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April 13, 2006

And You Give Yourself Away

U2
"With Or Without You"
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NOTES: Forgetting for a moment that I like to mangle one of the lines in this song into "I can't live with or without chew" (an ode to the delights of chewing tobacco, perhaps?), I'm trying to come up with a playlist of Songs to Make Out To. I'm not sure this one qualifies (do I really want to be telling the object of my affection that I can't live WITH him?), so I need people to make some recommendations. Pleeeeeeeeeease.

See the stone set in your eyes
See the thorn twist in your side
I wait for you

Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails she makes me wait
And I wait without you

With or without you
With or without you

Through the storm we reach the shore
You give it all but I want more
And I'm waiting for you

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away

My hands are tied
My body bruised, she's got me with
Nothing to win and
Nothing left to lose

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:58 AM | Comments (1)

April 03, 2006

Every Kiss Was Neverending

Beach Boys
"Wouldn't It Be Nice"
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NOTES: And there's a man who makes me think of him when I hear this song.

Wouldn't it be nice if we were older
Then we wouldn't have to wait so long
And wouldn't it be nice to live together
In the kind of world where we belong

You know it's gonna make it that much better
When we can say goodnight and stay together

Wouldn't it be nice if we could wake up
In the morning when the day is new
And after having spent the day together
Hold each other close the whole night through

The happy times together we've been spending
I wish that every kiss was neverending
Oh wouldn't it be nice

Maybe if we think and wish and hope and pray it might come true
Baby then there wouldn't be a single thing we couldn't do
But we could be married
And then we'd be happy

Oh wouldn't it be nice

You know it seems the more we talk about it
It only makes it worse to live without it
But let's talk about it
Oh wouldn't it be nice

Posted by Highwaygirl at 01:41 PM | Comments (1)

I Wouldn't Change a Single Thing

Coldplay
"'Til Kingdom Come"
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NOTES: Here's how lucky I am – there's a man who listens to this song and thinks of me.

Still my heart and hold my tongue
I feel my time, my time has come
Let me in, unlock the door
I never felt this way before

And the wheels just keep on turning
The drummer begins to drum
I don't know which way I'm going
I don't know which way I've come

Hold my head inside your hands
I need someone who understands
I need someone, someone who hears
For you, I've waited all these years

For you I'd wait 'til kingdom come
Until my day, my day is done
And say you'll come and set me free
Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me

In your tears and in your blood
In your fire and in your flood
I hear you laugh, I heard you sing
I wouldn't change a single thing

And the wheels just keep on turning
The drummers begin to drum
I don't know which way I'm going
I don't know what I've become

For you I'd wait 'til kingdom come
Until my days, my days are done
Say you'll come and set me free
Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:20 AM | Comments (1)

March 30, 2006

Nobody Said It Was Easy

Coldplay
"The Scientist"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: *sigh*

Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are
I had to find you, tell you I need you
Tell you I set you apart

Tell me your secrets, and ask me your questions
Oh let's go back to the start
Running in circles, coming up tails
Heads on a science apart

Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
Oh take me back to the start

I was just guessing at numbers and figures
Pulling your puzzles apart
Questions of science, science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart

Tell me you love me, come back and haunt me
Oh and I rush to the start
Running in circles, chasing our tails
Coming back as we are

Nobody said it was easy
Oh it's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be so hard
I'm going back to the start


Posted by Highwaygirl at 01:54 PM | Comments (0)

March 24, 2006

And All I Want You To Do

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
"You Really Got a Hold On Me"
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NOTES: This is the one that would make me join you down by the ocean.

I don't like you
But I love you
Seems that I'm always
Thinkin' of you
Though you treat me badly
I love you madly
You really got a hold on me

I don't want you
But I need you
Don't wanna kiss you
But I need to
Though you do me wrong now
My love is strong now
You really got a hold on me

Baby, I love you
And all I want you to do
Is just

Hold me
Hold me
Hold me
Hold me

Tighter
Tighter

I wanna leave you
Don't wanna stay here
Don't wanna spend another day here
Though I wanna split now
I can't quit now
You really got a hold on me

Baby, I love you
And all I want you to do
Is just
Hold me (please)
Hold me (squeeze)
Hold me
Hold me

You really got a hold on me

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:44 AM | Comments (1)

March 21, 2006

These Words Hang Empty In the Air

Tones On Tail
"Christian Says"
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NOTES: I am disgustingly happy today. I don't really have a reason for posting this song, other than that I had uploaded it a few weeks ago then forgot about it, but I'm at work right now so I can't upload any songs to my site for posting. So this is what you get. Got that? Good. This is my favorite Tones On Tail song, even though "Go!" is more well known.

Christian says everyone's to love him
Christian says just let go
Christian says you can't be happy being this way
Christian says he'll never let you go
Christian says he can't let you, let you run free
'Cause Christian says he needs you so

In this age of frozen freaks
The only highs we get are low
In this age of cold relief
Brings only what a way to go
With the money in your pocket
You stay wise and always free
But with that money in your pocket
You've got nowhere to go

But baby, baby, baby wants an empire
Baby, baby, baby needs a real thief
'Cause baby, baby, baby wants an empire
Baby, baby, baby wants a real piece

These words hang empty in the air
The only sounds you speak are dumb
And I'm a vampire
In this age of golden grief
Your own reflection's on the blink
This burning issue won't cease
This burning issue's got to go

'Cause baby, baby, baby wants an empire
Baby, baby, baby wants a real thief
'Cause baby, baby, baby needs an empire
Baby, baby, baby wants a real piece

Posted by Highwaygirl at 08:42 AM | Comments (0)

February 27, 2006

A Little Night Music

I used to be able to play Franz Schubert's "Musical Moment No. 3." I only wish I could ever have played one of Mozart's' most famous pieces (that you've undoubtably heard), "Eine Kleine Nachtmusic."

Posted by Highwaygirl at 02:06 PM | Comments (2)

February 23, 2006

Classical Music Is Good, Yo

Did I ever mention that I am a classically-trained pianist?

Well I'm not. I'm a self-taught pianist, and today is part one (of an undetermined number of parts) in Classical Music I Used To Be Able To Play On the Piano (But Have Now Forgotten).

Let's start with what is probably the most well-known piece - "Fur Elise" by Ludwig Van Beethoven.

I'm also going to do Songs You've Heard Before But Just Didn't Know What They Were Called. First up - Boccherini's "Minuet".

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:46 AM | Comments (3)

February 16, 2006

I Became Chronologically Fucked Up

Tragically Hip
"Locked In the Trunk of a Car"
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NOTES: I was going to post a Tones on Tail song (and then tomorrow a Love and Rockets song), but now I don't wanna. So instead you're getting Das Hips. The Tragically Hip, a band that I used to lovvve in the mid- to late-90s. I haven't bothered with their last two releases because the lead singer, Gord Downie, has gone totally 'round the bend, but I still enjoy their earlier, classic stuff. Apparently the band released a greatest hits compilation - "Yer Favourites" - and despite the LAME LAME LAME title, it might be a disc worth getting. But anyway, I was having a hard time deciding between this track and "Gift Shop." I went with "Locked" because it's an interesting, foreboding kind of song, it has one of my favorite lines of any Hip song, and because I'd rather post a live version of "Gift Shop" at some point in the future.

They don't know how old I am
They found armour in my belly
From the 16th century, conquistador, I think
They don't know how old I am
They found armour in my belly
Passion out of machine-revving tension
Lashing out at machiine-revving tension
Brushing by the machine-revving tension

Morning broke out the back side of a truck stop
The end of a line, a real rainbow-likening luck stop
Where you could say I became chronologically fucked up
Put ten bucks in just to get the tank topped off

Then I found a place, it's dark and it's rotted
It's a cool, sweet kinda place
Where the copters won't spot it
And I destroyed the map, I even thought I forgot it
However every day I'm dumping the body

It'd be better for us if you don't understand
It'd be better for me if you don't understand

And I found a place it's dark and it's rotted
It's a cool, sweet kinda place
Where the copters won't spot it
And I destroyed the map, that I can't believe dotted
However every day I'm dumping the body

It'd be better for us if you don't understand
It'd be better for us if you don't understand
It'd be better for me if you don't understand

Let me out...

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:40 AM | Comments (1)

February 10, 2006

Fear Gives Courage Wings

Bauhaus
"Spirit"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I was pretty obsessed with the Holy Triumverate of Bauhaus/Tones on Tail/Love and Rockets when I was a teenager. I first got into Bauhaus courtesy of my older brother (OK, so I stole his Burning from the Inside album - I can admit it now). While most goth girls glommed onto singer Peter Murphy as their crush, I went for Daniel Ash, the guitarist. When my friend Angela and I went to a Love and Rockets show when I was 16, we couldn't stop staring at his package (he was wearing illegally tight white jeans). Anyway, I've been listening to Bauhaus' "Lagartija Nick" at the gym for awhile, so I was going to post that song, but once I ripped the CD it was on I realized that I'd rather post "Spirit." However, I almost posted "Slice of Life" instead, since it has my beloved Daniel Ash doing vocals.

Tonight
I could
Be with you

Tonight I could be with you
Or waiting in the wings
Lift your heart with soaring song
Cut down the puppet strings
Cut down the puppet strings

I wear a coat of drums
And dance upon your eyes
Turn the tables upside down
Change the lows to highs
Change the lows to highs

I fill you up with butterflies
Crown the heads of kings
Be glad of first night nerves
For fear gives courage wings
Fear gives courage wings

If I am on the sidelines
Chances are you'll miss
Wait alone and spotlit
For Doctor Theatre's kiss

The stage becomes a ship in flames
I tie you to the mast
Throw your body overboard
The spotlight doesn't last
The spotlight doesn't last

I could be with you
Or waiting in the wings
Lift your heart with soaring song
Cut down the puppet strings
Cut down the puppet strings

I may tap you on the shoulder
And whisper "go" in red
Strip your feet of lead, my friend
Strip your feet of lead

Call the curtain
Raise the roof
Call the curtain
Spirits on tonight

I could be with you
Or waiting in the wings
Call the curtain
Raise the roof
Spirits on tonight

(We love our audience)

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:47 AM | Comments (2)

January 30, 2006

My Stubborn Will Is Learning to Bend

Kendall Payne
"Scratch"
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NOTES: This song was featured at the end of last night's episode of Grey's Anatomy. I need to write a fan letter to the music supervisor for that show, because they consistently pick really wonderful songs by artists I've never heard of (as well as cribbing a Psychedelic Furs lyrice - Into you like a train - for an episode title). I'm not sure who Kendall Payne is, exactly, but she reminds me quite a bit of Heather Nova. ETA: Now that I've listened to this a few times, she reminds me so, SO much of Shawn Colvin. She even looks a little bit like Shawn.

It's a big girl world now
Full of big girl things
And everyday I wish I was small
I've been counting on nothing
But he keeps giving me his word
And I am tired of hearing myself speak
Do you get weary?
Do you ever get weak?
How do you dream
When you can't fall asleep?

I've been wondering what you're thinking
And if you like my dress tonight
Would you still say you love me
Under this ordinary moonlight
I'm so afraid of what you'll say

I'd like to know if you'd be open
To starting over from scratch
I'd like to know if you'd be open
To giving me a second chance

I used to think I was special
And only I have proved me wrong
I thought I could change
The world with a song
But I have ended up in India
With no lamp to guide me home
The strangest place I think
I have ever been
And all this time
I thought that we were friends
My stubborn will is learning to bend

I'd like to know if you'd be open
To starting over from scratch
I'd like to know if you'd be open
To giving me a second chance

It's a big girl world now
Full of big girl things

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:07 PM | Comments (5)

January 18, 2006

It's Only Once We Pass This Way

Sting
"Spread a Little Happiness"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: It's a great day, people!

Even when the darkest clouds are in the sky
You mustn't sigh and you mustn't cry
Spread a little happiness as you go by
Please try

What's the use of worrying and feeling blue?
When days are long keep on smiling through
Spread a little happiness 'til dreams come true

Surely you'll be wise to make the best of every blues day
Don't you realize you'll find next Monday or next Tuesday
Your golden shoes day

Even when the darkest clouds are in the sky
You mustn't sigh and you mustn't cry
Spread a little happiness as you go by

I've got a creed for every need
So easy that it must succeed
I'll set it down for you to read
So please, take heed

Keep out the gloom
Let in the sun
That's my advice for everyone
It's only once we pass this way
So day by day

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:31 AM | Comments (0)

January 16, 2006

Won't You Be My Solid Ground?

The Perishers
"Sway (live)"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I'm still in love with this band. This is a live track from the band's live release on iTunes (the Buy link above goes to a player on the band's website that let's you listen to all of the tracks). This track was apparently featured on an episode of Veronica Mars. I love the chorus of this song, especially the sentiment of asking someone to be your "solid ground."

I talk to you as to a friend
I hope that's what you've come to be
It feels as though we've made amends
Like we found a way eventually

It was you who picked the pieces up
When I was a broken soul
And then glued me back together
Returned to me what others stole

I don't wanna hurt you
I don't wanna make you sway
Like I know I've done before
I will not do it anymore
I've always been a dreamer
I've had my head among the clouds
Now that I'm coming down
Won't you be my solid ground?

I look at you and see a friend
I hope that's what you wanna be
Are we back now where it all began?
Have you finally forgiven me?

You gathered my dreams in
When they all blew away
And then tricked them back into me
You saved me I was almost dead

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:17 AM | Comments (2)

January 12, 2006

My Heart, Part II

A few days ago I posted a song by the Perishers, "My Heart," I mentioned uploading two other versions of the song. So here you go:

The Perishers - My Heart (live) – I like this version the best. It's more uptempo than the studio version and highlights the singer's voice even better.

The Perishers - My Heart (Acoustic Version) – I love acoustic versions of songs anyway, but the vocal on this track makes me want to listen to it forever.

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:45 AM | Comments (2)

January 10, 2006

It's My Heart You're Taking

The Perishers
"My Heart"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: You know how the other day I was talking about my Pandora station, and how I really liked a few of the songs and planned on seeking out more from the bands in question? Well I did. I checked out The Perishers and they are going to be my new obsession. They're from Sweden and I'm totally in love with the singer's voice. I downloaded a few tracks from their CD Let There Be Morning (sorry, band), and liked them so much that I bought six more songs from the band's live release on iTunes. "My Heart" is, so far, my favorite song. The track I'm putting up today is the studio version; I'll post the live version in the next few days. The live version is even better, which is one of the reasons I'm really liking this band - they've got amazing musicianship even without the benefits of all the bells and whistles of production.

It's my heart you're stealing
It's my heart you take
It's my heart you're dealing with
And it's my heart you'll break

It's my heart you're taking
It's breaking bit by bit
It's my heart you're dealing with
But you don't know about it

If you'd feel like I feel
And if you'd know what I know
I don't think you'd ever play me
I know you'd never play me

Posted by Highwaygirl at 08:52 PM | Comments (0)

January 09, 2006

You Are Everything I Wanted

Cary Brothers
"Ride"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I first heard Cary Brothers on my Pandora station (more on that later), with the song "Wasted One." From the start I really liked his voice, and there's something about his style of guitar playing that reminds me of another musician, but I can't place who it is. So I bought this EP, Waiting for Your Letter, from iTunes and haven't stopped listening to it. "Ride" has become my favorite track (mostly on the strength of the guitar), although "Forget About You" is a close second. iTunes classifies Cary Brothers as folk, but I'd have to disagree. I think he's more of a combination of Pete Yorn (whom I also love) and Low Millions, with a little Nick Drake thrown in. His lyricism has been compared to Glen Phillips (ex-Toad frontman, whom I still love and adore) and I can get on board with that assessment. I also like this guy because he rocks the scruff while wearing a Wilco t-shirt. Yum.

You are everything I wanted
The scars of all I'll ever know

If I told you you were right
Would you take my hand tonight?
If I told you the reasons why
Would you leave your life and ride?
And ride…

You saw all my pieces broken
This darkness that I could never show

If I told you you were right
Would you take my hand tonight?
If I told you the reasons why
Would you leave your life and ride?
And ride…

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:06 AM | Comments (0)

January 05, 2006

Why Do You Sing With Me At All?

Damien Rice
"Delicate"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: This song is just so beautiful.

We might kiss when we are alone
When nobody's watching
We might take it home
We might make out when nobody's there
It's not that we're scared
It's just that it's delicate

So why do you fill my sorrows
With the words you've borrowed
From the only place you've known
And why do you sing Hallelujah
If it means nothing to you
Why do you sing with me at all?

We might live like never before
When there's nothing to give
Well how can we ask for more?
We might make love in some sacred place
The look on your face is delicate

So why do you fill my sorrow
With the words you've borrowed
From the only place you've known
And why do you sing Hallelujah
If it means nothing to you
Why do you sing with me at all?

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:14 AM | Comments (2)

December 29, 2005

I Know Your Answer Already

Sinead O'Connor
"The Last Day Of Our Acquaintance"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I'm amazed at how well this CD, I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got, has stood up, despite being 15 years old. Say what you will about O'Connor's politics, or lack of appropriate respect for some religions – the woman is an excellent lyricist and an absolutely beautiful singer. Her lyrics evoke images and feelings that are breathtakingly vivid in their candor. How many people would write about feeling a little bit glad that their mother is dead ("You Cause As Much Sorrow")? Rappy and I were playing around on Pandora.com this afternoon and she mentioned adding O'Connor to her station and then getting her favorite song ("Three Babies") right away on her playlist. I like that track a lot, but my own favorites include "The Emperor's New Clothes" (How could I possibly know what I want when I was only 21?), "Black Boys On Mopeds" (These are dangerous days, to say what you feel is to dig your own grave.), and this track. I could listen to "The Last Day Of Our Acquaintance" every day and never get tired of it. It begins with a cowled whisper and ends with a triumphant scream. The death of a relationship has never sounded as simultaneously gutwrenching and life-affirming.

This is the last day of our acquaintance
I will meet you later in somebody's office
I'll talk but you won't listen to me
I know what your answer will be

I know you don't love me anymore
You used to hold my hand when the plane took off
Two years ago there just seemed so much more
And I don't know what happened to our love

Today's the day
Our friendship has been stale
And we will meet later to finalise the details
Two years ago the seed was planted
And since then you have taken me for granted

But this is the last day of our acquaintance
I will meet you later in somebody's office
I'll talk but you won't listen to me
I know your answer already

This is the last day of our acquaintance
I will meet you later in somebody's office
I'll talk but you won't listen to me
I know your answer already
I know your answer already
I know your answer already

Posted by Highwaygirl at 08:40 PM | Comments (0)

December 23, 2005

Nothing Else to Chance Again

Badly Drawn Boy
"Something to Talk About"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I can't stop listening to this song. I watched About a Boy this morning and was instantly hooked by this, the ostensible theme song from the movie. The entire soundtrack is music from Badly Drawn Boy; I have a feeling that this soundtrack is going to be my next CD/iTunes purchase.

I've been dreaming
Of the things I've learnt
About a boy who's bleeding
Celebrate to elevate
The joy is not the same without the pain

Ipso facto
Using up your oxygen
You know I'm shallow
Calling out for extra help
You've got to let me in
Or let me out

Something to talk about
Something to talk about

I've been dreaming
Of the things I learnt
About a boy who's leaving
Nothing else to chance again
You've got to let me in
Or let me out

Something to talk about
Something to talk about

Posted by Highwaygirl at 02:05 PM | Comments (0)

December 20, 2005

Do You Want Me Now?

Freedy Johnston
"Bad Reputation"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Continuing on with selections from my Desert Island Discs we have "Bad Reputation," the first (and perhaps only) single from Freedy Johnston's This Perfect World. Johnston is a singer-songwriter from the midwest, and this is my favorite of his releases. It's not what I would call "rocking"; it's a bit folkish and mellow overall. If I had to pick just one word to describe it I'd use pleasant, and I mean that in the best way possible. The most interesting thing to me about this CD is that I totally identify it with living in Norfolk, VA. Whenever I hear any of the songs, I can picture driving on the 64. For whatever reason, this is one of the strongest associations I have between a place and music. This is my favorite song on the CD; I love the lyrics (actually the lyrics are phenomenal through the whole disc), but especially the repetition of the line "Do you want me now?" Sometimes it sounds like a plea, but other times it sounds like a command. "Can't Sink This Town" and "Evie's Tears" are also excellent songs.

I know I got a bad reputation
And it isn't just talk, talk, talk
If I could only give you everything
You know I haven't got

I couldn't have one conversation
If it wasn't for the lies, lies, lies
And still I want to tell you everything
'Til I close my eyes

Suddenly I'm on the street
Seven years disappear below my feet
Been breaking down
Do you want me now?
Do you want me now?

Suddenly I'm down in Harold's Square
Looking in the crowd, your face is everywhere
Been turning around
Do you want me now?
Do you want me now?

Don't try to be an inspiration
Just wasting your time, time, time
You know about the best I'll ever be
See it in your eyes

I know I got a bad reputation
And it isn't just talk, talk, talk
If I could only give you everything
You know I haven't got

Suddenly I'm on the street
Seven years disappear below my feet
Been breaking down
Do you want me now?
Do you want me now?

Suddenly I'm in another place
Looking in the crowd I think I see your face
Been turning around
Do you want me now?
Do you want me now?

Don't you think I've heard the talk?
Nobody's gonna to tell me who to love
Been breaking down
Do you want me now?
Do you want me now?

