What Does This Song Mean To Me? And You?

My Perfect Song

2009-06-01T16:01:00.002-04:00

There's songs to fit every mood and occasion - I guess that's why music is so loved and worth the time. Being a writer must be so demanding personally, it has to be otherwise it won't work.

I've had a song sang to me while dancing at a wedding for all to see - I was embarrassed and I felt bad for it. The guy I was dancing with was practically singing his heart out and the song contained such lyrics as "... I should be your man." I had to smile at him while we were slow-dancing though I wanted to run and hide. I thought is was a tadbit unnecessary (because he could have just asked... privately!) yet SO sweet. We got (he got) a standing ovation even from the bride and groom who didn't care about stealing their thunder for those 4 mins, plus the rest of the night as we got more than enough attention! He's now my boyfriend :)

Anyway, I swore to never ever dance at a wedding again! This all came to memory because of this one song I wish to share with you - My perfect song. If a guy was to ever sing to me, it should be this not a Tyrese song!

A great love song by Coffey Anderson.

Holding on...

2009-04-02T14:04:00.004-04:00

So, it's good to hear encouraging messages, right? I've been blown away by others openness on the topic of God. Not everyone's taste - agreed - but everyone resorts to that uncontrollable sob in their life time and acknowledge Him for that moment. We find unexplainable peace at those times, I know it.
Let's be real - I love encouraging but easily get annoyed when being encouraged. Call me one of those "I know what's best" type who are blind-sighted from their own entitlement and worth.
We are strong - Yes. We can do many things - Correct. Yet even in the midst of our success and our courageous leaps, that neon sign is still glowing these words "You didn't do it on your own... Nuh-uh!" We live for more than ourselves. The people we meet - our posse and acquaintances - they have done something or not done something, for you to still be here. Meaning we too did something or not - even in the smallest of decision makings - for someone to still be going on. Hey, we are told frequently about "meant-to-be"'s, "this was no a coincidence"'s and "perfect timing"'s... I have learned and experienced personally how saying something like "I love you" saves a life - in fact, it was that such a phrase adds a day to someones life... Makes me not want to give up. On the contrary, hang onto what I know, for myself, helps me hold on and never let go.

Been listening to this track by Christian artist, Matt Redman (a true favorite of mine) for the last 72hrs and it's a simple message that's working for me.
Believer or non-believer - extract the big "G" out of it if needs be. The message is still the same. :)

Billy Hufsey-Better Man

2009-03-13T12:23:00.003-04:00

Hey Everyone,

I am so pleased to be guest blogging here at What Does This Song Mean To Me! Music has been a big part of my life my whole life. When I was little, I wanted to be a dj when I grew up. Many people have the gift of playing an instrument, or have a beautiful singing voice. I was blessed with the ability to hear how songs fit together in relationship to each other.

Today I'd like to talk to you about a new song that has really captured my attention. Did any of you watch the show on VH1 "Confessions of a Teen Idol"? I was drawn to it because I remembered nearly all of the men that were appearing on the program, trying to find their way back into the spotlight. I stuck with it because each and every one of them had a compelling story that made me care about who they are now, not just who they were when I was a teenager and had their posters on my bedroom wall. During the course of the show, I found myself particularly drawn to the story of Billy Hufsey. I was so fascinated by him when he was on Fame, and the amount of talent and heart he showed on this show kept me fascinated again. While filming, he wrote a song, called "Better Man", and arranged for some studio time to go in and record the track. At the finale of the show, the producers gave Billy a unique opportunity. They liked the single so much that they created a video to be shown on VH1.com, using this song. Here is that video:

I love this song so much, I went ahead and bought the entire CD, which is available digitally at ITunes as well as other retailers. I've listened to it several times since my purchase, and I am extremely impressed by the whole thing. All but three tracks are written by Billy, and you can tell he is coming from his heart.

For those of you in the Cleveland area, I'd like to let you know that there is a CD release party planned for April 3rd, at the Earth Club. You can find all the details at his Myspace site.

Until next time,
Sharon

Dance To The Music Of Social Media

2009-03-10T20:30:00.001-04:00

I am proud to present to you another great guest post! Acoustic Jim is a musician who writes his lyrics to express life events. His music is incredibly addicting from the start with its easy going sound. I have found myself playing his songs over and over.

In this post, Jim presents his song "Life Two Point Oh". It exemplifies the world of social networking and social media. Do you find yourself addicted to Twitter, StumbleUpon, Mixx, Facebook, MySpace and Digg? If web 2.0 has become a big part of your life, then I know you will thoroughly enjoy Jim's song. I like to think of it as "The Social Media Song"! Enjoy:

Poke me, Nudge me, Write on my Wall!

