask me in person if you are not familiar with this Christian jargon or if you are curious.) I guess this makes today’s Anthem fitting, especially with the first line standing out against the usual spiritual fare. Do not be fooled by the title or your stereotypical assumptions. Unlike most songs within this genre, this gem by Jewel has a twist. So despite the accuracy of her outlook, arm yourself with a sense of humour before listening to this song, ok?

They say that Jesus loves you... what about me?
And they say that money breaks you... well, I still wanna see
They say that you’re only half-alive
Till you give extra whitening a try

Well I wanna see
I wanna see
What can you do for me?

Showing ta-tas on the TV is ok, I wanna be ok too
And having my picture in a magazine makes me special, how special are you?
They say if I donate, even I
Can buy a space in heaven before I die

Well I wanna see
I wanna see
What can you do for me?

I want someone else to pack my lunch
Gonna get someone else to pull the punch
Oh, pay a psychic for romance
Gonna pay a priest for a will-you-give-me-a-second-chance?

They say abortion will send you straight to a fiery hell
That is if the fanatics don’t beat Satan to the kill
Its not what I can do for anybody
Its what their body can do for me

So I wanna see
I wanna see
What can you do for me?

They say that Jesus loves you
....but what about me?

My Own Prison

Pardon the absence my dear readers but morbidity strained its neck once again and established itself as the prevalent theme throughout this week, as news of death and dying continue to haunt my soul. I have no intention in sounding callous but terminal illness seems to be the current fad lately, rendering most helpless and troubled by hard decisions. Dark tidings reverberate from all quarters of my sheltered life; from family and friends, to colleagues and acquaintances.

Reminders of our mortality never fail to bestow a sense of peace within though, justifying all the times I lived for the moment and charged into things with (relatively) wild abandonment. Being a straight-edge Christian limits some 'indulgences' certainly, but none that I care to regret too much. Coincidentally, this makes today's edition of Anthem Anthology fitting, considering the message behind the tune recount the potential outcome post-mortem.

Besides, today marks the continuation of the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for young adults after the winter break (don’t ask), so this uncharacteristic spiritual discourse is an apt reflection of my enthusiasm for the knowledge to come. Before I prattle on, just enjoy the rock song, ok?

Warning: this well written work of art is one of the few songs that wield the power to strike a chord within, sending chills down the spine. Hair follicles may not resist the urge to stand upright when full apprehension of lyrical meaning envelopes.

A court is in session, a verdict is in
No appeal on the docket today, just my own sin
The walls are cold and pale, the cage made of steel
Screams fill the room, alone I drop and kneel
Silence now the sound, my breath the only motion around
Demons cluttering around, my face showing no emotion
Shackled by my sentence expecting no return
Here there is no penance, my skin begins to burn

(And I said oh)
So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh)
We're all held captive out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one

I hear a thunder in the distance see a vision of a cross
I feel the pain that was given on that sad day of loss
A lion roars in the darkness, only he holds the key
A light to free me from my burden and grant me life eternally

Should have been dead on a Sunday morning banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time
Should have been dead on a Sunday morning banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time

(And I said oh)
So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh)
We're all held captive out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one

I cry out to God seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms I've created my own prison
I cry out to God seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms I've created my own prison

(And I said oh)
So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride

I've created, I've created, I've created, I've created, I've created
I've created my own prison

Should have been dead on a Sunday morning banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time

Hey There Delilah & Signal Fire

I know it is uncharacteristic of me to introduce a song that has no significant meaning to me, but sometimes, I think I should descend from my pedestal of profound choices and be amongst the prosaic and shallow. Today is the day. =)

Well, this is one of those that are pleasant to the ear but will not feature in any American Idols soon due to its lack of technicality. No matter. I’m being simple today. At least this band, Plain White T’s, is obscure enough to merit a mention here.

Anyway, I chose not to include the lyrics here, mainly because it does not reflect an emotion or a situation or a phase I am in like the rest. So don’t bother analysing the song trying to grasp some cryptic message I am sending out, unlike the others.