Suddenly I'm down on Harold's Square
Looking in the crowd, your face is everywhere
Just turning around
Do you want me now?
Do you want me now?
Been breaking down
Do you want me now?
Do you want me now?

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:59 AM | Comments (0)

December 15, 2005

It Looked Much Better From Afar

Gin Blossoms
"Pieces of the Night"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: New Miserable Experience is in permanent residence as one of my ten Desert Island Discs; it's 11 songs of sheer bliss (with one ending song that I just cannot listen to at all; I mean, seriously - what the hell is that? If you listen to the clips on the Amazon/Buy link, stop short of track 12). There are so many great songs on this CD, including the popular singles "Hey Jealousy," "Mrs. Rita," Allison Road" and "Found Out About You." All are good, but I find myself liking some of the lesser-known tracks - "29," "Lost Horizons," and this track - even better. The Gin Blossoms haven't been relevant in the record industry for years, but they reformed last year and played a concert down in St. Petersburg this summer. I went and loved every single second of it. Call me, Robin!

Well is it any wonder
That the stars just don't rush by
When you're only doin' 60
Through this oh-so-vacant night
But it's lacking something big this time
What the hell did you expect to find?
Aphrodite on a barstool by your side

Twelfth night we go
After something everyone should know
Somewhere in the distance out of sight
Then I saw
Gin mill, rainfall
What do you remember, if at all?
Only pieces of the night

And is it any wonder
In the middle of the crowd
If you let your feet get trampled on
When the music is that loud
But you wanted to be where you are
But it looked much better from afar
A hillside in shadow
Between the people and the stars

Twelfth night we go
After something everyone should know
Somewhere in the distance out of sight
Then I saw
Gin mill, rainfall
What do you remember, if at all?
Only pieces of the night

And it seems so distant
But still only half the night away
Where notions between your questions come too
Is it any wonder where
The pieces of the night have been?

Posted by Highwaygirl at 04:56 PM | Comments (0)

December 10, 2005

Paid Ag Ofni, Dim Ond Deilen

Empire of the Sun Soundtrack
"Suo Gan"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: In my opinion, this is one of the best soundtracks that John Williams ever composed, right up there with the score for Schindler's List (my holy triumverate of instrumental soundtracks is rounded out by James Horner's work on Glory). I saw Empire of the Sun in the theater with my dad, and I was transfixed by the performance of the kid who played Jim, the main character - an unknown British actor named Christian Bale. This song - performed by the Ambrosian Singers boys choir - opens the movie; it is a traditional Welsh lullaby. I remember at the time thinking it was unspeakably, hauntingly beautiful, and all these years later I haven't changed my mind.

Hunan blentyn, ar fy mynwes
Clyd a chynnes ydyw hon
Breichiau mam sy'n dyn amdanat
Cariad mam sy dan fy mron

Ni chaiff dim amharu'th gyntun
Ni wna undyn a thi gam
Huna'n dawel, annwyl blentyn
Huna'n fwyn ar fron dy fam

Paid ag ofni, dim ond deilen
Gura, gura ar y ddor
Paid ag ofni ton fach unig
Sua, sua ar lan y mor

Huna blentyn nid oes yma
Ddim i roddi iti fraw
Gwena'n dawel ar fy mynwes
Ar yr engyl gwynion draw

Posted by Highwaygirl at 03:12 PM | Comments (2)

December 08, 2005

I Wouldn't Say It If I Didn't Mean It

Lloyd Cole & The Commotions
"Lost Weekend"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I could go for a lost weekend in a hotel in Amsterdamn RIGHT NOW. But anyway ... when I was a teenager, I loved this song, and I loved Lloyd Cole. Lloyd Cole was dark, brooding, and gorgeous - the perfect tortured artiste for a teenage girl (the best way to understand the impact of Lloyd Cole is to watch the "Perfect Skin" video - "cheekbones like geometry" indeed). At the time I just thought this song was a man waking up to find his lover had left him. But now, after reading the lyrics, I'm convinced that this song is really a political statement about pharmeceutical companies charging exorbitant rates for their drugs ("The sickest joke was the price of the medicine"). What else could it be about?

It took a lost weekend in a hotel in Amsterdam
And double pneumonia in a single room
And the sickest joke was the price of the medicine
Are you laughing at me now?
May I please laugh along with you

This morning I woke up from a deep unquiet sleep
With ashtray clothes and Miss Lonelyheart's pen
With which I wrote for you a love song
In tattoo upon my palm
'Twas stolen from me when Jesus took my hand

You see I
I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it
Drop me and I fall to pieces
So easily

I was a king bee with a head full of attitude
Wore my heart on my sleeve like a stain
And my aim was taboo - you
Could we meet in the marketplace?
Did I ever hey please
Did you wound my knees

You see I
I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it
Drop me and I fall to pieces, yeah
Too easy

There's nobody else to blame
I hang my head in a crying shame
There's nobody else to blame
Nobody else except my sweet self, again

It took a lost weekend in a hotel in Amsterdam
Twenty-four gone years to conclude in tears
That the sickest joke was the price of the medicine
Are you laughing at me now?
May I please laugh along

I was a king bee with a head full of attitude
And ashtray heart on my sleeve, wounded knees
And my one love song
Was a tattoo upon my palm
You wrote upon me when you took my hand

You see I
I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it
Drop me and I'll fall to pieces
Too easily

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:15 AM | Comments (4)

November 18, 2005

Nothing's Gonna Change My World

Beatles
"Across the Universe"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: My love for the Beatles tends towards their earlier, pre-hashish years, although for the most part it's all good. I'm just saying that I'd take "Ticket To Ride" over "I Am the Walrus" pretty much any day. I heard Fiona Apple's cover of this song, which only made me yearn to hear the original. Full disclosure - when I was a kid, I thought John was singing "Jackaroo Day, uh" instead of "Jai guru de va." And I thought that was SO COOL.

Words are flowing out
Like endless rain into a paper cup
They slither while they pass
They slip away across the universe

Pools of sorrow, waves of joy
Are drifting through my opened mind
Possessing and caressing me

Jai guru de va om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Images of broken light
Which dance before me like a million eyes
They call me on and on
Across the universe

Thoughts meander like a restless wind
Inside a letter box they
Tumble blindly as they make their way
Across the universe

Jai guru de va om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Sounds of laughter, shades of earth
Are ringing through my open ears
Inciting and inviting me

Limitless undying love
Which shines around me like a million suns
It calls me on and on
Across the universe

Jai guru de va om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Posted by Highwaygirl at 02:22 PM | Comments (0)

November 17, 2005

Could My Eyelids Cover What I Did?

Buffalo Tom
"Sodajerk"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I can't say that I was ever a big Buffalo Tom - I only have one of their CDs, Big Red Letter Day - but I have always loved this song. For a long time I never knew what the lyrics were, so it was the music that really appealed to me. It's all jangly guitars. I remember being shocked (and a little disappointed) when I was watching T.V. one day and the intro to this song started playing behind a Nike commercial. Heh, apparently it was also used in a Pontiac commercial. SELLOUTS! *smirk* Although I guess they win their cool points back by having appeared in an episode of My So Called Life. So good for them.

Watch an eyeball
Take a free fall
At the mention of the name
In its socket
Like a rocket
Rises just the same

Could my eyelids
Cover what I did?
Shuttin' of the door
Could these ceilings
Contain my feelings?
Me down on the floor

Jerk my fountain
Ice cream mountains
I suppose I'm just too late
Form a line here
Think I'll die here
These people nauseate me

But if my patience
Were a spaceship
High up in orbit
I would rise here
Hypnotized here
Risen from where I sit

A solid angle
My legs do dangle
Off the counter's edge
Soft words spoken
Promises broken
I close my eyes instead

But could my eyelids
Cover what I did?
The shuttin' of the door
Could these ceilings
Contain my feelings?
Me down on the floor
Me down on the floor
Me down on the floor
Me down on the floor

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:07 AM | Comments (0)

November 16, 2005

We Have Never Been Satisfied

Ash
"Burn Baby Burn"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: So I was at the gym this morning (third day in a row - what is wrong with me?) and in the middle of my ellipticalling I felt like GIVING UP. Because I had set the incline on 8 and my quadriceps were about to stage a revolt. But I was able to press on. Why? Because Aaaaaaaaash started playing on my mp3 player. How could I possibly stop when a song called "Burn Baby Burn" was playing?

You're all I have in this teenage twilight
Your golden hair and pale blue eyes
But through all the days and the sleepless nights
We have never been satisfied

Tumbling like the leaves
Yeah we are spiralling on the breeze
Almost to the point of no return
Everything will burn baby burn

Look into my tired eyes
See someone you don't recognize
Binds that can't be untied
Oh this is slow suicide
Feelings that I can't disguise
And later we’ll be reconciled
Oh but something inside has died

You walk like you're in a daze
Unresponsive eyes in a distant gaze
Like all the good times have flown away
And the memory leaves a bitter taste

Tumbling like the leaves
Yeah we are spiralling on the breeze
Destructive love is all we have
Destructive love is all I am

Look into my tired eyes
See someone you don't recognize
Binds that can't be untied
Oh this is slow suicide
Feelings that I can't disguise
And never will be reconciled
Oh something inside has died

Vicious, bitter words
Becoming more and more cruel
But you always take me back
And let me lick your wounds

Tumbling like the leaves
Yeah we are spiralling on the breeze
Almost to the point of no return
Everything will burn baby burn

Look into my tired eyes
See someone you don't recognise
Binds that can't be untied
Oh this is slow suicide
Feelings that I can't disguise
We're living in a compromise
Oh but something inside has died

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:06 AM | Comments (0)

November 14, 2005

Keeps Spiders In Her Pocket

Sugarcubes
"Birthday"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Let me first say that I'm not really a Sugarcubes fan, and I think Bjork is kind of freaky. However, I've always liked this song, even if I have no idea whatsoever what it's about. This is one of those songs where I try to ignore the lyrics and just enjoy the music (especially the opening guitar line).

She lives in this house over there
Has her world outside it
Scrapples in the earth with her fingers and her mouth
She's five years old

Threads worms on a string
Keeps spiders in her pocket
Collects fly-wings in a jar
Scrubs horse-flies and pinches them on a line

She has one friend, he lives next door
They're listening to the weather
He knows how many freckles she's got
She scratches his beard

She's painting huge spoons
And glues them together
They saw a big raven
It glided down the sky, she touched it

Today is her birthday
They're smoking cigars
He's got a chain of flowers
And sews a bird in her knickers

They're smoking cigars
They lie in the bathtub
A chain of flowers

Posted by Highwaygirl at 09:12 AM | Comments (0)

November 13, 2005

There's An Army On the Dance Floor

Psychedelic Furs
"Love My Way"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I was wanting to listen to a little Psych Furs tonight, but when it came time to decide which track to put up on the site I had a hard time deciding. So many good - yet tragically underrated - songs. I was going to go with the song almost everyone knows, "Pretty In Pink" but then stepped off that idea because, well, everyone already knows it. And a lot of people are going to know this song as well, but I chose it because it conveys a very specific mood for me. "Love My Way" is a song that my friends and I used to request whenever we'd go out clubbing. You could say it was the theme song for a pack of willfully misunderstood adolescents.

There's an army on the dance floor
It's a fashion with a gun, my love
In a room without a door
A kiss is not enough, in ...

Love my way
It's a new road
I follow
Where my mind goes

They'd put us on a railroad
They'd dearly make us pay
For laughing in their faces
And making it our way

There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all
And take us all apart
But not in ...

Love my way
It's a new road
I follow
Where my mind goes

So swallow all your tears my love
And put on your new face
You can never win or lose
If you don't run the race

Posted by Highwaygirl at 11:00 PM | Comments (0)

November 11, 2005

One Kick's As Good As Another

Franz Ferdinand
"This Boy"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: This song is 2:21 of rollicking good fun. The single "Do You Want To?" is more popular, but this is the song I take with me to the gym. This is also the only song I can recall that makes reference to "Echinacea." That takes talent.

It seems this boy's bathed in ridicule
Too forward, way too physical
It's time that I had another

I'm always wanting more if there's another one
Give me some more, I'll have another one
I'll have a slice of your mother

And this boy's so spectacular
Not a boy, but a wealthy bachelor
I want a car
I want a car

I see losers losing everywhere
If I lose it'll only be the damn I give for another
I am complete, invincible
If I have one principle
Then it's to stand on you, brother

This boy is so spectacular
Not a boy, but a wealthy bachelor
I want a car
I want a car

If I like cocaine I'm racing you
For organic fresh Echinacea
One kick's as good as another
If I'm tired, I'm tired of telling you
I'm never tired, I'm always better than you
Bye boy, run to your mother

This boy is so spectacular
Not a boy, but a wealthy bachelor
I want a car
I want a car

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:36 AM | Comments (2)

October 31, 2005

It's the Same In the Whole Wide World

Ministry
"Everyday Is Halloween"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Oh how I used to love this song when I was a teenage goth club kid.

Well I live with snakes and lizards
And other things that go bump in the night
And to me every day is Halloween
I've given up hiding and started to fight
I have started to fight

Well any time, any place, anywhere that I go
All the people seem to stop and stare
They say, 'Why are you dressed like it's Halloween?
You look so absurd, you look so obscene.'

Why can't I live a life for me?
Why should I take the abuse that's served?
Why can't they see they're just like me?
It's the same, it's the same in the whole wide world

Well I let their teeny minds think
That they're dealing with someone who is over the brink
And I dress this way just to keep them at bay
'Cause Halloween is every day
It's every day

Why can't I live a life for me?
Why should I take the abuse that's served?
Why can't they see they're just like me?
It's the same, it's the same in the whole wide world

Why can't I live a life for me?
Why should I take the abuse that's served?
Why can't they see they're just like me?
I'm not the one that's so absurd

Why hide it?
Why fight it?
Hurt feelings
Best to stop feeling hurt
From denials, reprisals
It's the same it's the same in the whole wide world

Posted by Highwaygirl at 08:14 AM | Comments (0)

October 27, 2005

Whatever Happens Will Be

Toad the Wet Sprocket
"All I Want"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I may lose some of my hipster cred by posting this song, but I don't really caaaaaaaare. Because I love(d) Toad the Wet Sprocket. There, I said it. Toad never, ever let me down. You know how you sometimes buy a release from a band you like, and it's so far from how they normally sound that you end up disappointed (Exhibit No. 1 - Radiohead's Kid A)? Well Toad never did that to me. Every time I bought a Toad CD I could count on liking it, because their sound was mostly the same. Some people would call that a boring predictability, but I appreciated the band's consistency. And I was always in love with singer Glen Phillips (then and now) and his pretty voice, even when he strains to hit the high notes in this song.

Nothing's so loud
As hearing when we lie
The truth is not kind
And you've said neither am I

And the air outside so soft
Is saying everything
Everything

All I want is to feel this way
To be this close, to feel the same
All I want is to feel this way
The evening speaks, feel it say...

Nothing's so cold
As closing the heart when all we need
Is to free the soul
But we wouldn't be that brave I know

And the air outside so soft
Confessing everything
Everything

And it won't matter now
Whatever happens will be
Though the air speaks of all we'll never be
It won't trouble me

And it feels so close
Let it take me in
Let it hold me so
I can feel it say...

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:43 PM | Comments (3)

October 20, 2005

Nobody Knows Me As Well As You Do

Depeche Mode
"Shake the Disease"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Apparently, Depeche Mode just released a new CD. Unfortunately, I still like their old stuff the best.

I'm not going down on my knees
Begging you to adore me
Can't you see it's misery
And torture for me
When I'm misunderstood
Try as hard as you can, I've tried as hard as I could
To make you see
How important it is for me

Here is a plea
From my heart to you
Nobody knows me
As well as you do
You know how hard it is for me
To shake the disease
That takes hold of my tongue
In situations like these

Understand me

Some people have to be
Permanently together
Lovers devoted to
Each other forever
Now I've got things to do
And I've said before that I know you have too
When I'm not there
In spirit I'll be there

Here is a plea
From my heart to you
Nobody knows me
As well as you do
You know how hard it is for me
To shake the disease
That takes hold of my tongue
In situations like these

Understand me

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:01 AM | Comments (1)

October 13, 2005

I Cannot Follow Your Disguise

Treble Charger
"Friend of Mine"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: By special request just for youuuuuu, Austin.

Funny tortured mind
It happens all the time
It's not too encouraging
You never prayed for anything

What makes you so great
Something I would indicate
The lamest stand
The strongest can't help the similiarties

Doesn't seem at all severe
Is it fair now? Does it matter?
Backwards through another year
I'll come down soon
Don't tell me what to do

I'll make no claim on your design
I will not call you a friend of mine
I cannot follow your disguise
I will not
I will not

I'm not sure what you say
Makes any difference anwyay
Tell me what you mean
With any hope of coming clean

It's brought to you too late now
But I appreciate
The never-ending saying that
We've had days like this before

I'll make no claim on your design
I will not call you a friend of mine
I cannot follow your disguise
I will not
I will not

Posted by Highwaygirl at 03:29 PM | Comments (1)

September 30, 2005

Slow Change May Pull Us Apart

Simple Minds
"Don't You (Forget About Me)"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: God, I loved the movie The Breakfast Club. My friends and I all identified with the Ally Sheedy character, PRE-makeover. That part of the ending was so disappointing in a way; only when she changes herself does she get the guy. Whatever, John Hughes! Anyway, this song is appropriate considering I'll be gone for the next week traipsing through the Southwest. I won't be able to update this site, and the Audiograbber thing no longer works, so ... see you in 10 days or so. Ignore the comment spammers whenever they inevitably come. Oh, and anyone who wants a postcard has until 8 p.m. ET to send their address to me.

Won't you come see about me?
I'll be alone, dancing you know it baby
Tell me your troubles and doubts
Giving me everything inside and out and
Love's strange so real in the dark
Think of the tender things
That we were working on
Slow change may pull us apart
When the light gets into your heart, baby

Don't you forget about me
Don't don't don't don't
Don't you forget about me

Will you stand above me?
Look my way, will you never love me?
Rain keeps falling, rain keeps falling
Down, down, down

Will you recognise me?
Call my name or walk on by
Rain keeps falling, rain keeps falling
Down, down, down, down

Don't you try and pretend
It's my feeling we'll win in the end
I won't harm you or touch your defenses
Vanity, insecurity

Don't you forget about me
I'll be alone, dancing you know it baby
Going to take you apart
I'll put us back together at heart, baby

Don't you forget about me
Don't don't don't don't
Don't you forget about me

As you walk on by
Will you call my name?
As you walk on by
Will you call my name?
When you walk away

Or will you walk away?
Will you walk on by?
Come on - call my name
Will you call my name?

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:34 AM | Comments (4)

September 26, 2005

He Says All the Right Things

Vertical Horizon
"Everything You Want"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I do realize that liking this song probably makes me hopelessly uncool, but I don't care. I like it, dammit! I don't even care that it's Christian rock. Plus, I needed a band name that started with V to help round out my music archive.

Somewhere there's speaking
It's already coming in
Oh and it's rising at the back of your mind
You never could get it
Unless you were fed it
Now you're here and you don't know why

But under skinned knees and the skid marks
Past the places where you used to learn
You howl and listen
Listen and wait for the
Echoes of angels that won't return

He's everything you want
He's everything you need
He's everything inside of you
That you wish you could be
He says all the right things
At exactly the right time
But he means nothing to you
And you don't know why

You're waiting for someone
To put you together
You're waiting for someone to push you away
There's always another wound to discover
There's always something more you wish he'd say

He's everything you want
He's everything you need
He's everything inside of you
That you wish you could be
He says all the right things
At exactly the right time
But he means nothing to you
And you don't know why

But you'll just sit tight
And watch it unwind
It's only what you're asking for
And you'll be just fine
With all of your time
It's only what you're waiting for

Out of the island
Into the highway
Past the places where you might have turned
You never did notice
But you still hide away
The anger of angels that won't return

He's everything you want
He's everything you need
He's everything inside of you
That you wish you could be
He says all the right things
At exactly the right time
But he means nothing to you
And you don't know why

I am everything you want
I am everything you need
I am everything inside of you
That you wish you could be
I say all the right things
At exactly the right time
But I mean nothing to you
And I don't know why

And I don't know why
Why
I don't know

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:45 AM | Comments (2)

September 24, 2005

Others Lie, Lie, Lie

Guster
"Careful"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I've kind of decided that I really don't want to get married. At least to anyone available to me at this point. But maybe I'll meet this charming man sometime during 2006 and life will be peachy and swell despite my plans and intentions. I just hope his name is Declan. Oh, and also? My air conditioner broke last night and it's currently 85 degrees in my apartment. Guster is the only thing keeping me going.