What was life like before the Internet? I can’t remember and worse still, I struggle to imagine. The world wide web has changed so many areas of our lives and music is one such area which has been redefined. The way we listen, the way we share and the way that the industry operates. It’s also the inspiration for the title track on my debut EP “Life Two Point Oh”

When writing lyrics I always try to find something that I, and hopefully the listener can identify with. Quite often there is a theme sat right under your nose whether it is based on a personal experience or something you have simply observed. With me using every Internet tool in the book to try and promote my musical alter ego Acoustic Jim, the Internet was the perfect subject.

Web 2.0 is a buzz word banded around by online companies and marketers which encompasses amongst other things the phenomenon of social networking. “Life Two Point Oh” is a play on this buzz word. You can listen to the song and find the lyrics transcribed at www.acousticjim.co.uk

One of the principal ways in which the Internet shapes our lives is in the way in which we communicate. Whether it is email, instant messaging, VOIP (Skype) etc. it is now incredibly easy to communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world at little or no cost. With the likes of YouTube we can share videos of things we’ve seen or even ourselves. Aspiring comedians or musicians can reach a global audience from the comfort of their bedroom as normal folk take the stage, their audience unseen. We can even live out fantasy lives through sites like Second Life. There are after all, only virtual limits when we live through the Internet. We can transcend the physical and live out our fantasies, constrained only by the limits of our imagination.

In the lyrics to “Life Two Point Oh” I have dropped a few names as well as drawn upon certain networking sites which dominate our lives. The song isn’t a criticism of the web. On the contrary it is a celebration; however, there is an air of caution to the song. Like anything if we allow it to consume us it can be detrimental. There is also the voyeuristic element to many of these sites which is open to abuse. My life is now wide open, a novel read by all.

With so much of what I do revolving around the Internet and these sites the subject was extremely apt. I just hope that it doesn’t consume me......

Lyrics: Life Two Point Oh

A break in the day free time comes around
A billion voices twitter not making a sound
Do I go for glory watching other people dreams
Normal folk take the stage their audience unseen
Excited eyes look on detached from reality
A greater place lies beyond this enhanced reality

So poke me nudge me write on my wall,
my life is now wide open, a novel read by all

(chorus)

Second Life’s begun that’s where I’m gonna go,
Virtual limits living life two point oh
In cyberspace I’m always in control
That’s why I’m feeling safe living life two point oh.

I choose the familiar and check on my friends
I don’t know you know did I really know you then
Who is everybody and what do they do
My new life as a daily soap has now come true
There are no answers that I can’t get
Helped by global friends I’ve simply never met.

So poke me nudge me write on my wall,
my life is now wide open, a novel read by all

(chorus)

Have you seen my face tube book you’ll probably want to see
No need for this skin an bones cos that’s the real me.
Living life through a copper wire
Binary goals to which we all can aspire
a third life or more we’re always in control
but like much these days, its got no soul

So poke me nudge me write on my wall,
my life is now wide open, a novel read by all

Second Life’s begun that’s where I’m gonna go,
Virtual limits living life two point oh
In cyberspace I’m always in control
That’s why I’m feeling safe living life two point oh.

Listen to Life Two Point Oh:

Hawk Nelson is my Friend

2009-03-07T21:17:00.029-05:00

HAWK NELSONHawk Nelson is (from left) Jason Dunn - lead vocals, piano (2003-present) Justin Benner - drums (2008-present) Jonathan Steingard - guitar, backing vocals (2004-present) Daniel Biro - bass, backing vocals (2003-present)

GENRE: If you're like me, you’re not seek’n preach’n when you're ready to listen to music. My Sirius radio is locked on Hair Nation and Classic Rewind. Christian rock simply wasn't on my radar. -- that is until I found Hawk Nelson. They've opened up a world of music to me that seriously rocks. Don't take my word for it, check them out. The boys from Petersborough, Ontario are cross classified as pop/punk and Christian rock, and if their name doesn't ring a bell , there's still a good chance you've already heard 'em play.

CROSSOVER SUCCESS: Hawk Nelson has met with success in the mainstream. They portrayed The Who on the NBC drama American Dreams, and they recorded "Bring 'Em Out" (listen below) for the 2005 motion picture Yours, Mine and Ours. This song and "The Show" (listen below) were both used on Sunday Night Football commercials. "Things We Go Through" (listen below) from Letters to the President was also featured in Yours, Mine and Ours. The compilation Charlotte's Web: Music Inspired By The Motion Picture features Hawk Nelson's "Everything You Ever Wanted." (listen below)

HN's latest album is Hawk Nelson is my Friend (check out this cool interactive site). How appropriate the title is. These guys make friends easily; they're really nice guys. See them below with my sons at one of their outdoor concerts. We drove 450 miles for this one. We've seen them five times in the last three years. They're just that good. Their lyrics are unpretentious and meaningful. Their rhythm is contagious, with a powerful driving beat. And their presence on stage is as energy-filled and entertaining as any band I've seen. And I've seen plenty.

