karenhamilton.ca » Music

Rainbow Connection (Kermit the Frog)

Karen — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:38:49 +0000

I do love me some Muppets. Of all of the Muppet performances that I have cherished over the years, this song is still capable of making me melt into a puddle of awww. Recently discovered a cover by the talented Jason Mraz, but honestly…who can truly compare to the original performance by Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog? No one, I say.

Rainbow Connection
Uploaded by imperfectly – Check out other Film & TV videos.

Rainbow Connection

Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what’s on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we’ve been told and some choose to believe it
I know they’re wrong, wait and see.
Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that
And someone believed it,
And look what it’s done so far.
What’s so amazing that keeps us stargazing?
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

All of us under its spell,
We know that it’s probably magic…

Have you been half asleep
And have you heard voices?
I’ve heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same.
I’ve heard it too many times to ignore it.
It’s something that I’m supposed to be.
Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Brahms’ Lullaby

Karen — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:30:17 +0000

I once owned a pink and red Sanrio jewellry box (something like this). It was my most cherished possession for the magic that it possessed inside: a chime that spun a lullaby whenever it opened.

Later, I learned that the melody was Brahms’ Lullaby, and that English lyrics existed for me to learn and sing to our highly anticipated family addition. Did your parents ever sing this song to you?

Brahms’ Lullaby

Lullaby, and good night,
With pink roses bedight,
With lilies o’erspread,
Is my baby’s sweet head.
Lay you down now, and rest,
May your slumber be blessed!
Lay you down now, and rest,
May thy slumber be blessed!

Lullaby, and good night,
You’re your mother’s delight,
Shining angels beside
My darling abide.
Soft and warm is your bed,
Close your eyes and rest your head.
Soft and warm is your bed,
Close your eyes and rest your head.

Sleepyhead, close your eyes.
Mother’s right here beside you.
I’ll protect you from harm,
You will wake in my arms.
Guardian angels are near,
So sleep on, with no fear.
Guardian angels are near,
So sleep on, with no fear.

Lullaby, and sleep tight.
Hush! My darling is sleeping,
On his sheets white as cream,
With his head full of dreams.
When the sky’s bright with dawn,
He will wake in the morning.
When noontide warms the world,
He will frolic in the sun.

If It Kills Me (Jason Mraz)

Karen — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:28:06 +0000

These days, I seem to get all my new music from So You Think You Can Dance. It’s a step up from liking a song because it was attached to a cool music video – if the choreography was killer and the dancers nailed it, chances are that I’m also running to iTunes to snap up a copy of the piece they danced it to.

This song caught my attention through this exact process. The funny thing is that as a fan of Jason Mraz, I’ve listened to this song hundreds of times on my iPod without paying it any real attention before. Guess it took the interpretation of Travis Wall and tonight’s amazing performance by Jason and Jeanine for this piece to finally sink in.

And as to be expected of Mraz’ music, getting familiar with the lyrics only makes it better.

If It Kills Me

Hello, tell me you know
Yeah, you figured me out
Something gave it away
It would be such a beautiful moment
To see the look on your face
To know that I know that you know now

And baby that’s a case of my wishful thinking
You know nothing

Well you and I
Why, we go carrying on for hours on end
We get along much better
Than you and your boyfriend

Well all I really wanna do is to love you
A kind much closer than friends use
But I still can’t say it after all we’ve been through
And all I really want from you is to feel me
As the feeling inside keeps building
And I will find a way to you if it kills me
If it kills me

How long, can I go on like this
Wishing to kiss you
Before I rightly explode?
Well this double life I lead isn’t healthy for me
In fact it makes me nervous
If I get caught I could be risking it all

Cause maybe there’s a lot that I’ll miss
In case I’m wrong

All I really wanna do is to love you
A kind much closer than friends use
But I still can’t say it after all we’ve been through
And all I really want from you is to feel me
As the feeling inside keeps building
And I will find a way to you if it kills me
If it kills me
If it kills me

If I should be so bold
I’d ask you to hold my heart in your hand
I’d tell you from the start how I’ve longed to be your man
But I never said I would
I guess I’m gonna miss my chance again

Well all I really wanna do is to love you
A kind much closer than friends use
I still can’t say it after all we’ve been through
And all I really want from you is to feel me
As the feeling inside keeps building
And I will find a way to you if it kills me
If it kills me
If it kills me

Oh, I think it might kill me

And all I really wanna do is to feel you
Yeah the feeling inside keeps building
I’ll find a way to you if it kills me
If it kills me
It might kill me

Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang (Freestyle)

Karen — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:17:58 +0000

I’m adding this Tagalog song about star-crossed love to the tiny repertoire of Filipino songs I’m able to sing. Thanks very much to Ronald of Yagoona for this find; he sang it quite admirably during a bout of open-air karaoke at Villa Khristalene in Talisay.

