I'm a cowboy and you're a pansy.

Fall in the water just like a stone, chilled to the marrow in them bones

2011-10-15T00:38:00.000-04:00

Down by the river by the boats
Where everybody goes to be alone
Where you won't see any rising sun
Down to the river we will run

When by the water we drink to the dregs
Look at the stones on the riverbed
I can tell from your eyes
You've never been by the riverside

Down by the water the riverbed
Somebody calls you somebody says
swim with the current and float away
Down by the river every day

Oh my God I see how everything is torn in the river deep
And I don't know why I go the way
Down by the riverside

When that old river runs past your eyes
To wash off the dirt on the riverside
Go to the water so very near
The river will be your eyes and ears

I walk to the borders on my own
Fall in the water just like a stone
Chilled to the marrow in them bones
Why do I go here all alone

Oh my God I see how everything is torn in the river deep
And I don't know why I go the way
Down by the riverside
ooh ohh IIII
down by the riverside

—Agnes Obel / Riverside

With bacon

2011-10-14T12:59:00.000-04:00

I just ate a breffast sammich full of rainbows, dreams, and bacon. Day over. Breffast Sammich won.

Also, I'm drinking a Coca Cola.

I DON'T THINK A BETTER FRIDAY HAS EVER EXISTED.

Hello again.

2011-10-11T16:50:00.003-04:00

As I'm leaving
A change comes on my eyes
These streets persuading me
With mumbled strange goodbyes

Through the water
Through the rain
To the soul of everything
Throw my heart out on the stones
And I'm almost gone

There's no meaning
In clothes and coffee cups
Cheap hotel furniture
Where silence never stops

Through the water
Through the rain
To the soul of everything
Throw my memories to the wind
And I'm almost gone

And now I'm dreaming
I'm staring at the walls
Cars are frozen now
In late night waterfalls

Through the water
Through the rain
To the soul of everything
Throw my heart out on the stones
And I'm almost
Through the water
Through the rain
To the soul of everything
Wash my heart out on the stones
And I'm almost gone

—David Gray / As I'm Leaving

I guess I'm losing track of wrong and right

2010-06-22T11:44:00.004-04:00

One short night with a stranger
One full moon over my head
One false move and it's over
It reminds me of the things we've said

Strange how heavy my heart is
Strange how dark it is tonight
Strange the way this all started
I guess I'm losing track of wrong and right

And as the lights go dim
I lie down with him
And as I'm lying there
I can only smell your hair

It's like you're across the hall
With your ear glued to the wall
And as I move to let him in I can
Feel you crawl under my skin

And I can feel you from the inside
Prowling like a devil that I try to hide
I can feel your heart beating
Closer than the poison of my pride

Caught up in a moment
I thought I'd feel no shame because I
Never have tell you lies
When the daylight came but now
Down goes that silver tear
Down goes my golden year
Down we go in a water slide
That's made up of the tears I've cried

And I can feel you from the inside
Prowling like a devil that I try to hide
I can feel your heart beating
Closer than the poison of my pride

I can feel you touching me
I look at him but it's you I see
I can feel you so close
It's like I'm sleeping with your ghost

—Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, One Short Night

Walkin' the line between faith and fear

2010-05-21T15:56:00.003-04:00

Well my friend, I see your face so clearly
Little bit tired, little worn through the years
You sound nervous, you seem alone
I hardly recognize your voice on the telephone

In between I remember
Just before we wound up broken-down
We drive out to the edge of the highway
Follow that lonesome dead-end road sign south

We're all in this thing together
Walkin' the line between faith and fear
This life don't last forever
When you cry I taste the salt in your tears

Come my friend, let's put this thing together
And walk the path our worn out feet have trod
If you want, we could go on forever
Give up your jaded ways, spell your name to God

We're all in this thing together
Walkin' the line between faith and fear
This life don't last forever
When you cry I taste the salt in your tears

All we are is a picture in a mirror
Fancy shoes to grace our feet
All there is is a slow road to freedom
Heaven above and the devil beneath

We're all in this thing together
Walkin' the line between faith and fear
This life don't last forever
When you cry I taste the salt in your tears

—Old Crow Medicine Show / We're All In This Together

I love this.

2010-05-17T14:46:00.001-04:00

Remember when our songs where just like prayers? Like gospel hymns that you called in the air.

2010-05-14T12:22:00.004-04:00

Remember when our songs where just like prayers?
Like gospel hymns that you called in the air.
Come down come down sweet reverance,
unto my simple house and ring . . . and ring.

Ring like silver, ring like gold
Ring out those ghosts on the Ohio
Ring like clear day wedding bells
Were we the belly of the beast or the sword that fell . . . we’ll never tell.

Come to me clear and cold on some sea
Watch the world spinning waves . . . like some machine

Now I’ve been crazy couldn’t you tell
I threw stones at the stars, but the whole sky fell
Now I’m covered up in straw, belly up on the table
Well and sang and drank, and passed in the stable.

That tall grass grows high and brown,
well i dragged you straight in the muddy ground
And you sent me back to where I roam
Well I cursed and I cried, but now I know . . . now I know

And I ran back to that hollow again
The moon was just a sliver back then
And I ached for my hear like some tin man
when it came oh it beat and it boiled and it rang . . . its ringing

Ring like crazy, ring like hell
Turn me back into that wild haired gale
Ring like silver, ring like gold
Turn these diamonds straight back into coal.

—Gregory Alan Isakov / The Stable Song

Now I see clearly, it’s you I’m looking for

2010-05-10T10:56:00.001-04:00

Well I have been searching all of my days
All of my days
Many a road, you know
I’ve been walking on
All of my days
And I’ve been trying to find
What’s been in my mind
As the days keep turning into night

Well I have been quietly standing in the shade
All of my days
Watch the sky breaking on the promise that we made
All of this rain
And I’ve been trying to find
What’s been in my mind
As the days keep turning into night

Well many a night I found myself with no friends standing near
All of my days
I cried aloud
I shook my hands
What am I doing here
All of these days
For I look around me
And my eyes confound me
And it’s just too bright
As the days keep turning into night

Now I see clearly
It’s you I’m looking for
All of my days
Soon I’ll smile
I know I’ll feel this loneliness no more
All of my days
For I look around me
And it seems He found me
And it’s coming into sight
As the days keep turning into night
As the days keep turning into night
And even breathing feels all right
Yes, even breathing feels all right
Now even breathing feels all right
It’s even breathing
Feels all right

—Alexi Murdoch / All My Days

And I got troubles oh, but not today, cause they're gonna wash away.

2010-05-07T17:13:00.002-04:00

I got troubles oh, but not today
Cause they're gonna wash away
They're gonna wash away

And I have sins Lord, but not today
Cause they're gonna wash away
They're gonna wash away

And I had friends oh, but not today
Cause they done washed away
They done washed away

And oh, I've been cryin'
And oh, I've been cryin'
And oh, no more cryin'
No, no more cryin' here

We get along Lord, but not today
Cause we gonna wash away
We're gonna wash away

And I got troubles oh, but not today
Cause they're gonna wash away
This old heart gonna take them away

—Joe Purdy / Wash Away

I'm armed with the past, and the will, and a brick, I might not want you back but I want to kill him.

2010-05-06T16:06:00.005-04:00

With a name like Frightened Rabbit, what's not to love?

Good arms verses bad arms will win hands down (down)
They are built to hold and fit,
Look how far they go around,

You don't need these now that you've found another pair
And the difference is astounding I should expect,
Except,

Leave the rest at arms length,
Keep your naked flesh under your favorite dress
And leave the rest at arms length,
When they reach out, don't touch them, don't touch them

I decided this decision some six months ago
So I'll stick to my guns but from now on it's war,
I'm armed with the past, and the will, and a brick,
I might not want you back but I want to kill him.

Leave the rest at arms length,
Keep your naked flesh under your favorite dress
And leave the rest at arms length,
When they reach out, don't touch them, don't touch them

And leave the rest at arms length,
Don't brush with him, he might have diseases,
And leave the rest at arms length,
Steer clear of the grasp girl, run, run away.

And leave the rest at arms length,
Just roll over, boy, and don't make me do this
And leave the rest at arms length,
I am armed to the teeth and I'm heavy set
And leave the rest at arms length,
I'm not ready to see you this happy
And leave the rest at arms length,
I am still in love with you (can't admit it yet)

—Frightened Rabbit / Good Arms Vs Bad Arms

I will love you forever, little ones.

