Still Holding On To One's Principles: Like A Rock By Bod Seger And The Silver Bullet Band

From my early childhood to the present, I always considered myself a simple man who like living an ordinary life. Be that as it may, as times change, you learn things and pick up habits that you get from your siblings or your peers. Nevertheless, there some some principles and codes that become so much apart of you that no matter what the trend is, these are the things that you'll always believe in and nothing or nobody will convince you otherwise. For me, we all have certain ideals that we live by and when challenged on our beliefs, we stand our ground no matter how much people try to change our minds. One such song that reminds of being true to what I believe in is Bob Seger's song "Like A Rock".

Everytime I feel like looking back and reflecting on the decisions and the things that I've experienced, I often hear thing song playing inside my mind. The video really suits this song which features Bod Seger leaning by his car as he waits for the train to pass and as he waits, I'm not surprised that he has a lot in his mind. It's increadible how a lot of thoughts can go through your head when you pause for a moment and the video captures this very well. Through it all, he stood firm on his beliefs no matter what the results of his actions produced. Memories and principles are powerful mix even during a short pause.

When it comes to short pauses, I often do alot of reflection on my beliefs and my experiences in the past as well as the present. Right or wrong, I'm believed in those things then, I still believe in them now. Even though I tried to a few trends and fads, I never was one who change spots easily, which why when I was young, I was always against what was in style. This song wants me to break out a bottle of Southern Comfort and light a cigar as well as a "green one" whenever I hear it and like liquor because of how it affects me emotionally. It's damn good song then and it's still a damn good song now especially when it comes to reaffirming your principles which haven't changed through the years

An Appeal To End War, Poverty And Starvation: Harvest For The World By The Christians/Isley Brothers

Man,things sure are bad right now and I hope it doesn't get any worse. Despite the fact that I feel kinda down about how things are, when I read the newspaper or watch television, I get reminded that there are others out there who are in worst conditions than me. Hunger, poverty,war, you name it, somebody's suffering from it.
While the rich and powerful live in up, it seems the rest of us have to go without and bear the hardships that plaque the world. Right now I find myself asking if this will ever end and wait in futilitiy for an answer. The hard times that we are all experiencing right now remind me of the song "Harvest For The World" by The Isley Brothers and was later played by the band The Christians.

Originally made by the Isley Brothers and later in the 80's by The Christians, this song often reminds us of the various problems affecting people, especially the poor who ironically are the ones who have to give more while the rich grow fat at their expense and right now it's getting worse. It also speaks of the pain of war and the damage it inflicts on those who fight it. The tragedy of it is that those who gave their lives up in battle are the ones who are forgotten when the conflict ends. Nevertheless it also offers a message of hope that one day these problems will be solved on a long term. Both bands were really good in performing this song that I decided to post both videos on this entry.

Sometimes I get too caught up in my predicament that I forget there are worst problems out there than mine. I do hope things get better as I try outlast this personal storm. I guess I'm being too wrapped in myself and need to reflect more on what to do. I just pray that things don't get worse. I know that life's not fair, just don't make it anymore unfair than it already is.

@ Yahoo! Video

How Do Some People Do It? : Money For Nothing By Dire Straits

I hope get through this two weeks without a hitch. Right now, all I could say is that it's been a rough month and two weeks of belt tighting and finger-biting waiting but atleast the end is near. Hopefully nothing bad financially happens again because that throws everything down the drain and we can't afford it. When I think about money problems, I often wonder how do some people do it: make money effortlessly. Whenever this thought comes to mind, it reminds me of the song "Money For Nothing",

It was one of the songs that characterized the 80's fast times fueled by big money. It's video also featured computer generated-animation which was a first in music video. If I remember right, the song talks about Liberace when they mention the "f" world wearing the earing and the mink coat. When I think about the workers wishing they were rock stars, I guess it's because of the tough times that they have to financially contend with. It was a time when a good idea really got you rich and when you at the present economic situation, you really long for the old days.

When I look at the predicament I'm in now, a good idea can be very useful indeed. I just hope that I able to make improvements in my finances, though I really don't want to be to rich. All I want is to have a little bit more for the needs of my parents and myself which are very simple. I hope that I achieve that before the year ends. Although sometimes I really wonder how successful people do it because they really reap the fruits of their labor. I hope I get to do the same.

Pouring Like Buckets: When The Rain Comes Down By Andy Taylor

It's now August and the rainy season is in full swing. Don't be fooled by the dry morning because the clouds start growing darker and the smell of water grows stronger. Before you can duck for cover, large drops of water start to pelt you like English arrows from Braveheart. Right now when the rain comes down fast and hard, you really to get your wits together and find a way to stay dry or wait out the downpour. It's the same thing with life and since I've been reflecting on the rain, ironically, I remembered a song from the 80's that I liked called "When The Rain Comes Down" by Andy Taylor which remains me of this wet period and a difficult situation that I have to deal with.