Check out their Tour Dates and Vodcasts.

Click on picture to view my boys at a Hawk Nelson concert.

Hawk Nelson Is My Friend

More Halk Nelson
The One Thing I Have Left
Everything You Ever Wanted
Zero
Things We Go Through
Letters to the President
Friend Like That
The Show
Every Little Thing
Bring 'Em Out

As I said, before Hawk Nelson I never considered listening to Christian rock. Now, I love it. The subgenres in Christian rock are as varied as the categories of rock. The bands are as talented, and the messages are positive. I only wish I discovered it sooner. I still have my top two presets on Hair Nation and Classic Rewind, but now my third preset plays Christian rock. IMO there's something there for everyone.

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder? Not this time...

2009-03-01T14:27:00.008-05:00

When people list the top ten greatest Rock bands, you see the usual appearances of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who - on occasion you would see Guns N' Roses up on the list, if not, they're typically not too far behind.

Talks among others debating on whether Guns N' Roses reuniting has been circling for some time now. With Axl Rose being the only original member left in the band, I see comments such as "The best rockband ever!!! I wish one day the original band will celebrate their comeback" being a dead wish based on the latest article with him referring to Slash as "cancer that's better removed." Harsh words, people! It seems this attitude towards Slash has only increased over the years instead of fading away.

I know very little about the issues within the band so there is no existent opinions on my part. So I simply did a little digging, concentrating mainly on Slash - is he that bad to also have Mr. Rose saying "...there's zero possibility of me having anything to do with Slash other than by ambush, and that wouldn't be pretty." and describing Slash playing the guitar as being a "whore for the limelight"???

During my short discovery mission, I'm starting to think Slash can't be that bad - well talent-wise anyway. Maybe this great song - created from a little joking around on the guitar by Slash himself - will hopefully cheer up a few Guns N' Rose's fans!

Deep and Meaningful Me: How Music is Painted in My Life

2009-02-26T14:51:00.006-05:00

This is a guest post written by my friend Gemma who shares where her love of music comes from and what it means to her:

Music is life and speaks life - A statement you would find engraved in my heart.
I grew up a little bit on R'n'B - thanks to my three older brothers - but heavily on Christian/Gospel music. So let me briefly cover how religious music influenced my insight to music and what it means to me.

On a scheduled one-day-a-week basis, I would witness a congregation emotionally moved, inspired and broken down by the power of the words respired and accompanied by the passionate musicians situated at the far left corner of the stage in front of me. I use the word "respired" because it's the perfect word to help me explain to movements I saw, though technically unseen to the naked eye:

- "To inhale and exhale air for the purpose of maintaining life; breathe" - Every once in a while there would be someone there on the pulpit facing us, delivering a song. As they sang, it was like those words would exhale out of them, onto us. Influenced or quoted from Scripture, a message was being issued to all those that listened, and because inspired by Scripture it meant the purpose of the message was an application to a "healthier lifestyle". (in quotes because, of course, many would beg to differ).

- "To breathe freely again, after anxiety, trouble, etc." - Whether the person performing a song or the whole congregation singing in unison, I saw music exercised as relief to the trouble-minded; those who were experiencing mishaps in their life and had difficulty shaking off the negative or painful chains that was tearing them apart. Many would walk out that place a changed person after that, completely satisfied and chain-free. Few would even shed tears or in extreme cases, sob their mountains of baggage away in front of everyone. Either way, they got to breathe freely again.

Extreme? Dramatic? To both, yes. Whether it was really necessary sometimes - that's a question for that individual to answer and not for us to judge. Seeing music work in those ways influenced me to open myself to music, so the arguments out there about whether people with such beliefs are "allowed" to listen to music out of those beliefs has never stopped me. I listen to be uplifted, to be directed, to be entertained, to understand - Don't listen to those who oppose there being something good in everything because it's true. Did I say that right? I'll say it another way - there IS good things to get out of everything, so even those songs about gangs and stuff is great in letting others know life as it is outside their box and what not to do (I only hope!) I guess that could be the reason why people say what say about not exposing yourself to certain types. Again I believe it's a personally decision on whether these things lead them astray - music doesn't play that role for me and isn't considered a weakness.