This song was originally performed by Ogie Alcasid. Ronald’s favourite rendition is the duet by modern pop group Freestyle (shown below).

Bakit ngayon ka lang
Bakit ngayon kung kailan ang aking puso’y
Mayron nang laman
Sana’y nalaman ko
Na darating ka sa buhay ko
‘Di sana’y naghintay ako

Ikaw sana ang aking yakap-yakap
At iyong kamay ang aking laging hawak
At hindi kanya

Bakit ngayon ka lang dumating sa buhay ko
Pilit binubuksan ang sarado ko ng puso
Ikaw ba ay nararapat sa akin
At siya ba’y dapat ko lang limutin
Nais kong malaman
Bakit ngayon ka lang dumating

Ikaw sana ang aking yakap-yakap
At iyong kamay ang aking laging hawak
At hindi kanya
At hindi kanya

Bakit ngayon ka lang dumating sa buhay ko
Pilit binubuksan ang sarado ko ng puso
Ikaw ba ay nararapat sa akin
At siya ba’y dapat ko lang limutin
Nais kong malaman
Bakit ngayon ka lang…

Bakit ngayon ka lang dumating sa buhay ko
Pilit binubuksan ang sarado ko ng puso
Ikaw ba ay nararapat sa akin
At siya ba’y dapat ko lang limutin
Nais kong malaman
Bakit ngayon ka lang
Dumating

Oooh…
Nais kong malaman
Bakit ngayon ka lang
Dumating

Translation:

Why have you come just now
Why only now when my heart
Is already full
I should have known
That you would walk into my life
So that I could have waited for you

It should have been you that I held in my arms
Your hand that should have always been in mine
And not hers

Why have you come into my life just now
Undoing this heart of mine that is already taken
It’s you that should have been right for me
And her that I should have forgotten
Oh please tell me
Why only now

It should have been you that I held in my arms
Your hand that should have always been in mine
And not hers
And not hers

Oooh…

I really want to know
Why is it just now
That you’re here

Your Universe (Rico Blanco)

Karen — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:15:27 +0000

Another music find from our stay in Manila. It was one of the most frequently aired videos at the time but the first play already had me hooked. The video, shot in Tagaytay with Taal Volcano in the background, caught my attention due to our recent sojourn to said volcano. Lyrics are romantic simplicity; if anyone happened to serenade me with this song, I think I’d melt into a puddle of giggly goo. I also have to admit that even with my inclination to by turned off by Filipino men, Rico Blanco is not at all hard on the eyes.

Wish I had the presence of mind to grab the CD while we were in the Philippines. Can’t buy it from abroad. Pout.

[link to guitar tab]

Tell me something
When the rain falls on my face
How do you quickly replace
It with a golden summer smile?

Tell me something
When I’m feeling tired and afraid
How do you know just what to say
To make everything alright?

I don’t think that you even realize
The joy you make me feel when I’m inside your universe
You hold me like I’m the one who’s precious
I hate to break it to you but it’s just the other way around
You can thank your stars all you want but
I’ll always be the lucky one

Tell me something
When I’m ’bout to lose control
How do you patiently hold my hand
And gently calm me down?

Tell me something
When you sing and when you laugh
Why do I always photograph
My heart flying way above the clouds?

Woo…

You can thank your stars all you want but
I’ll always be…
The lucky one

I’ll always be the lucky one
I’ll always be the lucky one

Almost Lover (A Fine Frenzy)

Karen — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:51:33 +0000

I first heard this song while we were driving down a lonely stretch of road in Manila, early in our month-long trip to Asia. The lyrics were so melancholy and the singer so haunted that I was spellbound for the entire song. Made a note to seek out this artist at the first opportunity.

Your fingertips across my skin
The palm trees swaying in the wind
Images

You sang me Spanish lullabies
The sweetest sadness in your eyes
Clever trick

I never want to see you unhappy
I thought you’d want the same for me

Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I’m trying not to think about you
Can’t you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
I should’ve known you’d bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

We walked along a crowded street
You took my hand and danced with me
Images

And when you left you kissed my lips
You told me you’d never ever forget these images, no

I never want to see you unhappy
I thought you’d want the same for me

I cannot go to the ocean
I cannot drive the streets at night
I cannot wake up in the morning
Without you on my mind
So you’re gone and I’m haunted
And I bet you are just fine
Did I make it that easy
To walk right in and out of my life?

Kissing a Fool (George Michael)

Karen — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:57:04 +0000

Last night’s George Michael concert reminded me how much I loved Kissing a Fool. It got me through many a broken heart…from failed relationships to things that could never be. If you are a hopeless romantic like me but have never heard of this song before, please take a moment to acquaint yourself with this gem.

