Remember These Songs? - 3

It's been awhile since I churned one of these blogs out - so I figured I was well over due. It's a blog that takes a look at songs that were popular earlier in this decade and may have been forgotten about since. Hopefully this will help popularize these songs some - and actually new people might even rediscover them. It's actually pretty amazing how fast the music industry is in forgetting classic songs. That's just how the industry is - always changing and moving at an extremely quick pace. Today's blog features artists and groups with songs that were very popular earlier in this decade but have since been forgotten about. Let's remember the songs that made these particular individuals household names as we rediscover their songs all over again and see what they've been up to since.

Blessid Union of Souls - Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me for Me): This song was actually made famous in 1999, which surprises me it has been that long ago already. It was a song released from their third studio album titled "Walking Off the Buzz." Earlier in the '90's, they released the popular songs "I Believe" and "I Wanna Be There." But it was "Hey Leonardo" that Blessid Union of Souls are quite possibly most famous for releasing. I remember it being a song I listened to quite often while I worked my summer job at my old high school mowing their enormous lawn. It's a fun song, very upbeat, and something very fun dancing and jiving to. It was a song that received a tremendous amount of radio airplay despite never making it into the top ten of many radio charts. The message in the song is about an individual, a male, who has a few faults and is most certainly not perfect. And he might have more money than he can do with. However, his mate doesn't find any fault in him and isn't interested in him just for the fact he has money because as the song states, "she likes me for me." Doesn't get any more sweeter than that, now does it?

So what has Blessid Union of Souls been up to since their hit song in 1999? Between the years of 2001 and 2005, not much at all. In fact, they took a break from releasing new albums during that time except to release a greatest hits album that featured a few songs that hadn't previously been released. They still toured during those years, however. In 2005, their fifth studio album titled "Preception" was released. They continued to tour, although one part of the group became independent from another. Their sixth album, "Close to the Edge," was released earlier this month in 2008. However, eight of 12 songs already appeared on their fifth studio album, which disappointed some of their fans. Whatever the case, it still proves that the band is very much alive - although not nearly as prominent as they once were.

Vertical Horizon - Everything You Want: Here's another tune that was released in 1999 and made it all the way to the top of the charts. I wouldn't say it's quite as fun as "Hey Leonardo," but it still boasts a more up-tempo flavor to it. This was the song that help propel Vertical Horizon to major popularity, even if it was only for this one particular song. They went on to release other hit songs such as "Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)" and "I'm Still Here," but they never were quite as popular as "Everything You Want." Even though Vertical Horizon had been around since 1990, it was in 1999 when they released their first major studio album with RCA Records. "Everything You Want" would definitely help them become more of a household name; even though it was basically the only song with major popularity. It went on to become one of the most played songs in 2000 and was also quite fun to sing along to. The message of this song is also related to how perfect a person is, except that in this tune; no matter how perfect the male individual in the song is, he's simply not perfect enough because "he means nothing to (her) and (she doesn't) know why." She sounds like a confused and complex person.

Vertical Horizon has released another album since 1999 but wasn't able to enjoy as much success like they did with Everything You Want. They even went on to re-release it and included a tune not previously released. There has also been a few personel changes within the band; but they are still very much alive as a group and are looking to release a new album later this year or early next year titled, "Burning the Days." In fact, a new song off the new album titled "All Been Said Before" was released in late June of this year. The new album will be released with the help of Hybrid Recordings who signed Vertical Horizon after they were released from RCA Records in 2004.

Tal Bachman - She's so High: Make that three straight songs in this blog from 1999. Tal Bachman also experienced increased popularity and fame with his big hit "She's so High" which reached the top ten on a few different charts in the United States. "She's so High" came from his self-titled album; his first major record. Bachman was relatively unknown in the music world except to those in Canada. It's another fun, upbeat sounding song; talking about a girl who's "as perfect as she can be." So yes, this is another song with the message of finding that perfect soul mate but this time around, the person singing doesn't seem to have the courage to ask her out. He says, "What could a guy like me ... Ever really offer?" He's basically putting himself down without actually even trying to ask the girl out. He likes her for everything that she is and she's perfect as she is. But will he ever "man up," if you will, and talk to her. Sounds like an issue that many men with low self-esteem go through all of the time. She's almost like the prom queen while he's a flute player in high school band; something along those lines. Obviously I'm talking silly, but that's a good comparison to the message being told in the song, right? Whatever the case; it's still a great song and one of the best from 1999-2000.