I have no specific genre that I could label as a favorite, instead pretty much all types are bunched together and labeled as my No.1. I challenge everything out there, like right now I'm kind of going towards the flow of classical music which I admit takes quite a lot of patience. I never grasped Rock/Heavy Metal (and all those attached) too much when I tried it a few years back. I think if anyone was to get me started by maybe recommending me a few artists or give me some direction, I'd definitely give it another try. After that, if the blog owner allows me, I'll share whatever I experience with those to you too. (Was that a hint??)

I'll leave you with this song. I'm laughing out loud on the thought of even choosing this. After everything I've just shared with you, you'll probably be thinking something along the lines of - "What a rebel!!" Maybe it's the artist or the title...? Maybe it the lyrics "It's my life. It's now or never, I ain't gonna live forever. I just want to live while I'm alive..." - Whatever floats your boat :-)

Every Song of Coldplay Relates To a Beautiful Thing

2009-02-05T17:02:00.003-05:00

This is a guest post written by my friend Doson, who surely must be Coldplay's number one fan!

"The more you listen the better it gets" that is called Coldplay. Now you won't agree with me cos' you hardly listen to Coldplay. The rhymes of the guitars & piano with a mixture of jazzy(ness), the loveliness & the beauty of their lyrics with a melody (you don't call it but I do) of Martin's voice & the coolness of Champion's Drums makes everything meaningful & Peaceful for every season.

Every song of Coldplay relates to a beautiful thing. There's a hidden meaning in each song and it depends on how you perceive the beauty of Coldplay's lyrics. Now only the die-hard fans of Coldplay gets the real taste of Coldplay cos they know this little line "The more you listen the better it gets"

Okay, I am writing a guest post.. I was off the topic. This is something that I never dreamed of but I always wanted to. Big thanks to Kelly for giving me a chance to write for Coldplay.

Seven years & nine months after my birth.. In September 1996 the scent of coldplay arises.. that's what the wiki says:

Okay I'm getting back to history. I'll assume some of you haven't seen this.

First Coldplay Rehearsal Jan. 1998:

In my bedroom in the flat Chris Martin and I (Jonny) shared in Camden, the two of us and Guy waited for Will to turn up. The dust was just setting after strippers upstairs practising their routines had sent our ceiling crashing down. We were worried, Will hadn't played the drums much for years. He strolled in nonchalantly and played with incredible confidence and grace. We were now complete. - Jonny

Dublin Castle:

Our first concert as COLDPLAY LTD
The band before us were pissed off with the promoter and so took their drum kit home after their set... This was a problem as we were going to borrow it. So Will had to use the flash as a bass drum and rely upon his wits. - Chris Martin

Coldplay has the following albums released:

Parachutes:
"In this world when things are all Yellow. You may SHIVER cos' there are SPIES & SPARKS is all around. PARACHUTES are moving in a very HIGH SPEED & there'll be some TROUBLE. But DON'T PANIC cos EVERYTHING'S NOT LOST"
Now the above lines are quirky well that's what I'd like to say about Coldplay.

A Rush of Blood to the Head:
The second album for Coldplay. This album won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2003. "In My Place", "Clocks", "The Scientist" are some of the songs worth listening to. Don't stop with that cos they have enough for you. "The Green Eyes" is all around

X&Y:
And they are back with their third album. Personally I feel this is one of their best albums.
"Fix You", the folky "Swallowed in the Sea" etc.. hmm wait some weird & lazy sounds are in at X&Y.
You may not like the songs at the first instance but I promised you'll realized how beautiful the songs are.

Viva La Vida:
Death & all his friends.
Now you know what's in for Coldplay.. The Strawberries in the "Cemetery's of London" in a "Violet Hill" where all the "Lovers in Japan".. They are NOT "Lost" but they are living in Technicolor.

Prospekt March:
Okay I feel I'm writing too much. Maybe I need to have a "Glass of Water" and cut it short.
"Now my feet won't touch the ground."

Finally, Coldplay is all around. Grab their CD's from nearby store & listen to them. They are worth. "Make Trade Fair".

Thank you Doson for sharing your love of Coldplay with us!!!

Photo courtesy of Flickr: Onigiri4

A Song For Inauguration Day 2009

2009-01-20T07:01:00.005-05:00

Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States today. This inauguration is of historical significance and all the world is waiting to see what changes this new President will bring to the country.

Our new President faces one of the most challenging times in recent history. The economic crisis alone is daunting enough but the the war on terror remains a constant threat.

How will soon to be President Obama handle Iraq? What can he do to help bring peace to the Middle East? Only time will tell if President Obama can put out the fire or if the flames will continue to run rampant.

Featured Blog Of The Week In: Around The Blog World

2009-01-16T06:16:00.003-05:00

I am honored to have been featured in Around The Blog World. This is Donald Dousharm's new blog and you can request to have your blog featured as well. I have always been a fan of his other blog The Virtuous Collection Through The Eyes Of A Sober Mind. Thank you Donald for the kind words!