And you walked out
When I asked you to stay
As usual you will get your way

You closed the door
And stumbled down to the street
Where you wring your hands
And you drag your feet there

Where the words can't find you
To crawl inside you

I'm ringing all the warning bells
Careful or you'll hurt yourself
Others lie, lie, lie
They adore you
I'll be the one to tell
Careful or you'll hurt yourself
Gonna try, try, try
'Til the morning comes

But you can't hide
Standing under these stars
They know everything
They know where you are

You're in your head
You're all turned around with it
And they're shining down their light
To bring you back again

Back where I can find you
To crawl inside you

I'm ringing all the warning bells
Careful or you'll hurt yourself
Others lie, lie, lie
They adore you
I'll be the one to tell
Careful or you'll hurt yourself
Gonna try, try, try
'Til the morning

All you want to see
Is make believe
It's nothing
But way down underneath

I'm ringing all the warning bells
Careful you don't hurt yourself
Others lie, lie, lie
They adore you
I'll be the one to tell you
Careful or you'll hurt yourself
Gonna try, try, try
'Til the morning comes

Posted by Highwaygirl at 11:36 AM | Comments (0)

September 23, 2005

I've Been Spurred

Paul Westerberg
"Waiting For Somebody"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: In keeping with the I WILL GET ENGAGED IN 2006 EVEN IF IT KILLS ME OR SOMEONE LIKE ME kick, here's a hopelessly hopeful little paen to solitude by the former frontman of one of my adolescently favorite bands, The Replacements.

All my life
Waiting for somebody
Come and take my hand
All my life
Waiting for somebody
Whoa, yeah

Been down so long
Doesn’t really matter
This downtown home
Been kicked and I’ve been spurred
You comin' along?
It does’t really matter
I go it alone
Doesn’t even hurt

All my life
Waiting for somebody
Whoa, yeah
All my life
Waiting on somebody
Ooh, yeah

I’m waitin' for the day
Waitin' for the day
That you come my way

I know down deep
I made a big decision
I'm going to sleep
I'm going there alone
I know damn well
I'm tired of all this cryin'
On my feet as far as I can tell

I'm waitin' for the day
Waitin' for the day
That you come my way

Somebody
Somebody
Somebody
Somebody

Waitin' for somebody
Waitin' for somebody
I'm waitin' for somebody
All my life

Posted by Highwaygirl at 08:24 PM | Comments (1)

September 20, 2005

Aren't You Such a Catch?

OK Go
"Get Over It"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I don't know anything about this band, and I'm apparently three years too late to this party (the song was released in 2002), but that's just my way - hopping on the bandwagon long after it has sailed. My friend Jake had an evisceral, negative reaction to this song after I told him I liked it; thus its inclusion on my site.

Lot of knots, lot of snags
Lot of holes, lot of cracks lot of crags
Lot of naggin' old hags
Lot of fools, lot of fool scumbags
Oh it's such a drag, what a chore
Oh your wounds are full of salt
Everything's a stress and what's more
Well it's all somebody's fault

Hey! Get over it!

Makes you sick, makes you ill
Makes you cheat, slipping change from the till
Had it up to the gills, makes you cry
While the milk still spills
Ain't it just a bitch? What a pain
Well it's all a crying shame
What left to do but complain
You better find someone to blame

Hey! Get over it!

Got a job, got a life
Got a four-door and a faithless wife
Got those nice copper pipes
Got an ex, got a room for the night
Aren't you such a catch? What a prize!
Got a body like a battle axe
Love that perfect frown, honest eyes
We ought to buy you a Cadillac

Hey! Get over it!

Posted by Highwaygirl at 09:29 AM | Comments (49)

August 30, 2005

My Fist Got Hard

Johnny Cash
"A Boy Named Sue"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: This is for Randomben, future producer of the direct-to-DVD release Grannies & Trannies (Vol. I).

My daddy left home when I was three
And he didn't leave much to ma and me
Just this old guitar and an empty bottle of booze
Now, I don't blame him cause he run and hid
But the meanest thing that he ever did
Was before he left, he went and named me "Sue"

Well, he must o' thought that is quite a joke
And it got a lot of laughs from a' lots of folk
It seems I had to fight my whole life through
Some gal would giggle and I'd get red
And some guy'd laugh and I'd bust his head
I tell ya, life ain't easy for a boy named "Sue"

Well, I grew up quick and I grew up mean
My fist got hard and my wits got keen
I'd roam from town to town to hide my shame
But I made a vow to the moon and stars
That I'd search the honky-tonks and bars
And kill that man who gave me that awful name

Well, it was Gatlinburg in mid-July
And I just hit town and my throat was dry
I thought I'd stop and have myself a brew
At an old saloon on a street of mud
There at a table, dealing stud
Sat the dirty, mangy dog that named me "Sue"

Well, I knew that snake was my own sweet dad
From a worn-out picture that my mother'd had
And I knew that scar on his cheek and his evil eye
He was big and bent and gray and old
And I looked at him and my blood ran cold
And I said: "My name is 'Sue!' How do you do!
Now you're gonna die!!"

Well, I hit him hard right between the eyes
And he went down, but to my surprise
He come up with a knife and cut off a piece of my ear
But I busted a chair right across his teeth
And we crashed through the wall and into the street
Kicking and a' gouging in the mud and the blood and the beer

I tell ya, I've fought tougher men
But I really can't remember when
He kicked like a mule and he bit like a crocodile
I heard him laugh and then I heard him cuss
He went for his gun and I pulled mine first
He stood there lookin' at me and I saw him smile

And he said: "Son, this world is rough
And if a man's gonna make it, he's gotta be tough
And I knew I wouldn't be there to help ya along
So I give ya that name and I said goodbye
I knew you'd have to get tough or die
And it's the name that helped to make you strong."

He said: "Now you just fought one hell of a fight
And I know you hate me, and you got the right
To kill me now, and I wouldn't blame you if you do
But ya ought to thank me, before I die
For the gravel in ya guts and the spit in ya eye
Cause I'm the son-of-a-bitch that named you "Sue.'"

I got all choked up and I threw down my gun
And I called him my pa, and he called me his son
And I came away with a different point of view
And I think about him, now and then
Every time I try and every time I win
And if I ever have a son, I think I'm gonna name him

Bill or George! Anything but Sue! I still hate that name!

Posted by Highwaygirl at 11:28 AM | Comments (0)

August 25, 2005

That's Why They Call Me Mister Fahrenheit

Queen
"Don't Stop Me Now"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Retro day continues. I used to listen to this album - Live Killers - all the the time when I was about 10 years old. I'm not sure why. But I used to dance around my bedroom to this song the most. Of course, I had no idea what the lyrics were - I'm pretty sure I wasn't singing "I'm a sex machine ready to reload" when I was 10. Or was I???

I'm gonna have myself a real good time
I feel alive
And the world, turning inside out
Floating around in ecstasy
So don't stop me
'Cause I'm having a good time
Having a good time

I'm a shooting star leaping through the sky
Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity
I'm a racing car passing by like Lady Godiva
I'm gonna go, go, go
There's no stopping me

Burning through the skies
Two hundred degrees
That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
Traveling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic man out of you

Don't stop me now
I'm having such a good time
I'm having a ball
Don't stop me now
If you wanna have a good time
Just give me a call
Don't stop me now
Don't stop me now
'Cause I'm having a good time
Don't stop at all

I'm a rocket ship on my way to Mars
On a collision course
I am a satellite, I'm out of control
I'm a sex machine ready to reload
Like an atom bomb about to
Oh oh oh oh oh explode

Burning through the skies
Two hundred degrees
That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
I'm traveling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic woman of you

Burning through the skies
Two hundred degrees
That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
I'm traveling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic man out of you

Don't stop me now
I'm having such a good time
I'm having a ball
Don't stop me now
If you wanna have a good time
Just give me a call
Don't stop me now
Don't stop me now
'Cause I'm having a good time
Don't stop at all

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:36 AM | Comments (4)

Riding On Anything

Elastica
"Connection"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: It's retro day!

Riding on any wave
That is the luck you crave
They don't believe it now
They just think it's stupid

So got anything
Anyone could have done
Who would've cared at all
Not you

Another heart has made the trade
Forget it, forget it, forget it

I don't understand how a heart is a spade
But somehow the vital connection is made

Riding on anything
Anything's good enough
Who would've thought it of
Someone like you

Just as they brought me round
Now that they brought you down
Roundabout and roundabout
Who wants a life anyway?

Another heart has made the grade
Forget it, forget it, forget it

I don't understand how the last card is played
But somehow the vital connection is made

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:25 AM | Comments (0)

July 31, 2005

Never Forever Whatever

Soul Asylum
"Sometime To Return"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: When I was in college I listened to several bands from Minneapolis - the Replacements, Husker Du, and Soul Asylum. My favorite was Soul Asylum, not in small part due to the fact that the lead singer - Dave Pirner - was this manic, whirling dervish-esque force of nature onstage. Plus, his songs were catchy as hell. Although I crushed on him quite profoundly, I always had a grudging respect for a guy who had been dating the same girl for seven years.

Then he ditched her for Winona fucking Ryder, starfucker extraordinaire.

Soul Asylum went downhill from there, and I totally blame Winona, that whore. I loved this band, but after Dave hooked up with her he got soft and happy and that, my friends, sucks in a rock band. The band later released Let Your Dim Light Shine, which is abysmal. You might remember the video for "Just Like Anyone" which features Winona's (former?) friend and minor-league starfucker, Claire Danes (here is a clip - go ahead and have fun torturing yourself. Don't say I didn't warn you).

Yes, I am apparently still bitter [side note: I just realized this is the third time I've bitched about this; so yeah, I'm clearly not over it]. Especially since bassist Karl Mueller died a few months ago (cancer) and because Soul Asylum is still one of the top three concerts I've ever attended (a double bill with the Goo Goo Dolls - before the Goos started to suck too [hmm, pattern anyone?] - during the Grave Dancers Union tour). This song is from the release Hang Time which is harder than GDU, the release that made the band famous. Both CDs - as well as ...And the Horse They Rode In On - are excellent and you should give them a listen if you get the chance.


I ran my way
I walked a fine line
Wasted time only to find
You were callin' I think my name
To remind me I am fine

What you are is what you see
And you see me and we can be
Something you can call real
We are we are we are

Doing what we can
Working without a plan
I'm beginning to understand
It's getting out of hand

I have seen these closing doors
I've woke up on this floor before
Picked it apart for hours and hours
Hours and hours
Of turning, tossing and looking and listening
To you and all the fucked up things you do

But you're doing the best you can
With every grain of sand
It's trickling through your hand
Sayin' "Catch me if you can"

If someday comes early
Comes whipping comes whirling
To take you for all you have learned
The tables are turning
Your bridges are burning
My destination sometime to return

Throw away your calender
And saddle up your salamander
Get up and get down
Ride into town and look around
Get up and do something
Your time to choose it
Do it do it do it do it do it

Doing the best I can
With or without a plan
I'm taking what I can get
I haven't seen nothing yet

If one day you wake up
And find what you make up
Come and get me, come and take me there
Into your illusion
I'll make my intrusion
Anytime, anyplace, anywhere

The hourglass is draining fast
It knows no future holds no past
And all this to will come to pass
Never, forever, whatever

If someday comes early
Comes whipping comes whirling
To take you for all you have learned
The tables are turning
Your bridges are burning
My destination sometime to return

Posted by Highwaygirl at 12:07 PM | Comments (0)

July 27, 2005

Just to Dream a Dream With You

Billy Bragg & Wilco
"California Stars"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Oh, just because.

I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight
On a bed of California stars
I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight
On a bed of California stars

I'd love to feel
Your hand touching mine
And tell me why
I must keep working on
Yes I'd give my life
To lay my head tonight
On a bed of California stars

I'd like to dream
My troubles all away
On a bed of California stars
Jump up from my starbed
Make another day
Underneath my California stars

They hang like grapes
On vines that shine
And warm the lovers' glass
Like friendly wine
So I'd give this world
Just to dream a dream with you
On our bed of California stars

Posted by Highwaygirl at 03:28 PM | Comments (3)

July 26, 2005

Who Did You Think You Are?

Dandy Warhols
"Shakin'"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: It's been a good 10 weeks since I've posted a Dandy Warhols song. Can't let that happen again.

Oh you got me shakin'
Oh you got me high
I'm getting nowhere now
I'm not that good

But you were drinking
And thinking all night
You were hot so you thought
You didn't want to try

You were getting older
I was getting wiser not
You could see no reason to be any nicer
But I still can't seem to help
But want you back back back back back

You said I'm lazy
Well maybe you're right
I turned around and said
"Hey man turn that shit off."
Maybe baby you act like a star
You did not, anything, who did you think you are?

You were getting older
I was getting wiser not
You could see no reason to be any nicer, but
Well you get what you got
And you learn how to like it
But I still can't seem to help but
want you back back back back back

You were getting older
I was getting wiser not
Say you will but you wont but you did but you don't
Well you get what you got
And you learn how to like it
You can see no reason to be any nicer
But anyway you slice it I just don't get no wiser
But I still can't seem to help but want you back back

Posted by Highwaygirl at 08:41 AM | Comments (0)

July 13, 2005

Watch the World Slow Down

Idlewild
"El Capitan"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Finally I get around to posting a track from Idlewild's fourth full-length release, Warnings/Promises, which is STILL not commercially available in the U.S. I was having trouble deciding between this song and my two other favorites ("I Understand It" and "Love Steals Us From Loneliness"), but then I visited the band's website and learned that "El Capitan" is the newest single. So I figured, let's be current and go with this song. You can listen to other tracks off the CD - as well as watch videos for my three favorite tracks - on the website's Music page.

By the harbour, I harbour the strangest memories
Older than I could ever be
Stranded in nostalgia
So tonight I'll try harder
But it's hard to fix this spotlight on me
In a cast that's taken to places
I'm unsure of where I want to be

Stand up, stand up
And stand down
I'll climb El Capitan
And jump off to cheers from the crowd
Stand up, stand up
And stand down
And I hope you take your camera
To photograph my tears as they hit the ground

No one even listens
The same way that no one ever laughs
I'm digging the car out of the snow
I'm wondering where the summer went to
Circled by your secrets
I'm hoping they don't include me
At least I'm in good company
Because there's no one else around
Except me

Stand up, stand up
And stand down
I'll climb El Capitan
Just to watch the world slow down
Stand up, stand up
And stand down
And I hope you took your camera
Silence makes the loudest sound

It seems far too easy to say the same things
I'll choose my own way to use my life up
Finally found a new way
Of saying the same things in imaginary ways
I'll use my life up

You were looking at pictures in the distance
Hoping to see the future in your pictures
Of the distance hoping to see
The future looking at pictures in the distance
Hoping to see the future through your pictures
Of the distance, hoping to see

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:13 AM | Comments (0)

July 12, 2005

Time Won't Stand By Forever

Gin Blossoms
"29"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: The fact that I've never posted a Gin Blossoms song is just wrong, because they're one of my all-time favorite bands. The combination of Robin Wilson's voice and the late Doug Hopkins' lyrics ... well, I find myself singing various songs from New Miserable Experience quite frequently. This song, "29," is my favorite.

Time won't stand by forever
If I know it's true
And I've learned not to say never
Else I'll seem the fool

At 29 you'd think I'd know better
Living like a kid
It's when my lies may seem less than clever
It's when I fall for it

Only time will tell if wishing wells
Will bring us anything
Or fade like scenes from childhood dreams
Forgotten memories

Some rides don't have much of a finish
That's the ride I took
Through good and bad and straight through indifference
Without a second look

There's no intentions worthy of mention
If we never try
So hang your hopes on rusted-out hinges
Take 'em for a ride

Only time will tell if wishing wells
Can bring us anything
Or fade like scenes from childhood dreams
Forgotten memories

Only time will tell

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:55 AM | Comments (1)

July 06, 2005

Bring On the New Messiah

Echo and The Bunnymen
"Bring On the Dancing Horses"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Echo and The Bunnymen's Songs To Learn & Sing was one of my favorite albums when I was a teenager. For some reason I've been dying to hear some of these songs, so I broke down and purchased a handful off iTunes. This song is one of the band's most recognizeable, having appeared in the movie Pretty In Pink.

Jimmy Brown
Made of stone
Charlie clown
No way home

Bring on the dancing horses
Headless and all alone
Shiver and say the words
Of every lie you've heard

First I'm gonna make it
Then I'm gonna break it
'Til it falls apart
Hating all the faking
And I'm shaking while I'm breaking
Your brittle heart

Billy stands
All alone
Sinking sand
Skin and bone

Bring on the dancing horses
Wherever they may roam
Shiver and say the words
Of every lie you've heard

First I'm gonna make it
Then I'm gonna break it
'Til it falls apart
Hating all the faking
And I'm shaking while I'm breaking
Your brittle heart

Brittle heart
Brittle heart
Brittle heart
And my little heart
Goes

Jimmy Brown
Made of stone
Charlie clown
No way home

Bring on the headless horses
Wherever they may roam
Shiver and say the words
Of every lie you've heard

First I'm gonna make it, and
Then I'm gonna break it
'Til it falls apart
Hating all the faking
And I'm shaking while you're breaking
My brittle heart

Brittle heart
Brittle heart
And our little heart
Goes

Bring on the new messiah
Wherever he may roam

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:59 AM | Comments (1)

June 22, 2005

We're So Pretty, Oh So Pretty

Sex Pistols
"Pretty Vacant"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I remember when I was a teenager that all of the music I listened to (Bauhaus, Black Flag, the Sex Pistols) seemed so subversive. I used to walk around singing the Dead Kennedys' "Holiday In Cambodia" thinking I was really cool. My friends and I used to sing the chorus of this song - "We're so pretty, oh so pretty - we're vacant!" without a trace of irony. God we were dumb.

Incidentally, I'm looking for a copy of Wire's "12XU" if anyone has it.

There's no point in asking, you'll get no reply
Oh just remember I don't decide
I got no reason it's all too much
You'll always find us
Out to lunch

Oh we're so pretty, oh so pretty
We're vacant

Don't ask us to attend. 'cause we're not all there
Oh don't pretend 'cause I don't care
I don't believe illusions, and too much is real
So stop your cheap comments
'Cause we know what we feel

Oh we're so pretty, oh so pretty
We're vacant

And we don’t care

We're pretty - pretty vacant

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:05 AM | Comments (0)

June 20, 2005

Josie's On a Vacation Far Away

The Outfield
"Your Love"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Ah, mid-80s pop. I just like screaming the first line of this song whenever I hear it come across the airwaves.

Josie's on a vacation far away
Come around and talk it over
So many things that I want to say
You know I like my girls a little bit older

I just wanna use your love tonight
I don't wanna lose your love tonight

I ain't got many friends left to talk to
No one's around when I'm in trouble
You know I'd do anything for you
Stay the night, but keep it undercover

I just wanna use your love tonight
I don't wanna lose your love tonight

Try to stop my hands from shakin'
'Cause somethin' in my mind's not makin' sense
It's been awhile since we've been all alone
I can't hide the way I'm feelin'

As you're leaving please would you close the door
And don't forget what I told you
Just 'cause you're right that don't mean I'm wrong
Another shoulder to cry upon

I just wanna use your love tonight
I don't wanna lose your love tonight

Posted by Highwaygirl at 11:19 AM | Comments (49)

June 19, 2005

I Became Chronologically Fucked Up

Tragically Hip
"Locked In the Trunk of a Car"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Hello, I'm back. And HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! to all the dads in the viewing audience.

Now here's a little song about a serial killer.


They don't know how old I am
They found armor in my belly
From the sixteenth century
Conquistador, I think
They don't know how old I am
They found armour in my belly
Fashioned out of machine revving tension
Lashing out at machine revving tension
Rushing by the machine revving tension

Morning broke out the backside of a truck stop
The end of a line, a real rainbow-likening luck stop
Where you could say I became chronologically fucked up
Put ten bucks in just to get the tank topped off

Then I found a place it's dark and it's rotted
It's a cool, sweet kinda place
Where the copters won't spot it
And I destroyed the map, I even thought I forgot it
However, every day I'm dumping the body

It'd be better for us if you don't understand
It'd be better for me if you don't understand

And I found a place it's dark and it's rotted
It's a cool, sweet kinda place
Where the copters won't spot it
And I destroyed the map that I'd carefully dotted
However, every day I'm dumping the body

It'd be better for us if you don't understand
It'd be better for us if you don't understand

It'd be better for me if you don't understand

Let me out...

Posted by Highwaygirl at 12:45 PM | Comments (0)

June 07, 2005

I Feel Like Letting Go

Sarah Mclachlan
"Full of Grace"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: From one of the best final scenes to a Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode, ever.

The winter here is cold and bitter
It's chilled us to the bone
We haven’t seen the sun for weeks
Too long, too far from home

I feel just like I’m sinking
And I claw for solid ground
I'm pulled down by the undertow
I never thought I could feel so low
And oh, darkness, I feel like letting go

If all of the strength and all of the courage
Come and lift me from this place
I know I can love you much better than this
Full of grace
Full of grace
My love

It's better this way, I said
Haven't seen this place before
Where everything we say and do
Hurts us all the more

It's just that we stayed too long
In the same old sickly skin
I'm pulled down by the undertow
I never thought I could feel so low
And oh, darkness, I feel like letting go

If all of the strength and all of the courage
Come and lift me from this place
I know I can love you much better than this
Full of grace

I know I can love you much better than this
It's better this way

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:02 AM | Comments (4)

May 31, 2005

Dreams Really Do Come True

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow/
What a Wonderful World"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I first heard this song on E.R. during Dr. Mark Greene's long, long, long, long, lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng journey into that good night (i.e. his overly drawn-out death). However, I will admit to the fact that I cried like a freaking BABY during his final scene, when this song started playing. But then I forgot about it for awhile, until my good friend Eric (my sacrificial anode) sent it to me. And then my love for it was reborn.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dream of
Once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dream of
Dreams really do come true

Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dare to
Oh why oh why can't I?