Tal Bachman is still very busy in the music industry, even though you probably have not heard another song from Tal since "She's so High." His second album titled "Staring Down the Sun" was released in Canada in 2004 and in the United States in 2006 with little fanfare. He has yet to release his third studio album, even though he is signed with Sony Music Entertainment Records. If that's the case, it probably won't be very long until a new album is released by him and he just might in fact be in the studio. Bachman was once a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and participated on a mission to Argentina. He has since given up his affiliation with that religion. He also enjoys giving his opinions of politics not only in Canada but in the United States, too; seeing that he holds a bachelor's degree in political science. Tal is the son of The Guess Who rocker Rancy Bachman.

That does it for this time around. Please be sure to join me once again very soon for another edition of "Remember These Songs?" We'll look back upon songs that had a big following for some time but might have slipped off the radar since. It's always fun to look back and I hope those following along to my blog enjoy it as well.

The Changing Seasons

It's hard for me to believe that it's almost October. We're nearly 10 months into the year and I'm left to wonder, where did it all go?! Another fact that blows my mind; we are experiencing a day with high temperatures near 80 degrees and yet in just a couple of weeks, we could be witnessing our first flakes of snow of the season. Things can change in such a big hurry when it comes to the weather around here especially at this time of the year. All the more reasons to get out and enjoy today's weather as much as we can. You know, the fall season is all about change. We are making the transition from warm into cold; the leaves begin falling off the trees, vegetation dies after a killing frost, animals being gathering food for the long winter ahead and begin hibernating and us humans prepare to survive the winter by gathering firewood, protecting our homes, and putting items away which we cannot enjoy in the snow and cold. Here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we're left to endure sometimes five to six straight months of cold weather. The snow may only stick around for four or five of those months, but they often stay cold and it's hard to stay outdoors for very long. But for those that live here year round, you gotta love an area that truly experiences all four seasons.

It's actually quite amazing how fast the leaves change once they start turning. Probably two to three weeks ago, most of the leaves were green. Now, we're 50% of the way before the leaves are truly at peak. We're basically right on schedule as far as when leaves are typically their best for leaf peeping around here; usually the first week of October. But one thing is for certain; they do not stay pretty for long. All it takes is one good wind storm for a majority of them to be knocked down. Where I grew up, our entire house is surrounded by maple trees. So each fall, after all of the leaves had fallen, we begun the task of cleaning up all of the leaves and disposing them into a nearby wooded lot. For many, many years, our family only resorted to raking them into piles and hauling them away with a tarp. Recently my dad purchased a leaf blower, so that makes a big dent into our hauling away of the leaves. But you can get all areas of the lawn without using a rake, so it's not like we completely eliminated that lawn tool. What I'd really like for my dad to get is one of those leaf collection machines that you can tow behind a riding lawn mower. I bet that would work really slick for our lawn and at least we could rake the leaves that collect near the decks and along the house in the lawn and have the machine pick them up. The only problem is; we don't have an operable riding lawn mower! Well ... hopefully soon we'll have one.

Another nice thing that has come into prominence within the last ten to 15 years is the use of large, plastic garbage bags that come decorated for Halloween. They come in black, green, orange and even white and have pumpkin, witch, ghost, and other goulish faces on them and really help to decorate the yard for Halloween. We have so many leaves that collect in our yard that during some years, we'd have as many as eight of these plastic bags full of leaves within the front yard. It turned out to be a great way to collect the leaves and once Halloween was over, we just emptied the contents into the woods and tried salvaging the bags for next year. That couldn't always be accomplished because after all, the bags are only made of thin plastic. We'd often get thin twigs to poke out of the bags which would tear them up. If we got more than three years out of those bags; that was fairly decent. We certainly don't have nearly as many Halloween leaf bags out in the yard anymore. I'm not around as often at home anymore and it seems to be more of a burden than something fun for my dad. But he'll get at least three of them filled up, anyways.

