Rose by Cynthia Alexander

I had a recent listen of Cynthia Alexander's debut album, Insomnia & Other Lullabies, and now I understand why others adore her. The song's just enchanting and I didn't notice before that she had this beautiful voice. It's just exciting listening to it. I guess this was one of the best re-discover for the later part of the year.

Walk the streets alone tonight no life at home
Must get out to watch the pretty ones
You want to talk but they don't understand
You want to live, want to love

You are a Rose, on a stormy sea
Rose, uncaring society
Rose, of impropriety

You must be what you must be no other the same
Hunting streets with hormones high
Forgotten Rose, alone you cry
You want to live, want to love

You are a Rose, on a stormy sea
Rose, uncaring society
Rose, with thorns to hide your feelings

You are a Rose, on a stormy sea
Rose, uncaring society
Rose, of impropriety
Rose, with thorns to hide your feelings

In America by Creed

I tried to listen to Creed today, it has been months since I really listened to one of the bands that inspired me to pickup the guitar during my college years. I remember buying this album with Dris right after we got from an overnight swimming party for Serhenz's sister. I think I told a story about him buying a John Mayer CD for himself.

I suddenly thought of studying the basslines for Creed's song to improve myself. Brian Marshall's off the hook on this album. I gotta listen to the new Creed album damnit!

Only in America
We're slaves to be free
Only in America we kill the unborn
To make ends meet
Only in America
Sexuality is democracy
Only in America we stamp our dollar
"In God We Trust"

What is right or wrong
I don't know who to believe in
My soul sings a different song
In America
What is right or wrong
I don't know who to believe in
My soul sings a different song
In America, In America, In America

Church bell's ringing
Pass the plate around
The choir is singing
As their leader falls to the ground
Please mister prophet man
Tell me which way to go
I gave my last dollar
Can I still come to your show

What is right or wrong
I don't know who to believe in
My soul sings a different song
In America
What is right or wrong
I don't know who to believe in
My soul sings a different song
In America, In America, In America, In America

I am right and you are wrong
I am right and you are wrong
I am right and you are wrong
No one's right and no one's wrong
In America, In America, In America, In America

What is right or wrong
I don't know who to believe in
My soul sings a different song
In America, In America

What is right or wrong
I don't know who to believe in
My soul sings a different song
In America, In America,
What is right for you and me?
In America

Hey You by Pink Floyd

Seeing this in the movie Due Date and how it was used really upped my appreciation for this song. Even better was seeing it performed live by Mr. Roger Waters in Atlanta. I had to get my tickets from a scalper, the whole experience was fun. It's probably one of my highlights for the year 2010.

Hey you, out there in the cold
Getting lonely, getting old
Can you feel me?
Hey you, standing in the aisles
With itchy feet and fading smiles
Can you feel me?
Hey you, dont help them to bury the light
Don't give in without a fight.

Hey you, out there on your own
Sitting naked by the phone
Would you touch me?
Hey you, with you ear against the wall
Waiting for someone to call out
Would you touch me?
Hey you, would you help me to carry the stone?
Open your heart, I'm coming home.

But it was only fantasy.
The wall was too high,
As you can see.
No matter how he tried,
He could not break free.
And the worms ate into his brain.

Hey you, standing in the road
always doing what you're told,
Can you help me?
Hey you, out there beyond the wall,
Breaking bottles in the hall,
Can you help me?
Hey you, don't tell me there's no hope at all
Together we stand, divided we fall.

[Click of TV being turned on]
"Well, only got an hour of daylight left. Better get started"
"Isnt it unsafe to travel at night?"
"It'll be a lot less safe to stay here. You're father's gunna pick up our trail before long"
"Can Loca ride?"
"Yeah, I can ride... Magaret, time to go! Maigret, thank you for everything"
"Goodbye Chenga"
"Goodbye miss ..."
"I'll be back"

Wala Kang Katulad by Sponge Cola

I honestly like this song and it's accompanying video. I'm not a big Sponge Cola fan, but they have good songs. One of best friends believed in them starting from the debut album. I'm not sure if I told this story yet, but i was riding the LRT and this girl was listening to an OPM song using her cellphone, the volume was just subtle not to disturb a lot of people in the train. I asked her to make sure what the band was and she mentioned Sponge Cola and for that my respect for this band increased.