Here is a snippet from the post:

"Kelly has been a friend and an inspiration to many. I have had the privilege of connecting to her blog from the day she started it. Music is the universal connecting point for us all. Music represents our mood, our desires, our fantasies and is represented throughout our lives. We all connect in some form or another through music. No one presents this more clearly than Kelly. Her passion for music and life is an inspiration to us all."You can read the whole article here: Around The Blog World: Featured Blog Of The Week, What Does This Song Mean To Me?, Jan 2009

Wishing You A Merry Christmas Filled With Love and Hope

2008-12-22T17:36:00.008-05:00

As most people are, I am rather busy as Christmas approaches. I would like to take a moment to wish every one a very Merry Christmas. More than likely, I won't be back until the new year. I will be tied up with family for the next two weeks.

Tied up with family? That does not sound right. I will be lucky enough to be spending time with my family and will enjoy it thoroughly. That is really what the holidays are all about. They are not about the gifts or even the food. Spending time with family is what I always look forward to the most.

Don't you just love the picture in this post? It shows the Christmas spirit of "togetherness". I hope you have a wonderful Christmas filled with family and love.

Strangely enough, I have not chosen a Christmas song for this post. Instead, I chose "Love Will Keep Us Alive" by the Eagles. Christmas is about hope and what better hope does the world have than love? Actively love the people around you and your world will be full of smiles, hope and love. Merry Christmas and I wish you a spectacular New Year!

Favorite Funny Christmas Songs From My Childhood

2008-12-17T09:55:00.004-05:00

I love the traditional Christmas songs, especially those sung by Nat King Cole or Bing Crosby. Then there are the traditional children's Christmas songs like Frosty The Snowman or Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. These are all a part of Christmas, but the funny Christmas songs below also hold a place in my memory and heart.

Countdown to my most favorite funny Christmas songs from my childhood:

4) I want a Hippopotamus For Christmas:

3) All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth:

2) Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer:

1) The Twelve Pains Of Christmas:

Please tell me some of your favorite funny holiday songs!

It's A Wonderful Life Holiday Tradition

2008-12-11T08:20:00.009-05:00

Life begins and then one day... it ends. The space between the beginning and ending is filled with experiences, activity and most importantly ...people. Jimmy Stewart showed us how each person touches the lives of others in his amazing portrayal of George Bailey in "It's A Wonderful Life".

James Stewart is my favorite actor of all time. Of course I did not know him personally, but I can honestly say he has made a great impact on my life. Watching one of his movies always puts me in a peaceful mood and has a soothing effect on my soul. Anyone who knows me really well is very aware of what a big fan I am of this legend. In fact, my father-in-law used to call me every time a Jimmy Stewart movie came on so I could watch it.

I think most of us realize how important other people are in our lives. We value our family members and friends. The key concept to "It's A Wonderful Life" is that sometimes we don't understand just how much of a difference we can make in someone else's life. That smile that we give a stranger just might turn their whole day around for the better.

There is a song called "Moments" by Emerson Drive that reminds me of "It's A Wonderful Life". That might be why I liked this song immediately and so much. Other people can make such a difference in your life. It could be a chance meeting, a dear friend, or a new person that came into your life at just the right time. You too can do that for other people.

It is a holiday tradition for me to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" every Christmas season. I never tire of watching it and it still has the same incredible effect on me each and every time. The message is beautiful and Jimmy Stewart is simply the best. Take a look around you and be aware of how much you touch other people's lives and how they touch yours.

*In memory of my father-in-law who passed away on December 9, 2008. Thank you Pop for touching my life. I love you.

Photo courtesy of hunnybunny777 on Flickr

Charlie Daniels Band Versus Marshall Tucker Band

2008-12-10T09:48:00.005-05:00

The devil went down to Georgia but he lost to the Charlie Daniels band. The question is, can The Marshall Tucker Band beat them?

Charlie Daniels is known not only for his singing but also for his great fiddle playing. He led The Charlie Daniels Band to several hits songs.

Charlie Daniels also played the fiddle on many of The Marshall Tucker Band's early albums although he was not an official member.

Two bands. Both southern rock. Similar sounds, yet different. Who wins? Vote now!

I have picked my two favorite songs from each band and posted the videos below. Take a moment to listen to them before you vote.

"The Devil Went Down To Georgia" by The Charlie Daniels Band

"Long Haired Country Boy" by The Charlie Daniels Band

"Can't You See" by The Marshall Tucker Band

"Fire On The Mountain" by The Marshall Tucker Band

The Heart Of Rock And Roll In Cleveland

2008-12-07T13:51:00.004-05:00

I am proud to present a guest post written by my friend Shirley of Proof Positivity:

I am a Clevelander and proud of it.