The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler. Before long, we'll be stuck in a winter-type pattern and won't see warmer temperatures until at least March. You know, as much as a lot of people who live in the U.P. dislike the thought of another winter beginning to creep in, I must say I'm not nearly as bummed out about it like I have been in the past. There were times before when I'd often get depressed about the thought of experiencing another U.P. winter. Hey, maybe I'm getting used to it. Afterall, I have lived here for 26 years; I should be used to it by now. The one thing I don't look forward to is driving in snow storms to get around. That reminds me; I need to get new tires put on my car before it gets too late in the year. There's another sign of the impending winter; getting a person's car ready for the harsh elements. It's one of a many things a person has to to when you're living in the Great White North (no, not Alaska - the Great White North of the continuous 48-states that is the U.P.).

Songs I Dig - 10

Here it is! At long last, here is the much anticipated "Songs I Dig" blog I intended to write in July but which I never got around to it. All of the songs you see in this particular edition have been on the radio for a few months now and you might just be sick of hearing them by now. I know one such song is always on the radio to this day! Apparently the listeners haven't gotten tired of it yet. But we'll get to that song momentarily. Most of the artists featured in this edition are new to the SID blog. That doesn't mean they haven't been around for long; it's just that my blog hasn't been around for long! Anyways, without further ado, here are the songs I am digging!

"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay - Ah yes, it's the Coldplay juggernaut. What a brilliant piece of work this song is; complete with the title which never gets mentioned in any of the lyrics to the song and the fabulous use of orchastry throughout. When I first heard it, I loved it instantly and still do to this day. This was the song I mentioned in the opening paragraph of this blog as a song that gets plenty of radio airplay to this day. It's no wonder the song has already reached number one here in the United States and in many countries throughout the world. Coldplay is no stranger to the music industry. The band first met in 1996 and basically played locally in and around London, England. They released their first album independently in 1998 - releasing only 500 copies. Soon afterwards, they signed with a record company in the U.K. Ever since then, Coldplay has been known for a number of giant hits such as "Yellow," "Trouble," "Clocks," "In My Place," "Speed of Sound," and "Fix You." Their latest album, "Vida La Vida," is one that moves the band in a different direction from their previous albums. Chris Martin, the lead vocalist of Coldplay, also says he uses much less falsetto than in previous songs. Definitely big changes for a group that has already experienced tremendous success.

"Come on Get Higher" by Matt Nathanson - This song is about as catchy as it gets; and it's sweet, soulful beat is just as enjoyable. I know I became a fan of this tune almost instantly. I think the lyrics are what I found to me most intriguing, especially the chorus. "So come on, get higher; loosen my lips ... faith and desire, and the swing of your hips ... just pull me down hard; and drown me in love ... These lyrics are repeated quite often throughout the duration of the song; so as you can see, it's pretty easy to see how catchy the song can be. "I miss" is used quite often throughout the song, so I am lead to believe that this is a song about a break-up and the individual "singing" the lyrics is fondly remembering the person the song is about. Obviously it's a male singing about a female, so essentially, he'd "walk on water" and do eveything he could to have what he once had. At least that is the message that comes across as I contemplate the lyrics. You may be familiar with Matt's other tune he released from his most recent album titled "Car Crash." It was a song with a faster pace but it probably didn't make as big of a splash as "Come on Get Higher" has. Also, for the fans of the movie franchise "American Pie," Matt's cover of the James band tune "Laid" was used in the "American Wedding" and "American Pie Presents: Band Camp" soundtracks.

"Bottle it Up" by Sara Bareilles - Here is another soulful, sassy, and fun-loving tune by an up-and-coming artist. Bareilles burst on the scene with her 2007 hit song "Love Song" and has experienced a tremendous swing in popularity as a result. In fact, "Love Song" hit number one on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. She grew up in Eureka, California and music has been a big part of her life ever since appearing in high school musical productions and choir. She moved on to college where she attended UCLA and participated in an a cappella musical group there. Sara has opened and toured with a variety of musical groups since, including Rocco DeLuca and the Burden, Guster, Jon McLaughlin, Mika, Maroon 5, Paolo Nutini, and James Blunt. In fact, she's probably more familiar with Maroon 5 than most, considering they were both based out of California. Her first major studio voice titled "Little Voice" released in 2007 has thus far been certified gold, while "Love Song" has been established as a double platinum tune. "Love Song" and Bottle it Up" have been the first two songs released from the album, and expect "Love on the Rocks" to come up fairly soon. As I mentioned, "Bottle it Up" is a fun, catchy, and sassy little song. It's one of many reasons why it's a song I've enjoyed listening to.