Well I see trees of green and red roses too
I'll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Well I see skies of blue and
I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day
I like the dark
And I think to myself what a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow
So pretty in the sky
And also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shaking hands saying
How do you do?
They're really saying I, I love you

I hear babies cry and I watch them grow
They'll learn much more then we'll know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world

Someday I wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me

Oh somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dare to
Why oh why can't I?

Posted by Highwaygirl at 09:45 PM | Comments (1)

May 16, 2005

One More Day Up In the Canyon

Counting Crows
"A Long December"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I don't really like the Counting Crows. In fact, I really dislike that "Mrs. Jones" song. But there's something about this song – it's so plaintive and regretful, and yet in its own way it seems almost hopeful about achieving the redemption that the speaker obviously yearns to receive. I think the most poignant part of the song comes almost at the end – I can't remember all the times I tried to tell myself / To hold on to these moments as they pass. I've felt that way many times in my life.

A long December and there’s reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember the last thing that you said as you were leavin'
Oh the days go by so fast

And it's one more day up in the canyon
And it's one more night in Hollywood
If you think that I could be forgiven
I wish you would

The smell of hospitals in winter
And the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearl
All at once you look across a crowded room
To see the way that light attaches to a girl

And it's one more day up in the canyon
And it's one more night in Hollywood
If you think you might come to California
I think you should

Drove up to Hillside Manor sometime after 2 a.m.
And talked a little while about the year
I guess the winter makes you laugh a little slower
Makes you talk a little lower
About the things you could not show her

And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember all the times I tried to tell myself
To hold on to these moments as they pass

And it's one more day up in the canyon
And it's one more night in Hollywood
It's been so long since I've seen the ocean
I guess I should

Posted by Highwaygirl at 09:15 PM | Comments (3)

May 14, 2005

We Are Your Captains In It

Gorillaz
"Feel Good Inc."
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Once again, I am powerless against the mighty force that is the Apple iPod marketing team. This is the song featured in the new "Rollerskating" commercial.

City's breaking down on a camel's back
They just have to go 'cos they don't hold back
So all you fill the streets, it's appealing to see
You won't get out the county, 'cos you're bad and free

You've got a new horizon, it's ephemeral style
A melancholy town where we never smile
And all I wanna hear is the message beep
My dreams they've got to kiss, because I don’t get to sleep, no

Windmill, windmill for the land
Learn forever hand in hand
Take it all in on your stride
It is sticking, falling down
Love forever, love is free
Let's turn forever, you and me
Windmill, windmill for the land
Is everybody in?

Laughing gas these hazmats, fast cats
Linin' 'em up like ass crack
Ladies, ponies, at the track
It's my chocolate attack
Shit I'm stepping in the heart of this here
Care Bear bumping in the heart of this here
Watch me as I gravitate
Hahahahaha

Yo, we gonna ghost town
This Motown
With Joe sound
You in the place
You gonna bite the dust
Can't fight with us
With Joe sound
You kill the INC
So don’t stop, get it, get it (get it!)
Until you're cheddar header
Yo, watch the way I navigate
Hahahahaha

Windmill, windmill for the land
Learn forever hand in hand
Take it all in on your stride
It is sticking, falling down
Love forever, love is free
Let's turn forever, you and me
Windmill, windmill for the land
Is everybody in?

Don't stop, get it, get it
We are your captains in it
Steady, watch me navigate
Hahahahaha

Posted by Highwaygirl at 12:43 PM | Comments (0)

May 13, 2005

You Can't Send It Alone

Unbelievable Truth
"Solved"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: U is for ... yeah. I'm still on the alphabet kick. I'm a little surprised I've never put up an Unbelievable Truth song, because there are three on the CD Almost Home that I love. This band was (they broke up) fronted by the younger brother of Radiohead singer Thom Yorke. Andrew Yorke has, in my opinion, a much better voice. This song, "Solved," is gorgeous. Although it's my favorite track off the CD, two others are also excellent – "Stone" (None of this is harder than knowing about you / If you were someone else I could live without you), and "Settle Down" (And if you move I'm following you / Wherever you go).

There's a problem, I can't solve it
The only way out is too hard now
There's another one when this one's gone
Can't send it alone
You can't send it alone

And it's all I've got
And it's not enough
And it's time to reason out my mind

What's a problem soon forgotten
Catching up with me and talking
Of a hero's so-called perfect life
Can't send it alone
And this time it's alone

And it's all I've got
And it's not enough
And it's time to reason out my mind

Thinking of ways to keep my time from running out
Thinking of ways to keep my pride from running out
So many reasons I can give for running out
Keep my head down but I still know
You can't send it alone

And it's all I've got
And it's not enough
And it's time to reason out my mind

You can't send it alone
You can't send it alone
You can't send it alone
You can't send it alone

There's a problem, I can't solve it

Posted by Highwaygirl at 11:58 AM | Comments (0)

May 12, 2005

Roger, Wilco

Wilco
"Jesus, Etc."
Listen | Buy

NOTES: W is for WILCO. Look, Rappy - "alternacountry"! Run away! So yeah. It was hard to decide which Wilco song to put up here. I was debating between "Pick Up the Change" from A.M., a couple of tracks from Being There, "Nothingsevergonnastandinmyway (Again)" from Summerteeth, and this track from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. In the end I couldn't decide between this one (from one of their more recent releases) and something from Being There, so that track follows this one.

Jesus, don't cry
You can rely on me honey
You can combine anything you want
I'll be around
You were right about the stars
Each one is a setting sun

Tall buildings shake
Voices escape singing sad sad songs
Tuned to chords
Strung down your cheeks
Bitter melodies turning your orbit around

Don't cry
You can rely on me honey
You can come by any time you want
I'll be around
You were right about the stars
Each one is a setting sun

Tall buildings shake
Voices escape singing sad sad songs
Tuned to chords
Strung down your cheeks
Bitter melodies turning your orbit around

Voices whine
Skyscrapers are scraping together
Your voice is smoking
Last cigarettes are all you can get
Turning your orbit around

Our love
Our love
Our love is all we have
Our love
Our love is all of God's money
Everyone is a burning sun

Wilco
"Say You Miss Me"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: This song is from when Wilco truly was the "alternacountry" label that's been hung around their necks. I don't care. I love Jeff Tweedy's voice. And this is such a beautiful breakup song.

I've been sleepin' alone, out on my own
I'm sure it seems like I'm takin' my time
To get back to you
You been doin' your part, workin' real hard
I'm not lying, sure it seems like I'm tryin'
To get back at you

Do you miss me too?
Baby say I'll miss you
Just say you'll miss me too

I've been losing my mind, wastin' my time
I'm not crazy, sure it seems like I'm lazy
Not to get back to you
You been takin' it hard, I know it's hard
I'm not lyin' sure it seems like I'm tryin'
To get back at you

Do you miss me too?
Baby say I'll miss you
Just say you'll miss me too

Well I been mixed up since the break up
Why all I need you to say
Well everything's OK

Baby say I'll miss you
Just say you'll miss me too

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:09 AM | Comments (3)

May 11, 2005

I'll Bust a Cap In Yo Azz

Ben is having a difficult time installing Movable Type. Ben has clearly angered the gods.

According to Ben's latest post, his mental state is right about here:

Ben is on the left, wielding his big bat

Of course, that visual image wouldn't be complete without the Geto Boys' "Still" playing in the background.

Posted by Highwaygirl at 11:03 PM | Comments (1)

But I Know One Thing

XTC
"Mayor of Simpleton"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Continuing on in my endeavor to post songs from bands with names A-Z, we take care of "X" by including a selection from XTC. XTC is probably best known for their song "Dear God," but I think this track is shinier and happier. Much like myself. It's an ode to a simple man's love for a complex girl.

Never been near a university
Never took a paper or a learned degree
And some of your friends think that's stupid of me
But it's nothing that I care about

Well I don't know how to tell the weight of the sun
And of mathematics well I want none
And I may be the Mayor of Simpleton
But I know one thing
And that's I love you

When their logic grows cold and all thinking gets done
You'll be warm in the arms of the Mayor of Simpleton

I can't have been there when brains were handed 'round
(please be upstanding for the Mayor of Simpleton)
Or get past the cover of your books profound
(please be upstanding for the Mayor of Simpleton)
And some of your friends think it's really unsound
That you're even seen talking to me

Well I don't know how to write a big hit song
And all crossword puzzles well I just shun
And I may be the Mayor of Simpleton
But I know one thing
And that's I love you

I'm not proud of the fact that I never learned much
Just feel I should say
What you get is all real
I can't put on an act
It takes brains to do that anyway

And I can't unravel riddles, problems and puns
How the home computer has me on the run
And I may be the Mayor of Simpleton
But I know one thing
And that's I love you (I love you)

If depth of feeling is a currency
(please be upstanding for the Mayor of Simpleton)
Then I'm the man who grew the money tree
(no chain of office and no hope of getting one)
Some of your friends are too brainy to see
That they're paupers and that's how they’ll stay

Well I don’t know how many pounds make up a ton
Of all the Nobel Prizes that I’ve never won
And I may be the Mayor of Simpleton
But I know one thing
And that's I love you

When all logic grows cold and all thinking gets done
You'll be warm in the arms of the Mayor of Simpleton

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:11 AM | Comments (4)

May 10, 2005

Rubbin' On the Lotion

Dandy Warhols
"Horse Pills"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: It's been a good 10 days since I've posted a Dandy Warhols song. Can't let that happen again. The lyrics of this song are kinda silly, but I love the churning feel of the music.

So your ex got a mansion
Where you kick it on the hill
Your boy comes to see you
He's your Hollywood thrill
He's a Spanish fly
That bucks like a stallion
In the suits that you got him
He looks more Italian

And you worry 'bout your tan
When the weather's gettin' clammy
Summer in the city and winters in Miami
And you get so high on the high life bills
Cruisin' and boozin'
And rockin' on the horse size pills
You could even take more thrills
You could even take more spills
Pills, thrills, chills, and ills man, kills
And rockin' on the horse size

Butt's gettin' bigger
Do you think he'll notice maybe?
That's ok, don't worry 'bout it baby
'Cause everybody knows
He pumps you for your money
That's alright, don't worry 'bout it honey

In your itsy bitsy teeny weenie
Riding up your butt bikini
Keepin' on the heels
'Cause you're saggin' just a teeny bit more
Than the girls he pretends he doesn't thrill
Rubbin' on the lotion
And rockin' on the horse size pills

You could even take more thrills
You could even take more spills
Pills, thrills, chills, and ills man, kills
And rockin' on the horse size

Sometimes you feel like Moses
That's when you're toasted

And rockin' on the horse size

Posted by Highwaygirl at 11:14 PM | Comments (0)

May 06, 2005

I Don't Need To Know This

Hayden
"In September"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: After I created my MP3 Archive I realized that certain letters of the alphabet were not represented in my song selections (or over-represented, like "S" - oy). So I will begin rectifying these omissions with the posting of this angry, loud (but insanely catchy) track from Hayden, a Canadian who could undoubtably kick Snow's ass. Then again, who couldn't kick Snow's ass? Hhhhanyway, this is a malevolent song for people who are ticked off and aren't going to take it anymore (I like to sing the first two lines under my breath while at work).

I don't need to
Take this shit from you
I don't want you
Calling me up at 2
Just to tell me that some guy you met who
While at a party, told you that he loved you

I don't need to know this
Need to know this
I don't wanna know this
Wanna know this

Tell me the way they are with you
Tell me exactly what they do
Things that you say don't need to prove
That what I have is much to lose

I don't need to
Take this shit from you
I don't want you
Calling me up at 2
Just to tell me that some guy you met who
While at a party, came just looking at you

We never should have said that in September
We shouldn't go away but stay together

Tell me the way to be with you
Tell me exactly what to do
Things that you say don't need to prove
That what I have is love for you
For you
For you

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:34 AM | Comments (2)

May 05, 2005

And So Fade Away

U2
"Bad"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I decided to archive/list all of the mp3s I've posted on this site, just so I could scan through and see what bands I've featured (there's now a link to MP3 Archive over there on the right nav under Fun Stuff). In doing so I realized that I've never posted this song, my all-time favorite from U2. I can't listen to this song if I'm already feeling sad; it just seems to affect me in a weird way. But at all other times, I think it's one of the most beautiful, haunting, and poignant songs I've ever heard.

If you twist and turn away
If you tear yourself in two again
If I could, yes I would
If I could, I would
Let it go
Surrender...
Dislocate...

If I could throw this
Lifeless lifeline to the wind
Leave this heart of clay
See you walk, walk away
Into the night
And through the rain
Into the half-light
And through the flame

If I could through myself
Set your spirit free
I'd lead your heart away
See you break, break away
Into the light
And to the day

To let it go
And so to fade away
To let it go
And so fade away

I'm wide awake...
I'm wide awake...
Wide awake
I'm not sleeping

If you should ask then maybe they'd
Tell you what I would say
True colors fly in blue and black
Bruised silken sky and burning flag
Colors crash, collide in bloodshot eyes

If I could, you know I would
If I could, I would
Let it go...

This desperation
Dislocation
Separation
Condemnation
Revelation
In temptation
Isolation
Desolation

Let it go...
And so fade away
To let it go
And so fade away
To let it go
And so to fade away

I'm wide awake...
I'm wide awake...
Wide awake
I'm not sleeping

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:04 AM | Comments (2)

May 04, 2005

The Lovers, the Dreamers, and Me

Kermit the Frog
"The Rainbow Connection"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: This is for Ben, who is having a bad day.

Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side
Rainbows are visions
But only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide

So we've been told
And some chose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see
Someday we'll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me

Who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star
Somebody thought of that
And someone believed it
Look what it's done so far

What's so amazing
That keeps us star gazing
And what do we think we might see
Someday we'll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me

All of us under its spell
We know that it's probably magic

Have you been half asleep
And have you heard voices
I've heard them calling my name
Are these the sweet sounds
That called the young sailors
The voice might be one and the same

I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm supposed to be
Someday we'll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:23 PM | Comments (2)

May 02, 2005

And On To the Next One

Guster
"So Long"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Have you ever been in a situation where you were pretty sure things weren't going to end the way you wanted them to ... and you pursued things anyway? You jumped into the morass with lead boots on both feet, knowing that the planets would all have to align in harmonic convergence, and all the cosmic tumblers would have to fall into place for things to work out, and you were pretty sure you were an idiot for not just accepting that the odds were completely, totally against you getting what you want and so you should just embrace that fact and move right along with your life, and yet ... you tried anyway? Yeah.

But I digress. I can hardly believe I've never put a Guster song up on my site, because Lost and Gone Forever is one of the top 10 CDs that I own.


Yes I heard all that you had to say
That's when it all fell apart
Might be hated but I can't pretend
I liked you better before

So long, so long
Front foot leads the back one
Go on, and it won't be too soon
I'm gone, I'm gone
And on to the next one
So long, and I won't be back soon

Yes I'm blue, but from holding my breath
Like I have from the start
I'm the villian and I should confess
I liked you better before

So long, so long
And on to the next one
Go on, and it won't be too soon
I'm gone, I'm gone
Bet you saw this one coming
So long and I won't be back soon

It's hateful to say
I see it this way
I don't even know who you are
But in my defense I'd do it again
I don't need to know who you are

So long, so long
And on to the next one
Go on, and it won't be too soon
You're gone, you're gone
Are you waiting for something?
Go on, 'cause I won't be back soon

It's hateful to say
I see it this way
I don't even know who you are
But in my defense I'd do it again
I don't need to know who you are

So long, so long
Front foot leads the back one
Go on, 'cause it won't be too soon
You're lost and gone and on to the next one
Don't need to know who you are

Don't need to know who you are

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:04 PM | Comments (0)

I'm Gonna Get My Shit Together

Fountains of Wayne
"Bright Future In Sales"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Guess who is back at work today?! That's right - JAKE. So this song is for him. I was first going to go with Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus" but decided that would inflate his ego too much. I think this FOW song is much more appropriate, given the situation. Vive le Jake!

Sleeping on a planter at the Port Authority
Waiting for my bus to come
Seven scotch and sodas at the office party
Now I don't remember where I'm from

I think I had a black wallet in my back pocket
With a bus ticket and a picture of my baby inside
And if I make it home alive

I'm gonna get my shit together
'Cause I can't live like this forever
You know I've come too far
And I don't wanna fail
I got a new computer
And a bright future in sales, yeah yeah
Bright future in sales, yeah yeah

Heading for the airport on a misty morning
Gonna catch a flight to Baltimore
Try to kill an hour with a whiskey sour
And this time I might have just one more

I gotta do some quick reading for the big meeting
But my head is spinning and I can't quite open my eyes
As long as I don't have to drive

I'm gonna get my shit together
'Cause I can't live like this forever
You know I've come too far
And I don't want to fail
I got a new computer
And a bright future in sales, yeah yeah
Bright future in sales, yeah yeah

I had a line on a brand new account
But now I can't seem to find where I wrote that number down
I try to focus, I'm staring at the screen
Pretending like I know what all these little flashing lights mean

I gotta do some quick reading for the big meeting
But my head is spinning and I can't quite open my eyes

I've gotta get my shit together
'Cause I can't live like this forever
You know I've come too far
And I don't want to fail
I got a new computer
And a bright future in sales, yeah yeah
Bright future in sales, yeah yeah

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:42 AM | Comments (0)

May 01, 2005

'Cause You Know I Know Baby

Genesis
"Throwing It All Away"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: For some reason I've had this song in my head all day long. Normally, I really dislike Phil Collins. Clearly I've been hanging around with Teem too long, because now I kinda like a lot of his songs (solo and with Genesis). His lyrics are always so sad, though.

Need I say I love you
Need I say I care
Need I say that emotion's
Something we don't share
I don't want to be sitting here
Trying to deceive you
'Cause you know I know baby
That I don't wanna go

We cannot live together
We cannot live apart
And that's the situation
I've known it from the start
Every time that I look at you
I can see the future
'Cause you know I know baby
That I don't wanna go

Just throwing it all away
Throwing it all away
Is there nothing that I can say
To make you change your mind

I watch the world go 'round and 'round
And see mine turning upside down

Throwing it all away

Now who will light up the darkness
Who will hold your hand
Who will find you the answers
When you don't understand
Why should I have to be the one
Who has to convince you
'Cause you know I know baby
That I don't wanna go

Someday you'll be sorry
Someday when you're free
Memories will remind you
That our love was meant to be
But late at night when you call my name
The only sound you'll hear
Is the sound of your voice calling
Calling after me

Just throwing it all away
Throwing it all away
And there's nothing I can say
We're throwing it all away
Yes we're throwing it all away

Posted by Highwaygirl at 09:40 PM | Comments (4)

April 29, 2005

If the Answer Is No

The Killers
"Change Your Mind"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: By most accounts, Killers' frontman Brandon Flowers is a pompous asshole. However, he's also a cute little whisper of a boy, and that mitigates his assholishness a bit. But only a little. I'll admit, I'm a sucker for a cute boy wearing eyeliner.

Racy days
Help me through the hopeless haze
But my, oh my
Tragic eyes
I can't even recognise myself behind

So if the answer is no
Can I change your mind?

Out again
A siren screams at half past ten
And you won't let go
While I ignore
That we both felt like this before
It starts to show

So if I had a chance
Would you let me know?

Why aren't you shaking?
Step back in time
Graciously taking
Oh you're too kind

And if the answer is no
Can I change your mind?

We're all the same
And love is blind
The sun is gone
Before it shines

And I said if the answer is no
Can I change your mind?

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:12 AM | Comments (4)

April 27, 2005

Even I Can Play Dead

Dandy Warhols
"Nietzsche"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I need to forget that yesterday even happened. The Dandy Warhols help me do that.

I want a god who stays dead
Not plays dead
I, even I, can play dead

[Yes, that's it.]

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:03 AM | Comments (1)

April 25, 2005

Someone Out There Will Find Me

Green Day
"Boulevard of Broken Dreams"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I admit that I haven't really paid much attention to Green Day since Dookie came out. And that was, uh, a long time ago. No, wait - I did like "Good Riddance" as well. Anyway, I heard this song on the radio of all places (don't usually listen to local radio, but I had left my CD case at work), and fell in love with it. I know it's been out for months now - I embrace my poseur-dom wholeheartedly.

I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
When the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk alone

I walk alone, I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk a...

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone

I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone

Read between the lines
What's fucked up and everything's alright
Check my vital signs
And know I'm still alive and I walk alone

I walk alone, I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk a...

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk a...

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
When the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a...

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:50 AM | Comments (0)

April 22, 2005

The World Drags Me Down

The Cult
"She Sells Sanctuary"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I couldn't decide between this song and a selection by the Sisters of Mercy for my Phonic Phriday entry on Looking Good, so I posted the Sisters over there and saved the Cult for this site. I used to have a massively big crush on bassist Jamie Stewart (here he is on the right), while my best friend Linda drooled over guitarist Billy Duffy (on the left in that photo). Well, before she realized she was a lesbian.

Oh the heads that turn
Make my back burn
And those heads that turn
Make my back, make my back burn

The sparkle in your eyes
Keeps me alive
And the sparkle in your eyes
Keeps me alive, keeps me alive

The world
And the world turns around
The world and the world
The world drags me down

[OK, I'm not going to transcribe this whole song, because the lyrics are totally repetitive. And a little ... yeah. I think the music is what makes this song so good.]