2010-05-05T17:19:00.006-04:00

It's been a long, long, long time coming but I know that change is gonna come

2010-05-04T15:04:00.005-04:00

I was born by a river, oh my
In this little old town
Just like this river
I've been running ever since

It's been a long long long time coming
I know, but I know that change is gonna come, now
Oh yes it is, my oh my oh my oh my

It's been too hard livin', oh my
And I'm afraid to die
I don't know what's up there
Beyond the clouds

It's been a long long long time coming
but I know that change is gonna come
Oh yes it is, my oh my oh my

There's a time
I will go to my brother, oh my
I would ask my brother
Will you help me please, oh now oh now
He turned me down
And then I asked my little mother, oh my oh
I said mother, I said mother
I'm down on my knees

It's been time that I go
Lord it's too late
Very long, oh now oh

Somehow I thought I was still able
To try to carry on
It's been a long long long time coming
but I know that change is gonna come
Oh yes it is

Just like I said
I went to my little baby brother, oh my, my little brother
I asked my brother, brother help me please, oh now
He turned me down
And then I go to my little mother, my dear mother, oh now, huh
I said mother, I said mother I'm down on my knees

But there was a time that I go
Lord it's too late
So very long, oh my oh
Somehow I thought I was still able
To try to carry on
It's been a long long long time coming
but I know, but I know that change is gonna come
It's been so long, it's been so long
A little too long
But change has gotta come
So tired, so tired of suffering
Standing by myself
It's been so long
But change has gotta come

—Otis Redding / A Change is Gonna Come
(FYI: Sam Cooke's (original songwriter) lyrics are little different, apparently. (Oh, Interwebs, I learn so much from you.)

It takes a long night when you unravel at home

2010-04-30T14:50:00.001-04:00

Don't know that she knows
What it is she doing
Don't know that she knows
How deep this will cut
Can't believe you really think
We'll make it through this oh
You fucked me right up
Just fucked me right up

All alone in a house that we were living
All that love just walked out the door
She's off running around
With a brand new man, oh
You fucked me right up
Just fucked me right up

I got a long way to travel
With a heaviness taking hold
It takes a long night
When you unravel at home

Don't know that she knows
What it is she doing
Don't know that she knows
We are throwing it all away
Tell me how you think
We're gonna make it through this oh
You fucked me right up
Just fucked me right up

Don't know that she knows
Or even if it matters
The cut's been made
The dice have been thrown

What was our love worth
If it's something we could gamble oh
You fucked me right up
Fucked me right up

Goodbye goodbye
Goodbye goodbye

—Sean Hayes / Fucked Me Right Up

Impart some of the wisdom from that tried and tested man

2010-04-29T16:33:00.002-04:00

This album is just fantastic. Excellent purchase from the land of Scots.

My hopes are high but my eyes can't
believe what they see,
Give me something to believe,
give me something to believe
I got lucky in life and had plenty to eat and
I saw this world as one big pool of opportunity
But there's too much mind corruption,
too little remedy (or that's how it seems to me)
Yeah we need a moral education to
set the young minds free...

So let us change what we can and
Accept what we can't
Impart some of the wisdom
from that tried and tested man
There's no harm in being wrong you know no,
in fact to me, it's common ground - yeah
So take that feather from you cap sir,
and pass that feather around...

My hopes are high but my eyes can't
believe what they see,
Give me something to believe in,
give me something to believe
My hopes are high but my eyes
can't believe what they see
My hopes are high
Give me something,
give me something to believe

It's like I'm a part of something real.

2010-04-24T15:34:00.003-04:00

Sitting beside you in school,
While we'd paint I'd make you laugh
Mine was never very good,
Yours looked exactly like the photograph

Looks like I'm growing, I'm growing up beside you

I don't always get the way you feel,
But now I've learned to live with that
it's like I'm a part of something real
I was hittin' the bottle, now I've broken the seal

Looks like I'm growing, I'm growing up beside you

And the sun sets the scene
While the rain misses me
And all the time I'll be growing, growing up beside you

Oh, The sun sets the scene
While the rain misses me
And all the time I'll be growing, growing up beside you

And the sun sets the scene
While the rain misses me
And all the time I'll be growing, growing up beside you

The sun sets the scene
While the rain misses me
And all the time I'll be growing, growing up beside you

Looks like I'm growing, growing up beside you

--Pablo Natini, Growing Up Beside You

And dreamed of all the different ways I had to make her glow

2010-04-02T14:23:00.001-04:00

"Show me how you do that trick
The one that makes me scream" she said
"The one that makes me laugh" she said
And threw her arms around my neck
"Show me how you do it
And I promise you I promise that
I'll run away with you
I'll run away with you"

Spinning on that dizzy edge
I kissed her face and kissed her head
And dreamed of all the different ways I had
To make her glow
"Why are you so far away?" she said
"Why won't you ever know that I'm in love with you
That I'm in love with you"

You
Soft and only
You
Lost and lonely
You
Strange as angels
Dancing in the deepest oceans
Twisting in the water
You're just like a dream

Daylight licked me into shape
I must have been asleep for days
And moving lips to breathe her name
I opened up my eyes
And found myself alone alone
Alone above a raging sea
That stole the only girl I loved
And drowned her deep inside of me

You
Soft and only
You
Lost and lonely
You
Just like heaven

—Just Like Heaven / The Cure (performed by The Watson Twins)

Ten years I never spoke your name, now it feels good to say that you're my friend again.

2010-03-24T13:18:00.003-04:00

Brandi Carlile More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

I must have been sleeping
I must have been drinking
I haven't been dreaming about you for years
There was a sharp turn and a sunburn
I was too cool for high school that year

Must have have been new years, no one invited you,
You took things too far but I missed you
And your antics
You were lonesome and
Blue-eyed and so special to us

You should have taken a long break
Instead of a long drop from a high place
Ten years I never spoke your name
Now it feels good to say it
You're my friend again

Said he forgave you, I said I hated you
He was the bigger man, I was sixteen
All the innocence it took for
you to finally make the year book
That year
That year

You could have taken some time away
Instead of a long drop, instead of a leap of faith
Ten years I never spoke your name
Now it feels good to say that you're my friend again
You're my friend again

I was angry
I was a baptist
I was a daughter
I was wrong

make love—with your sandwich

2010-03-04T18:31:00.002-05:00

I'm not so sure I want a sammich for dinner anymore . . .

SCORPIO [October 23–November 21] Barbara De Angelis wrote a book that offers to help us learn "how to make love all the time." Maybe I'll read it, but right now I'm more interested in your take on the subject. How would you make love—not have sex, but make love—with your sandwich, with the music you listen to, with a vase of flowers, with the familiar strangers sitting in the café, with everything? Your expertise in this art is now at a peak. —Rob Brezsny, Village Voice

Welcome to my iPod.

2010-03-04T13:01:00.001-05:00

Time keeps burning, the wheels keep on turning, sometimes I feel I'm wasting my day

2010-02-10T10:28:00.008-05:00

So, this past weekend I went to see the amazing Brandi Carlile in NJ. Just. Amazing.

You just don't get much better than a chick and her band who are going to sing almost every song off their new album, a few of their past album highlights, and cover Patsy Cline, Bob Dylan, Tears for Fears, and Johnny Cash.

Here's a lovely highlight from the actual show (yay for illegal taping!). Dying Day is my favorite track from Brandi's new album so I just quite giddy when the band unplugged themselves and stepped to the front of the stage.

On the actual album:

I left home a long, long time ago
in a tin can for the road
with a suitcase and some songs

Chasing miles through the nighttime making tracks
with no time for looking back
to the place where I belong

How these days grow long
but I'm on my way back home
It's been hard to be away
How I miss you
and I just want to kiss you
and I'm gonna love you till my dying day
How these days grow long

When you're sad,
you know I wish I could be there
to make your sorrows disappear
and set your troubles free
It's not fair for me to be this far from you
but I promise to stay true
wherever I might be

Time keeps burning
The wheels keep on turning sometimes
I feel I'm wasting my day
How I miss you
and I just want to kiss you
and I'm gonna love you till my dying day
How these days grow long
Time keeps burning on
How these days grow long

Now I'm lost in a sea of sunken dreams
while the sound of drunken screams
echoes in the night
But I know all of this will come to pass
and I'll be with you at last
forever by your side

How these days grow long
but I'm on my way back home
It's been hard to be away
How I miss you
and I just want to kiss you
and I'm gonna love you till my dying day

And time keeps burning
The wheels keep on turning sometimes
I feel I'm wasting my day
How I miss you
and I just want to kiss you
and I'm gonna love you till my dying day
How these days grow long
Time keeps burning on
How these days grow long

—Brandi Carlile, Dying Day

And from a show in Portland, Oregon:

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

And I find it kinda funny
I find it kinda 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
Made to 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 kinda funny
I find it kinda 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 . . . world
Enlarge your world
Mad world

—Tears for Fears, Mad World

RIght beautiful.