Drew Carey is truly from Cleveland in fact I used to do community service in his high school. Very unusual to do community service in a school that a celebrity once attended. There was a Drew Carrey shrine in the hallway surrounded by sports trophies.

All of the sites in this video are not Hollywood sets. In the background you saw The Cleveland Museum of Art, Jacobs Field where the Cleveland Indians play, and even The Cleveland Rock 'n' Roll hall of fame.

Back to music... The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was created April 20, 1983. They had no clue where they were going to put the museum. Cleveland lobbied to be chosen, saying that one-time Cleveland disc jockey is widely credited with promoting the new genre (and the term) of "rock and roll", and that Cleveland was the location of the first rock and roll concert. There was a vote between Memphis and Cleveland and Cleveland won by 100,000 votes.

If you were to go up in a helicopter you would find that The Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame's funky design is actually a turntable. You will see Madonna's cones and Micheal Jackson's glove, doo-whoppers memorabilia. Personally, the Rock Hall isn't my thing. I'm a head banger at heart and I expected loud blaring rock music when I visited. I can only compare it to an art museum where whispering is typical.

What cured my head banging fix is The Cleveland Hard Rock Cafe. The music is loud and you can barely converse. The food is delicious and the reason why some will go into cardiac arrest. Autographed guitars, pictures, and clothing cover every inch of the wall. I love the atmosphere! I could live at the Cafe. The motto of the Hard Rock Cafe fits my personality too, "Love all, serve all." I am strongly for serving my community and the Hard Rock Cafe fills my need to get the message out, to serve your community.

Other sites you could see in Cleveland are The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Health Museum, The Cleveland Public Theatre, The Theatre District, The Cleveland Browns, Indians, Cavaliers and The Lumberjacks. Cleveland has a lot to offer a tourist. So, if you haven't been to Cleveland, it could very well be an affordable vacation and fun too.

Win $25 Amazon Gift Card In The Holiday Video Contest

2008-12-03T06:00:00.012-05:00

I am in the holiday spirit and it is time for a fun contest! Do you have any original holiday videos that were made by you? Submit them in this contest and your video could be the big winner!

The video must have some kind of holiday theme, but is not limited to music. The video entries will be narrowed down to ten by me. My favorite ten videos will then be put in a post for everyone to vote for their favorite. It will be a battle of the holiday videos!

There will be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prize. So what is the big prize? The person who submits the winning video will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. The 2nd place winner will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card and the 3rd place winner will get a $10 Amazon Gift Card. (Gift cards are in U.S. dollars, Void Where Prohibited By Law)

Videos must be submitted by midnight of December 20th. The post with the ten videos I chose will be posted up for voting on December 22nd. Voting will take place through December 30th and the winner will be announced here on New Year's Eve day.

Interested? Here are the rules for entering the video showdown:

First, you must go to Made Up Memories and make a super quick and fun video (it will not be the one you enter in the contest).
After you make the video, it will allow you to save it and email it. Email it to me along with some other people you think will enjoy it (they are so fun and cute).
Once that is done, to submit your holiday video entry for the contest, Click Here To Send Me An Email with your holiday video link and embedding information.
Leave a comment on this post stating that you entered your video (don't forget to email me first), along with the link to your video so others can start enjoying it before the big showdown.
Videos must be submitted by midnight of December 20th. As stated above, the video must be original and made by YOU.

Let the contest begin!

Holiday Season's Hot New Toy: Dancey Pants Kelly

2008-12-01T13:59:00.006-05:00

Apparently my music blog has made an impression on someone! I was turned into this holiday season's latest hit toy!

Okay..... so maybe I can't pull that off! It might be a little cuter with a kid in there. If you wanted to get really creative, you could put Britney's face or Sarah Palin's face in the video instead. Go to Made Up Memories and choose from several video options including an amazing illustrated storybook about a princess for little girls or a non-stop action comic strip about a super hero for little boys.

I uploaded this to YouTube to put on my blog. However, I use Memeo Share for sharing photos and videos privately with friends and family.

When I saw this site, I just could not resist making myself into Dancey Pants Kelly! Hmmmm, that kind of reminds me of a song.....

Happy Thanksgiving Music Fans!

2008-11-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! Hopefully all of us will take a break from cyberspace today and get to enjoy spending time with our families. By the end of the day, we will all have stuffed bellies and feel an incredible need for a nap. That is Thanksgiving just the way it should be!

I would like to thank everyone that comes here to follow my blog. It has been so much fun reading your comments and getting to know some of you. You have made it all worthwhile and have turned this into so much more than I ever would have imagined.