Posted by Highwaygirl at 09:38 AM | Comments (2)

April 15, 2005

Everything's Broken Now

Idlewild
"Quiet Crown"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: This CD, 100 Broken Windows, and this song especially, remind me of Ryan. I was listening to this CD a lot when we broke up, and the chorus of this song kept stabbing at my poor little broken heart. I have no idea where Crowsdell is (likely in the UK somewhere) and I no clue who Ben Hoy is (probably someone's non-famous friend).

I want to fly a little to the right
I'll never get to Crowsdell
And I want to stay awake all night
To realize (I'm not Ben Hoy)

What should I take with me to the North
It's the good North
The promised success, the appropriate North
It's the good North

Apparently you're happy, you realized
I'm meant to be unhappy, I've realized (I'm not Ben Hoy)

What should I take with me to the North
It's the good North
The promised success, the appropriate North
It's the good North

'Cause I want to reunite
I’ll never save (What will you save?)
When everything's broken now
I want to reunite
I’ll never save (What will you save?)
Everything's broken

I want to fly a little to the right
I'll never get to Crowsdell
And I want to stay awake all night
To realize (I'm not Ben Hoy)

What should I take with me to the North
It's the good North
The promised success, the appropriate North
It's the good North

'Cause I want to reunite
I need to save (What will you save?)
When everything's broken now
I want to reunite
I need to save (What will you save?)
When everything's broken now

Everything's gone now
Everything's gone now
Everything's gone running without a sound

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:05 AM | Comments (1)

April 13, 2005

As In Afterward

Idlewild
"Live In a Hiding Place"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Since I (and others) have gone through such trouble to replace the music I lost, I thought it only appropriate to put up an Idlewild song. Actually I think I'll put up one song from each of their three releases that I have (I skipped their first CD, Hope Is Important). This song is one of my favorites off their third release, The Remote Part. It's kind of ballad-y, with a little bit of pace thrown in on the chorus, but overall this CD is less rocking than my first exposure to the band (100 Broken Windows). Not that Idlewild truly RAWK. They're not, say, Metallica, or something. I love Roddy's voice, but sometimes his lyrics get a little repetitive.

There are times that I should try
To be so much more alive
But if time was right
Then I would be with you again

Or do you worry that I try
To avoid the point and then deny
The time I spent deciding it was you again

It's when I live in a hiding place
It's the only way I feel safe
When I'm safe in a hiding place
(That's not hidden now)
I'm safe in a hiding place
It's the only way I feel safe
When I'm safe in a hiding place

And you're full of facts
But not things that could add up to words
I'm sick about meaning more as an afterword
As in afterward

I return but don't remain
I'm impatient for a reason
To complain about winter
Making me see through again

Or is it your damaged reply
That makes me realize that the more I try
The less that plans will help me comprehend again

So I live in a hiding place
It's the only way I feel safe
When I'm safe in a hiding place
(That's not hidden now)
I'm safe in a hiding place
It's the only way I feel safe
When I live in a hiding place

And you're full of facts
But not things that could add up to words
You're sick about meaning more as an afterword

And you're full of facts
But not things that could add up to words
Sick about meaning more as an afterword
As in afterward

Posted by Highwaygirl at 09:08 AM | Comments (0)

April 11, 2005

Every Single Song On the Radio

Low Millions
"Here She Comes"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Yeah yeah yeah, another Low Millions song. It's just a damn good CD, what can I say. I'm alternately obsessed with these guys and the Dandy Warhols, with a little Louis XIV thrown in for good measure. I like this song because the idea behind it is something anyone who has been in love can relate to – those moments early in the relationship when everything around you reminds you of this new wonderful person. It's that heady state of "borderline blissful adoration in which you see the object of your desire in every aspect of life, however mundane" (according to singer Adam Cohen).

Caygeon and I dance around the kitchen to this song.


I can taste you on my tongue
I can still feel what my hands have done
I got you on my mind
More than anything or anyone

And what we have is a connection
We got front row seats to each other's affection
You're such a thirsty rose
I can still see you when my eyes are closed

My love glows when I'm with her
And she flows like a river

My love's every single song on the radio
My love's every pretty face on video
My love, my love
I'm seeing her in everyone
Here she comes

And when I don't know where you are
It's like I see you in every passing car
I can see you in a crowd
Or I can see you when I'm looking at the clouds

My love glows when I'm with her
And she flows like a river

My love's every single song on the radio
My love's every pretty face on video
My love, my love
I'm seeing her in everyone
Here she comes

And she shines
And the stars look up to her
Yea she shines
And she shimmers

My love's every single song on the radio
My love's every pretty face on video
My love is a thousand pages of beauty
And here she comes

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:54 AM | Comments (0)

April 09, 2005

Forever May We Wave Goodbye

Aimee Mann
"That's Just What You Are"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I was telling Eric a story about a former boyfriend this morning, and this song reminded me of that particular situation (and, sadly, one other). This song always makes me think of relationships that are at the point where they're not working, but neither person is yet willing to make the first move to end things. When the critical mass becomes the difference between accepting someone for who they are (warts and all) and being willing to change a little bit to make your partner happy.

In our endeavor we are never seeing eye to eye
No guts to sever so forever may we wave goodbye

And you're always telling me that it's my turn to move
When I wonder what could make the needle jump the groove

I won't fall for the oldest trick in the book
So don't sit there and think
You're off of the hook
By saying there is no use changing 'cause

That's just what you are

Acting steady always ready to defend your fears
What's the matter with the truth, did I offend your ears
By suggesting that a change might be a thing to try
Like it would kill you just to try and be a nicer guy

It's not like you would lose some critical piece
If somehow you moved point A to point B
Maintaining there is no point changing 'cause

That's just what you are

Now I could talk to you till I'm blue in the face
But we still would arrive at the very same place
With you running around, and me out of the race

So maybe you're right, nobody can take
Something older than time and hope you could make
It better, that would be a mistake
So take it just so far 'cause

That's just what you are

Acting steady always ready to defend your fears
What's the matter with the truth, did I offend your ears
You're like a sleepwalking man
It's a danger to wake you
Even when it is apparent where your actions will take you

And that's just what you are
That's just what you are
That's just what you are

Posted by Highwaygirl at 11:09 AM | Comments (0)

April 08, 2005

The United States of Me

Louis XIV
"Pledge of Allegiance"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I've been listening to this CD for a week now, and overall it's pretty good. This band cracks me up. The lyrics are quite out there in a lot of the songs - kind of filthy, if your mind if predisposed to going that way. And the music itself is catchy as hell. Anyway, I couldn't find any lyrics to this song, so I've transcribed them myself. There are still a few lines I'm not sure about, so if you're hearing something I don't, post a comment and let me know.

Oh little Stacy Q
When she doesn't have a thing to do
She comes to my house
But let's keep that between me and you
She takes off her clothes
She likes to tell this boy what to do
Let's keep that between me and you, ok?

She said "How come boy, aren't you tired of talking about sex?"
I said, "Little girl, what do you really expect?"
And then she pledges her allegiance to the United States of Me
Oh she says, "You're such a little bitch to me."

She says, "Headcase, headcase, turn that thing around
Let's play a game when you hear me make a sound
Just go quite a bit faster, pretend I'm gagged and bound."
Oh how I love to hear that sound

Milkshake, milkshake, I love to feel you sweat
We don't have to go to the pool if you want me to make you wet
Can you keep a secret?
'Cause the best little secrets are kept
You're my best little secret yet

Well kitkat, kitkat, kitten you're the kinks
She said, "Let me feel your love on me, come on make it stick"
I'm ten of the best of your little baby chicks
So you're my sweet tooth sugar fix

Tick tock, tick tock, oh baby feel the clock
You don't have to do a thing, you know I like your baby talk
Just make sure the something something and turn the lock
(unintelligable line)

Milkshake, milkshake, I love to feel you sweat
We don't have to go to the pool if you want me to make you wet
But can you keep a secret?
'Cause the best little secrets are kept.

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:01 AM | Comments (0)

April 06, 2005

I'm Your Sea of Devotion

The Jayhawks
"I'm Gonna Make You Love Me"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: The Jayhawks were semi-popular in the mid-90s. I remember being introduced to this song by a guy I worked with at the Virginian-Pilot (Eric Feber). We were both into Wilco, who had just released their first album, and the Jayhawks got thrown in because they had a similar sound. This song is pure pop at its best - hook-filled and catchy.

The world never ends
It's only the beginning
And we can't pretend
To discover its meaning

We talked for hours at a time
And I came to my senses
You're more than a friend
You're my perfect lover

I'll never be all you want me to
But that's all right

'Cause I'm gonna make you love me
I'm gonna dry your tears
And we're gonna stay together
For a million years

It's the least I can do
Just to make you my baby
No words could describe
Oh, pinch me I'm dreaming

Your hair's long and black
As it lays 'cross my pillow
When I stare in your eyes
I get lost in your glory

I'll never be all you want me to
But that's all right

I'm gonna make you love me
I'm gonna dry your tears
And we're gonna stay together
For a million years

When you were a little girl
Your great big world came tumbling down
So sad

Yeah, the river it bends
But it flows to the ocean
And baby here I am
I’m your sea of devotion

I'll never be all you want me to
But that's all right

I'm gonna make you love me
I'm gonna dry your tears
And we're gonna stay together
For a million

I'm gonna make you love me
I'm gonna dry your tears
And we're gonna stay together
For a million years

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:34 AM | Comments (0)

April 04, 2005

My Thoughts Are Many Miles Away

Simon & Garfunkel
"Kathy's Song"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I could have sworn that I already posted this song, but I guess not. This is the live version from the "Greatest Hits" CD. Again, just because.

I hear the drizzle of the rain
Like a memory it falls
Soft and warm continuing
Tapping on my roof and walls

And from the shelter of my mind
Through the window of my eyes
I gaze beyond the rain-drenched streets
To England where my heart lies

My mind's distracted and diffused
My thoughts are many miles away
They lie with you when you're asleep
And kiss you when you start your day

And a song I was writing is left undone
I don't know why I spend my time
Writing songs I can't believe
With words that tear and strain to rhyme

And so you see I have come to doubt
All that I once held as true
I stand alone without beliefs
The only truth I know is you

And as I watch the drops of rain
Weave their weary paths and die
I know that I am like the rain
There but for the grace of you go I

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:07 AM | Comments (3)

April 03, 2005

How Long Must You Wait For It?

Coldplay
"In My Place"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Oh, just because.

In my place, in my place
Were lines that I couldn’t change
I was lost, oh yeah
I was lost, I was lost
Crossed lines I shouldn’t have crossed
I was lost, oh yeah

How long must you wait for it?
How long must you pay for it?
How long must you wait for it?
For it

I was scared, I was scared
Tired and underprepared
But I'll wait for it
And if you go, if you go
And leave me down here on my own
Then I'll wait for you here

How long must you wait for it?
How long must you pay for it?
How long must you wait for it?
For it

Singing please, please, please
Come back and sing to me
To me, me

Come on and sing it out, now, now
Come on and sing it out, to me, me
Come back and sing

In my place, in my place
Were lines that I couldn’t change
And I was lost, oh yeah
Oh yeah

Posted by Highwaygirl at 01:45 PM | Comments (0)

March 31, 2005

When Will They Ever Learn?

Kingston Trio
"Where Have All the Flowers Gone?"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I'm seeing the Kingston Trio today! With me daddy! When I was a kid, every time my dad and I would drive somewhere he'd let me pick out which 8-track (heh) to listen to, and I'd choose either the Statler Brothers, or the Kingston Trio. I know the words to all of the Trio's big hits, and I'll probably be the youngest person at the concert, but I DON'T CARE, because they're just that wonderful. Plus, seeing them perform is one of the things on The List, so that's one more thing I've accomplished.

Where have all the flowers gone, long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone, long time ago
Where have all the flowers gone
Young girls pick them, every one
When will they ever learn, when will they ever learn?

Where have all the young girls gone, long time passing
Where have all the young girls gone, long time ago
Where have all the young girls gone
Gone to young men, every one
When will they ever learn, when will they ever learn?

Where have all the young men gone, long time passing
Where have all the young men gone, long time ago
Where have all the young men gone
Gone for soldiers, every one
When will they ever learn, when will they ever learn?

Where have all the soldiers gone, long time passing
Where have all the soldiers gone, a long, long time ago
Where have all the soldiers gone
Gone to graveyards, every one
When will they ever learn, when will they ever learn?

Where have all the graveyards gone, long time passing
Where have all the graveyards gone, long time ago
Where have all the graveyards gone
Gone to flowers, every one
When will they ever learn, when will they ever learn?

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:12 AM | Comments (2)

March 30, 2005

Her Spelling's Atrocious

Sloan
"Underwhelmed"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: First, I was going to put up a Tragically Hip song. Couldn't find one I really wanted, so I moved on to Treble Charger. Decided "Friend of Mine" just wasn't doing it for me today, so now I'm on to Sloan. Obviously, it is Canada Day. And I am late for work.

She was underwhelmed, if that's a word
I know it's not, 'cause I looked it up
That's one of those skills that I learned in my school

I was overwhelmed, and I'm sure of that one
'Cause I learned it back in grade school
When I was young

She said, "You is funny"
I said, "You are funny"
She said, "Thank you"
and I said, "Nevermind"
She rolled her eyes
Her beautiful eyes

The point is not the grammar
It's the feeling
That is certainly in my heart
But not in hers

But not in hers
But not in hers
But not in hers
But not in hers

We were talkin' about people that eat meat
I felt like an ass 'cause I was one
She said, "It's okay," but I felt like
I just ate my young

She is obviously a person with a cause
I told her that I don't smoke or drink
She told me to loosen up on her way to the L.C.

She skips her classes and gets good grades
I go to my courses rain or shine
She's passed her classes while I attend mine

While I attend mine
While I attend mine
While I attend mine
While I attend

She pulled out a story about her life
I think it included something about me
I'm not sure of that but I'm sure of one thing
Her spelling's atrocious

She told me to read between the lines
And tell her exactly what I got out of it
I told her affection had two Fs
Especially when you're dealing with me

I usually notice all the little things
One time I was proud of it, she says it's annoying
She cursed me up and down and rolled her Rs, her beautiful Rs

She says I'm caught up in triviality
All I really wanna know is what she thinks of me
I think my love for her makes me miss the point

I miss the point, I miss the point
I miss the point, I miss the point
I miss the point, I miss the point
I miss the point
Hey mister

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:11 AM | Comments (3)

March 28, 2005

Many Battles Are Lost

Crowded House
"Don't Dream It's Over"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Crowded House drummer Paul Hester committed suicide this weekend.

There is freedom within, there is freedom without
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're traveling with me

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win

Now I'm towing my car, there's a hole in the roof
My possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof
In the paper today tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over to the TV page

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win

Now I'm walking again to the beat of a drum
And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart
Only shadows ahead, barely clearing the roof
Get to know the feeling of liberation and release

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win

Don't let them win

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:36 AM | Comments (0)

March 27, 2005

Everyone Has Been Burned Before

Charlatans UK
"The Only One I Know"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I'm having a retro couple of days. This is the kind of music I listened to when I was in college. These guys are probably best known (if known at all) for this song, which was their first real single. Very indicative of what was then called the "Madchester" (for Manchester, England) sound. I like the organ (ha!). I also really liked the singer, Tim Burgess.

The only one I know
Has come to take me away
The only one I know
Is mine when she stitches me

The only one I see
Has found an aching in me
The only one I see
Has turned her tongue into me

Everyone has been burned before
Everybody knows the pain

The only one I know
Never cries, never opens her eyes
The only one I know
Wide awake and then she's away

The only one I see
Is mine when she walks down our street
The only one I see
Has carved her way into me

Everyone has been burned before
Everybody knows the pain
Everyone has been burned before
Everybody knows the pain

Posted by Highwaygirl at 01:04 PM | Comments (1)

March 26, 2005

Hey Carrot Juice

Louis XIV
"Finding Out True Love Is Blind"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: This is another band I discovered thanks to Jubileee, who never steers me wrong when it comes to music (I started listening to The Killers after she mentioned them on her site). Louis XIV, who I think are supposed to be The Next Big Thing, have an interesting sound that I'm finding hard to describe. This is a catchy song (especially the drum/bass lines), even if the lyrics are a little precious. I'm not sure I'd like a whole CD of this, but I'm going to find out, because I just ordered it off Amazon.com

Ah chocolate girl
Well you're looking like something I want
(I'm finding out true love is blind)
Ah and your little Asian friend
Well she can come if she wants
(I'm finding out true love is blind)
I want all the self conscious girls
Who try to hide who they are with makeup
(I'm finding out true love is blind)
You know it's the girl in the front
With the tight pants I really want to shake up
(I'm finding out true love is blind)

Hey, carrot juice
I wanna squeeze you away until you bleed
(I'm finding out true love is blind)
And your vanilla friend, well
She looks like something I need
(I'm finding out true love is blind)
I want miss little smart girl
With your glasses and all your books
(I'm finding out true love is blind)
And I want the stupid girl
Who gives me all those dirty looks
(I'm finding out true love is blind)

Wind you up and make you crawl to me
Tie you up until you call to me

Ah brown girl
With the hot pants shaking that thing on the street
(I'm finding out true love is blind)
Yeah and the short girls
With the way they crawl knocks me off my feet
(I'm finding out true love is blind)
And all the tough girls
Who never want me to see them cry
(I'm finding out true love is blind)
And the girls that say
Treat me like a dog until the day I die
(I'm finding out true love is blind)

Ah chocolate girl
Well you're looking like something I want
Ah and your little Asian friend
Well she can come if she wants
I want all the self conscious girls
Who try to hide who they are with makeup
You know it's the girl in the front
With the tight pants I really want to shake up

Hey, carrot juice
I wanna squeeze you away until you bleed
(I'm finding out true love is blind)
And your vanilla friend,
Well she looks like something I need
(I'm finding out true love is blind)
I want miss little smart girl
With your glasses and all your books
(I'm finding out true love is blind)
And I want the stupid girl
Who gives me all those dirty looks
(I'm finding out true love is blind)

Wind me up and make me crawl to you
Tie me up and make me call to you

Wind you up and make you crawl to me
Tie you up until you call to me

I'm finding out true love is blind

Posted by Highwaygirl at 12:37 PM | Comments (2)

March 24, 2005

Maybe You're Gone

The Dandy Warhols
"Get Off"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: So I bought the Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia CD on Sunday, gave it a first listen yesterday afternoon, and haven't stopped listening to it since. I cannot get this song out of my head. It makes me dance around the kitchen. It has no lulls, like a full-on mental assault. In other words, my new theme song.

Yeah like it or not
Like a ball and a chain
All I wanna do is get off
I feel it for a minute, babe

Well hot diggity dog
I love god all the same
But all I wanna do is get off
I feel it, I feel it, feel it babe

Baby, come on, yeah
If you have a hard time gettin' there
Maybe you're gone
If you find, you find yourself against yourself

Yeah maybe I fought
I once thought I was sane
But all I wanna do is get off
And feel it for a minute
Like the real thing baby, I guess

I already forgot
What I thought I would say
But all I wanna do is get off
I feel it, I feel it, feel it babe

Baby, come on, yeah
If you have a hard time gettin' there
Maybe you're gone
If you find, you find yourself against yourself
Hey, come on, yeah
If you have a hard time gettin' there
Maybe you're gone
If you find, you find yourself against yourself

And like it or not
Like a ball and a chain
All I wanna do is get off
And feel it for a minute like the real thing baby, oh yes

I already forgot
What I thought I would say
But all I wanna do is get off
I feel it, I feel it, feel it babe

Baby, come on, yeah
If you have a hard time gettin' there
Maybe you're gone
If you find, you find yourself against yourself
Hey, come on, yeah
If you have a hard time gettin' there
Maybe you're gone
If you find, you find yourself against yourself

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:53 AM | Comments (0)

March 22, 2005

You Are Indecision

Low Millions
"Mockingbird"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: This is the second time I'm putting up a track from Low Millions, having featured the song "Eleanor" back at the end of February. I get at least 10 hits a day from people searching for that song (side note: I just watched the video for "Eleanor" and now I've got a little crush working on Mr. Adam Cohen). This time I'm giving you "Mockingbird" which is also insanely catchy. I don't really like Cohen's reading of the first few lines (too much like his dad), but once he hits Enter the doctor and the nurse, the song really takes off.

Here's Cohen's description of the song – "A postcard dispatched from a patient in the hospital of love. Diagnosis: Mild insanity, induced by the indecision and contradictions of one's beloved. Is that faint sound the sweet song of a nightingale, or the deceptive call of the lying mockingbird? The patient's condition grows increasingly unstable."


Here come the nightingales
Or could it be the mockingbird
They're at my windowsill
They flew in as soon as they heard
Enter the doctor and the nurse
Say my condition's getting worse
They take my pulse and shake their heads
They recommend I stay in bed

They say you are my condition
You are indecision
You, what is wrong with you?