Well, you made me love you, now your man done come

2010-01-28T12:25:00.002-05:00

Lovely little cover.

CC Rider, see what you gone done
CC Rider, see what you gone done
CC Rider, see what you gone done
Well hey, hey, hey, hey

Well, you made me love you, now your man done come
Made me love you, now your man done come
Made me love you, now your man done come
Hey, hey, hey, hey

You were standin’ in the kitchen in that morning gown
Standin’ in the kitchen in that morning gown
Standin’ in the kitchen in that morning gown
Hey, hey, hey, hey

I was lookin’ right at her when that sun went down
Lookin’ right at her when that sun went down
Lookin’ right at her when that sun went down
Hey, hey, hey, hey

Well, CC Rider, see what you gone done
CC Rider, now see what you gone done
CC Rider, you’ll see what you gone done
Hey, hey, hey, hey

—Ma Rainey (I believe), CC Rider

You can never know just where to put all your faith and how it will grow

2010-01-07T12:33:00.003-05:00

Such is the way of the world
You can never know
Just where to put all your faith
And how will it grow

Gonna rise up
Burning back holes in dark memories
Gonna rise up
Turning mistakes into gold

Such is the passage of time
Too fast to fold
And suddenly swallowed by signs
Low and behold

Gonna rise up
Find my direction magnetically
Gonna rise up
Throw down my ace in the hole

—Eddie Vedder, Rise

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing

2009-12-22T00:06:00.001-05:00

SCORPIO [October 23–November 21] "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" was composed in 1931 by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills. I propose that we make that title your motto in 2010—the standard you'll refer to as you evaluate which experiences you want to pursue and which you don't. Please proceed on the assumption that you should share your life energy with people and situations that make your soul sing and tingle and swing. -Rob Brezsny, Village Voice

And I feel like the last hair, on a head gone bald.

2009-12-21T23:55:00.002-05:00

I just don't care
Don't care at all
I've banged my head too long
On these brick walls
Every seed I sow
Shudders and falls
Perishes betweens
Ah these brick walls

And I feel like the last hair
On a head gone bald
Not much point being there
No point at all
How many more years?
Years 'till they fall
On the blind eyes
And deaf ears
And these brick walls

These brick walls
These brick walls
These brick walls
Ah these brick walls

And I'm long past worrying
And I'm way past being appalled
I know history is hurrying up
And time can't be stalled
So don't try to run, no
Before you can crawl
Just wait and the time will come
Hey, for these brick walls

These brick walls
These brick walls
These brick walls
Ah these brick walls

—David Gray / Brick Walls

If it's a friend you need, let it be me

2009-12-16T16:33:00.003-05:00

There comes a time
A time in everyone's life
Where nothing seems to go your way
Where nothing seems to turn out right

There may come a time
You just can't seem to find your place
For every door you open
Feels like you get two slammed in your face

That's when you need someone
Someone that you can call
When all your faith is gone
It feels like you can't go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend that you need
Let it be me
Let it be me

Feels like you're always coming up last
Pockets full of nothing and you got no cash
No matter where you turn you ain't got no place to stand
You reach out for something and they slap your hand

Now I remember all to well
Just how it feels to be all alone
You feel like you'd give anything
For just a little place you can call your own

That's when you need someone
Someone that you, you can call
When all your faith is gone
It feels like you can't go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me

Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me

—Ray LaMontagne, Let It Be Me

so tell your mama I said hello

2009-11-11T17:32:00.002-05:00

I won't cry for you
when the night grows long
and I won't lie for you
because you done me wrong
so tell your mama
I said hello
and that she raised you
too damn slow
you're too damn slow
too damn slow.

Because I've been waiting
for your time
And I've been missing
out on mine
So tell your father
that I said so long
and thanks for raising you
so damn wrong
you are so damn wrong
you're so damn wrong, so damn wrong.

—Norah Jones, Tell Your Mama

keep your dancing slippers on, keep me on your mind a while

2009-11-10T19:51:00.006-05:00

I saw Ray LaMontagne last night at the Beacon and it was just fantastic . . . except for the high-quotient of douchebags in the audience. Seriously. These people apparently thought we were at a sporting event. Am I getting old or are there just more assholes hanging around nowadays? Sit the fuck down for an hour or so and just listen. You don't need a beverage. You don't need to pee, kiddo. Also, shut your hole.

Dude came through though. He gives good performance. And he's lovely to look at, to boot.

This video is not from last night but from earlier on his tour this year. I heard him cover Loretta (Townes Van Zandt) live for the second time in two months. Of course, this time he wasn't accompanied by Elvis Costello, John Prine, Lyle Lovett (hey there, name-dropping) but it was still delightful. So, listen:

Oh Loretta, she's a barroom girl
wears them sevens on her sleeve
Dances like a diamond shines
Tell me lies I love to believe
Her age is always 22
Her laughing eyes a hazel hue
Spends my money like water falls
Loves me like I want her to
Oh, Loretta, won't you say to me
Darling, put your guitar on
have a little shot of booze
play a blue and wailing song
My guitar rings a melody
My guitar sings, Loretta's fine
Long and lazy, blond and free
and I can have her any time
Sweetest at the break of day
prettiest in the setting sun
she don't cry when I can't stay
'least not till she's all alone
Loretta, I won't be gone long
keep your dancing slippers on
keep me on your mind a while
I'll be back, babe, to make you smile
—Townes Van Zandt, Loretta

P.S. Also, how friggin' cool is it that he referenced performances (from the Spectacle taping I went to . . . yeah, that's right, I'm big-time) I knew about AND saw for myself? Pretty. Damn. Cool. I should get a badge or something.

P.P.S. Lauren: you were wonderful company. Thank you for helping me pick out a t-shirt. And thanks for, well, for being you.

Oh man . . .

2009-10-20T19:52:00.000-04:00

I really need to start blogging again. Right? Riiiiiight? Right.

Just awesome.

2009-10-05T15:34:00.000-04:00

Regretsy

Telling myself I could be strong or some such brave bullshit

2009-09-30T18:26:00.003-04:00

I am in love with this song. In. Love. It's absolutely beautiful. And I'm thrilled that Jolie Holland makes an appearance on this album.

(The whole album, is in fact, awesome.)

Lay down my head by the wayside
My worn out shoes
Quite why she went I can’t decide
Yeah but I sure could use
One plate of food steaming and hot
Clean linen ironed
On a fresh made bed but I ain’t got
One salty dime，one salty dime
One salty dime
Just close your eyes it won’t take long
It won’t hurt a bit
Telling myself I could be strong
Or some such brave bullshit
Trucks are roaring by I’m a red ghost
In their tail light gleam
I’m a tumbleweed，I’m a spit roast
Just turning in your flame
Oh my darlin’ Kathleen
Cars they sound like waves that are breaking
On some distant shore
I gazed so long into the great aching sky
It seemed that I，I wasn’t here no more
That my rushing blood was a river
My eyes two stars
My blowing hair all a quiver
A whispering field of grass
That murmurs as you pass
Oh my darlin’ Kathleen
That whispers out your name
Oh my darlin’ Kathleen
Oh my darlin’ Kathleen

—David Gray / Kathleen

Three words that became hard to say.

2009-09-22T14:58:00.003-04:00

Well, this is just fantastic:

Exclusive First Listen: The Avett Brothers
Hear 'I And Love And You' In Its Entirety

cuz when i look around i think this, this is good enough

2009-09-08T22:34:00.001-04:00

A hundred freedoms fell on her.

2009-07-24T10:47:00.004-04:00

I think this book may be a little too fancy for me but I must admit she can turn a phrase.

In the past few years she had let go her ties to people she did not like, to ironing, to dining out in town, and to buying things not necessary and that themselves needed care. She ignored whatever did not interest her. With those blows she opened her days like a piñata. A hundred freedoms fell on her. She hitched free years to her lifespan like a kite tail. Everyone envied her the time she had, not noticing that they had equal time.

—The Maytrees, Annie Dillard

OK, not all . . .

2009-06-30T09:45:00.002-04:00

I'm also finding I'm not built for Diet Coke and muffins before 10:00 a.m.

I need to work on my willpower.

That's all.

2009-06-30T09:26:00.000-04:00

I am not built for summer. At all.