Tanging ikaw lang ang minamasdan ko
Nakatuon buong pansin ko
Sa bawat galaw,Sa bawat paglipat

Marahil minsan ika'y nasisilaw rin
Kibit-balikat bawat ningning
Wala kang sablay, Magbago mang kulay

Nakahihigit man ang ilan
Ikaw lang aking inaasam
Wala na akong iba pang kailangan
Wala kang katulad

Bago pa man tuluyan na magdilim
Igawad kahit kaunting pansin
Punan ang patlang sa ating pagitan

Nakahihigit man ang ilan
Ikaw lang aking inaasam
Wala na akong iba pang kailangan
Wala kang katulad

Nakabinbin Sa 'yong pagtitig
Pangako ng nakalaang pag-ibig
Asahan mong ako'y maghihintay

Nakahihigit man ang ilan
Ikaw lang aking inaasam
Wala na akong iba pang kailangan
Wala kang katulad

Because of You by 98º

I just remembered this song after searching for the 98 degrees hit Invisible Man. Both are good songs, but I liked how the video for this song was executed. I remember the girl and the San Francisco bridge (if I'm not mistaken). Great cheesy lyrics coming from a boy band.

It’s all... it’s all... it’s all...
You’re my sunshine after the rain
You’re the cure against my fear and my pain
‘Cause I’m losing my mind
When you’re not around
It’s all... it’s all...
It’s all because of you

You’re my sunshine
Oh yeah...

Baby I really know by now
Since we met that day
You showed me the way
I felt it then you gave me love
I can’t describe
How much I feel for you

I said baby I should have known by now
Should have been right there
Whenever you needed love
And if only you were here
I’d tell you, yes I’d tell you
Oh yeah...

You’re my sunshine after the rain
You’re the cure against my fear and my pain
‘Cause I’m losing my mind
When you’re not around
It’s all... it’s all...
It’s all because of you

Honestly, could it be you and me
Like it was before
Neither less or more
'Cause when I close my eyes
At night I realize that no one else
Could ever take your place

I still can feel and it’s so unreal
When you’re touching me Kisses endlessly
It’s just a place in the sun
Where our love’s begun
I miss you... yes I miss you

You’re my sunshine after the rain
You’re the cure against my fear and my pain
‘Cause I’m losing my mind
When you’re not around
It’s all... it’s all...
It’s all because of you

If I knew how to tell you
What’s on my mind
Make you understand
Then I’d always be there
Right by your side

You’re my sunshine after the rain
You’re the cure against my fear and my pain
‘Cause I’m losing my mind
When you’re not around
It’s all... it’s all...
It’s all because of you

Your Poppa Don't Mind by Supertramp

The song starts of with an interesting title, something that would make me press play. I'm not really that familiar with Supertramp's catalogue of songs, but this one really one me over, starting from the introductory piano tune with the driving bass line and neat guitar work. The song somewhat reminds of Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. Probably I'll bunch those bands up in the same category.

Give it a whirl, give it a try
Why don't you sleep out, start living high?
You're on your own, you make your bed
No time for wasting, just look ahead

Your poppa don't mind what you do or say
You can't surprise him anymore
He's got a reputation that he don't look back
Your poppa don't mind at all

He's getting old, it's getting late
It's soon tomorrow, so celebrate
Bring it out and go to town
Before you're thinkin' of settling down

Your poppa don't mind what you do or say
You can't surprise him anymore
He don't believe in heaven like a good man should
Your poppa don't mind at all

Finding out is half the fun
And when you find out, don't try to run
And if you know then you've begun
But if you don't know it's still to come

Your poppa don't mind what you do or say
You can't surprise him anymore
He talks about his women and his old school's tie
Your poppa don't mind at all

Your poppa don't mind what you do or say
You can't surprise him anymore
He don't believe in Heaven like a good man should
Your poppa don't mind at all
Your poppa don't mind at all
Your poppa don't mind at all

Rockin' Chair by Oasis

I was in the middle of the commute today when I suddenly had the craving to listen to this song. One of the Oasis songs I can truly relate to.

