Blog roll

Inspired by the story Light On the Water by Hannah Ackerman.

It was a bustling day in the city, as the sun beat down on the pavement and the crowds of people jostled each other on the streets. Amidst the throngs of people, a handsome young man named Alex made his way through the busy sidewalks, lost in thought. He was new to the city, having moved there to pursue his dreams, but so far, it had been a lonely journey. Despite the crowds around him, he felt invisible and disconnected.

Meanwhile, a beautiful young woman named Maya was also lost in the sea of humanity, her eyes glued to her phone as she scrolled through her social media feeds. She was so absorbed in her digital world that she barely registered the people around her. Despite her many followers and friends online, she felt a deep sense of isolation.

As Alex and Maya wandered through the city, they unknowingly brushed past each other several times, but neither of them noticed the other. They were both lost in their own worlds, unaware of the possibility of connection.

As they continued their aimless wanderings, something caught their attention. They both looked up simultaneously and found themselves gazing at the same beautiful sight – a flock of birds soaring high in the sky, their wings spread wide in graceful arcs.

Alex and Maya were both transfixed by the sight, and as the birds disappeared from view, they found themselves looking at each other. For a moment, they just stood there, staring into each other’s eyes.

Then, Alex took a step forward. “Hi,” he said, a warm smile spreading across his face.

Maya was surprised to see a handsome young man standing in front of her. “Hi,” she said tentatively. Maya’s phone wasn’t important any more. It hung in her hand by her side.

There was a pause as they both studied each other, a sense of recognition dawning between them. Then, Alex spoke again. “I don’t know why, but I feel like we were meant to meet today.”

Maya felt a flutter in her chest, a sense of excitement mixed with disbelief. “Really?” she said, her eyes shining.

Alex nodded. “Yeah. It’s like fate brought us together.”

As they talked, they both realized that they had more in common than they could have ever guessed. They were both passionate about music, loved to read, and shared a sense of creative imagination. As they chatted, the crowds around them seemed to fade away, and they were lost in their own little world.

As the sun began to set, Alex and Maya exchanged phone numbers and promised to stay in touch. They both felt a sense of joy and relief, as if they had finally found someone who understood them. As they parted ways, they both looked up at the sky once again, feeling grateful for the chance encounter that had brought them together.

Over the next few weeks, Alex and Maya went on many adventures together, exploring the city, trying new restaurants, and discovering hidden gems. They laughed, talked, and shared their dreams and fears with each other, feeling more connected than ever before.

Eventually, they fell in love, and their chance encounter turned into a beautiful romance. As they stood together, looking up at the sky, they both knew that they were no longer alone. They had each other, and that was enough to make them feel happy and complete.

In a world where people were lost in their phones and digital distractions, Alex and Maya had found each other by looking up and appreciating the beauty around them. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful connections can be found in the most unexpected places.

The montage of song lyrics seems to convey a message about the ups and downs of life and the importance of perseverance through challenging times.

The first set of lyrics from “Highway to the Danger Zone” suggest that taking risks and pushing oneself outside of their comfort zone can lead to danger, but also excitement and adventure.

The next set of lyrics, from Solence “Life Goes On,” imply that happiness and pain are both temporary, and that time can heal even the worst of grief. It suggests that despite the hardships, one should turn the world around and keep going, because life goes on.

The final repetition of “Highway to the Danger Zone” seems to bring the message full circle, reminding the listener that life is full of risks and challenges, but it’s important to keep moving forward and not let fear hold them back.

Overall, the montage of song lyrics seems to encourage a “seize the day” attitude towards life, acknowledging that there will be both good times and bad, but emphasizing the importance of not giving up and continuing to push forward.

“The Time of the Turning” by Peter Gabriel is a song about change and the inevitability of transformation. The first stanza describes a serene, idyllic setting, with a big house and walls that are white and blue. Outside, the earth is fertile and green, and the winds are blowing. However, something is stirring outside, and it’s the time of turning. The second stanza describes how the earth breaks like stale bread, and the seeds are folded into the soil. The sun pours, the rains fall, and the roots reach out through the ground. This is a metaphor for the process of transformation and the rebirth of the natural world.