You say you love me but you don't love me
You say you hate me but you don't hate me
You say you'd leave me but you can't leave me

Because you love me
What's it gonna be?
What is wrong with you
Is what is wrong with me

Here goes nothing
I just swallowed the pill
The room's spinning out of control
Although I'm lying still
And those mockingbirds
They're hovering above
They're talking back and forth
About the trouble with our love

You say you love me but you don't love me
You say you hate me but you don't hate me
You say you'd leave me but you can't leave me

Because you love me
What's it gonna be?
What is wrong with you

Oh my God
I think I've actually lost the plot
Oh my God
My brain is fried and my nerves are shot
And why not

You say control me no don't control me
You say hold me no don't hold me
You say you'd marry me
But you can't marry me

Because you love me but you don't love me
Because you hate me but you don't hate me
Because you'd leave me but you don't leave me
Here come the mockingbirds

You say you love me but you don't love me
You say you need me but you don't need me
You say you'd leave me but you can't leave me

Because you love me
What's it gonna be?
What is wrong with you
Is what is wrong with me

Posted by Highwaygirl at 08:05 PM | Comments (0)

March 19, 2005

'Cause I Like You

Dandy Warhols
"Bohemian Like You"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: A few days ago, Jake loaded up his iPod mini with a playlist of 34 songs that he wanted me to listen to. This was song #17, and I didn't get past it for a few hours because I played it over and over and over. Yep - obsessed with it. This is the second Dandy Warhols song I've become absolutely smitten with upon first listen (the first was "We Used To Be Friends"). I love the lines Just a casual, casual easy thing. It isn't? It is for me best - such an unbelieveable kiss off.

You’ve got a great car
Yeah, what’s wrong with it today?
I used to have one too
Maybe you’ll come and have a look
I really love your hairdo, yeah
I’m glad you like my do
See we’re looking pretty cool, getcha

So what do you do?
Oh yeah I wait tables too
No I haven’t heard your band
'Cause you guys are pretty new
But if you dig on vegan food
Well come over to my work
I’ll have them cook you something that you’ll really love

'Cause I like you
Yeah, I like you
And I’m feelin' so bohemian like you
Yeah, I like you
Yeah, I like you
And I feel
Wahoo - woo!

Wait
Who’s that guy
Just hanging at your pad
He’s looking kinda blah
Yeah, you broke up that’s too bad
I guess it’s fair if he always pays the rent
And he doesn’t get bent about
Sleeping on the couch when I’m there

'Cause I like you
Yeah, I like you
And I’m feelin' so bohemian like you
Yeah, I like you
Yeah, I like you
And I feel
Wahoo - woo!

I’m getting wise
And I’m feeling so bohemian like you
It’s you that I want so please
Just a casual, casual easy thing
It isn’t? It is for me

And I like you
Yeah I like you
And I like you, I like you, I like you, I like you
I like you, I like you, I like you
And I feel
Wahoo - woo!

Posted by Highwaygirl at 03:18 PM | Comments (2)

March 18, 2005

I Find It Hard To Tell You

Gary Jules
"Mad World"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Even Roland Orzabal from Tears for Fears, who did the original version of "Mad World," has admitted that Gary Jules' cover is superior. This song was included in the movie Donnie Darko, which you must see immediately if you have not already (RIGHT, BEN?). I'll be buying the director's cut of the DVD tomorrow for my birthday.

All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places
Worn out faces
Bright and early for the daily races
Going nowhere
Going nowhere
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression
No expression
Hide my head I wanna drown my sorrow
No tomorrow
No tomorrow

And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I’m dying
Are the best I’ve ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very mad world
Mad world

Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy birthday
Happy birthday
And I feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen
Sit and listen
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me
No one knew me
Hello teacher tell me what’s my lesson
Look right through me
Look right through me

And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I’m dying
Are the best I’ve ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very very mad world
Mad world
Enlarging your world
Mad world

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:38 AM | Comments (1)

March 17, 2005

But I Refuse To Let You Go

This is for The Stick:

Temptations - Ain't Too Proud To Beg

(But don't think the beatings have ceased, because they have not.)

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:20 PM | Comments (0)

Girlie So Groovy

Pixies
"Debaser"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: This is for you-know-who. This, my favorite Pixies' song, is off the CD Doolittle. However, that's not my favorite Pixies' CD. The best Pixies' CD is most definitely Bossanova, due to the inclusion of "Velouria," "Is She Weird?," "Hang Wire," and "Rock Music" (1:52 of reckless screaming of the line "Your mouth's a mile away," which also carries a certain relevance these days).

Got me a movie
I want you to know
Slicing up eyeballs
I want you to know
Girlie so groovy
I want you to know
Don't know about you
But I am un chien Andalusia

I am un chien Andalusia

Wanna grow
Up to be
Be a debaser
Debaser

Got me a movie
Ah ha ha ho
Slicing up eyeballs
Ah ha ha ho
Girlie so groovy
Ah ha ha ho
Don't know about you
But I am un chien Andalusia

I am un chien Andalusia

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:38 AM | Comments (4)

March 16, 2005

Just a Casual Easy Thing

I need help (stop laughing). I'm tired of all the music I'm listening to, and I need suggestions for new tunes. Jirrrrrrrd was kind enough to send me a gift certificate to iTunes when I fell down the stairs, but I have no idea what I want to buy.

Help meeeeeeeeee. What songs are currently lodged in your brain? All genres welcomed.

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:53 AM | Comments (6)

March 15, 2005

Start Me Off and Watch Me Go

Caesars
"Jerk It Out"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Because I am the Apple marketing department's bitch.

Wind me up
Put me down
Start me off and watch me go
I'll be running circles around you
Sooner than you know
A little off center
And I'm out of tune
Just kickin this can along the avenue
But I'm alright

'Cause it's easy once you know how it's done
You can't stop now it's already begun
You feel it running through your bones

And you jerk it out
Jerk it out

Shut up
Hush your mouth
Can't you hear you talk too loud?
No I can't hear nothing 'cause
I got my head up in the clouds
I bite off anything that I can chew
I'm chasing cars up and down the avenue
But that's OK

'Cause it's easy once you know how it's done
You can't stop now it's already begun
You feel it running through your bones

And you jerk it out

Posted by Highwaygirl at 03:55 PM | Comments (7)

March 14, 2005

As Restless As We Are

Smashing Pumpkins
"1979"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I've always liked this song, but over the weekend I was listening to it and finally got curious about a certain line of the lyrics that I could never make out. Only then did I realize that I had about 90% of the words wrong. Be more enunciating, Billy Corgan!

Shakedown 1979
Cool kids never have the time
On a live wire right up off the street
You and I should meet

Junebug skipping like a stone
With the headlights pointed at the dawn
We were sure we'd never see an end to it all

And I don't even care
To shake these zipper blues
And we don't know
Just where our bones will rest
To dust I guess
Forgotten and absorbed into the earth below

Double cross the vacant and the bored
They're not sure just what we have in the store
Morphine city slippin' dues down to see

That we don't even care
As restless as we are
We feel the pull in the land of a thousand guilts
And poured cement
Lamented and assured

To the lights and towns below
Faster than the speed of sound
Faster than we thought we'd go
Beneath the sound of hope

Justine never knew the rules
Hung down with the freaks and ghouls
No apologies ever need be made
I know you better than you fake it

To see that we don't even care
To shake these zipper blues
And we don't know just where our bones will rest
To dust I guess
Forgotten and absorbed into the earth below

The street heats the urgency of sound
As you can see there's no one around

Posted by Highwaygirl at 02:06 PM | Comments (0)

March 12, 2005

Don't Need You to Want Me

The Jesus and Mary Chain
"The Hardest Walk"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: This song is probably best known by a wide audience for its inclusion on the soundtrack to the movie Some Kind of Wonderful, but it was first featured on the Jesus and Mary Chain's debut. This song needs to be played LOUDLY for maximum enjoyment.

I never thought that this day would ever come
When your words and your touch just struck me numb
Oh and it’s plain to see that it’s dead
The thing swims in blood and it’s cold stoney dead
It’s so hard not to feel ashamed
Of the loving living games we play
Each day

And I’m stuck in a shack
Down the back of the sea
Oh and I’m alive and I’m alone
Inside a sick sick dream
Oh is it me
Is it me that feels so weak?
How can I deceive if I find it hard to speak?

The hardest walk you could ever take
Is the walk you take from A to B
To C

I walk
Oh honey I talk
Don’t want you to need me
Don’t need you to want me

And I walk

Posted by Highwaygirl at 05:05 PM | Comments (0)

March 11, 2005

I Know There's No Tomorrow

Sugar
"If I Can't Change Your Mind"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: This is one of my favorite tracks off the CD Copper Blue, which forever has a place amongst my top 10 Desert Island Discs list.

Tears fill up my eyes
I'm washed away with sorrow
And somewhere in my mind
I know there's no tomorrow
I see you're leaving soon
I guess you've had your fill
But if I can't change your mind
Then no one will

And all throughout the years
I've never strayed from you my dear
But you suspect I'm somewhere else
You're feeling sorry for yourself
Leaving with a broken heart
I love you even still
But if I can't change your mind
Then no one will
If I can't change your mind

Even though my heart keeps breaking
Don't you know that I'll be waiting
Here for you
Then when you return
When will you return?
I hope you see I'm dedicated
Look how long that I have waited
If you come back then you will find
A different person
If you change your mind

How can I explain away
Something that I haven't done
And if you can't trust me now
You'll never trust in anyone
With all the crazy doubts you've got
I love you even still
But if I can't change your mind
Then no one will
If I can't change your mind

Someday you'll see I've been true
I'll stay that way until
But if I can't change your mind
Then no one will
If I can't change your mind

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:56 AM | Comments (2)

March 05, 2005

Sent the Kitchen Table Crashing

Crowded House
"I Feel Possessed"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: Uh, yeah.

She said "I could never do that"
But I know you can, you are in my dream
We are one person not two of a kind
And what was mine is now in your possession
I could feel you underneath my skin
As the wind rushed in
Sent the kitchen table crashing
She said "Nobody move
Or I’ll bring the house down"

I hardly know which way is up
Or which way down
People are strange God only knows
I feel possessed when you come 'round

It was one of those times
Wished I had a camera on me
Six foot knocked off the ground
I know how that sounds
Look above you and beyond me too
That kind of view don’t need an explanation
I’m not lying, not asking for anything
I just want to be there when it happens again

I hardly know which way is up
Or which way down
People are strange God only knows
I feel possessed when you come 'round

Whenever you invade my home
Everything I know flies out the window
It’s above you and beyond me too
I don’t want an explanation
But I’ll be there when you bring the house down

I hardly know which way is up
Or which way down
People are strange God only knows
I feel possessed when you come 'round
People are strange
I feel possessed when you come 'round

Posted by Highwaygirl at 09:06 PM | Comments (1)

March 03, 2005

Cold Comfort for Change

Catherine Wheel
"Wish You Were Here"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: One day I told someone that I had never heard Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. Much disbelief occurred. So I promised him I would listen to it, which I did today courtesy of a coworker. I told Rappy about it, and she mentioned that one of her favorite bands, Catherine Wheel, released a cover version of the Pink Floyd song "Wish You Were Here." She sent it to me, and I haven't stopped listening to it. I've still never heard the original, though.

So, so you think you can tell
Heaven from Hell
Blue sky from pain
Can you tell a green field
From a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?

Did they get you to trade
Your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
Did you exchange
A walk on part in the war
For a lead role in the cage?

How I wish, how I wish you were here
We're just two lost souls
Living in a fish bowl
Year after year
Going over the same old ground
What have we found?
The same old fears
Wish you were here
Oh, I wish you were here

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:44 PM | Comments (4)

March 02, 2005

Girls Against Boys

Girls Against Boys

The pleasure ... what cost?

This is Girls Against Boys. I don't really know how to categorize them - noise rock? Art rock? I just know two things for certain - this is one of the best rock band photos I've ever seen (I'm a sucker for black-and-white portraiture), and GVSB's song "Roxy" is, without a doubt, the best stripdance/seduction song ever (bonus points for one of the coolest uses of the word "whatever," too).

Posted by Highwaygirl at 03:03 PM | Comments (0)

February 28, 2005

Trying to Wear Me Down

Fountains of Wayne
"Hey Julie"
Listen | Buy

NOTES: I was so happy the day that I bought Welcome Interstate Managers and saw that one of my favorite bands, Fountains of Wayne, had written a song about me. Rappy used to sing the chorus to me when she still worked with BDI.

Working all day for a mean little man
With a clip-on tie and a rub-on tan
He's got me running 'round the office
Like a dog around a track
But when I get back home
You're always there to rub my back

Hey Julie
Look what they're doing to me
Trying to trip me up
Trying to wear me down
Julie, I swear, it's so hard to bear it
And I'd never make it through without you around
No I'd never make it through without you around

Hours on the phone making pointless calls
I got a desk full of paper
That means nothing at all
Sometimes I catch myself staring into space
Counting down the hours
'Til I get to see your face

Hey Julie
Look what they're doing to me
Trying to trip me up
Trying to wear me down
Julie, I swear, it's so hard to bear it
And I'd never make it through without you around
No I'd never make it through without you around

How did it come to be
That you and I must be
Far away from each other every day?
Why must I spend my time
Filling up my mind
With facts and figures that never add up anyway?
They never add up anyway

Working all day for a mean little guy
With a bad toupee and a soup-stained tie
He's got me running 'round the office
Like a gerbil on a wheel
He can tell me what to do
But he can't tell me what to feel

Hey Julie
Look what they're doing to me
Trying to trip me up
Trying to wear me down
Julie, I swear, it's so hard to bear it
And I'd never make it through without you around
No I'd never make it through without you around
No I'd never make it through without you around

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:25 PM | Comments (3)

February 25, 2005

I Want to See My Family

New Order
"Love Vigilantes"
Download mp3 | Purchase

NOTES: This is likely the most upbeat song - musically rather than lyrically - about death during combat that I've ever heard. I always liked the chorus; such a simple, beautiful sentiment.

Oh I’ve just come
From the land of the sun
From a war that must be won
In the name of truth
With our soldiers so brave
Your freedom we will save
With our rifles and grenades
And some help from God

I want to see my family
My wife and child waiting for me
I’ve got to go home
I’ve been so alone, you see

You just can’t believe
The joy I did receive
When I finally got my leave
And I was going home
Oh I flew through the sky
My convictions could not lie
For my country I would die
And I will see it soon

I want to see my family
My wife and child waiting for me
I’ve got to go home
I’ve been so alone, you see

When I walked through the door
My wife she lay upon the floor
And with tears her eyes were sore
I did not know why
Then I looked into her hand
And I saw the telegram
That said that I was a brave, brave man
But that I was dead

I want to see my family
My wife and child waiting for me
I’ve got to go home
I’ve been so alone, you see

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:39 AM | Comments (3)

February 22, 2005

I Won't Call You Baby Anymore

Low Millions
"Eleanor"
Download mp3 | Purchase

NOTES: Low Millions is fronted by a guy named Adam Cohen, aka Leonard Cohen's son. What a label that must be to shake. He's a talented guy in his own right, though. This song is the lead track from the CD Ex-Girlfriends.

Fine, I understand
Okay with me
If that's the plan
You can take the stereo, the TV and the video
The bed, the sheets, and pillows
Before you go

But for now unlock the door
What are we doin' all this for?
Let me make you dinner one last time
Then you'll go your way and I'll go mine

And I won't call you baby anymore
Won't call you baby like I did before
Won't call you baby anymore, Eleanor

You left your smell
You left your taste
You left me here with my mistakes
And I can't relate to what you say I've done
But just for you I'll bite my tongue

And I won't call you baby anymore
Won't call you baby like I did before
Won't call you baby anymore, Eleanor

Eleanor, I miss you
Eleanor, be well
Eleanor, I wish you'd release me from your spell

And I can't call you baby anymore
Won't call you baby like I did before
Won't call you baby anymore, Eleanor

Posted by Highwaygirl at 12:17 PM | Comments (297)

February 20, 2005

One Hand's Just Reaching Out

The Go-Go's
"Head Over Heels"
Download mp3 | Purchase

NOTES: Now I have a appreciation for this song on a (sadly) literal level.

Been running so long
I've nearly lost all track of time
In every direction
I couldn't see the warning signs I must be losin' it
'Cause my mind plays tricks on me
It looked so easy
But you know looks sometimes deceive

Been running so fast
Right from the starting line
No more connections
I don't need any more advice
One hand's just reaching out
And one's just hangin' on
It seems my weaknesses
Just keep going strong

Head over heels
Why should I go?
Can't stop myself
Outta control
Head over heels
No time to think
Looks like the whole world's out of sync

Been running so hard
When what I need is to unwind
The voice of reason
Is one I left so far behind
I've waited so long
So long to play this part
And just remembered
That I'd forgotten about my heart

Posted by Highwaygirl at 03:16 PM | Comments (0)

January 27, 2005

Come On Now Sugar

The Dandy Warhols
"We Used To Be Friends"
Download mp3 | Purchase

NOTES: I downloaded this song when it was recommended during LG's first Phonic Phriday, and I've fallen in love with it. It is apparently the theme song to the show VERONICA MARS.

A long time ago we used to be friends
But I haven't thought of you lately at all
If ever again a greeting I send to you
Short and sweet to the soul I intend

Come on now honey, bring it on bring it on yeah
Just remember me when you're good to go
Come on now sugar, bring it on, bring it on yeah
Just remember me when

It's something I said or someone I know
Or you called me up, maybe I wasn't home
Now everybody needs some time and everybody knows
The rest of it's fine and everybody knows now

Come on now sugar, bring it on bring it on yeah
Just remember me when you're good to go
Come on now honey, bring it on bring it on yeah
Just remember me when

We used to be friends
A long time ago we used to be friends
A long time ago we used to be friends
A long time ago we used to be friends, yeah

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:38 AM | Comments (14)

January 19, 2005

Matty + Roo 4 Ever

I'm home now, Roo! And I didn't forget about hooking you up with Matthew Sweet (heh heh heh).

So for you, Roo:

'Cause I'm sick of myself when I look at you
Something is beautiful and true
In a world that's ugly and a lie
It's hard to even want to try
And I'm beginning to think
Baby you don't know
"Sick of Myself"

(And here's my faaaaaaaavorite Matthew Sweet song):

I have had it with you
I've got bigger things to do
Than to keep on crossing your line
But you're so fine
Can't get you off of my mind
"Thing"

(And for good measure, just because it's a good song):

Stop what you're doing to me
My love don't wanna see
Then - We were young and strong
Now - Everything is wrong
Didn't you want me?
Didn't you need me?
Could you not say
You believe me?
And our love is in a time capsule
"Time Capsule"

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:08 PM | Comments (2)

January 18, 2005

I'm Going to Grow Wings

Radiohead
"Let Down"
Download mp3 | Purchase


Transport, motorways and tramlines
Starting and then stopping
Taking off and landing
The emptiest of feelings
Disappointed people clinging on to bottles
And when it comes it's so so disappointing

Let down and hanging around
Crushed like a bug in the ground
Let down and hanging around

Shell smashed, juices flowing
Wings twitch, legs are going
Don't get sentimental
It always ends up drivel

One day I'm going to grow wings
A chemical reaction
Hysterical and useless
Hysterical and ...

Let down and hanging around
Crushed like a bug in the ground
Let down and hanging around

Let down again
Let down again
Let down again

You know, you know where you are with
You know where you are with
Floor collapsing
Floating, bouncing back
And one day...
I am going to grow wings
A chemical reaction
Hysterical and useless
Hysterical and...

Let down and hanging around
Crushed like a bug in the ground
Let down and hanging around

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:37 AM | Comments (0)

December 30, 2004

Hard to Find a Friend

Sleep Station
"There She Goes"
Download mp3 | Download entire EP


There she goes
Always found it hard to live on my own
Whatever I didn’t realize
Took me out and cut my eyes
I'll miss the conversation we had then
I always found it hard to find a friend

There she goes
Far from the pain that I could not control
She saw something good in me
That's the way it has to be
Everyone I know dies in the end
Always found it hard to find a friend

Not that she was the answer I seek
It was the time that she gave to me

Days go by
Locked inside the prison I have made in my mind
My old friends have come again
Speaking in their voices and making no sense
I may listen, that depends
Always found it hard to find a friend

Always found it hard to find a friend

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:34 PM | Comments (2)

December 29, 2004

Come On, Kick Me Again

Franz Ferdinand
"Jacqueline"
Download mp3 | Purchase


Jacqueline was seventeen, working on a desk
When Ivor appeared above her spectacle
Forgot that he had wrecked a girl
Sometimes these eyes forget the face they're peering from
When the face they peer upon
Well you know that face as I do
And how in the return of the gaze
She can return you the face that you are staring from

It's always better on holiday
So much better on holiday
That's why we only work when we need the money

Gregor was down again
Said, 'Come on, kick me again'
Said, 'I'm so drunk I don't mind if you kill me'

Come on you gutless
Yeah, I'm alive
I'm alive
I'm alive and how I know it
But for chips, and for freedom I could die

It's always better on holiday
So much better on holiday
That's why we only work when we need the money
Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:26 AM | Comments (0)

December 08, 2004

I'm Slipping Under

I'm so sorry. So very sorry. I don't know what possessed me to download this, but now that I have, and listened to it 10 times, I have to admit – it's pretty damn catchy.

With a taste of your lips I'm on a ride...

I am so ashamed.