Since I have already acted atypically from my usual nature, I might as well share the videos that are against my norm. This is sort of a promo for one of the blockbuster summer movies this year, which I personally think is cool. Being accompanied by Snow Patrol does not hurt too. =)

Toxic

A mere two days have since passed, yet cries for my next entry rings through the lands already. It is my fault for creating such high expectations among my many readers with my writing frequency here, and for that I apologize for the apprehension caused. No, I was not killed in a horrific motor vehicle accident (yet). No, I was not abducted by seductive beauties eager to share my bed. And no, I was not bedded by an infectious venereal disease, too sick for another provocative entry.

Instead, my next Anthem Anthology feature encountered a setback since iMEEM did not boast an extensive selection, especially with the exclusion of such profound pieces of work. Rest assured though, for this inept internet junkie expended a considerable amount of time and amended this dreadful predicament finally, painstakingly uploaded the latest song intended for the next chapter of AA while sharing it with the deprived.

Either way, this delay is a blessing in disguise since then I was able to fully appreciate the gravity of such intricacies. Misinterpretations of intention are rife nowadays with the current complexity of language, where simple words can be mere gestures of jest to some as well as awkward sexual innuendos to others. In situations like these, should we seek for clarification and risk potential embarrassment or simply brush off the comments and ignore the whole dilemma altogether?

This song is an apt reminder of our callousness with words, and how an injudicious statement can hurt keener than the sharpest splinter. Worse, slights can fester and corrupt the soul; changing lives, burning bridges.

But enough philosophies on a Saturday, you probably already know this. Just enjoy the song.

Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words can burn a happy home, it's true
I've got words for you

The past is done it's gone forever
Don't tell me my pain is pleasure
You, you haven't got a clue

Oh, I wanna cry but I don't make a sound
I'm your child and your child is feeling down
Everybody’s toxic in this town

All gods children fade and die
In the name of lets get high
And then, we do it again

I pray the lord, my soul to keep
That when you coming down I'll be asleep
I can't pretend, it's killing me again

Oh, I wanna cry but I don't make a sound
I'm your child and your child is feeling down
Everybody’s toxic in this town

Call me in my lord I'm coming down
(Coming down)
Call me in my lord I'm coming down

Oh, I wanna cry but I don't make a sound
I'm your child and your child is feeling down
Everybody’s toxic in this town

Oh, I wanna cry but I don't make a sound
I'm your child and your child is feeling down
Everybody’s toxic in this town

Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words can burn a happy home, it's true
I've got words for you

Overkill

When engulfed in a wave of melancholy like I did, typically people will resort to alcohol or drugs to temporarily ease the aching, constantly chasing the high. To my concerned friends, fret not. I am still very much straight edge. Instead of travelling the substance dependency path, I am indulging to more family-oriented escapism: TV series. What better series than a parody of working life in a hospital? Scrubs to the rescue!

Hence, as can be seen in the following clip, today’s Anthem is featured in one of Scrubs’ episode.

How anyone can stay depressed after watching this baffles me.

What some do not know is that this is actually an oldie, but not old enough to have its own music video in MTV nonetheless. Now the ‘extra’ lyrics make more sense. =) Check out Colin Hay back then. Anyway, to me this song talks about the tendency of most of us to exaggerate our problems and overanalyzing trifling details to justify our emotions. With that, I suppose we should follow the advice in Verse 2 too, and break the monotony sometimes; like enjoying this video. =D

I cant get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications

Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know will be alright
Perhaps its just imagination

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat, shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away

Alone between the sheets
Only brings exasperation
It’s time to walk the streets
Smell the desperation

At least there’s pretty lights
Although there’s little variation
It nullifies the night
From overkill

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat, shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Come back another day

I cant get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications

Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know will be alright
Its just overkill

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat, shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Ghosts appear and fade away
Ghosts appear and fade away