This song is dedicated to all of you because you have been so "Kind And Generous" with your support. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

6 Songs For The Love Of Parent And Child

2008-11-24T09:27:00.010-05:00

With Thanksgiving coming up later this week, I want to focus on the people that I am most thankful for and that is my family. There are quite a few songs that make me think of my three sons and how I feel about them. Many of these songs came out before I even had children. There are also some songs about parents that I have always liked and have meant a lot to me throughout the years.

Crosby, Stills and Nash "Teach Your Children" and Mike and the Mechanics "The Living Years"

Rod Stewart "Forever Young" and Rascal Flatts "My Wish"

I always think of my parents (and my sister for that matter) when I hear this song. It is kind of ironic considering my father is not fond of Celine Dion, but he will just have to overlook that fact this time. This song reflects my appreciation for the family that I grew up with and the love we had.... and still do.

The next song is the one special song that I dedicate to my three sons. Every time I hear this song, it brings a tear to my eyes because I feel such a strong desire for them to be happy with themselves. It is "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

There are so many more songs about the love between parents and children. I chose these six songs because they are my favorites when it comes to my boys and my parents. What are your favorite songs that make you think of your children or parents?

Related Posts:

I Swear A Song For My First Born Son

Life Changing Moment With A Song To Go Along

Daniel Re-Done For My Son

Wishes For Our Dear Children

Share Your Song: Music Blog Accepting Guest Posts or Co-Author

2008-11-21T12:19:00.011-05:00

Do you love music and enjoy writing about it? If your answer is yes, then you might be interested in writing for What Does This Song Mean To Me?. I am currently accepting guest posts and possibly considering a co-author.

If you write a guest post, you may leave one link to your site. All posts must be music oriented or at least relate to music in some way. Take a look around this site to get a better idea of what goes on here . Feel free to include a picture and/or music video/link for your guest post. Acceptance of guest posts is at my sole discretion.

I am also considering a co-author for this music blog. It is not a paying position but could help in cross-promoting your own site. If you are interested in co-authoring, please send me an email with your past experience and your overall taste in music. Samples of your writing would be very helpful.

To submit a guest post or inquire about becoming a co-author, send me an email with an appropriate subject line indicating your interest. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

I think it is time to play this blog's theme song again! Let's all "Listen To The Music"..... Better yet, let's talk about it!

Analysis Of O.A.R.'s "Shattered" Lyrics

2008-11-20T09:49:00.010-05:00

I got my first request! Jeff Baker asked to hear my thoughts on the song "Shattered" by O.A.R.. I replied to him that it is interesting he brought this song up because the song intrigued me as well.

Jeff wrote an in depth analysis of the meaning of the lyrics to "Shattered" in his post titled "Is It A Love Song?". I strongly urge you to go read his post. I feel that he pegged the meaning of this song dead on. I will add my thoughts about the song now, so come back here to read them after you visit Jeff's post.

To me, this song is about a bad and unhealthy relationship. I agree with Jeff that it is not about love. It is about uncertainty and fear. The relationship provides a security blanket for him. He knows what to expect from it and to him, that is better than the unknown.

While he realizes that he is better off without the relationship, he allows himself to go back to it because it has become his safety net. He longs to try life on his own and let himself discover healthier and happier relationships. However, his need for something familiar drives him back to where he should not be. Quite possibly, it is even a form of self punishment for subconscious feelings of guilt.

The overall theme of "Shattered" reminds me of another song. This song is a little darker but I think it is related to the concept. It is called "Cover Me" by Candelbox. In this song, he basically loathes his partner but uses her for "shelter from the storm". Unfortunately, I think there are far too many relationships just like that.

What are your thoughts on the song? Jeff mentioned that a lot of people disagreed with his thoughts and that they DO think it is a love song (in a positive way). Please comment with your analysis of "Shattered".

(Image courtesy of FreeFoto.com)

"Shattered" by O.A.R.

"Cover Me" by Candelbox

Jimmie Johnson Makes Nascar History

2008-11-17T09:12:00.004-05:00

Jimmie Johnson made Nascar history yesterday at Homestead-Miami Speedway by becoming only the second driver ever to win three consecutive championships. Cale Yarborough was the first driver to achieve this and now Jimmie has joined him in the history books.

It was a tough start to the race season for the Lowes team. They did not perform as well as they had hoped and had some fierce competition. Kyle Bush dominated the first half of the season but fell short once the chase started. Johnson excelled in the chase but had to battle it out with Carl Edwards the whole way through.

It was an interesting season to say the least. As I mentioned, Kyle Bush took both the Sprint Cup Series and the Nationwide Series by storm. Dale Jr. started his first year with the renowned Hendrick's organization. Carl Edwards won 8 races and came close to winning the championship. Several well known drivers went without a win this season like Gordon, Kenseth and Harvick. While Johnson made history, Tony Stewart ended his ten year history with the Gibbs team.