The chorus emphasizes the message of the song, which is that the old world is falling, and we must learn to say our goodbyes. There’s nothing we can do to stop the next emerging era, and we must adapt to change. The third stanza is about survival. If we can stand up when all else falls down, we’ll last through the winter, the storms, and the north winds that bring down the ice and snow. We’ll last through the long nights until the green field’s growing again. This is a metaphor for the ability to adapt to change and endure difficult times, which will ultimately lead to growth and renewal.

Overall, the song’s meaning is a call to action for listeners to embrace change, say goodbye to the old world, and adapt to the next era. It’s a reminder that transformation is a natural part of life and that we must learn to endure difficult times to emerge stronger on the other side.

LYRICS

Did you see it move
There’s something there
It’s in this very cloth that I weave
In the most peculiar ways that we behave

It’s the time of the turning and the old world’s falling
Nothing you can do can stop the next emerging
The time of the turning and we’d better learn to say our goodbyes

It’s the time of the turning and there’s something stirring outside
If you stop for a moment you can feel it all slipping away
It’s the time of the turning and the old world’s falling
Nothing you can do can stop the next emerging
Time of the turning and we’d better learn to say our goodbyes

The montage of song lyrics contains themes of love, hate, mental distress, societal pressures, and individualism. The first set of lyrics talks about the craziness of life with people living as foes, and the hope to learn how to love and forget how to hate. However, mental wounds from life’s bitter experiences still linger, leading to a feeling of going off the rails on a crazy train.

The second set of lyrics talks about unrequited love and the pain of seeing someone you love with someone else. The protagonist tries to convince their love interest to leave their current partner, but they are unsuccessful, leading to a sad goodbye.

The third set of lyrics talks about the societal pressures to conform and follow the rules set by those in power, and the mental distress that comes with it. The media is also implicated in selling the idea of conformity, making it difficult for individuals to break free and follow their own path. The lyrics end with the same feeling of mental distress, as the protagonist feels like they are going off the rails on a crazy train again.

Overall, the montage of song lyrics speaks to the human experience of love, pain, mental distress, societal pressures, and the struggle for individualism.

MUSIC

A major-138bpm-
Ozzy Osbourne
Crazy Train

E major-129bpm
The Less I Know The Better
vocals_split_by_lalalai

E-major-160bpm
Surfing Llama
Bird Creek

Emajor-118bpm
Freedom Dub
Sympathy for the Devil

E major-128bpm
Puddles Pity Party
CRAZY TRAIN Cover

Ambient in E Major

MUSIC

I’ll Play The Blues For You
Daniel Castro
G minor-77 bpm

Seven Nation Army
Violet Orlandi
female vocal stem
G_minor-115bpm

Seven Nation Army
Song by The White Stripes

The lyrics of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes are about a beautiful young woman who is determined to overcome any obstacle, no matter how difficult. The song speaks to themes of perseverance, resilience, and individualism, as the speaker rejects conformity and asserts their own independence and strength.

In the first verse, the speaker declares that they will fight against anyone who tries to hold them back, even if it takes all their strength. They feel that others are waiting for them to fail, and the pressure of this expectation is weighing heavily on their mind. The line “behind a cigarette” suggests that the speaker is using smoking as a way to cope with stress.

The chorus emphasizes the speaker’s desire to be left alone and to pursue their own path, even if it means going against the norm or being misunderstood. The repetition of the phrase “find a home” suggests that the speaker is seeking a place where they can feel accepted and free to be themselves.

In the second verse, the speaker talks about their plan to leave their current situation behind and start anew in Wichita. They are willing to work hard and endure physical pain in order to achieve their goals. The line “All the words are gonna bleed from me / And I will sing no more” suggests that the speaker is sacrificing something important (possibly their voice or their passion for music) in order to achieve their goal.

The final line, “And the stains coming from my blood / Tell me, ‘Go back home'” suggests that despite the speaker’s determination to leave their old life behind, they are haunted by their past and may struggle to fully let go.

Symbolically, the song uses the idea of “Seven Nation Army” as a powerful force that the speaker is fighting against. The phrase represents a formidable obstacle that is trying to hold the speaker back. This can be interpreted in various ways, such as an oppressive government, societal norms, or personal demons. The repetition of the phrase “I’m going to fight them all” suggests that the speaker is willing to take on this challenge alone and that they have the strength to overcome it.

Daniel Castro
I’ll Play The Blues For You

The lyrics of the song “I’ll Play the Blues for You” by Albert King are about finding solace in music, particularly the blues. The speaker is offering comfort and support to someone who is feeling down and lonely, inviting them to his home where he will play the blues for them on his guitar.