*buries face in hands*

Posted by Highwaygirl at 09:42 AM | Comments (2)

December 07, 2004

I Can't Find the Air

Duncan Sheik
"Barely Breathing"
Download mp3 | Purchase


I know what you're doing, I see it all too clear
I only taste the saline when I kiss away your tears
You really had me going, wishing on a star
But the black holes that surround you
Are heavier by far
I believed in your confusion, so completely torn
It must have been that yesterday
Was the day that I was born
There's not much to examine, nothing left to hide
You really can't be serious if you have to ask me why
I say goodbye

'Cause I am barely breathing
And I can't find the air
I don't know who I'm kidding
Imagining you care
And I could stand here waiting
A fool for another day
I don't suppose it's worth the price, it's worth the price
The price that I would pay

Everyone keeps asking what's it all about?
I used to be so certain and I can't figure out
What is this attraction? I only feel the pain
There's nothing left to reason and only you to blame
Will it ever change?

'Cause I am barely breathing
And I can't find the air
I don't know who I'm kidding
Imagining you care
And I could stand here waiting
A fool for another day
I don't suppose it's worth the price, worth the price
The price that I would pay

But I'm thinking it over anyway

I've come to find I may never know
Your changing mind, is it friend or foe?
I rise above or sink below
With every time you come and go
Please don't come and go

'Cause I am barely breathing
And I can't find the air
I don't know who I'm kidding
Imagining you care
And I could stand here waiting
A fool for another day
I don't suppose it's worth the price, worth the price
The price that I would pay

But I'm thinking it over anyway

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:57 AM | Comments (2)

December 04, 2004

And Then You Go

David Berkeley
"Fire Sign"
Download mp3 | Purchase


You should have told me
Seemed like an ordinary day
Everything seemed to be okay
Did it hurt you?
These are the scars you never show
She is a fire sign, you know
One day you're near, and then you go

Here is a looking glass, what do you see?
There's nothing there but me
There was a wishing well I jumped into
Nothing came true

They deceive you
There was a wall you had to find
The echoes in your mind
You'll surrender
These are the lessons that you'll learn
Nobody hears, no one's concerned
One day it's clear and then you burn

Here is the wishing well I jumped into
Nothing came true
And here is a looking glass, what do you see?
Sorry, it's just me

Even just a sound, and all your cards are down
Even just a sound
Let me lay you down
Don't have to make a sound
I would lay you down

It surrounds you
Sometimes it's easy to believe
Sometimes it hurts more than it seems
Now it's over
These are the scars you never show
There was a warning sign, you know
One day you're near, and then you go

Posted by Highwaygirl at 01:39 AM | Comments (1)

December 03, 2004

I Don't Owe You Anything

Foo Fighters
"I'll Stick Around"
Download mp3 | Purchase


I thought I knew all it took to bother you
Every word I said was true, that you’ll see

How could it be I’m the only one who sees
Your rehearsed insanity

I still refuse all the methods you’ve abused
It’s all right if you’re confused let me be

I’ve been around all the pawns you’ve gagged and bound
They’ll come back and knock you down, and I’ll be free

I’ve taken all and I’ve endured
One day it all will fade, I’m sure

I don’t owe you anything

I had no other hand in your ever desperate plan
It returns and when it lands words are due

I should’ve known we were better off alone
I looked in and I was shown
You were too

I’ve taken all and I’ve endured
One day it all will fade, I’m sure

I don’t owe you anything

I’ll stick around
Learn from all that came from it

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:32 AM | Comments (0)

December 01, 2004

Friends Say It's Fine

I just had the most inexplicable conversation with Dawsey. Stop laughing. I was in the kitchen making breakfast, about 10 minutes after the cats finished eating their vittles, and Dawsey was meowing at me loudly. For a reason known only to him. So I say:

"Dawsey, I don't know what your problem is. But you need to find a solution to it."

I actually said that to the cat. Out loud. *shakes head sadly*

And it's plain to see
You were meant for me, yeah
I'm your toy
Your 20th century boy

Placebo, "20th Century Boy"

I think this song has one of the most distinctive guitar riffs, ever.

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:42 AM | Comments (4)

November 24, 2004

Giant Friction Blast

Liz Phair, "Supernova"

I have looked all over the place
But you have got my favorite face
Your eyelashes sparkle like gilded grass
And your lips are sweet and slippery
Like a cherub's bare wet ass

'Cause you're a human supernova
A solar superman
You're an angel with wings afire
A flying, giant friction blast

You walk in clouds of glitter and the sun reflects your eyes
And everytime the wind blows, I can smell you in the sky
Your kisses are as wicked as an F-16
And you fuck like a volcano, and you're everything to me

'Cause you're a human supernova
A solar superman
You're an angel with wings afire
A flying, giant friction blast
You're a giant, flying friction blast

Posted by Highwaygirl at 09:21 AM | Comments (2)

November 16, 2004

Be Who You Are

Travis, "Walking In The Sun"

I was walking along in the sun
Taking pictures of everyone
And there's something on the tip of my tongue

Well it's easy to see from afar
And it's easy to be on your guard
But it's harder just to be who you are

When all these
People wanna lead you down the back of the track
They're on your back
They will try and tear you apart
But believe and you will see that there's no reason to doubt
Then you will find
You can do much better than that

If you think of all the things that you feel
All the voices in your head that you hear
It's a mystery that we are still holding on

When all these
People wanna lead you down the back of the track
They're on your back
They will try and tear you apart
But believe and you will see that there's no reason to doubt
Then you will find
You can do much better than that

If you see me hit the ground
Don't come near, don't make a sound

I was walking along in the sun
Taking pictures of everyone
And there's something on the tip of my tongue...

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:39 AM | Comments (0)

November 10, 2004

Goodbye To You

Ah, Bands Reunited. How I love you so.

Last night I watched the episode featuring the '80s rock band Scandal, who had such hits as "Goodbye To You" and "The Warrior." The band had a tense breakup and hadn't been in the same room for almost 20 years.

I think that's what makes this show so good. There's conflict inherent in the reunion, but there's also the possibility of redemption. Which is the embodiment of hope. It doesn't always happen; sometimes the band members won't let go of their old grudges (hello, A Flock of Seagulls!). But when it does, it makes my heart grow three sizes bigger.

Could I have loved someone like the one I see in you
I remember the good times baby now, and the bad times too
These last few weeks of holdin' on
The days are dull, the nights are long
Guess it's better to say
Goodbye to you

– "Goodbye To You," Scandal

The show's host, Aameer (*swoon*), got singer Patty Smyth on board first. In her interview they talked about how the reunion could not be complete because one of the band members, bassist Ivan Elias (second from right in the photo on the website), had died. So Smyth is talking about what happened to him - he had always had back problems and finally got them checked out, and it turned out he had lung cancer that had spread to his spine. By the time it was discovered he was "riddled with cancer" despite only being 43 and never having smoked, and he died not long thereafter.

Then Aameer flies to NYC to meet with two other band members, and they quickly agree to the reunion. Benjy the Keyboardist is asked about Elias and his reaction ... it just got to me - he paused, then he tried to set his mouth to keep it from quivering, and then eventually he started pulling on his lip as a distraction. He'd say a few words, and then need to stop. Start, and stop. Start. And stop.

When he was finally able to talk about visiting Elias in the hospital, his voice was wavering, and that's when I burst into tears.

'Cause baby it's over now
No need to talk about it
It's not the same
My love for you's just not the same

Aameer gets the drummer to agree, then gets the band's founder - who was actually kicked out of the band at the end - to agree, and then everyone meets for the reunion and they're all happy and smiling and they talk about the tension and how things ended and they get it all out and work it all out and they reminisce about Ivan Elias and you can see, so easily, how much they all loved him. And how fond they still are of each other, even after 20 years apart.

They have their one-off reunion show in front of their fans, and all of the band members are beaming because the experience has laid to rest all of the bad feelings they had, they're feeling the bond and camaraderie with each other again, and to a person they say that they are so grateful to have been given the chance to make amends with each other.

Redemption received.

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:13 AM | Comments (2)

November 05, 2004

Friday Never Hesitate

The Cure, "Friday I'm In Love"

I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's grey and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday I'm in love

Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
Oh Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday I'm in love

Saturday wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday never hesitate

I don't care if Monday's black
Tuesday, Wednesday heart attack
Thursday never looking back
It's Friday I'm in love

Monday you can hold your head
Tuesday, Wednesday stay in bed
Or Thursday watch the walls instead
It's Friday I'm in love

Saturday wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday never hesitate

Dressed up to the eyes
It's a wonderful surprise
To see your shoes and your spirits rise
Throwing out your frown
And just smiling at the sound
Sleek as a shriek
Spinning round and round
Always take a big bite
It's such a gorgeous sight
To see you eat in the middle of the night
You can never get enough
Enough of this stuff
It's Friday I'm in love

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:24 AM | Comments (1)

November 01, 2004

Nothing Or No One

Siouxie and the Banshees, "Kiss Them For Me"

It glittered and it gleamed
For the arriving beauty queen
A ring and a car
Now you're the prettiest by far

No party she'd not attend
No invitation she wouldn't send
Transfixed by the inner sound
Of your promise to be found

"Nothing or no one
Will ever make me let you down"

Kiss them for me, I may be delayed
Kiss them for me, if I am delayed

It's divine, oh it's serene
In the fountains pink champagne
Someone carving their devotion
In the heart shaped pool of fame

"Nothing or no one
Will ever make me let you down"

Kiss them for me, I may be delayed
Kiss them for me, I may find myself delayed

On the road to New Orleans
A spray of stars hit the screen
As the 10th impact shimmered
The forbidden candles beamed

Kiss them for me, I may be delayed
Kiss them for me, I may find myself delayed

Posted by Highwaygirl at 03:02 PM | Comments (0)

October 29, 2004

October 22, 2004

You Can't Look Away

The worst part about my site being down was that I couldn't share the bliss that is Jimmy Eat World's new CD, Futures. I drove to Circuit City on Tuesday during lunch in order to buy it ... and also picked up the JEW DVD (Believe In What You Want) for $10.

And, um, the Army of Darkness DVD also jumped into my hands and came home with me. But it was also just $10, so I didn't feel like I could refuse.

Anyway, I'm going to post my three favorite songs off of Futures. One is the title track (go vote, kids!), which has a great singalong chorus. "Work" is one of the more power-pop songs on the CD, and "Nothingwrong" is harder (and I love the churning guitar bit at the beginning). I listen to those last two tracks on repeat all day long at work.





Jimmy Eat World, "Futures"

I always believed in futures
I hope for better in November
Try the same booth, same lucky numbers
It could be a cold night
For a lifetime
Hey now
You can't keep saying endlessly
My darling
How long until this effects me?

Say hello to good times
Trade up for the fast ride
We close our eyes while the nickel and dime
Take the streets
Completely

I always could count on futures
If things would look up
They'd look up
Why, so hard to find a balance
Between living decent
And the cold and real
Hey now
What is it you think you see?
My darling
Now's the time to disagree

Say hello to good times
Trade up for the fast ride
We close our eyes while the nickel and dime
Take the streets
Completely

Hey now
The past is told by those who win
My darling
What matters is what hasn't been
Hey now
We're wide awake and we're thinking
My darling
Believe your votes can mean something

Say hello to good times
Trade up for the fast ride
We close our eyes while the nickel and dime
Take the streets
Completely

Jimmy Eat World, "Work"

If you only once would let me
Only just one time
Then be happy with the consequence
With whatever's gonna happen tonight
Don't think we're not serious
When's it ever not?
The love we make is give and it's take
A game to play along

All I can say
I shouldn't say
Can we take a ride?
Get out of this place
While we still have time

All the best DJs are saving
The slowest song for last
When the dance is through
It's me and you
Come on would it really be so bad
The things we think might be the same
But I won't fight for more
It's just not me to wear it on my sleeve
Count on that for sure

All I can say
I shouldn't say
Can we take a ride?
Get out of this place
While we still have time
You wanna take a ride?
Get out of this place
While we still have time
We still have time

Can't say I was never wrong
But some blame rests on you
Work and play they're never okay
To mix the way we do

All I can say
I shouldn't say
Can we take a ride?
Get out of this place
While we still have time
You wanna take a ride?
Get out of this place
While we still have time
We still have time

Jimmy Eat World, "Nothingwrong"

Hold them down, our bleeding suspects
Just because
Just 'cause
Just who are you?
By candle light, burn burn burn, baby
Burn, burn, whose turn
Who gets a taste today?

We've done nothing wrong
But we've done nothing
We can't look away
But we're just looking
It's second nature to say
We've done nothing wrong

Turn them off, all blacklist singers
Don't ask why
Don't cry
Don't make a scene
A 45 spin spin spin, give in
Spin spin, who wins
Who's not afraid to play?

We've done nothing wrong
But we've done nothing
We can't look away
But we're just looking
It's second nature to say
We've done nothing but

Nothing but take what's handed down
Said nothing
But words approved to shout
We wanna know
That we own the cake we're eating
Spit it out

Hold them down (burn, burn)
Hold them down, all bleeding suspects
Turn them off (turn, turn)
Turn them off, all blacklist singers

We've done nothing wrong
But we've done nothing
We can't look away
But we're just looking
It's second nature to say
We've done nothing wrong

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:55 AM | Comments (0)

October 18, 2004

The Questions Run Too Deep

The lyrics of this song have always fascinated me. They're written almost like prose. There's got to be some grander meaning to the lyrics - is it a statement about conformity? Is it a diatribe against the oppressive nature of man? - but I don't know what it is.

Supertramp, "The Logical Song"

When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful
A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical
And all the birds in the trees, well they'd be singing so happily
Joyfully, playfully watching me
But then they send me away to teach me how to be sensible
Logical, oh responsible, practical.
And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable
Clinical, oh intellectual, cynical

There are times when all the world's asleep
The questions run too deep
For such a simple man
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
But please tell me who I am

Now watch what you say or they'll be calling you a radical
A liberal, oh fanatical, criminal
Won't you sign up your name, we'd like to feel you're
Acceptable, respectable, oh presentable, a vegtable

But at night, when all the world's asleep
The questions run so deep
For such a simple man
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
But please tell me who I am

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:39 AM | Comments (1)

October 17, 2004

After This There's Just the Circus

I hate goodbyes.

I finally finished organizing all of my mp3s (alphabetically - I wimped out on the whole 'categorize by genre' thing), and when I was copying files over from CDs I found this song. I don't care what Rappy says, I like the Matthew Good Band.

Matthew Good Band, "Running for Home"

They beam things into your head
The ghosts of your pleasure and contempt
When we were liars things were seamless
When we were wired the world was like a secret
I close my eyes now and I scream
I turn the light on
And there's nothing left redeeming
I saw your face before it changed
The gun it makes you look nicer in a bad way

So low for how high?
It's too late tonight
And I'm sure you're right
So low for how high?

And after this there's just the circus
And every morning you carney heart stops workin'
It gets tight in there sometimes
Looking for those defects, talking like it's a reflex
I close my mouth now and I scream
I open the door
And there's nothing left redeeming
I saw your face before in rough
You should wait around awhile
'Cause your body's bound to turn up

So low for how high?
It's too late tonight
And I'm sure you're right
So low for how high?

Posted by Highwaygirl at 09:18 PM | Comments (0)

October 16, 2004

You Will Surrender

I am already in love with this Franz Ferdinand CD, which means I will be purchasing it on Tuesday (along with the new Jimmy Eat World CD and a flash drive). This song has bonus German lyrics at the end, just for Teem. Unfortunately I don't know what they mean (other than the obvious, "Fantastisch").

I've been bopping around my apartment this morning singing this song in a faux lounge lizard voice. It has proved amusing.

Franz Ferdinand, "Darts of Pleasure"

You are the latest contender
You are the one to remember
You are the villain who sends a
Line of dark fantastic passion
I know that you will surrender
I know that you will surrender
And I want this fantastic passion
We'll have fantastic passion

You can feel my lips undress your eyes
Undress your eyes undress your eyes
Words of love and words so leisured
Words are poisoned darts of pleasure
Die, and so you die.

You are the latest adventurer
You're an emotion avenger
You are the devil that sells a
line of dark fantastic passion
I know that you will surrender
I know that you will surrender
And I want this fantastic passion
We'll have fantastic passion

You can feel my lips undress your eyes
Undress your eyes undress your eyes
Skin can feel my lips they tingle tense anticipation
This one is an easy one, feel the word and melt upon it
Words of love and words so leisured
Words are poisoned darts of pleasure
Die, and so you die.

Ich heisse Super Fantastisch
Ich trinke Schampus mit Lachsfisch
Ich heisse Super Fantastisch. (x3)

Posted by Highwaygirl at 11:02 AM | Comments (3)

October 13, 2004

We've Done Nothing Wrong

Have I written lately about how much I love Jimmy Eat World? Because I really, really do. Their Bleed American CD (which was renamed to be a self-titled CD after 9/11) is one of my ten Desert Island Discs, and I am inordinantly excited about their new CD, Futures, which is being released on the 19th.

Anyway, last night I received a Jimmy newsletter which informed me that MTV.com's "The Leak" feature is streaming Futures in its entirety this whole week. WHICH MAKES ME SO, SO HAPPY. I am sitting here at work listening to it, and I plan on listening to it nonstop all day long. All week long, probably.

My early song favorites are "Work" and "Nothingswrong." The first single is "Pain."

I also have a wee (if by "wee" I mean "huge") crush on singer Jim Adkins.

Posted by Highwaygirl at 09:10 AM | Comments (0)

October 12, 2004

May I Introduce You

Jake-at-work sent me this link to Osymyso and an mp3 that is a mix of the introductions of an unknown number of popular songs. The mp3 is called "Intro-inspection" and it's linked on the right nav of the Osymyso page.

I'm trying to resist being obsessive about my need to figure out every damn song. Here's what I have so far (spoilered for your protection); I know I'm missing some. Maybe someone can help fill in the blanks.

Highlight the text below:


Hello, Lionel Richie
Hey Jude, Beatles
Unchained Melody, Righteous Brothers
I Get Around, Beach Boys
Tainted Love, Soft Cell
Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen
Hound Dog, Elvis Presley
???? (Stereo Mike)
99 Red Balloons, Nena
Lovecats, The Cure
Baby One More Time, Britney Spears
Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Barry White
True, Spandau Ballet
????
That insidious Spice Girls song
????
Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
???? (ba da da daa)
Need You Tonight, INXS
Come On Eileen, Dexy's Midnight Runners
Praise You, Fatboy Slim
Down Under, Men at Work
Pump Up the Volume, ????
Heard It Through the Grapevine, Marvin Gaye
Relax, Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Don't You Want Me?, Human League
I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor
I Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston
Pink Panther theme, Mancini
Is There Something I Should Know?, Duran Duran
Groove Is In the Heart, Deelite
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), Eurhythmics
Oh Yeah, Yello
Song 2, Blur
You Really Got Me, Kinks
Sweet Child O' Mine, Guns and Roses
Wipeout, Sufaris
Pretty Fly for a White Guy, Offspring
Barbie Girl, Aqua
Anarchy in the UK, Sex Pistols
Satisfaction, Rolling Stones
Disco Inferno
the Sunscreen song
Like a Prayer, Madonna
Just Can't Get Enough, Depeche Mode
My Name Is, Eminem
I Feel For You, Chaka Khan
Take a Chance On Me, ABBA
Power of Love, Huey Lewis and the News
West End Girls, Pet Shop Boys
Tom's Diner, Suzanne Vega
Pretty Woman, Roy Orbison
I Just Called to Say I Love You, Stevie Wonder
????
Let's Dance, David Bowie
Smells Like Teen Spirit, Nirvana
Stayin' Alive, Bee Gees
Israelites, Desmond Dekker
I've Got the Power, ????
Safety Dance, Men Without Hats
My Generation, the Who
Take My Breath Away, Berlin
Red Red Wine, UB40
These Boots Were Made for Walking, Nancy Sinatra
It's Not Unusual, Tom Jones
Whiter Shade of Pale, Procol Harum (?)
I'm Not In Love, ????
Total Eclipse of the Heart, Bonnie Tyler
????
My Way, Frank Sinatra
The End, the Doors

Posted by Highwaygirl at 02:50 PM | Comments (0)

October 06, 2004

It Doesn't Bother Me

This is my favorite song to drive to (also to flail around the house to). I give you ...

Sugar, "Needle Hits E"
(right click to save)

Been selling it short
I'm seeing sunlight for the very first time
And I'm changing my ways
I'm hanging out on the roof in the rain
The tragic comedy
I hit the station as the needle hits E
The needle hits E
Fill it up and take another twenty

You're screaming in desperation
Half the time you don't even know
If I'm hanging out your frustrations
On the laundry line
I hang you out to dry

But you're dragging around
You got a bone in front of your face
And you're dragging me down
I feel for you when I feel out of place
It doesn't bother me
I hit the station as the needle hits E
The needle hits E
You're running out 'cause you're running on me

Somebody should tell your mother
All the things you're carting around
Stop kicking the wall, my brother
Have you lost your mind?
All you do is watch the tank run dry

I been living it large
Fill it up and gimme the wheel
And I cherish the day
When you say the things that you feel
And your storm is over now
I hit the station as the needle hits E
The needle hits E

Empty empty empty empty empty

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:06 PM | Comments (0)

September 21, 2004

Troubles Of My Own

I finally re-located my Keane CD! It was under the bed, no doubt due to the interference of a cat I like to call "Caygeon," who has the tendency to bat things around if they aren't bolted to the floor. She's krazy that way.