I'm older than I wish to be
This town holds no more for me
All my life I try to find another way
I don't care for your attitude
You bring me down I think you're rude
All my life I try to make a better day

It's hard enough being alone
Sitting here by the phone
Waiting for my memories to come and play

It's hard enough sitting there
Rockin' in your rockin' chair
It's all too much for me to take when you're not there

It's hard enough being alone
Sitting here by the phone
Waiting for my memories to come and play

It's hard enough sitting there
Rockin' in your rockin' chair
It's all too much for me to take when you're not there

I'm older than I wish to be
This town holds no more for me
All my life I try to find another way
I don't care for your attitude
You bring me down I think you're rude
All my life I try to make a better day

It's hard enough being alone
Sitting here by the phone
Waiting for my memories to come and play

It's hard enough sitting there
Rockin' in your rockin' chair
It's all too much for me to take when you're not there

Again by Lenny Kravitz

The song sounds so simple... yet it sticks. Probably because of the cheesy lyrics. And Lenny Kravitz singing it. What I just can't understand in the music video for this song is, why does Lenny Kravitz hesitate in asking this girl out, comeon! You're f'ckin' Lenny Kravitz!

I've been searching for you
I heard a cry within my soul
I've never had a yearning quite like this before
Now that you are walking right through my door

All of my life
Where have you been?
I wonder if I'll ever see you again
And if that day comes
I know we could win
I wonder if I'll ever see you again

A sacred gift of heaven
For better, worse, wherever
And I would never let somebody break you down
Nor take your crown, never

All of my life
Where have you been?
I wonder if I'll ever see you again
And if that day comes
I know we could win
I wonder if I'll ever see you again
And everytime I've always known
That you were there, upon your throne
A lonely queen without her king
I longed for you, my love forever

All of my life
Where have you been?
I wonder if I'll ever see you again
And if that day comes
I know we could win
I wonder if I'll ever see you again

All of my life
Where have you been?
I wonder if I'll ever see you again
And if that day comes
I know we could win
I wonder if I'll ever see you again

All of my life
Where have you been?
I wonder if I'll ever see you again
And if that day comes
I know we could win
I wonder if I'll ever see you again

I wonder if I'll ever see you again
I wonder if I'll ever see you again
I wonder if I'll ever see you again
I wonder if I'll ever see you again

I wonder if I'll ever see you again
I wonder if I'll ever see you again
I wonder if I'll ever see you again

What Would You Say by Dave Matthews Band

I was able to see Dave Matthews Band while I was in Atlanta for a business trip. It was fortunate that my officemates were able to get tickets, and they even got it cheaper than face value (Thanks Pia, Don and Jon!). I' m not going to claim that I'm a big Dave Matthews fan. This song made an impression of me during the concert as it featured a mean solo from Trombone Shorty. Nakakabilib!

