Song #37: Always

I was browsing some work by Chilean poet Pablo Neruda this week and came across his piece "Always." It spoke of acceptance, forgiveness, patience and desire and I found myself blown away by how much depth was communicated in a few simple words. Although it was not my intention to add anything to his poem or write a companion song, I did use it as inspiration and borrowed several of the ideas and images for this week's song.

See Pablo Neruda's "Always" here. 

PLAY:

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LYRICS:

everyone has their story
all the people they carry
on their shoulders, in their hair
scores of lovers and families
children born and dead buried
and the fear you think I care

bring it all to where i'm waiting for you

there's wake of destruction
behind every someone
it's just the way it is
so you can come as you are, dear
wear it proud like a scar, dear
it's just the way it is

bring it all to where i'm waiting for you

and in this holy union
watch the fire burn up all that lied in ruins
and we will stand, alone,
always

Song #11: All of It

Turn on any pop radio these days and you're likely to hear Bruno Mars crooning about how his girl is "amazing... just the way [she is]." While it's a great song, what irks me is that he praises only her wonderful qualities and how great he makes her feel. The thing is - once you get past the initial stages of dating, no one is all bubbles and unicorns all the time - even the most beautiful woman on the planet. Once lusty attraction turns into a committed relationship, some of the more... hidden... sides of our character start to rear their heads. This is where love begins to replace lust: when we begin to accept and even love ALL that makes someone who they are, rough edges and all.

I thought it'd be fun to write an honest song that challenged the Bruno Mars track - praising a lover's "shadow side" and loving someone TRULY "just the way they are."

PLAY:

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LYRICS:

I could write a thousand lines
about your hair, about your smile
it's true you are beautiful the way that you are
but we've all got our shadow side:
bad mood and fears and age-worn lines
and just as many times as you make me laugh,
you can be a real pain in the ass

your tears mix with makeup and create a mess
you're out late with friends sending drunken texts
you kick back at home in old baggy sweats
and I just can't get enough of you

and I choose all of it
I'll take all of you
if it weren't for all of it,
you wouldn't be you,
and I wouldn't know what to do

the worst thing I could ever dream
is your compromising anything for me
you were fine before you even knew my name
so don't you dare go change a thing
or settle for less than amazing
and I promise you that I'll do the same

so what if it's been months since you touched a broom
and damn girl if you can't clear a room
I just can't get enough of you

and I choose all of it
I'll take all of you
if it weren't for all of it,
you wouldn't be you,
and I wouldn't know what to do

you sure clean up nice when you go out to dance
but I like you in that tank top and those yoga pants
it's safe to say I'm your biggest fan
and I just can't get enough of you

I choose all of it
I'll take all of you
If it weren't for all of it,
you wouldn't be you,
and I wouldn't know what,
no i wouldn't know what to do

Song #3: Behind the Scenes

Intimacy is nakedness. Letting someone in to see our true, unpolished selves takes trust and transparency. It's a beautiful thing indeed when in that vulnerability we find ourselves accepted, flaws and all.

"Behind the Scenes" was inspired by a conversation I had with a good friend. The first stanza is based on an analogy he mentioned in passing. I was inspired, took it from there and ran with it.

Make sure you let it play through the bridge [2:45]: that's where things really pick up!

PLAY:

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LYRICS:

there is a stage and there is a curtain
outside's the show, but hey don't you know:
that behind the scenes things ain't what they seem
the cards are all shown, the tricks are exposed

we do our dance, we put the act on
out under bright lights, out on the stage
but all that's the show, there's something secret
behind the scenes, come back with me

when the lights go down 
and the walls come down
and there is an ending to all the pretending
I'll let you in
come see my sin
where all is uncovered is where the true lovers live

let's take it off, take off the makeup
take off our clothes, 'til all is exposed
I'll show you mine, if you show me yours
back behind the scenes, where it's just you and me

when the lights go down  
and the walls come down 
and there is an ending to all the pretending 
I'll let you in 
come see my sin 
where all is uncovered is where the true lovers live

a place of refuge where naught is forbidden
where trust is drunk freely and nothing is hidden
where you can be you without bullshit pretension
where baggage is welcome and girl did I mention
that behind the curtain there's no condescension
we'll reveal more than a stripper convention
and no matter what you still get my attention
I guess that's what love's all about 

when the lights go down  
and the walls come down 
there is an ending to all the pretending 
I'll let you in 
come see my sin 
where all is uncovered is where the true lovers live