I know I'm not that colorful but a bird just the same

2009-06-17T18:12:00.001-04:00

Take 'em away, take 'em away Lord
Take away these chains from me
My heart is broken cause my spirits not free
Lord take away these chains from me

Some birds feathers are too bright to be caged
I know I'm not that colorful but a bird just the same
Open up your gate now, let me put down my load
So I can feel at ease and go back to my home

Take 'em away, take 'em away Lord
Take away these chains from me
My heart is broken cause my spirits not free
Lord take away these chains from me

Sun beating down, my legs can't seem to stand
There's a boss man at a turn row with a rifle in his hand
I've got nine children, nothin' in the pan
My wife she died hungry while I was plowin' land

Take 'em away, take 'em away Lord
Take away these chains from me
My heart is broken cause my spirits not free
Lord take away these chains from me

Can't see when I go to work, can't see when I get off
How do you expect a man not to get lost
Every year I just keep getting deeper in debt
If there's a happy day, Lord, I haven't seen one yet

Take 'em away, take 'em away Lord
Take away these chains from me
My heart is broken cause my spirits not free
Lord take away these chains from me

Land that I love is the land that I'm workin'
But it's hard to love it all the time when your back is a-hurting
Getting too old now to push this here plow
Please let me lay down so I can look at the clouds

Take 'em away, take 'em away Lord
Take away these chains from me
My heart is broken cause my spirits not free
Lord take away these chains from me

Land that I know is where two rivers collide
The Brazos, The Navaso, and the big blue sky
Flood plains, freight trains, watermelon vines
Of any place on God's green earth, this is where I choose to die

Take 'em away, take 'em away Lord
Take away these chains from me
My heart is broken cause my spirits not free
Lord take away these chains from me

—Old Crow Medicine Show / Take 'Em Away

I see, people waitin' for answers to questions no one knows

2009-06-04T18:31:00.003-04:00

Hey,
Hey, Yeah...
Oh..
We'll Be, We'll Be Yeah,
Ohhh....

I been seeking survival it seems like my whole life long
And I been working so hard and it feels like it's all gone wrong
Time lonely, need someone to push me to help me through
Make my way through the clouds to the sun like that'll make do

{We'll be fine again}
I say we'll be fine again
{We'll be fine again}
Fine again
{We'll be fine again}
Oh, we'll be fine again

I see, people waitin' for answers to questions no one knows
Drinking joe's, only thinkin' "Oh Lord, whole life blown!"
May we pass out hugs to the thugs to heal our souls
And blue collar suffering, Oh Lord, heal us all

{We'll be fine again}
Oh, we'll be fine
{We'll be fine again}
Oh, we're gonna make it through, yeah
{We'll be fine again}
We'll be fine

Ay, hey
{We'll be alright}
I can't wait to see the brighter picture
{We'll be okay}
Everybody
{Sunlight will shine, past the storm}

Say every, every, everybody

{We'll be fine again}
I know we will, I know it'll get better
{We'll be fine again}
You don't have to drink yourself to sleep at night
{We'll be fine again}
You don't have to stomp all over your problems, no
{We'll be fine again}
Everybody needs a hug
{We'll be fine again}
{We'll be alright}
The whole world, the whole world will be fine
{We'll be fine again}
{We'll be okay}
Oh, yeah
{We'll be fine again}
{Sunlight will shine}
{We'll be fine again}
{We'll be alright}
We'll be alright, we'll be so fine
I know it gets better with time
Go on and let your hair down
Don't worry no more, no more
Don't worry no more, no more
I say we'll be fine again . . .

—Anthony Hamilton / Fine Again

phew.

2009-05-29T11:56:00.000-04:00

SCORPIO [October 23–November 21] As I was driving out in the country, I spied a homemade sign: "I have seen the truth and it doesn't make sense." I'm guessing you might feel that way yourself right now, Scorpio. You have summoned the courage to see the deeper reality beneath the official story, but that has made you more confused than you were. So you're smarter and better informed, but are nonetheless feeling less secure. My advice: Don't flee back into the fake comfort of comfy delusions. If you can maintain your poise in the face of the raging ambiguity, you will ultimately be rewarded with a big dose of cathartic clarity. —Rob Brezsny, Village Voice

Such a handsome little man, my nephew.

2009-05-28T18:37:00.001-04:00

Speaking of Lisa Hannigan . . .

2009-05-21T21:38:00.002-04:00

First heard of her when she sang with Damien Rice . . .
One of my favorites:

Don't hold yourself like that
You'll hurt your knees
I kissed your mouth and back
But that's all I need
Don't build your world around volcanoes melt you down

What I am to you is not real
What I am to you you do not need
What I am to you is not what you mean to me
You give me miles and miles of mountains
And I'll ask for the sea

Don't throw yourself like that
In front of me
I kissed your mouth your back
Is that all you need?
Don't drag my love around volcanoes melt me down

What I am to you is not real
What I am to you you do not need
What I am to you is not what you mean to me
You give me miles and miles of mountains
And I'll ask for what I give to you
Is just what i'm going through
This is nothing new
No no just another phase of finding what I really need
Is what makes me bleed
And like a new disease she's still too young to treat
Volcanoes melt me down
She's still too young
I kissed your mouth
You do not need me

—Damien Rice & Lisa Hannigan / Volcano

I don't know if you write letters or panic on the phone.

2009-05-21T12:25:00.004-04:00

I don't know what you smoke
or what countries you've been to
if you speak any other languages
other than your own
I'd like to meet you

I don't know if you drive
if you love the ground beneath you
I don't know if you write letters
or panic on the phone
I'd like to call you
all the same
I would want to
I am game

I don't know if you can swim
or if the sea has any draw for you
if you're better in the morning
or when the sun goes down
I'd like to call you

I don't know if you can dance
if the thought ever occurred to you
if you eat what you've been given
or push it round your plate
I'd like to cook for you
all the same
if you want to
I am game

If you walk my way
and I could keep my head
We could creep away through the dark
or maybe not
We could shoot it down anyway

I don't know if you read novels
or the magazines
if you love the hand that feeds you
I assume that your heart's been bruised
I'd like to know you
You don't know if I can draw at all
or what records I am into
if I sleep like a spoon
or rarely at all or maybe you would do?
Or maybe you would do

If I walk your way
I will keep my head
We will feel our way through the dark
though I don't know you
I think that I would do
I don't fall easy at all

At all
At all
At all
At all
At all

If I walk your way
I will keep my head
We will feel our way through the dark
though I don't know you
I think that I would do
I don't fall easy at all

—Lisa Hannigan / I Don't Know

But his mama says he'll walk on water

2009-05-11T13:09:00.004-04:00

Mary, carry your babe
Bound up tight like lips around a whimper
Your fingers over my face
Blind eyed Samson driven to the temple
And night birds digging until dawn
Freedom hangs like heaven over everyone
Ain't nobody knows what the newborn holds
But his mama says he'll walk on water
And wander back home

Mary, carry your shame
Well past all those eyes across the avenue
Fish heads running from rain
You know I'll do anything you want me to
Lamp oil lovers may say
"freedom hangs like heaven over everyone"
Ain't nobody knows what the newborn holds
But his papa's going to hide shaking gristle
And shaking like bone

Mary, carry my name
Hoof marks hacked up all I had to offer you
Looked all over this place
Lost your portrait lately when the winter blew
In like Herod and them
Freedom hangs like heaven over everyone
Ain't nobody knows what the newborn holds
But a dollar says he'll lick that devil
And do it alone

—Iron & Wine / Freedom Hangs Like Heaven

Violin

2009-04-29T12:35:00.006-04:00

I stopped to listen to a street performer playing a violin this morning and it made my very bad mood a little better. Of course, I shared this tidbit with the peeps on effbook and a friend sent me this amazing article . . . old but very worth the read:

Pearls Before Breakfast
Can one of the nation's great musicians cut through the fog of a D.C. rush hour? Let's find out.

Gave me goosebumpers.

"If you love something but choose not to do it professionally, it's not a waste. Because, you know, you still have it. You have it forever."

They told me to be careful up there / Where the wind blows a venomous rage through your hair

2009-04-07T15:41:00.003-04:00

It's been awhile.

I was lost in the lakes
And the shapes that your body makes
That your body makes, that your body makes
That your body makes, that your body makes

The mountains said I could find you here
They whispered the snow and the leaves in my ear
I traced my finger along your trails
Your body was the map, I was lost in it

Floating over your rocky spine
The glaciers made you, and now you're mine
Floating over your rocky spine
The glaciers made you, and now you're mine

I was moving across your frozen veneer
The sky was dark but you were clear
Could you feel my footsteps
And would you shatter, would you shatter, would you

And with your soft fingers between my claws
Like purity against resolve
I could tell, then and there, that we were formed from the clay
And came from the rocks for the earth to display

They told me to be careful up there
Where the wind blows a venomous rage through your hair
They told me to be careful up there
Where the wind rages through your hair

—Great Lake Swimmers / Your Rocky Spine

I wonder what he'd say, if he knew people felt like him today.