Up and down the puppies' hair
Fleas and ticks jump everywhere
'Cause of original sin

Down the hill fell Jack and Jill
And you came tumbling after
'Cause of original sin

Wipe away the tears
Drink a hope to happy years
And you may find
A lifetime's passed me by

What would you say
Don't drop the big one
If you a monkey on a string
well Don't cut my life line
If you a doggie on a chain
Don't bite the mailman
What would you say

I was there when the bear
Ate his head, thought it was a candy
Everyone goes in the end

Knock knock on the door
Who's it for, theres nobody in here
Look in the mirror my friend

I don't understand at best
I cannot speak for all the rest
at mornin rise a lifetime's passed me by

What would you say
Dont' drop the big one
If you a monkey on a string
well Don't cut my life line
If you a doggie on a chain
Don't bite the mailman
What would you say

Every dog has its day every day has its way
Of being forgotten - "Mom, it's my birthday!"
what'd you say (then what could you say)
what would you say

I was there when the bear
Ate his head, thought it was a candy
Everyone goes in the end

Knock knock on the door
Who's it for, theres nobody in here
Look in the mirror my friend

I don't understand at best
I cannot speak for all the rest
at mornin rise a lifetime's passed me by

what would you say?

Ain't Seen Love Like That by Mr. Big

Bump Ahead was the 1st Mr. Big album me and my brothers owned. There was a time when we thought of ourselves as rock stars. I forgot which member of Mr. Big i turned out to be, but those days were fun. We'd listen to cassette tapes as a group, when there's nothing to do, especially on summer and Christmas vacations from school. This song probably suffered in terms of like-ability as the token acoustic song in a Mr. Big album by the presence of the Cat Stevens cover Wild World, but still ranks as one of my favorite Mr. Big songs! I even tried to learn the guitar parts for this.

I've been miles from nowhere
Crossed and doubled back
Time is a healer
And I've done my time
Cause I ain't seen love like that

I've seen the light of freedom
Dim and fade to black
So many faces, but no one compares
No, I ain't seen love like that

And I got people telling me to let her go
Don't let it turn you around
Tomorrow's comin' and you'll never know
The one that you lost may be found

I believe in justice
I wonder where's she's at
It feels like a lifetime
And it just ain't fair
No I ain't seen love like that

And I got people tellin' me to let her go
That girl is bringin' you down
Tomorrow's comin'
And you'll never
The love that you lost may be found

You know that people telling me to let her go
Dont' let it trun you around
Tomorrow's comin' and you'll never know
The love that you lost may be found
No, I ain't seen love like that
So many faces, (ain't seen love like that)
No one compares I ain't seen love like that
(ain't seen love like that) ain't seen love....
(ain't seen love like that) no I ain't

Victoria by John Mayer

I love songs that are named after girls. It's most likely that such songs were inspired by real persons. Persons who could have really made a difference to the song writer's life. Most of the songs in the John Mayer debut, Inside Wants Out, are acoustic based. This is one the songs I tried to learn during college when I was mostly busy with playing guitar, downloading music in the IRC Chat network and studying. I wish things can be that simple again. But then again, it maybe just me playing with my head. I'll probably to write some songs about girls I learned to love and I'm trying to forget. That makes it somewhat easier they say. But easy has not been something I'm familiar with.

Don't know why Tori came by
But I could see by the look in her eyes
Tori'd been driving 'round the town for a while
Playing with the thought of leaving

Don't know why, but Tori just smiled
And mentioned something about how you were right
Must have been hard to see through the tears she was hiding

She said "I might not be seeing him soon...
I've got a few things I've been waiting to do"

Hey, Tori came by
Tori came by tonight
Hey, Tori came by
She says to say goodbye

Looked outside at the car in the drive
And the suitcase on the back seat inside
Sure it's so she can't look out behind at the road

She said "I might not be seeing him soon...
I've got a few things I've been waiting to do"

Hey, Tori came by
Tori came by tonight
Hey, Tori came by
She says to say goodbye

Don't look down, she seemed alright
You might be asking where is Tori tonight?
Somewhere out on the highway I'm sure she's fine

Nerbyoso by Rivermaya

Today, I don't feel very well. But not enough from stopping me to write this note down. I tend to listen to more familiar music when I'm physically, mentally or emotionally down, just to try to bring myself back up. Rivermaya's always a good candidate. I decided to write down Nerbyoso, being one of the main reasons why I really made a point of buying the It's Not Easy Being Green album. Every guy can probably relate to this song. I should probably get over being a Nerbyoso.