I would've wanted to write about this song as one of my favorite party songs during my highschool days but sober events have dampen the theme which I'll be writing about right now. On the up note, this song reminds me of the care-free days that I had as a teenager where we partied on weekends and had not a care in the world. On the downside, just like the rain, right now I'm in a middle of a storm which I have to ride out for a certain period of time. To make matters worse, a recent development has made a bad situation worse and now I have to do something about it.

This is isn't the way I wanted to write about thing song because despite, elements of confusion in the lyrics, it's really an upbeat tune. It just pisses me of that this had to happen at a time when things are difficult enough. As angry as this situation has made me, I'll need to regroup and think of a way to solve this predicament. Hopefully, something good will turn up and things will get better. In time, I have to keep my head above water and toughen things out and I hope I make it through the rain.

Go Away Mad: So Long By Fire Fall

Whether you're arguing with your partner/spouse, your parents, your kin or even your boss, when tempers flare, you can expect that people leaving the scene in anger. It's a piss-off when things can't be solved reasonably and both parties wind up not talking to each other. Sometimes, it can years before those involved would start talking to each other again. I guess this is what happens when we're so caught up with ourselves and only see our side of the situation. A song that best describes this kind of situation is "So Long" by Fire Fall.

When you listen to the song the first thing that comes to mind is a heated argument. Both sides air out their reasons but neither reach a point of understanding. Instead the conversation grews intense and they start hurling accusations and insults at each other. Finally reason is no longer present as both sides leave the scene angry and hurt. Only time will tell if they if they resolve the issue or even talk to each other again.

For me, this song isn't just about arguments, but also about being unable to solve a frustrating puzzle that's becoming a thorn in my side. At times like this, I feel like like throwing my arms up in frustration and feeling very angry at the futility of it all. Especially, after dealing with a really bad development that happened recently which I won't mention lest it becomes an issue again. Everytime things like this happens, I feel like a chump and I don't like it. Although I'm not good at expressing my anger, situations like this make me angry nevertheless.

Bad Times Getting Badder: Sometimes Bad Is Bad

Yesterday, I was able to breathe easy as the paper came down and our group was still intact, although it still hasn't calmed my nerves, let alone allayed my fears. It's bad enough things are getting tough and this had to happen. As much as I shouldn't and mustn't complain, this nevertheless stinks. Why is it bad things keep happening when you already have enough problems to deal with, I never understand. I guess this is What Huey Lewis And The News were talking about in their song "Sometimes Bad Is Bad".

Whenever I hear this song, I feel like waking up early in the morning to what is pre-ordained to be a very bad day. The song is very different from their usual happy-go-lucky tunes because it has a very blues-like feel to it. They talk about bad times and how being cool or I guess keeping your head clear is one way to deal with the situation. Despite the good advice, bad things still happen. I guess in the end, it's a matter of trying to keep it together and figure a way out of a horrid situation.

Right now one part of my predicament has been solved, but as I have written in the first paragragh, I still feel uneasy. I guess one reason is because we're under the microscope and the reason why is still a mystery. A part of me is also angry because this isn't right and I feel like somebody's arrogantly playing the Big G with us. Hopefully, there would be some light at the end of this dark tunnel and things get resolved without a hitch. Until then, I'm going to have to toughen things out cause right bad is bad and that's no understatement.

Waiting On Empty Promises: Tea In The Sahara By The Police

You know it sucks when you're back's up against the wall and you feel the sharp blade of the knife starting to cut at the skin of your throat. When you're at the end of your rope, you get that desperate urge that a miracle would happen and you get rescued from your plight. However it hurts when you think that you're in the clear only to come up short or worst is when someone gives you a glimmer of hope, only to fail you and leave to your doom. All that you can think of is the empty promises that brought you momentary joy, but in the end was nothing more than false hope. I've experienced this many times and the song "Tea In The Sahara" by the Police often reminds me of these sad experiences.

Forgive if I interpret this song literally because whenever I hear this song, I remember those feelings of being forsaken and lied to at certain times in my life. The story of sisters condemned asking for one request only to be denied that request really saddens me. Given assurances that never came true is one of the cruelest things that one person can do to another. I remember experiencing one such promises a few years ago and when I found out it was a lie, all the air went out of my body and I was numb to everything and everyone around me. That was one of the worst periods of my life.

They say don't listen or watch or read anything that makes you feel bad, but in this song, I can't help it. It's a very haunting song and I'm a sucker for such types of music. This song also reminds of a very annoying situation that has transpired lately and like the sisters in the song, I wound up with a cup full of sand. I hope a find a solution to this predicament soon because I hate going through this experience because I feel that somebody's playing a sick joke on me and it's not funny at all. I'll say it once, I'll say it again: Just because life's not fair, doesn't mean it shouldn't be anymore unfair than it already is.