I've missed you, Keane CD. Here's a track:

Keane, "Can't Stop Now"

I noticed tonight that the world has been turning
While I've been stuck here dithering around
Though I know I said I'd wait around 'til you need me
I have to go, I hate to let you down

But I can't stop now
I've got troubles of my own
Cause I'm short on time
I'm lonely
And I'm too tired to talk

I noticed tonight that the world has been turning
While I've been stuck here withering away
Though I know I said I wouldn't leave you behind
But I have to go, it breaks my heart to say

That I can't stop now
I've got troubles of my own
Cause I'm short on time
I'm lonely
And I'm too tired to talk

No one back home
I've got troubles of my own
And I can't slow down
For no one in town
And I can't stop now

And I can't slow down
For no one in town
And I can't stop now
For no one

Emotion keeps my heart on me

Posted by Highwaygirl at 07:46 AM | Comments (1)

September 20, 2004

Refuse To Even Choose

I started thinking about this song this morning when my coworker, Jake, started asking me for suggestions for a short-but-cool URL for a website. He never likes my suggestions so I don't know why I spent time thinking of some, but whatever. My two contributions today were "hateyourfriends.com" and "suckmyshiv.com" (which has made me laugh ever since it popped into my head).

I thought of this song because it's off Sebadoh's CD Harmacy, which sounds like a cool, malevolent word ... until you see the CD cover and realize it's a sign for a PHARMACY with the P missing. Sebadoh was one of those bands in the '90s that you said you liked even if you didn't, because liking them made you just that cool. I've never been able to get into them, though.

I have a vague memory of this video; during the "all the matters is the way you choose to frame it" line the lead singer makes to Ls with his fingers and brings them together to form a square.

Sebadoh, "Ocean"

So you think you're in the middle of the ocean
Stranded on an island of your own
Or stuck at the top of a mountain
Either way you're gonna say you're all alone

And I hesitate to say that you're a liar
I never tell the truth myself
But I tried to chase you down and I got tired
So I'm leaving you to you or someone else

'Cuz you never wanna hook up in the middle
And I'd meet you there to talk if you would show
But you answer every question with a riddle
And refuse to even choose to let me go

It used to be I'd tell you all my secrets
Giving you the credit you deserve
I guess you didn't care to lose or keep it
And we never quite connected from the first

And I wish I had a way to make it better
To rearrange the world and make you smile
But it's dumb to even think I had that power
And we haven't been that close in a while

I don't even wanna try to name it
Explain it for the one who couldn't care
'Cuz all that matters is the way you choose to frame it

And I hesitate to say that you're a liar
I never tell the truth myself
But I tried to chase you down and I got tired
So I'm leaving you to you or someone else

'Cuz you never wanna hook up in the middle
And I'd meet you there to talk if you would show
But you answer every question with a riddle
And refuse to even choose to let me go

Posted by Highwaygirl at 12:54 PM | Comments (1)

September 12, 2004

My Walkie Talkie Man

ipod.jpg
Have you seen the iPod commercial with the black outlines of people dancing/flailing around? It speaks to me because I dance just like the chick with the big long ponytail (and if I had long hair like that, I would flip it around every single day). Anyway, the song is apparently by a New Zealand band called Steriogram, whose members look like 16-year-old skate punks.

Steriogram, "Walkie Talkie Man"

Well you’re walkin’ and a talkin‘. And a movin’ and a groovin’. And a hippin’ and a hoppin’. And a pickin’ and a boppin’. Those bods are being bad. You better take a stand. You gonna wake up that thing in your hand. You’re looking all around. There is trouble to be found. Make sure when you find it you get to say it loud. Gotta code three. Need back up. Bring me. My bright red fluro jacket. He’s fat and he don’t run too fast. But he’s faster than me. Last night at the show we saw him. Going out of his tree. Well you’re walkin’ and a talkin’. You’re my walkie talkie man. Well you’re walkin’ and a talkin’. Go Go Go Go. Well you’re walkin’ and a talkin’. And a freakin’ and a yellin’. And a bossin’ and a speakin’. And a lookin’ and a pointin’. Always tell us what to do. With your high top shoes. And you wave your torch. With your black short shorts. Don’t let ‘em get away. Don’t think they can play. Nail ‘em to the wall. ’Cause you really need to say. Gotta code three. Need back up. Bring me. My bright red fluro jacket.

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:56 PM | Comments (1)

September 11, 2004

You Are My Liar

I can always tell when I'm comfortable with someone; if I am, I'll sing in front of them. I don't think I have a horrible singing voice, but I don't think it's very good, either. I have a limited range (lower register, for the most part). My speaking voice is excellent; singing voice, not so much.

But I just sang this entire song to me Lucky Charms - "Thief" by Belly. It's a track off the CD single for "Now They'll Sleep" which I've always liked and always liked singing along to (because it's solidly in my range). This CD happened to be in my stereo when I turned it on in search of a little background music. "Thief" is track two, and once it started I just reflexively started singing.

Once I caught myself I stopped, but was encouraged to finish. I just can't say "no" to that smile, it seems.

This song also made me want to learn how to play guitar, so I could attend some open mic night (i.e. Amateur Hour) at some local coffeehouse and play it. Not that I'd ever have the courage to actually do so, but it's a pretty nice dream.

Belly, "Thief"

She wears her dress high
As high as she pulls her hat down low
She's seeking out the places those other people can't go
And hold her

Untouched by the sea
She's walking on water when she walks in her sleep
She's dragging me through places I didn't want to be seen

She is a liar
As I am a thief
Because of you I came
Because of you I leave

I wanna know (I wanna know)
Why the monsters that hurt you so
Don't look like those things that we battled so long ago

And I thought I did my part
When I pulled you out of there
That night you left boot marks on my wall

You are my liar
So I will be your thief
Because of you I came
Because of you I leave (x3)

Be calm, baby
We are home now

Posted by Highwaygirl at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)

September 08, 2004

I Need Direction to Perfection

I must thank you, Andy, for encouraging me to buy The Killers' Hot Fuss CD. I am in love. Well, at least I am in love with tracks 3-5. I don't know about the rest of the CD so much, because I keep going back to those tracks and listening to them over and over and over. Which is my way.

I will say this about those tracks, though - they didn't grab me right away. But after listening to them 4-5 times they started sinking into my brain in the most profound way. And now I listen to them obsessively.

Eventually I hope to get around to listening to the rest of the tracks in the same way.

My favorite song is called "All These Things That I've Done." I especially like the two verses that come right after the tempo of the song speeds up at the beginning.

So give this a listen five times and then let me know what you think.

The Killers, "All These Things That I've Done"

When there's nowhere else to run
Is there room for one more song
One more song
If you can hold on
If you can hold on, hold on

I wanna stand up, I wanna let go
You know, you know - no you don't, you don't
I wanna shine on in the hearts of men
I want a meaning from the back of my broken hand

Another head aches, another heart breaks
I'm so much older than I can take
And my affection, well it comes and goes
I need direction to perfection, no no no no

Help me out
Yeah, you know you got to help me out
Yeah, oh don't you put me on the backburner
You know you got to help me out, yeah

And when there's nowhere else to run
Is there room for one more song
These changes ain't changing me
The cold-hearted boy I used to be

Yeah, you know you got to help me out
Yeah, oh don't you put me on the backburner
You know you got to help me out, yeah
You're gonna bring yourself down
Yeah, you're gonna bring yourself down
Yeah, you're gonna bring yourself down

I got soul, but I'm not a soldier (x 10)

Yeah, you know you got to help me out
Yeah, oh don't you put me on the backburner
You know you got to help me out, yeah
You're gonna bring yourself down, yeah
You're gonna bring yourself down
Yeah, oh don't you put me on the backburner
You're gonna bring yourself down
Yeah, you're gonna bring yourself down

Over and in, last call for sin
While everyone's lost, the battle is won
With all these things that I've done
All these things that I've done
If you can hold on
If you can hold on

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:25 AM | Comments (0)

August 30, 2004

Don't Run Away and Let Me Down

I am so, just, irrationally geeked over the return of the VH-1 show Bands Reunited (starts September 6 - set up your TiVo season passes right now). Especially because the first week of shows has three bands that I used to love when I was in high school - Haircut 100, ABC, and the English Beat.

Oh, and Roo? New Kids On the Block are featured on Sept. 7. They will not be highlighted on this site, though. *screwed up squinchy face*

Anyway! In honor of this wonderful lineup, The Key of Life feature on my site will now commence with the appropriate tour of nostalgia. First up, the English Beat's "Save It for Later" (mainly because I already have the mp3 for this song on me computer). I can close my eyes and picture the video for this song. The band is dressed up like Beat Era poets and performing in a dimly lit club with a bunch of scenesters dancing around. Dave Wakeling is hot, and Ranking Roger is cool. Just as it should be.

ETA: Ranking Roger? Still cool.

This is interesting - I just read the episode summary for the English Beat's ep, and it says that when the band broke up they split into two groups: General Public (which I knew, they had a great song called "Tenderness") and Fine Young Cannibals (which I did not know).

But whatever, here's the English Beat song you need to listen to:

The English Beat, "Save It for Later"

Two dozen other dirty lovers
Must be a sucker for it
Cry cry but I don't need my mother
Just hold my hand while I come to a decision on it

Sooner or later your legs give way, you hit the ground
Save it for later don't run away and let me down
Sooner or later you hit the deck you get found out
Save it for later don't run away and let me down, you let me down

Black air and seven seas all rotten through
But what can you do?
I don't know how I'm meant to act with all of you lot
Sometimes I don't try
I just now now now now now now now now now now
Now now now now now now now now now

Sooner or later your legs give way, you hit the ground
Save it for later don't run away and let me down
Sooner or later you hit the deck you get found out
Save it for later don't run away and let me down, you let me down
You run away run away and let me down

Two dozen other stupid reasons
Why we should suffer for this
Don't bother trying to explain them
Just hold my hand while I come to a decision on it

Sooner or later your legs give way, you hit the ground
Save it for later don't run away and let me down
Sooner or later you'll hit the deck you'll get found out
Save it for later don't run away and let me down, you let me down
You run away run away run away run away run away run away
You let me down

Posted by Highwaygirl at 03:10 PM | Comments (1)

August 28, 2004

For Once In My Life

I started listening to The Smiths when I was about 14. I think the band was a rite of passage for all good "new wave" girls during the mid-80s. Their album Hatful of Hollow was in constant rotation in my teenage bedroom.

This song, "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want," ends the album. I think it's beautiful in its simplicity; in the lyrics, music, and Morrissey's vocal delivery. It is a plaintive song – one man's tentative feeling of hope in the face of better times, wanting the beautiful thing in his life to stay. A simple plea, but one that anyone who has ever wanted something has found themselves making.

The Smiths, "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want"

Good times for a change
See the look I've had can make a good man turn bad
So please, please, please, let me, let me, let me
Let me get what I want this time

Haven't had a dream in a long time
See the life I've had can make a good man bad
So for once in my life let me get what I want
Lord knows it would be the first time

Posted by Highwaygirl at 12:59 AM | Comments (3)

August 26, 2004

I Think It's Time

Today's song is by a singer named Jude. Sorry, that's all I know about him. I first heard this song - "Everything's Alright" - in one of the first few episodes of the show Alias. Which was a fabulous show the first two years. Now? Not as good (just die, Vaughn!).

ANYWAY, I really loved this song from the first listen. Jude has an attractive voice and the song is singable and catchy. I also like the lyrics. Especially the third stanza, which seems especially appropriate today. *smirk*

As usual, right click the title link to download the mp3.

Jude, "Everything's Alright"

Can you tell me I wanna believe
That you want to be with me forever
I need to know that you won't ever leave
And you won't run away from me never
I've been waiting for a long time
For the one who would be mine
I think it's time

Everything's alright
The way that you believe in me
And it takes me through the night
I'll fall beside you softly singing
That I've been waiting for a long time
For the one who would be mine
I think it's time

In the morning I see what you mean
'Cause I don't wanna make it without you
You've got me dreaming and after you leave
When you're gone I'm still thinking about you
I've been waiting for a long time
For the one who would be mine
I think it's time I think

Everything's alright
The way that you believe in me
And it takes me through the night (I wanna go)
I'll fall beside you softly singing
Na nana na na
Tomorrow is another morning
Na nana na na
Tomorrow is another morning
If you say you will be mine
I think it's time
I think it's time

I like to make it with baby every night

Everything's alright
Every morning when I wake
I fall into your eyes (I wanna go)
I believe we're gonna make it
Na nana na na
Tomorrow is another morning
Na nana na na
Tomorrow is another morning

If you're alone tonight
Believe me I've been waiting for you
Everything's alright...

Posted by Highwaygirl at 06:59 AM | Comments (3)

August 21, 2004

musicforthemorningafter

So. I was going to put up one of my favorite Jimmy Eat World songs ("If You Don't, Don't") in honor of the band finally releasing a new CD in October. But then, right before I left work on Friday, I started listening to Pete Yorn's musicforthemorningafter and decided I wanted to put up some tracks from this instead.

Pete Yorn is a singer-songwriter with a blues-y edge. The thing I love about this CD is that it was his debut, and it is solid from beginning to end. Which is a rarity these days. I've narrowed the selections down to my seven favorite songs. Enjoy!

(Lyrics are courtesy of the musicforthemorningafter CD insert booklet. Right click on the title of the song to download the mp3.)

Life On a Chain
I live on a chain and you share the same last name, as a joke, I sent a bottle of whiskey, as you choked, I knew it made you feel dirty, and I was waiting over here for life to begin, I was looking for the new thing, and you were the sunshine heading my front line, I was alone, you were just around the corner from me. Time alone is good, I spend my days in the city, dirty neighborhood, you know you’ll never convince me, so I sold the town away, I couldn’t wait to forget you, I was killed in half a day, I hadn’t time to regret you, and I was waiting over here for life to begin, I was looking for the new thing and you were the sunshine heading my front line, I was alone you were just around the corner from me. I, I’m still on the chain, and you, had the same last name, as a joke I sent a bottle of whiskey as you choked you said it made you feel dirty... waiting over here, for life to begin, still looking for the new thing, and you were the sunshine heading my front line, I was alone, you were just around the corner from me.


Strange Condition
Read me the letter, baby, do not leave out the words. Stories and cigarettes ruined lives of lesser girls, and I wanna know, ‘cos I want you to know, and it’s a strange condition, a day in prison, it’s got me out of my head and I don’t know what I came for. Send me the money, baby, do not leave out the wage. You know you’re the best thing ever to come out of this place, hey I want you to know, ‘cos I wanna know and it’s a strange condition, a day in prison, it’s got me out of my head and I don’t know what I came for, I want you to know... it’s a strange condition, a day in prison, it got me out of my head and I don’t know what I came for, I want you to know, I want you to know... so leave out the others, baby, say I’m the only one, cut out the uniforms and settle with the sun, hey I want you to know, ‘cos I wanna know, and it’s a strange condition, and life in prison, it’s got me outta my head and I don’t know what I came for, I want you to know... ‘cos I wanna know, yeah I gotta know...


Black
Black is a cast, and two is a crowd, and gold rim is an answer. Black is a crowd. I am just for you, as you are not for me so even if you stop, you’re sitting here by yourself, you can never try to answer anymore, you can never start and see what you’re doing to me. Kiss, they were the ones, they dressed like something so special, and death is to begin, caress, I think it’s a sin… I was alone, only ‘til you took me away, and you can never stop, you’re sitting here by yourself, you can never try to argue anyone, you will never stop and see, what you’re doing to me. I’m alone, while he was standing next to you, and days prolong, yeah there was time, just you wait and see. Waiting for a bottle of truth, I’m just a lonely guy in my youth, waiting for you is all I wanna do, so if you couldn’t stop, you’re sitting here all by yourself, you can never try to argue anyone, you will never stop and see what you’re doing to me, you can never stop, you’re sitting all by yourself, you can never try to answer anything, you will never stop and see, what you’re doing to me, what you’re doing to me, what you’re doing to me, what are you doing to me?


For Nancy
And when you said I could not stay with you, that‘s not the way you would have wanted to be, convince yourself that everything is alright, ‘cos it already is. Don‘t sell your heart and break just anyone, I want to run with you through Moorland Fields, convince yourself that everything is alright, ‘cos it already is, so take your lessons hard and stay with him and when your car crash comes don‘t be mislead, convince yourself that everything is alright ‘cos it already is, yeah it already is, so take your lessons hard and stay with him and when your car crash comes don‘t be mislead, convince yourself that everything is alright ‘cos it already is, yeah it already is, so take him home.


June
Pots and pans are indestructible. How do you respect your room? If you hadn’t gone tomorrow, you could have stayed on ‘til June. It’s alright if I was older, it’s ok to lose your age, and I, want to follow you, I do, I do. It’s another I could trust you, it’s another thing to swear, I’m ok with all the others, it’s just her I cannot stand, I’m old enough to feel the way I do and I know that you are true, it’s just a part of my genes. And I want you to know, it’s hard to wait on, I’ll swallow you whole, wait kindly in the next room. And you have stayed, a mile away from me, and you will stay a mile away from me if you know what’s good for you, you could have stayed until June.


Sense
Time flew away, but something won’t forgive it all, days and weeks, let’s start from the beginning of a life. She called today, pretending not to care at all, for days and weeks, now he’s hanging from the ceiling, what a life, oh what a life, was it a life? Is something wrong with me? I show you things you’ve never seen. Is something wrong with me? I show you things that you’ve only dreamed of. I’m wide awake, I’ll drop you off for saying that, for days and two weeks, it was you who was defending such a lie, oh what a lie, was it a lie? Is something wrong with me? I show you things you’ve never seen. Is something wrong with me? I show you things that you’ve only dreamed of. You never change, you never change. Is something wrong with me? I’ve shown you things you’ve never seen. Is something wrong with me? I’ve shown you things you’ve never seen. Is something wrong with me? I’ve shown you things you’ve never seen. Is something wrong with me? I’ve shown you things that you’ve only dreamed up. You never change, something won’t forgive it all.

EZ
Only save, try to find another way, I’m taking what I gave to you again. Some new day I could understand your face, you could even hold my hand if you would like to. It came up unexpected, I had to follow through and it’s hard when you were working like you do. It was easy when you were younger, you can put it back together, it was there if you ever wanted it, but you closed the door and said goodbye for good. So this is a mistake, try to find a better way, you were never fond of anything I said. Can we begin again? Save it for another friend, I was happy in my life I won’t pretend, every time you were expecting to reach out and forgive this, I was hardened by the look upon your face, it was easy when you were younger, you can put it back together, it was there if you ever wanted it, but you closed the door and said goodbye for good, for good… you were easy.

Posted by Highwaygirl at 11:35 AM | Comments (4)

August 08, 2004

We Will Never Sever

"Pure Morning" by Placebo
MP3 file (right click to save)

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

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

Day's dawning, skin's crawling (x 4)
Pure morning (x 4)

Posted by Highwaygirl at 08:11 PM | Comments (1)

August 06, 2004

All Smiles and Business

"Evaporated" by Ben Folds Five
Windows Media Player file (right click to save)

What I've kept with me
And what I've thrown away
Don't know where the hell I've ended up
On this glarey, random day
Were the things I really cared about
Just left along the way?
For being too pent up and proud

Woke up way too late
Feeling hung over and old
And the sun was shining bright
And I walked barefoot down the road
Started thinking about my old man
It seems that all men
Wanna get into a car and go
Anywhere

Here I stand, sad and free
I can't cry, and I can't see
What I've done
No, God, what have I done?

Don't you know I'm numb, man
No I can't feel a thing at all
'Cause it's all smiles and business these days
And I'm indifferent to the loss
I've faith that there's a soul somewhere
That's leading me around
I wonder if she knows which way is down?

Here I stand, sad and free
I can't cry, and I can't see
What I've done
No, God, what have I done?

I poured my heart out
I poured my heart out
It evaporated
See?

Blind man on a canyon's edge
Of a panoramic scene
Or maybe I'm a kite that's flying high
And random dangling a string
Or slumped over in a vacant room
Head on a stranger's knee
I'm sure back home
They think I've lost my mind

Here I stand, sad and free
I can't cry, and I can't see
What I've done
No, God, what have I done?

Posted by Highwaygirl at 11:47 PM | Comments (1)

July 25, 2004

Surrounded

I was there
When you shone as bright as Bethlehem from afar
I was there
When you were young and strong and perverted
And everything that makes a young man a star
Oh, you were a star

I was there
And I swear to God and on my mother's grave
On everything I have or ever will embrace
I was there
And I saw it with my own two eyes

And now it's all around me, it's all around me
I'm surrounded
And now it's all around me, it's all around me
You surround me like a circle

I was there
Come on, tell me I wasn't worth stickin' it out for
Well, I was there
And I know I was worth it, 'cause if I wasn't worth it
That makes me worse off than you are

It's all around me, it's all around me
I'm surrounded
You know it's all around me, it's all around me
You surround me like a circle

But don't you lose sight of me now
Don't you lose sight of me now

Don't lose sight of me now

'Cause I was there
When they dropped the bomb
You know I remember the bomb
And I still hear the bomb
And I still fight the bomb
You know I still fear the bomb
You know I still hate the bomb
Sometimes I still get the call

So don't you lose sight of me now
Don't you lose sight of me now

Posted by Highwaygirl at 10:50 PM | Comments (2)