"9 in the Afternoon" by Panic at the Disco - Another fun; yet rather strange song here; at least if you go by the title. It's a complete contradiction in of itself: a time of nine o'clock simply is not possible in the afternoon. Morning, yes. Evening, yes. Afternoon, no. But I think that is one of the reasons that makes this song unique. The lyrics itself appear to be one big rambling as there doesn't to be one simple subject. I get the sense that it's a song about youth and possibly love, too. The people written into the song are experiencing many different things and I sense immaturity as well as a sense of adventure. It's definitely a song about more than two people; although a couple (male & female) is mentioned, "...feeling as good as lovers can, you know..." Maybe I have lost the true meaning of the song and it's gone way over my head; but whatever the case, I still find it enjoyable. I'm not always perfect at interpretting a songs meaning, I'll admit that. Panic at the Disco, which used to be more famous for the exclamation mark after the word "Panic" in their name, has been around since 2004 and their debut album "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out," has sold over 2.2 million. Their most recent album, "Pretty. Odd." debuted at #2 in the U.S.

"If I Never See Your Face Again" by Maroon 5 & Rihanna - Last but not least in this edition of "The Songs I Dig" is a fun, quirky kind of song. Essentially the song is about two people that simply cannot get enough of each other, no matter how hard they try to break away. I envision a lusty affair between a man and a woman and they both know how wrong it is to do what they are doing. However, the immense passion they feel for each other draws them back time and time again. I don't consider it a true love song and it's definitely not a ballad. It's got a fun beat to it and it's something you can dance quite briskly to. This song was performed by Maroon 5 on the seventh season of American Idol without Rihanna. In fact, the re-release of their current album "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" features this duet version with Rihanna. She is also going to include the single as part of a re-release of her current album "Good Girl Gone Bad." Maroon 5 broke onto the scene back in 2003-2004 with their hugely popular "Songs About Jane" album. Hit tunes from that album include "Harder to Breathe," "This Love," "She Will Be Loved," and "Sunday Morning." Their current album includes the popular tunes "Makes Me Wonder," "Wake Up Call," and "Won't Go Home Without You."

So there you have it; the latest "Songs I Dig;" well, the songs I found quite enjoyable back in July (are we into late September already??!). It was certainly well over-due, but I am glad I have finally been able to present them to you. The songs basically speak for themselves and considering they continue to get a tremendous amount of airplay to this day; you're looking at quite possibly a few of the bigger songs from 2008. I already have half of the newest list of the songs I dig and am looking for just a couple more. It won't be long before you see the 11th edition of this specific subject blog posted. Stay tuned for it in the next few weeks!

Small Market TV

For those who have followed along to my blog for awhile now and those who may be discovering it for the first time; you may know that I live in a relatively unpopulated part of the world. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a scenic, yet mostly forested parcel of land. I consider myself pretty fortunate to be living here, because not a lot of people get that chance to stick around - because good paying jobs are hard to find and it often times is not affordable. Heck, what is when a person is barely making a little over minimum wage? The local television station here has a big effect on the region as a whole. It's WLUC-TV6 based out of Negaunee/Marquette, MI and it's an NBC affiliate. It has been around for 52 years and has set the standard for broadcasting here in Upper Michigan. So when they decided to change their logo and slogan for something more modernized and less identifiable to the region, you can say there was a decent amount of public outcry.

The old logo, as you can see on the left, was in place since 1992. The slogan was "Someplace Special," something the station came up with back in the early 1980's when the region was suffering through difficult economic times. The rainbow theme was incorporated into the logo ever since then - even though back in the '80's, the station had a different logo than this. But this look was identifiable to everyone that lived in the Upper Peninsula; even for those who may have moved here in more recent times. This TV station has a big effect on a lot of people as it's the only source of news we have. They typically are the first news source to "break" important stories when they happen. Sure, there is another TV station in the area but it doesn't come close to its competitor. Even the radio stations are lax when covering the news. So like I say, it's the only game in town which is why it has such a tremendous effect on people.