2009-03-09T11:12:00.001-04:00

Elvis in a ring of fire
Hips swinging, feet swimming in an old pair of blue suede shoes
Eyes white like no dose, hair black as coal
He's walking the streets of Memphis
Picking up pennies found on their heads

He's dancing like he's on t.v.
I never realized but he's dancing for me
He's got a lot of fans out there but nobody cares
I just want to hear him sing
Didn't he know he was the only king?

He's acting like it's his last chance
Smoke rising from his heels every time that he'd dance
Blue rhinestones on his legs, flowers on his grave
I wonder what he'd say
If he knew people felt like him today

Elvis in a ring of fire
Hips swinging, feet swimming in an old pair of blue suede shoes

—The Everybodyfields / The Only King

Just kissin' for hours underneath that sweet magnolia

2009-02-18T16:49:00.001-05:00

The time has come, there is no second chance
We’ve been drifting on an empty aching sea
You were the girl I never knew I wanted
I was the boy you hoped you’d never see

And it’s a shame
That we ain’t lovers
We could’ve been something, so big and grand
Just kissin’ for hours
underneath that sweet magnolia
Beggin’ for answers, tryin’ to make a stand

Been burnin’ up the hours, talkin’ to the midnight
Just dreaming of ways I could hold you next to me
But maybe it just wasn’t meant, all things have a reason
Maybe our hearts were just too careless and free

And it’s a shame
That we ain’t lovers
We could’ve been something, so big and grand
Just kissin’ for hours
underneath that sweet magnolia
Beggin’ for answers, tryin’ to make a stand

There was a time, when you would have had me
There was a time, I could have had you
But it’s too late, another path has come and gone again
I’m at the back door with a broken window view thinkin’

And it’s a shame
That we ain’t lovers
We could’ve been something, so big and grand
Just kissin’ for hours
underneath that sweet magnolia
Beggin’ for answers, tryin’ to make a stand

I’m so tired of writin’, but I can’t put down my pen
It’s too late now to talk or turn back
So just hold on, ‘cause baby here we go again
Headin’ the wrong way down that one way track

And it’s a shame
That we ain’t lovers
We could’ve been something, so big and grand
Just kissin’ for hours
underneath that sweet magnolia
Beggin’ for answers, tryin’ to make a stand

—Hayes Carll, It's a Shame

Double HEADS!

2009-02-14T10:53:00.001-05:00

Kings. Ford.

2009-02-12T21:40:00.001-05:00

Kingsford Goes to the Beach - The funniest videos are a click away

Need new drives.

2009-02-05T17:12:00.004-05:00

SCORPIO [October 23–November 21] I've got some questions for you. First, where will you go to satisfy that special need of yours—the need that demands ever-fresh varieties of fuel? Second, who will you enlist in your efforts to change your environment so that it's more compatible with your drives? And third, what helpful influences will you seek to attract into your sphere as you refine your ambitions? The coming weeks will be a good time to cultivate your web of alliances as you address these questions. —Rob Brezsny, Village Voice

My sister brings the funny.

2009-02-05T16:08:00.000-05:00

Legocity

2009-02-04T16:36:00.002-05:00

I LEGO N.Y.

I love this. So very much.

While you're busy mixing grape with grain

2009-01-23T15:55:00.010-05:00

That's some lovely fiddle, sir.

click friggin' here

I wish I knew which button to push
Then I'd know how to please you
It's sad but true
So I'll just listen in down the line
While you're busy mixing grape with grain
To sedate your pain

Songbird, you got tales to tell
How many times can you describe your living hell?

The sweeping gesture creates a fuss
It's only useful when receiving praise
Relieving no-ones pain
If you'd let somebody love you just enough
You'd have everything you'd need to break
Free from all your pain

Songbird, you got tales to tell
How many times can you describe your living hell?

If you'd let somebody love you just enough
Let somebody love you just enough
Let somebody love you just enough
Let somebody love you just enough

—Bernard Fanning / Songbird

Thank you America, for being more than I expected.

2009-01-20T14:28:00.002-05:00

Hurrah.

Best WWTDD post in quite awhile . . .

2009-01-16T10:30:00.008-05:00

"Stop it plane. You are a plane. You are not a boat. Get back in the sky! You can not swim!"

Hello Love.

2009-01-15T11:58:00.004-05:00

I will make you very happy.

You might be the strange delightful

2009-01-14T11:39:00.003-05:00

Everything morning this week, I've woken up thinking that it's the next day. Tuesday morning, I thought it was Wednesday. Today I thought it was Thursday. This is really starting to piss me off and I wish it would stop.

And now, for something weird and awesome . . .

I went to school with 27 Jennifers
16 Jenns, 10 Jennies, and then there was her

It’s the sweet shine of,
Yeah, force of divine love
The blessed arrival of you

You might be the one that I’ve been seeking for
You might be the strange delightful
You might be the girly who shall end all girls
You might be the sweet unspiteful

I rode the bus with 27 Jennifers
15 Jenns, 10 Jennies disapproved of her

Yeah, get from my sight, man,
Gladness is a blight, and
Happiness stinks up the room

You might be the one that I’ve been seeking for
You might be the strange delightful
You might be the girly who shall end all girls
You might be the sweet unspiteful

You might be the one that I’ve been seeking for
You might be the strange delightful
You might be the girly who shall end all girls
You might be the sweet unspiteful

27 Jennifers
27 Jennifers

—Mike Doughty, 27 Jennifers

Kindness made the cut so clean

2009-01-13T11:15:00.005-05:00

His albums just get better and better. Here's one of the tracks I'm obsessed with from the newest one, Gossip In The Grain.

Hear me out
Day follows day
Light turns to
clay in my hands

How to explain,
so pristine the pain
Kindness made
the cut so
clean

I still care for you

Hear me out
Wanted me to be
less your lover
than a mirror

Can't you see
what you mean to me?
(Even promises may bleed)

I still care for you

The hours grow
heavy,
and hollow,
cruel as a grave

Open Me
and you'll find
only bones
burned to glass.

I still care for you

—Ray LaMontagne, I Still Care For You

will you tell us that you're ok

2009-01-05T16:23:00.003-05:00

They just don't make videos like this anymore. (Does anyone remember the really long video that aired? Just awesome . . .)

(Not positive if these are all right . . . I took out a lot of the "daggone it"s! and the "hoo! hoo!"s . . .)

As he came into the window
It was the sound of a crescendo
He came into her apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
She ran underneath the table
He could see she was unable
So she ran into the bedroom
She was struck down, it was her doom

Annie are you ok
So, Annie are you ok
Are you ok, Annie
Annie are you ok
So, Annie are you ok
Are you ok, Annie
Annie are you ok
So, Annie are you ok
Are you ok, Annie
Annie are you ok
So, Annie are you ok, are you ok, Annie

(Annie are you ok)
(will you tell us that you're ok)
(there's a sign in the window)
(that he struck you-a crescendo Annie)
(he came into your apartment)
(he left the bloodstains on the carpet)
(then you ran into the bedroom)
(you were struck down)
(it was your doom)

Annie are you ok
So, Annie are you ok
Are you ok Annie
Annie are you ok
So, Annie are you ok
Are you ok Annie
Annie are you ok
So, Annie are you ok
Are you ok Annie
You've been hit by
You've been hit by-
A smooth criminal

So they came into the outway
It was Sunday-what a black day
Mouth to mouth resuscitation
Sounding heartbeats-intimidations

Annie are you ok
So, Annie are you ok
Are you ok Annie
Annie are you ok
So, Annie are you ok
Are you ok Annie
Annie are you ok
So, Annie are you ok
Are you ok Annie
Annie are you ok
So, Annie are you ok
Are you ok Annie

(Annie are you ok)
(will you tell us that you're ok)
(there's a sign in the window)
(that he struck you-a crescendo Annie)
(he came into your apartment)
(he left the bloodstains on the carpet)
(then you ran into the bedroom)
(you were struck down)
(it was your doom)

(Annie are you ok)
(so, Annie are you ok)
(are you ok Annie)
(you've been hit by)
(you've been struck by-
A smooth criminal)

Okay, I want everybody
To clear the area right now!

(Annie are you ok)
I don't know!
(will you tell us, that you're ok)
I don't know!
(there's a sign in the window)
I don't know!
(that he struck you-a crescendo Annie)
I don't know!
(he came into your apartment)
I don't know!
(left bloodstains on the carpet)
I don't know why baby!
(then you ran into the bedroom)
I don't know!
(you were struck down)
(it was your doom-Annie!)
(Annie are you ok)

(will you tell us, that you're ok)
(there's a sign in the window)
(that he struck you-a crescendo Annie)
(he came into your apartment)
(left bloodstains on the carpet)
(then you ran into the bedroom)
(you were struck down)
(it was your doom-Annie!)