The first verse sets the tone for the song, with the speaker acknowledging the other person’s pain and offering to soothe their loneliness with the blues. The second verse expands on this idea, inviting the listener to come to the speaker’s home and reassuring them that they may find some comfort in the company of old friends.

The chorus emphasizes the speaker’s dedication to playing the blues as a means of easing the other person’s pain. The repetition of “All your loneliness I’ll try to soothe, I’ll play the blues for you” emphasizes the speaker’s commitment to helping the other person.

The symbolism in the song lies in the power of music to heal and bring people together. The blues, in particular, is often associated with catharsis and emotional release. By playing the blues, the speaker is not only offering comfort to the other person but also creating a space where they can connect through shared emotions and experiences.

Overall, the song is a poignant reminder of the power of music to bring people together and offer comfort in difficult times.

SWEET BIRD

The song appears to be about a person who is captivated by a bird, which is referred to as a “bird of paradise.” The bird is described as having a “flash of turquoise blue,” which suggests that it is visually striking and attention-grabbing. The person in the song wishes they could fly and be with the bird, but they can only watch it from afar and sigh.

The repeated use of the phrase “My bird of paradise” suggests a possessive and obsessive nature. The bird represents something the person desires but cannot attain. It could be a metaphor for a person or an ideal, something that the person wants to be close to but cannot have.

The line “So you fly away, when will you come again?” suggests that the person is anticipating the bird’s return, indicating a sense of hope and longing. The final line “My bird of paradise” is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the person’s attachment to this object of their desire.

Bird of Paradise
Snowy White
A minor-69bpm

Russian River
Dan Henig
A minor-90 bpm

A minor Drone
backing track

“Ain’t No Sunshine” expresses the speaker’s feelings of emptiness and darkness when their loved one is away, suggesting a fear of abandonment or loneliness. The repetition of the phrase “I know” can also suggest a sense of powerlessness and resignation.

“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” explores themes of betrayal and heartbreak, as the speaker learns that their lover may be leaving them for someone else. This song may be tapping into feelings of jealousy and insecurity, as well as a fear of being replaced or rejected.

“American Boy” is a more upbeat song about a woman’s desire to travel and explore new places with a romantic partner. The song may be tapping into feelings of excitement, adventure, and the desire for new experiences.

“I’m a Believer” expresses the speaker’s newfound sense of hope and happiness after falling in love, suggesting a theme of optimism and renewal.

Overall, these songs may reflect different aspects of the human experience related to love, loss, and longing.

MUSIC

Stayin’ Alive
BeeGees
A minor-91 bpm

Ain’t No Sunshine
Castaways
D minor-82 bpm

I Heard it Through the Grapevine
Marvin Gaye
A minor-122 bpm

Maniac
Michael Sembello
E flat minor

American Boy
Estelle
C minor-100 bpm

I’m a Believer
The Monkees
D minor-71 bpm

TOO BLIND TO SEE
video montage
by Steve teare

MUSIC INSPIRATION

Dancing Queen
ABBA
A major – 110bpm

Beast of Burden
The Rolling Stones
E major-96bpm

If I Aint Got You
Alicia Keys
C major-88bpm

“If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys, which was released in 2003. The overall theme of the poem is the idea that material possessions and achievements mean little without love and human connection. The opening lines, “Hand me the world on a silver platter / And what good would it be / With no one to share, with no one who truly cares for me,” set the tone for the rest of the song.

The speaker asserts that some people may want everything, such as diamond rings and material possessions, but they do not feel fulfilled if they do not have someone to share their life with. The repeated refrain, “If I ain’t got you, baby,” emphasizes this point.

The final section of the poem, which is a sort of bridge, is about the speaker’s willingness to be there for their partner through thick and thin. They say, “All your sickness, I can suck it up / Throw it all at me, I can shrug it off,” indicating their devotion and commitment to the relationship. However, the partner does not seem to reciprocate these feelings, leading to feelings of inadequacy in the speaker, who questions, “Ain’t I rich enough?”

The final line, “I’ll never be your beast of burden,” is a rejection of the idea that the speaker should be subservient to their partner’s demands or expectations. Overall, the poem is a reflection on the importance of love and human connection in a world that often values material possessions and achievements above all else.