The new logo, as you can see on the left here, doesn't quite capture the "Someplace Special" theme, does it? In fact, it is quite plain. It's definitely more modernized and sleeker - which is probably what they wanted to accomplish. But it definitely lacks something that is identifiable to the area. The station has also moved away from it's famous "Someplace Special" moniker and gone with the more vague "Upper Michigan's Source." When I first heard the slogan, I couldn't help but utter, "what?" To me, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense and it just sounds kind of odd. Now if it said "Upper Michigan's New Source," I wouldn't have too big of a problem with it. But apparently they are more than just a news source, which is why they called themselves simply just a "source." To me, I still think the logo and slogan needs a bit of tinkering. For one, they didn't even incorporate the call letters of the station into the logo. The call letters themselves are just as famous as a logo. The way the logo is now, this station could be in any part of the country because it is not identifiable to the region. I've heard some comments from a Michigan broadcasting message board that "Upper Michigan" is not a common phrase to call our region. These were people that lived south of the Mackinac Bridge, mind you. Heck, around here, Upper Michigan is just as familiar to us as the U.P. or the Upper Peninsula. Other stations and companies use "Upper Michigan," too. So for Upper Michigan to be in the slogan, I think that's quite alright. But the entire slogan as a whole "Upper Michigan's Source," I still ain't buying it. Even when the TV anchors on-air say it, it doesn't sound right. You should see the public outcry that the station's new look has received on it's website, specifically in the comments section relating to the new look. The majority of the comments received are negatively against the new look. What does that tell us?

Not soon after the new look for the staion was revealed, a popular morning meteorologist on the station announced his impending departure. It came as a shock to many, including me, who thought he'd be around for years to come because he became such a popular face on morning television around here. I remember when he first started, it was actually rather difficult watching him because of the mistakes he made and his goof-ball kind of appearance. But he got better and better at his presentation of the weather and everyone got accustomed to the goofiness he portrayed. It became somewhat of a tradition for many to get up in the mornings just to watch what he was going to do day in and day out. He made the morning news very entertaining and became rather irreplaceable. So you can understand what a big letdown it was for many to hear that he'd be departing, even though he'd still be in the area. The problem is, we just won't be able to see him on TV anymore. Rumors are circulating that he's going to be working as a teller at a local bank. What does that tell you about small market TV, for one? Departures happen quite often at this station - as it's not all that surprising to see reporters, anchors, and meteorologists leave after two years. The pay is not very good at all; probably only a little better than minimum wage plus they have to work a ton of hours. The only good part about it all is the experience the people get out of it so they're able to move onto bigger markets. It's rather sad because we see a lot of talent leave the region. But that is just the nature of the beast.

The departure of said meteorologist has garnered a lot of public outcry on the station's website, probably even more than the logo change itself. There is probably only a handful of comments greatful about him leaving while the vast majority are saddened about his depature. So as you can see, he became a beloved member of the area and many do not want to see him go. More rumors circulated that he was fired or wasn't getting along with his co-worker in the morning but from what I can understand, he's leaving on his own accord. And honestly, I can't blame him, especially if he can better himself somewhere else. Although it's rather strange not seeing him on the morning news anymore, at least we can enjoy the memories of his past broadcasts. Too bad nobody thought to archive his work in the mornings so everyone can enjoy what he brought to our area with his weather presentation.

So there you have it; the effect of small market TV in our area. From logo changes to personality depatures, it still has a tremendous effect on the region as a whole. It also goes to show you that change is difficult to grasp, especially once people get used to a look that has existed for many years. No matter how the station changes and the public negativity the changes endure, one thing will remain the same. It will still be Upper Michigan's #1 news source. It has been for many years and I don't see that ever changing; unless it's competing station in the area decides to sink some money into their newscasts. Heck, the people, logos, and slogans may change every now and again but one thing always remains the same. It's the news, and there's always plenty of it.

Logos and slogans used in this blog are trademarked/copyrighted by WLUC TV6 - Marquette/Negaunee, MI.

Inspirational Music

I am sure it's not really a big surprise for many to find out that I am a big fan of music. Heck, music-oriented topics make up about 50% of this blog. I am always interested in hearing new kinds of music as well as sticking to the old stand-bys which I am accustomed to hearing. A few of the songs featured in tonight's blog can be considered inspirational, in many ways. At least that is how I classify them to be. They are easy-listening and soothing to the soul. It's not very common to find a song you can just kick back to and mellow out to the message it provails. The songs with great messages within the lyrics end up being inspirational. So, with that being said, here are a few songs that I find to be inspirational in their own ways and ones I really find myself listening to over and over again.

