Monthly Archives: February 2008

Lyrics as Poetry, Part II

Ever since I posted the lyrics to “Gone” several days ago, I’ve been thinking some about how poetic the words to songs can be. I guess if it’s a good song, it probably has decent lyrics, right? Case in point: Hanson’s 90s epic anthem, “MMMBop.” Soak in the profound truths of the chorus:
Mmm bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du

Oh, I love a good chuckle to start off the week. Not to pick on Hanson too much…sometimes I need some mindless fun in my radio choices. Just not that song.

Anyway, here are the words to a song that not many people know. The melody is as hauntingly beautiful as the words, so I hope you get to hear it someday if you haven’t already. The imagery, too, is mesmerizing to me. As you read the words please start of your week knowing how loved you are and how precious you are to God.

“O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus”
Words by S. Trevor Francis/Music by Thomas J. Williams

Weekend, glorious weekend…

It’s Friday! Yay… Can you tell that I’m really excited?

Not that there’s anything out of the ordinary to be excited about–just an average weekend. But that in itself can be a welcome reprieve.

It got me wondering: what do you enjoy about weekends, or whenever you have a break if you don’t get weekends off?

…I’d love to hear about it.

Gone

Mid February already? What happened to November…and December…and January?

Not that I’m complaining–I’m just amazed more and more how quickly time flies. Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about making the most of each day and squeezing every ounce out of our fleeting time–overall, making as much of a difference as we can with the talents God gives us.

Today I heard a good song: “Gone” by Switchfoot. One reason I like it is it reminds me of David’s and my friend Reginald, who no longer lives in our town. When he did, though, he was a part-time DJ at a local Christian station. He found out that I like some of Switchfoot’s music, so often he would play this song when he knew I would be on my way to work. Great Christian brother.

Anyway, despite the fun, upbeat sound of this song, it sneaks in some very Ecclesiastes-type thought-provoking lyrics. See if you agree, while I get back to what I should be doing right now (working!). =)

Gone
by Jonathan Foreman and Tim Foreman

She told him she'd rather fix her makeup
than try to fix what's going on
But the problem keeps on calling
even with the cell phone gone

She told him that she believes in living
bigger than she's living now
But her world keeps spinning backwards
and upside down

Don't say so long, and throw yourself wrong
Don't spin today away, 'cause today will soon be...

Gone, like yesterday is gone,
Like history is gone
Just try to prove me wrong
And pretend like you're immortal

She said he said live like no tomorrow
Every day we borrow brings us
one step closer to the edge, infinity
Where's your treasure, where's your hope
if you get the world and lose your soul?
She pretends like she pretends like she's immortal

Don't say so long, you're not that far gone
This could be your big chance to make up
Today will soon be...

Gone, like yesterday is gone
Like history is gone
The world keeps spinning on
You're going, going, gone
Like summer break is gone,
Like Saturday is gone
Just try to prove me wrong
You pretend like you're immortal.

We are not infinite
We are not permanent
Nothing is immediate
We're so confident
In our accomplishments
Look at our decadence

Gone, like Frank Sinatra, like Elvis and his mom,
Like Al Pacino's cash, nothing lasts in this life
Gone, my high school dreams are gone,
my childhood sweets are gone
Life is a day that doesn't last for long.

Life is more than money, time was never money
Time was never cash, life is still more than girls.
Life is more than hundred dollar bills and roto-tom fills,
Life is more than fame and rock and roll and thrills,
All the riches of the kings end up in wills
We've got information in the information age but do
we know what life is outside of our convenient Lexus cages?

She said he said live like no tomorrow
Every moment that we borrow brings us closer
to the God who's not short of cash
Hey Bono, I'm glad you asked
Life is still worth living,
life is more than what we are. 

Fun with alliteration

Here’s a playful little verse I jotted down this morning. It let me toy with alliteration– repeating consonant sounds:

Prickly pear parade proudly,
protruding pretentiously past
pouting pardners plucking painful pokers.

…And a now a touch of spontaneous poetry so I could get the alliteration bug out of my system, for today at least. =) There’s a bit of assonance, too…repeating vowel sounds.

The wind whips and slips, slicing
stillness like an invisible river,
racing and tumbling–
rumbling rapids of air bending
against unseen banks —
pressing on to finally empty
into a distant sea of sky.

For a funny example of alliteration and assonance, here’s a link to “Moses Supposes” from Singin’ in the Rain, one of the best movie musicals ever. Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor are reluctantly making a visit to a diction coach. Moses Supposes

Open casting call!

There has been some good response (some with groans at the grody clothes) to Costumes O’ the 80s. I’ve even had a couple of pictures sent to me to tuck away until Costumes O’ the 90s is unveiled.

That got me thinking… For those of you who know me personally, it would be great if you want to send me a picture or two that you want included in the 90s tribute. Or, you could send me a favorite memory of that decade if you’re too chicken to send a picture. =) I don’t even have to name names if you don’t want me to.

Whaddya say?