Let the Music Do the Talking: Songs I Sing in the Shower
Ever since Jim Croce had to say "I love you" in a song, people have found special meaning in the lyrics of the songs they hear. Okay, maybe this was the case even before the Croce hit, but you have to admit that was kind of a cool line to open with. And cool lines is really what this hub is all about. From catchy choruses to profound gems hidden in verse, the lyrics are often the best part of a song.
In fact, many feel that modern pop stars are like yesteryear's poets, dispensing wisdom and lamenting lost love in verse, much as Keats, Shelley and Byron did in days of old. But fans of poetry would quickly point out there is a lot of amateurish babbling masking most of the better material in modern song. To make it easier for everyone to enjoy a little modern verse, I have collected below some of my favorite lyrical excerpts. Please enjoy...
"When the Crowds Are Gone" by Savatage
I never wanted to know
Never wanted to see
I wasted my time
Till time wasted me
Never wanted to go
Always wanted to stay
'Cause the person I am
Are the parts that I play
Written by Jon Oliva, Criss Oliva, and Paul O'Neill © 1990 EMI April Music / Metal Membrane Music ASCAP / Paul O'Neill
"Badlands" by Metal Church
As the world awakens me so hard
My values have been changed
I make a promise to myself
Never again
A dusty Godforsaken path
Endless to my dismay
I know these are the Badlands
Somehow I'll find my way
Written by Craig Wells, Kurdt Vanderhoof, and Mike Howe © 1988 Gnarly Tunes BMI
"Into Dust" by Metal Church
When everything's coming up roses
The thorns still leave scars on my
hands
Just pour me a scotch and a soda
I'll get drunk and I'll act like a man
Written by Kurdt Vanderhoof and David Wayne © 1999 Metal Church
"I Would Change My Life" by Nanci Griffith
I would change my life
I would make it right
I would change my life
If you would only change your mind
Written by Robert Earl Keen, Jr. © 1987 Keen Edge Music BMI
Be sure to check out
my hub dedicated to
the magnificent
Nanci Griffith!
"Who's Behind the Door?" by Zebra
How
can we find out more
Who owns the keyless door
Where does the circle end
Who are the unwatched men
Where do we go from here
Faith is a fading fear
Life is a waiting room
I hope they don't call me soon
Written by Randy Jackson © 1981 Riddy-Diddy Publishing Corp. ASCAP
"Visions" by King's X
The lunatic says goodbye to
those who say they love him
He's wise within himself though
his craziness surrounds him
From his lips come truth within
insanity
And people passing by don't
hear and cannot see
Written by Doug Pinnick,
Ty Tabor and Jerry Gaskill
© 1987 Jetydosa Music ASCAP
"Visions inside his head
look like mine!"
"Justice" by Atomic Opera
When I pray "have mercy"
I will never ask for justice
Written by Frank Hart, Mark Poindexter, Allison Smythe, Sam Taylor and Jonas Velasco © 1994 Giant Records
"Cain's Blood" by 4 Runner
Sweet
mother, she sang in the
Sunday choir
On her head was a halo,
she spoke brimstone and fire
Daddy lived by the bottle,
Daddy died by the barn
Well he froze one night,
Mama said "Serves him right.
The devil can keep him warm."
Written by Jack Sundrud & Michael Johnson © 1991 Magnasong Music Pub. / Red Quill Music; Almo Music Corp. BMI / ASCAP
"Sweet Tea in a Mason Jar" by Cooter 'Bo' Jangles
Sweet tea in a Mason jar
Mama waitin' out in the car
Another warm spring day
Summer on the way
And when the school year ends
I'm sure to still have a friend
Sweet tea in a Mason jar
The memory takes me so far
Back to the day
When Mama used to say
Well, I love you boy
You're my pride and joy
Written by Cooter 'Bo' Jangles
© 2003 Bo Jangles Music