Monday, June 25, 2007

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

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

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. =)

Monday, June 18, 2007

The Renunciation

Pardon the double entry, but I hereby renege my previous declarations for platitudes of affections towards my family. I realize that this is an un-Christianly act to follow, but no person who publicly shamed or undermined me deserves any offers of adoration from me.

If I am able, I will not cease to honour my parents and hold my biting tongue behind my clenched teeth, effectively reining in the cutting remarks unlike my favoured brother. Yet, do not expect me to obligingly execute assigned tasks any longer like the dutiful son I was.

It is true that I have not pursued to please others zealously like my counterparts before and aimed to chart my own paths. Still, the lack of appreciation for experimentation and individuality does not absolve preferential treatments nor the disparaging of anything remotely associated to me.

Alas, this is nothing but the markings of a bitter man over things trivial and inconsequential with the passing of years to come. I just hope that this is somewhat therapeutic both as a constructive cathartic release as well as a distraction when sleep does not take me in.