Isang gabing kasama ka
Walang ginagawang iba
Kundi mag-usap sa mata
Bigla akong tinawag
Uwian na pala
Pag-lingon ko'y wala ka na

Ilang gabi na 'kong lubhang nagdaramdam
Kahit pangalan mo'y hidi ko pa alam

Sasabihin ko na sana't
Aaminin sa iyo
Lahat lahat ng itinatago ng
Puso kong
Alipin ng kaba
Alam mo naman tayo
Walang magawa
Nerbyoso

Nais ko sanang makapiling kang muli
Kahit saglit lang kahit lamang sandali
Pagka't ilang gabi na 'kong nagdaramdam
Pa'no kung di ka na muling matagpuan

Sasabihin ko na sana't
Aaminin sa iyo
Lahat lahat ng itinatago ng
Puso kong
Alipin ng kaba
Alam mo naman tayo
Walang magawa
Nerbyoso

Ilang gabi na 'konglubhang nagdaramdam
Kase mahal kita hindi mo pa alam

Sasabihin ko na sana't
Aaminin sa iyo
Lahat lahat ng itinatago ng
Puso kong
Alipin ng kaba
Alam mo naman tayo
Walang magawa
Nerbyoso

Stupid Girl by Garbage

Garbage is one of those bands during my high school days that I found interesting not only because of how cute Shirley Manson in the "Only Happy When It Rains" video, but I was able to enjoy the music as well. I wasn't really aware of it at that time, but this song has a sexy bass line that compliments the vocalist. The video for this song was catchy in it's own right! The only thing that bothered me before is why this cute vocalist hanging out with old dudes, not thinking that they were seasoned studio vets!

You pretend you're high
You pretend you're bored
You pretend you're anything
Just to be adored
And what you need
Is what you get

Don't believe in fear
Don't believe in faith
Don't believe in anything
That you can't break

You stupid girl
You stupid girl
All you had you wasted
All you had you wasted

What drives you on
(What drives you on)
Can drive you mad
(Can drive you mad)
A million lies to sell yourself
Is all you ever had

Don't believe in love
Don't believe in hate
Don't believe in anything
That you can't waste

You stupid girl
You stupid girl
Can't believe you fake it
Can't believe you fake it

Don't believe in fear
Don't believe in pain
Don't believe in anyone
That you can't tame

You stupid girl
You stupid girl
All you had, you wasted
All you had, you wasted

You stupid girl
You stupid girl
Can't believe, you fake it
Can't believe, you fake it

You stupid girl
You stupid girl
Can't believe, you fake it
Can't believe, you fake it

You stupid girl

Xavia by The Submarines

I copied the Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist soundtrack from an officemate last week I think, while I gave her some Fiest mp3s. This song is the one that caught my attention. It's just so cool. I can't explain why, and that's the best part. Maybe it's because of the vocal harmonies, the simple guitar riffs. It's just awesome.

Your going away
And I'm feeling the same
Thing Day after Day
I can't let it go

Everyone in this room
They've got troubles too
Secret stories and
Lies that we never knew

Xavia, who will save us?
Your smile's on fire
And still my heart
Won't let you down, the sound

I don't wanna be
Your favorite enemy
Not when i can be loving you, alright
Why can't it be?
No two people feel
The same way at the same time

Xavia, who will save us?
Your smile's on fire
And still my heart
Won't let you down [removal]

Everyone in this room
They've got troubles too
Secret stories and
Lies that we never knew

Your going away(I don't wanna be)
And I'm feeling the same(your favorite enemy)
Thing Day after Day(I don't wanna be)
I can't let it go(your favorite enemy)

Xavia, who will save us?
Your smile's on fire
And still my heart
Won't let you down

Xavia, who will save us?
Your smile's on fire
And still my heart
Won't let you down, the sound

One heart to break, One heart
One heart to break, One heart
One heart to break, My heart
One heart to break, My heart