Throughout the season, I found myself experiencing different emotions. I was not fond of Bush or Edwards mainly due to the tough competition they gave to #48. Yet, I could not help but respect their driving skills. I remember one particular race where Johnson and Edwards had a great battle right down to the last lap. Johnson won that race and Carl walked up to his window afterwards and shook Johnson's hand. I realized what a class act Carl Edwards is and I would like to congratulate him on a brilliant season.

It was an incredibly exciting racing season and I loved every minute of it! I am very proud of Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus, the entire Lowes team and the Hendricks organization. It will be boring on Sundays until the kickoff of next year's season in Daytona on February 15th. Here's looking to next year and another Johnson championship!!

(Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images North America)

My song pick for Jimmie Johnson's history making win is "Take It To The Limit" by the Eagles. I know he can take it to the limit one more time next year to make it four in a row!:

Music And Neurogenesis

2008-11-14T12:05:00.008-05:00

I am going to start highlighting some of the comments that I get here on What Does This Song Mean To Me. There have been some really great comments and they deserve some recognition. This is a comment I received on my post Music Is An Outlet To Let Me Be Myself. It was posted anonymously (otherwise I would have linked to the visitor's site) and was signed "loon".

Comment:

Music to me is either an emotion-delivery system or a key that unlocks the emotions you already have. Either way, when a song really clicks, I feel new things, things which seem to be caused mainly by the music itself.

But I don't think that's completely true. On a personal level, it doesn't explain why music affected me as a kid in mainly superficial ways. It also doesn't seem to explain the blackout that sometimes to happen to people as they move out of their teen years. I know plenty of people who cannot form attachments to new music. I find it hard sometimes. I have to listen attentively and make space for new music. For a song to become an important song personally, usually something memorable and distinct needs to be happening in my life at that time.

When you're a teen, every day is like that. Every day is new and important. You end up with a vast teenage soundtrack.

Recently I went through a blackout period during which i formed no attachments to new songs, maybe for a year or so. Then I relocated to another state, far away. Everything was new, and before I knew it, a song I really shouldn't like at all seeped into my head and took up residence here. That song now means that specific week in that specific year. Likewise, there's a dry snare drum in a popular song from 1995 which, when i hear it, sparks extremely specific feelings. One of my Ipod play lists is composed entirely of songs that I'm embarrassed to admit I like. I shouldn't like them, but they attach to things, and it is what it is.

So I think music is like a mirror which shows you yourself, and that it's important, if you want to form serious attachments to music, to basically feed yourself newness in your exterior life.

I think the whole issue here might have something to do with a little thing called neurogenesis.

--loon

For the song to go along: "She Blinded Me With Science" by Thomas Dolby

Country Music Because Not Everyone Is A Material Girl

2008-11-12T14:14:00.002-05:00

There are millions of country music lovers and millions of country music haters. We can't all be expected to enjoy every possible music genre. While I understand this, I don't completely understand the bad rap that country music gets sometimes.

The thing I like about country music is the simplicity. It is about real life, working hard, family, love and appreciating what you have. Of course, a lot of the songs also include mama, trains, trucks, prison and getting drunk (to quote David Allan Coe). But seriously, country music celebrates life and the love of your country. Not everyone is a material girl.

I could not live without my Rock N' Roll. Yet, country music is a big part of my music scene. Go ahead and call me a redneck if you want, it won't bother me. I love my country and my family and enjoy some good music to go along with it all. I have even been know to watch Nascar........ well okay, every weekend. It is just another side to me that I can further explore through music.

There is a new song out called "Chicken Fried" by the Zac Brown Band. I liked this song the first time I heard it. It is simple, fun and sweet. Here are the lines from the main verse:

"You know I like my chicken fried
Cold beer on a Friday night
A pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio up
Well I`ve seen the sunrise
See the love in my woman`s eyes
Feel the touch of a precious child
And know a mother`s love"

I just can't argue with that! Turn your speakers up and listen to a little Chicken Fried:

Famous Musicians And Their Look-A-Likes!

2008-11-10T07:36:00.011-05:00

Which one is your favorite?

see famous look-a-like faces

see famous look-a-like faces

see famous look-a-like faces

see famous look-a-like faces

see famous look-a-like faces

see famous look-a-like faces

see famous look-a-like faces

see famous look-a-like faces

see famous look-a-like faces

see famous look-a-like faces

see famous look-a-like faces

see famous look-a-like faces

Now for a song: "Mirror, Mirror" by Def Leppard!

Which band rocked the south better?
	The Charlie Daniels Band
	The Marshall Tucker Band

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