Good cover.

2008-12-23T11:54:00.001-05:00

John Mayer: Tops of the Tool List.

Yet, I've come to love his music. I know . . . it's in the top 5 things about myself that piss me off.

Anyhow, he plays other people's music quite well, too. Bastard.

Artist Site

Getting to the bottom. Of things.

2008-12-18T14:46:00.000-05:00

SCORPIO [October 23–November 21] Happy Holy Daze, Scorpio! If I could give you one symbolic gift to set the right tone for 2009, it might be a glass vase with a potato growing partially submerged in water, allowing you to see its gnarly roots. I'd hope that would inspire you to put diligent yet playful effort into getting reacquainted with and exploring your own personal source code—you know, the master plan of your life that you formulated before you were born. The coming months will be an excellent time to cultivate a wise innocence as you get to the bottom of who you really are. —Rob Brezsny, Village Voice

Who will come to find you first: Your devils or your gods

2008-12-12T10:58:00.001-05:00

All you folks think you own my life
But you never made any sacrifice
Demons they are on my trail
I'm standing at the crossroads of the hell
I look to the left I look to the right
There're hands that grab me on every side

All you folks think I got my price
At which I'll sell all that is mine
You think money rules when all else fails
Go sell your soul and keep your shell
I'm trying to protect what I keep inside
All the reasons why I live my life

Some say the devil be a mystical thing
I say the devil he a walking man
He a fool he a liar conjurer and a thief
He try to tell you what you want
Try to tell you what you need

Standing at the point
The road it cross you down
What is at your back
Which way do you turn
Who will come to find you first
Your devils or your gods

All you folks think you run my life
Say I should be willing to compromise
I say all you demons go back to hell
I'll save my soul save myself

—Tracy Chapman / Crossroads

HARUMPH.

2008-12-11T17:28:00.002-05:00

SCORPIO [October 23–November 21] In one episode of Seinfeld, Elaine couldn't get her favorite Chinese restaurant to deliver take-out food to her apartment, because her neighborhood was just beyond the boundary of where the drivers went. But Elaine was determined. She went over to the building across the street, which was within the restaurant's delivery zone, and set up an alternate home for herself in a janitor's closet. I suggest you adopt a similar strategy, Scorpio. If you can't get what you want in the place where you are, shift your location. —Rob Brezsny, Village Voice

The universe is one tedious little bastard. I GET IT ALREADY.

I'm thinking like a swinging door.

2008-12-08T23:58:00.002-05:00

We are like pendulums
Our arms swinging at our sides
And I am a good little clock
Walking along power lines

I'm thinking like a swinging door
Hinging on these changing thoughts
Between the pull up to the shore
And the push off

In the lines of footprints in the snow
All along the edges of the road
I haven't even walked my block
Since I moved out here years ago

The secret lives of twist ties
The hidden story in one line

In the lines of footprints in the snow
All along the edges of the road
I haven't even walked my block
Since I moved out here years ago

We are like pendulums
Our arms swinging at our sides
And I am a good little clock
I'm ticking off the time

The distant lights are twinkling
It means there is a wind
That blows the trees against themselves
And hard into this house I'm sleeping in
I'm sleeping in

—Sarah Harmer / Pendulums

2008-12-05T09:15:00.000-05:00

SCORPIO [October 23–November 21]: Researchers say that you've got longer than you imagine to salvage food that has dropped on the floor. Bacteria don't start growing on your pizza or muffin for at least 30 seconds. Keep that in mind as a metaphor in the coming days, Scorpio. Anything that you fear has already been spoiled or tainted may actually be possible to restore and redeem. You probably have more time than you thought. —Rob Brezsny, Village Voice

Like, say, oh, my sanity?
Good to know.

Want. To. Squeeze.

2008-12-02T16:30:00.002-05:00

After spending a long weekend nestling with the nephew and letting my niece use me as a human jungle gym, you'd think I'd need a little "Mugs Time" . . . yet, I can't friggin' wait to mess with them again! Handsome little devil, isn't he?

Oh, and thanks for the cold, Mam. I'll pay you back in three weeks. Never shall you rest without some facial finger wagging.

Hot Friggin' Damn.

2008-11-24T09:51:00.001-05:00

'Arrested Development' film gets closer

Just what you wanted.

2008-11-20T16:59:00.004-05:00

Someone I know will be getting these for Christmas. I'm not sure who it'll be yet . . . oh, but they're going to love 'em.

HANDSOAP SET

Hot DAMN, I love these. Soapy baby hands??!! Honestly, whoever came up with this is a friggin' genius.

Anthony Effing Hamilton

2008-11-20T12:36:00.004-05:00

I went to see Anthony Hamilton at the Blender Theater last night. It was amazing. I can't wait to see him perform again. And I will, oh, I will.

I found this video on YouTube, from a concert on the same tour.

AND I'm going to see Ani DiFranco on Friday. Seeing two of my favorite musicians in one week? Maybe the best week ever?

I never minded working hard / It's who I'm working for.

2008-11-20T12:04:00.001-05:00

Everything is free now,
That's what they say.
Everything I ever done,
Gotta give it away.
Someone hit the big score.
They figured it out,
That we're gonna do it anyway,
Even if doesn't pay.

I can get a tip jar,
Gas up the car,
And try to make a little change
Down at the bar.

Or I can get a straight job,
I've done it before.
I never minded working hard,
It's who I'm working for.

Everything is free now,
That's what they say.
Everything I ever done,
Gotta give it away.
Someone hit the big score.
They figured it out,
That we're gonna do it anyway,
Even if doesn't pay.

Every day I wake up,
Hummin' a song.
But I don't need to run around,
I just stay home.

And sing a little love song,
My love, to myself.
If there's something that you want to hear,
You can sing it yourself.

'Cause everything is free now,
That what I say.
No one's got to listen to
The words in my head.
Someone hit the big score,
And I figured it out,
That we're gonna do it anyway,
Even if doesn't pay.

—Gillian Welch and David Rawlings / Everything is Free

And all I am is holding breath

2008-11-14T13:34:00.002-05:00

Lovely song. Sad song.
Can you tell I'm not much for working today?

I join the queue on your answer phone
And all I am is holding breath
Just pick up I know you're there
Can't you hear?
I'm not myself

Well, go ahead and lie to me
You could say anything
Small talk will be just fine
Your voice is everything
We owe it to love
And it all depends on you

So listen up
The sun hasn't set
(I refuse to believe that it's only me feeling)
Just hear me out
I'm not over you yet
(It's love on the line, can you handle it?)

So how do I do normal?
A smile I fake
the "permanent way"
cue-cards and fix-it kits
Can't you tell?
I'm not myself

I'm a slow motion accident
Lost in coffee rings and fingerprints
I don't wanna feel anything but I do
And it all comes back to you

So listen up
"This" sun hasn't set
(I refuse to believe that it's only me feeling)
Just hear me out
I'm not over you yet
(It's love on the line, can you handle it?)

Hear me out
Listen up
This time you gotta listen to me - yeah
Look at me straight
Just hear me out
Don't make me wait
I'm not myself
I can't take this
Love's on the line
Is that your final answer?

I join the queue on your answer phone
And all I am is holding breath
Just pick up, I know you're there...

So listen up
"This" sun hasn't set
(I refuse to believe that it's only me feeling)
Just hear me out
I'm not over you yet
(It's love on the line, can you handle it?)

So listen up
"This" sun hasn't set
(I refuse to believe that it's only me feeling)
Just hear me out
I'm not over you yet
(It's love on the line, can you handle it?)

So listen up
"This" sun hasn't set
(I refuse to believe that it's only me feeling)
Just hear me out
I'm not over you yet
(It's love on the line, can you handle it?)

—Frou Frou, Hear Me Out

Forward from me Mum. Very funny.

2008-11-14T12:46:00.002-05:00

Will all of this make Jack Benny come back?

Me Pops as a Tot.

2008-11-14T11:56:00.001-05:00

How friggin' cute was me Dad?? Very, I say.