"Fields of Gold" by Sting - This song gets me every single time I hear it. The simple and soothing beat that starts the song pulls you in. I remember being such a big fan of this song when it first came out and then forgetting about it for a long time. I then re-discovered it and became a fan of it all over again. It's a coming-of-age sort of song, which basically talks of an early romance which gradually grows into an affair. It's kind of amazing a song like this that has such a melodic low-key sound, yet have such powerful lyrics. Yes, love is mentioned in the song, especially early. But as we reach the crescendo in the song, it talks of looking back on fond memories while witnessing a new generation develop memories of their own in this "field of gold." So it definitely has this shifting focus from one of youth, love, and romance to one of reflection, memory, and past. Who knew a song about barley fields would end up leave such a lasting legacy for many years to come.

"End of the Innocence" by Don Henley - In my opinion, this is quite possibly Don Henley's greatest song he's ever written. When I first listen to the opening chords of this song - I get to feeling nostalgic, remeniscent, and even a bit teary-eyed as it emotes such a poweful sound. The song's message is actually quite clear - a group of people, a body, or a nation coming to grips with the end of the innocence. Upon reading back the lyrics, I am reminded how this really could be about John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963; how our nation was never the same from that point on. We became a nation in turmoil, dealing with a ton of issues worldwide. Not only that, but it could also be about humankind as a whole. Early in the song, it talks of children being allowed to be kids while the parents cover up lies that go on in the real world. Kids are left to be naive and not have a care in the world while lawyers, fathers, and other adults cover things up. But eventually, the whole world crashes down and even children are exposed to the cruel events going on. It was a song written in 1989, but it still holds such a sobering tone to this day.

"In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins - This song probably would've never been so high on this list if it weren't for the fact that it was played during a gruesome video I had to watch a couple of different times when I was in high school. The video was about drunk drivers and the harm they cause. Innocent people with families and bright futures are killed in an instant from stupid, drunken fools. In the video were images of those deceased, with brains oozing out of people's skulls, limbs decapitated from bodies, and individuals being completely unrecognizable from the severity of a crash. It really proved to be an eye-opening video for me and many others. In fact to this day, whenever I hear this song - I can't get that video out of my mind. The images have faded but the effect that it had on me lives on to this day. The song itself is actually quite simple and the lyrics aren't very long. But the music is what makes this song so powerful. I don't know what exactly the song is about and I guess that can be left up to whomever listens to it. But I really get a sense from the lyrics that it could be about someone that got away with a crime that should've been caught. The only problem is - he/her didn't know there was a witness watching each and every move the individual made. And in some ways, it could be about revenge. Again, that can be interpretted many different ways.

"Dust in the Wind" by Kansas - Another real simple song but the lyrics speak volumes. Just as "In the Air Tonight" is a shorter song, so is "Dust in the Wind." I think what this song really tries to convey is never take anything for granted - which I am sure we all do no matter how hard we try not to. The lyrics state "I close my eyes only for a moment, then the moments' gone ..." followed later by "same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea ..." So yes, take in the present, continue to cherish the memories of the past, but don't take anything for granted because everything can change in an instant. All it takes is one event for a person's life to change. And most of the time, it's never something positive. So no matter how many possessions you own, how much money you have, and how much power in the world you may hold - don't let it get to your head. Because essentially, "all we are is dust in the wind." We're only a small fragment in the universe as a whole.

"What Might Have Been" by Little Texas - Okay, so country music isn't all that bad - especially when you consider songs like "What Might Have Been" which has some very powerful lyrics. The song itself is about a relationship that failed, and the person telling this story is remeniscing about the past and is regretful about not being able to make the relationship work. They hold such good memories of the past - but cannot rekindle their relationship because they've moved on and too much time has passed. As for me, I often think of the song when something you hope so badly for never ends up working out. One such time was when I was in the sixth grade and our school was playing for the state basketball title in our division. Needless to say, we did not win and it really hurt to come up so short in a game with high expectations. Heck, that goes for any team, both locally and professionally that I've rooted all my life for and to see them fail in the end. Basically the jist of it is this, you try not to think about what might've been - because things happen for a reason and we have to try and accept that as best as we can. No one should ever try beating themselves contemplating the "what if's" in life.

So that will wrap it up for now. I am sure as we move along, I'll come upon a new listing of inspirational songs - at least songs I find to be inspirational, anyways. I hope you agree, too. Thanks for reading!