And awesome photo, eh? They just don't make cars like that anymore . . . or fences.

cuz flame and moth got a sweetheart deal

2008-11-14T11:14:00.001-05:00

The moth don't care when he sees the flame
he might get burned but he's in the game
and once he's in he can't go back, and
beat his wings 'til he burns them black
no the moth don't care when he sees the flame
no the moth don't care when he sees the flame

the moth don't care if the flame is real
cuz flame and moth got a sweetheart deal
and nothing fuels a good flirtation
like need and anger and desperation
no the moth don't care if the flame is real
no the moth don't care if the flame is real

So come on let's go ready or not
cuz there's a flame I know hotter than hot
and with a fuse that's so thoroughly shot
away

the moth don't care if the flame burns low
cuz moth believes in an afterglow
and flames are never douzed completely
all you really need is a love of heat
no, the moth don't care if the flame burns low
no, the moth don't care if the flame burns low

So come on let's go ready or not
cuz there's a flame I know hotter than hot
and with a fuse that's so thoroughly shot
away

—Aimee Mann, The Moth

Behold, the messiah.

2008-11-14T11:11:00.000-05:00

SCORPIO [October 23–November 21] The New York Times ran a story about philosopher Nick Bostrom. He believes there's a chance that our world is actually a computer simulation: You and I are living in a version of The Matrix. Our "brains" are merely webs of computer circuits created by our post-human descendants, who are studying "ancestor simulations" of their past. Scorpio, this is an excellent time for you to find out whether Bostrom is correct. Right now, you have a special talent for knowing what's real and what's not. You've also got a knack for escaping what's illusory and gravitating toward what's authentic. So even if you do find out that we're living in The Matrix, you could become a kind of messiah with resemblances to the character that Keanu Reeves played in the film trilogy.
—Rob Brezsny, Village Voice

But this moment is all I've got

2008-11-11T16:52:00.002-05:00

Too many times, I have wondered
What all trying is for
You come around, I feel so down, I'm gonna drown
Because I know that you've fallen short

But do you know, It doesn't change
The way I feel about you at the end of the day
Because I know
That all I want is what you got
All I want is what you got

And too many times, I have wanted
To turn around and walk away
Knowing deep inside
You can't provide what I need from you anyway

But do you know, It doesn't change
The way I feel about you at the end of the day
Because I know
That all I want is what you got
All I want is what you got

I tell you that I wanna go, but I wanna stay
I tell you that I wanna go, but I wanna stay
I tell you that I wanna go, but I wanna stay
I wanna stay, I wanna stay, I wanna stay
But I know I'm gonna lose myself this way
I wanna stay, I wanna stay, I wanna stay
But I know I'm gonna lose myself this way

But do you know, It doesn't change
The way I feel about you at the end of the day
'Cause I know
That all I want is what you got
All I want is what you got
But this moment is all I've got
It's all I've got

—Susie Suh / All I Want

um, OUCH.

2008-11-10T12:29:00.001-05:00

Vikings' Gordon Suffers Gruesome Injury

MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 9) - Minnesota Vikings cornerback Charles Gordon was carted off the field in the second quarter against Green Bay after a gruesome ankle injury that occurred on a punt return.

Gordon fielded the punt inside the Vikings 10, headed upfield and was immediately met by two Packers. As he planted his left leg to change direction, one of the Packers rolled up on the leg, and the ankle gave way. He lay motionless on the turf while athletic trainer Eric Sugarman rushed out to see him.

The injury was bad enough that Fox refused to show the replay after it returned from a break. "We will not show the replay of it," announcer Joe Buck said when the telecast resumed.

Looksie who I found.

2008-11-06T15:11:00.002-05:00

She has a loverly voice, eh?

Me and you
I better laugh in 20 years from now
with some perspective and dedication
I will find somebody new

It better be someone special
He Better be coming very soon
It better be for real this time
Oh I know, it always was with you

You or no one
I hope I'm wrong before I die of boredom
I wantmore than
days and nights when I amuse
myself alone

He better be someone special
He better be devoted just like you
It better be for real this time
Oh I know, it always was with you

Friends forever, oh no
another girl will change your mind
in less than half the summer
So before you fall in love, I wonder
when you asked for
something that I couldn't give you
more of
Me and you
I talk as if it's now but nothing is new

She better be someone special
She better be more in love than me
And if I was your brightest hour
she is now, as far as I can see

—Better Be, Anna Ternheim

Today must have been one of the strangest days
Some would say that you won’t find love that way
The best days are not planned by common sense
By lack of time
You just happen to be where everything feels fine

It’s a new secret I have found

From today I'll change my priorities around
I’m no longer in command, and people say
I’m off solid ground and you're to blame
But they don’t understand, people never do
It's confusing, I don’t expect them to

It’s a new secret I have found

Today must have been one of the strangest days
I found a place where I could stay
And people say that it will kill me,
But they don’t understand
People never do, but it makes sense to me
To be senseless to change my plans for you

It’s a new secret I have found

And I'm off solid grounds for you

—My Secret, Anna Ternheim

Another reason to not take up jogging.

2008-11-05T15:51:00.003-05:00

That has got to bah-low, eh?

Jogger runs mile with rabid fox locked on her arm

Sigh. Of. Relief.

2008-11-05T11:09:00.001-05:00

Totally and completely satisfied.

2008-10-31T14:07:00.003-04:00

Smiled for the first time today! Yay! Go Joshua!

Happy Halloween.

2008-10-31T12:16:00.000-04:00

The one highlight of this holiday . . .

Ol' Broccoli Face

2008-10-30T15:46:00.004-04:00

Oh, tiny face in my broccoli . . .

WTF, BROCCOLI?

WTF BROCCOLI PART DEUCE.

Dressing on the side though.

2008-10-24T15:02:00.003-04:00

This commercial REALLY made me laugh, Wednesday morning.

Look, it's been a long week . . .

It's true.

2008-10-24T15:00:00.001-04:00

See more Natalie Portman videos at Funny or Die

Mush.

2008-10-24T11:12:00.001-04:00

Senior Fug

VANESSA: Poor Ashley. She's like the Boring Meat in a sandwich made of Adorable Bread and no one wants to eat her. Or something. You know what I mean.

Thank God it's Friday. I think my brain is turning to mush.

Pray that I don't try to beat her

2008-10-22T13:11:00.005-04:00

When's the next album, eh?

Is Sunday gonna be my day to take it easy
(make it all about me)
Maybe on Monday think about callin'
Maybe Tuesday we'll see how I feel
Sunday gonna be ma day to take it easy
(and make it all about me)
Maybe on Monday think about callin'
Maybe Tuesday we'll see how I feel

It's 9:30 in the mornin', I didn't sleep well again
Tossed all night long boy
Can't stand it when we fight like this
Here we go again so I have to be gone
Can't deal with the fallout
Gonna take a time out
I need to take the day off
Gonna gather my thoughts, gather myself
I need some time without you, without you

Is Sunday gonna be my day to take it easy
(make it all about me)
Maybe on Monday think about callin'
Maybe Tuesday we'll see how I feel
Sunday gonna be ma day to take it easy
(and make it all about me)
Maybe on Monday think about callin'
Maybe Tuesday we'll see how I feel

Maybe I'll just take a walk
A few blocks get a bite to eat
See a movie (but not a love story)
Try to get in the key, listen to some Stevie
What I need to do is go to church
And pray for that girl that got between us
Pray that I don't see her
Pray that I don't meet her
Pray that I don't try to beat her

Is Sunday gonna be my day to take it easy
(make it all about me)
Maybe on Monday think about callin'
Maybe Tuesday we'll see how I feel
Sunday gonna be ma day to take it easy
(and make it all about me)
Maybe on Monday think about callin'
Maybe Tuesday we'll see how I feel

What she says and what she does ain't no concern to me
She don't really need to be all up in my business
Baby you didn't really take the time to talk to me
You played me and betrayed me
Now I'm ready I need, I need Sunday . . .

Is Sunday gonna be my day to take it easy
(make it all about me)
Maybe on Monday think about callin'
Maybe Tuesday we'll see how I feel
Sunday gonna be ma day to take it easy
(and make it all about me)
Maybe on Monday think about callin'
Maybe Tuesday we'll see how I feel

—Heather Headley, Sunday

Cashews probably aren't great for you in massive quantities, huh?

2008-10-21T17:01:00.002-04:00

1. I’m going to the gym tonight for the first time in three weeks. Healthy Muggins 2008 starts today!!

2. I scrubbed my bathroom last night, in lieu of my Mum’s arrival this weekend. Let’s hope I can keep it clean until Friday. (And then there are no rules.) I plan on scrubbing the kitchen SLASH office SLASH wardrobe area tonight. I heart living in a studio. Really. At least I’ll only have the East Wing to worry about for the rest of the week.

3. I’m itching to start drawing again. For fun, not work. I wonder what I’ll start with. Aren’t you on the edge of your seat?

4. There is a plastic bag of peanut M&Ms in my desk drawer (courtesy of the BFFFF who doesn’t know how to keep to oneself chocolate gifts) and they’re ALL I can think about. But Healthy Muggins 2008 is keeping me from reaching on in there and pulling them out. How’s THAT for self-control?? (I think I’m going to have a harder time tonight around the peanut butter cup ice cream in my freezer (courtesy of jerkface).) You people need to stop it!

5. Have I mentioned how excited I am about my Mam coming this weekend????? The plan (in order of “events”):
- couch
- pizza
- wine
- movie
- donuts
- flea market
- tea
- couch
- wine
- dinner
- couch
- wine
- Sarah’s circus
- brunch
- snack
- wine
- dinner
- wine
- movie
- breakfast
- movie
- lunch
- wine
- couch
- dinner
- wine
- cake
That about covers it. (This all, of course, falls under Healthy Muggins 2008. Naturally.)

6. Excellent to see you this afternoon, Goolia. How I’ve missed you, friend. See you in November, poppet.

Oh, the fun of burning books.

2008-10-21T16:17:00.001-04:00

Oregon mom won't return library's 'Bunny Suicide' book

Taffey needs to settle down.

(I bet she's just upset about her name. Taffey?? Seriously?)

That smile be creepy.

2008-10-20T11:03:00.001-04:00

Love.

2008-10-17T11:27:00.002-04:00

Seriously, love.

I've been watchin' you from afar
For as long as I can remember
You are all a real man can need
And ever ask for, this is love
This is more than a crush

It was all up at Rutgers, I saw you with your man
Smiling, a coach bag in your hand
I was laying in the coup with my hat turned back
We caught eyes for a moment, and that was that
So skated off, as you strolled off
Looking at them legs, God damn they looked so soft (so fine)
I gotta take ya from your man, that's my mission
If his love is real he got to handle competition

You only knew you about 5 months (that's right)
Besides he drinks too much and smokes too many blunts
And I've been workin' out everyday thinkin' 'bout you
Lookin' at my own eyes in the rear view
Cathchin' flash backs of our eye contact
Wish I could lay ya on your stomach and caress your back
I would hold ya in my arms and ease your fears
I can't believe it, I haven't had a crush in years

Hey lover

Hey lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush
Hey lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush
Lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush
Hey lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush

I see you at the bus stop waitin' everyday
Your man must think it's safe for you to travel that way
But I don't want to violate your relationship
So I lay back in the cut with a crush that's a trip
Still he can't stop me from having day dreams
Tounging you down with vanilla ice cream

Kissing on your thighs in the moonlight
Searching your body with my tounge girl all night
I wonder one day could it be, simple dreams can turn into reality
Our love would come down so naturally
We would walk down the aisle of destiny
What your man got his hustle on gotcha type scared
Break ya off a little chump change to do your hair
That seems to be enough to satisfy your needs
But there's a deeper level if you just follow my lead

Hey lover

Hey lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush
Hey lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush
Lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush
Hey lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush

Last week I saw ya at the mall
Standing at the pay phone 'bout to make a call
I had a vision it was me on the other end
Telling you come by and then you walked in
I touched you gently with my hands
We talked about travelin' the distant lands
Escaping all the madness out here in the world
Becomin' my wife no longer my girl

Then you let your dress fall down to the floor
I kissed you softly and you yearned for more
We experienced pleasure unparallel
Into an ocean of love we both fell
Swimming in the timeless, currents of pure bliss
Fantasies interchanging with each kiss
Undying passion unities our souls
Togehter we swim until the point of no control

But its a fantasy it (that, you) won't come true
We never even spoke and your man (still) love you
So I'm gonna keep all these feelins inside
Keep my dreams alive until the right time

Hey lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush
Hey lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush
Lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush
Hey lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush

Hey lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush
Hey lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush
Lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush
Hey lover, hey lover, this is more than a crush

This is more than a crush
This is more than a crush
This is more than a crush
This is more than a crush

—LL Cool J / Hey Lover

I really can't stop laughing at this.

2008-10-17T10:59:00.001-04:00

Ain't that the truth.

2008-10-16T15:32:00.001-04:00

Love is not a victory march

2008-10-16T11:30:00.002-04:00

Well I heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
Well it goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Well Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
she tied you to her kitchen chair
And she broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Well baby I've been here before
I've seen this room and I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Well there was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show that to me do you?
And remember when I moved in you?
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Well maybe there's a God above
But all I've ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who'd outdrew you
And it's not a cry that you hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

— Leonard Cohen / Hallelujah

#3, please.

2008-10-16T10:21:00.001-04:00

So, like, on a scale of 1-10, a bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll is how bad for you??

Seriously. How bad?

Procrastination Device #27864038

2008-10-15T15:32:00.002-04:00

This. Is. Amazing.

thisissand.com

Check out the gallery, too.

I had to steal a little time baby so I could spend it all on you

2008-10-15T14:53:00.001-04:00

Look out baby
I'm in a dangerous mood
I done called up the bossman
Told him where to go
And just what to do

Call me crazy
But i did what I had to do
You can call me stupid
I just did what I had to do
I had to steal a little time baby
So I could spend it all on you
I parked the car down the street
And I unplugged the phone
So it would look just like
Ain't nobody home
I put a rose on your pillow
Where you lay your pretty head
I'm gonna rub your tired shoulders
Bring your dinner to your bed

Look out baby
I'm in a dangerous mood
I had to steal a little time baby
So I could spend it all on you

I'm gonna light a candle
Put the champagne on ice
And if one ain't enough
Well we'll just have to do it twice
I done made myself a will
And I've called my next of kin
'Cause I'm gonna love you over
And over and over
Again and again

Look out baby
I'm in a dangerous mood
I had to steal a little time baby
So I could spend it all on you

Look out baby
I'm in a dangerous mood
Look out baby
I'm in a dangerous mood
I just this one last paycheck baby
And I'm gonna spend every dime on you

—Keb' Mo' / Dangerous Mood

Scary.

2008-10-14T15:46:00.001-04:00

Could the 'Bradley Effect' Hurt Obama?

Not preggers, but swollen all the same.

2008-10-14T11:19:00.002-04:00

1. I saw 58 pregnant women on the way to work today. OK, maybe not that many . . . but a LOT nonetheless. What’s in the water around here?

2. I really need to get off the liquid crack, aka Diet Coke. I know I’ve brought it up before . . . but I’m serious this time. (Last 50 times, I was just having a laugh.) The stuff is no good. No good for you. I need to become a water addict. Easy enough. Although, I’m not ready to be preggers . . .

3. I need to become a whole hell of a lot better at keeping in touch with people. I just found out that a friend’s baby has three teeth now! Three! Teeth! The kid can now chew and I am still picturing him trying to focus his eyes. Not good friend business. At all.

4. Really need to kick-start Healthy Muggins 2008 at some point. I’m running out of time. Dinner last night: two glasses of Chenin Blanc, one everything bagel topped with butter and cheddar cheese, one ice cream cone stuffed with chocolate chip cookie dough. Yes, lovely and yummy. No, healthy and ideal. And this cold isn’t letting up so God knows when I’ll see the gym again. Feeling good. Feeling really good. Perhaps bloated and puffy will be IN this season. How ahead of the game will I be then? Very, my friends. Very.

When I reach those hills, boys, I'll never roam

2008-10-13T13:15:00.002-04:00

A long time ago I left my home
For a job in the fruit trees
But I missed those hills with the windy pines
For their song seemed to suit me
So I sent my wages to my home
Said we'd soon be together
For the next good crop would pay my way
And I would come home forever
One more dime to show for my day
One more dollar and I'm on my way
When I reach those hills, boys
I'll never roam
One more dollar and I'm going home
No work said the boss at the bunk house door
There's a freeze on the branches
So when the dice came out at the bar downtown
I rolled and I took my chances
One more dime to show for my day
One more dollar and I'm on my way
When I reach those hills, boys
I'll never roam
One more dollar and I'm going home
A long time ago I left my home
Just a boy passing twenty
Could you spare a coin and a Christian prayer
For my luck has turned against me
One more dime to show for my day
One more dollar and I'm on my way
When I reach those hills, boys
I'll never roam
One more dollar and I'm going home
One more dollar
Boys I'm going home

—Gillian Welch / One More Dollar

Because I'm TOO excited . . .

2008-10-13T09:57:00.004-04:00

Of COURSE I'm most excited about my Mam coming to see me (see her comment in the post below)!! I think I forgot to put it on the list as I'm SO excited, I can't think straight. Seriously.

Perhaps I should have replaced the Shepherd's pie bit with my Mam coming to see me. Both are English. Interchangeable, yes? And I certainly didn't end up making Shepherd's pie . . .

um, gotta go . . .