Kissing a Fool

[link to guitar tab]

You are far
When I could have been your star
You listened to people
Who scared you to death, and from my heart
Strange that you were strong enough
To even make a start
But you’ll never find
Peace of mind
Till you listen to your heart

People
You can never change the way they feel
Better let them do just what they will
For they will
If you let them
Steal your heart from you

People
Will always make a lover feel a fool
But you knew I loved you
We could have shown them all
We should have seen love through

Fooled me with the tears in your eyes
Covered me with kisses and lies
So goodbye
But please don’t take my heart

You are far
I’m never gonna be your star
I’ll pick up the pieces
And mend my heart
Maybe I’ll be strong enough
I don’t know where to start
But I’ll never find
Peace of mind
While I listen to my heart

People
You can never change the way they feel
Better let them do just what they will
For they will
If you let them
Steal your heart

And people
Will always make a lover feel a fool
But you knew I loved you
We could have shown them all…

But remember this
Every other kiss
That you ever give
Long as we both live
When you need the hand of another man
One you really can surrender with
I will wait for you
Like I always do
There’s something there
That can’t compare with any other

You are far
When I could have been your star
You listened to people
Who scared you to death, and from my heart
Strange that I was wrong enough
To think you’d love me too
I guess you were kissing a fool

You must have
Been kissing
A fool…

memorable moments at the george michael concert.

Karen — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:16:47 +0000

Quotables

S pondering George Michael’s entrance options: “Will he fly down from the ceiling, rise up from the floor, or condense from a mist?”

S on George Michael live and up close: “It’s like seeing a unicorn for the first time!”

L and K on the vibe inside the stadium:
L—”It feels like one giant gay dance club.”
K—”Haha…[looks around]…well, that’s actually pretty accurate.”

Catcalls to George Michael:
L—”I want to have your baby!!”
TC—”I want to you marry my daughter!!”

S during the intermission: “By the end of the night, I think he will have impregnated every woman in the room.”

N during the intermission: “He looks like he just had a fake-and-bake this morning, and it doesn’t look good.”

TC and K after the concert, to L:
TC—”How are you gonna tell T that you’re pregnant with George Michael’s baby?”
K—”You could pass it off as his…until it comes out and starts talking in a British accent.”

Quicklinks

title of the song, by da vinci’s notebook.

Karen — Tue, 20 May 2008 22:30:09 +0000

Song passed to me by Bruce. How very accurate.

Read and listen.

UPDATE: Thanks Scott for the heads up on this great a cappella cover!

Suavecito (Malo)

Karen — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 05:09:48 +0000

The happiest memories from childhood are often related to my mom and dad serenading each other on the acoustic guitar. Those moments, sitting together as a family and singing along to the music, are the reason I have a soft spot for the Eagles, the Carpenters, and many other sappy balladeers. When my mother came over for dinner the other night, I asked her to regale me with a few oldies on my new Baby Taylor.

She confessed to being quite rusty and then proceeded to churn out an impressive number of the songs of yore. You would never have thought it had been years since she had picked up a guitar. I am so in awe (and quite envious) of how easily she got back into it.

One of the songs she played is a sentimental favourite of mine. It’s surprisingly easy to strum along to for a guitar beginner like me. Her simplified version consists of just 2 chords: A7 and Bminor. I posted a small video clip of her playing it but won’t link to it here, since only YouTube contacts on my Friends or Family list will be able to see it. If you’re one of the privileged few, have a look-see.

Play the clip below to have a listen. The lyrics are also posted but they may not be entirely accurate…

Lyrics for Suavecito (Malo):

Laaa-ah-ah-ah, la la laaaa-ah-ah-ah
Laaa-ah-ah-ah, la la laaaa-ah-ah-ah

Never…
I never met a girl like you in my life

I never, no, no, yeah
I never met a girl like you in my life

The way that you hold me in the night
The way that you make things go right
Whenever you’re in my arms
Girl, you’re filling me with all your charms

Suavecito, mi linda
Suavecito
The feelin’ that I have inside for you
Suavecito, mi linda
Suavecito

The feelin’
The feelin’ that I have inside for you

‘Cause ever since the day I met you
I knew you that you were my dream come true
But I think I’ve found that day
Gonna make you mine in every way

Suavecito, mi linda (baby, baby, baby now)
Suavecito
You really turn me out
Suavecito
You know you really do
Suavecito
‘Cause you know it, girl, that I love you
I really do love you…
You…
You…
You…

All I want is you
If I can’t have you I don’t know what to do

La la laaa-ah-ah-ah, la la laaaa-ah-ah-ah
Laaa-ah-ah-ah, la la laaaa-ah-ah-ah

Never…
I never met a girl like you in my life

I never, no, no, yeah
I never met a girl like you in my life

‘Cause I know we’ll always be
Together just you and me
From here on you’re gonna see
You’ll be mine until eternity

Suavecito, mi linda (baby, baby, baby now)
Suavecito
You really turn me out
Suavecito, mi linda
You know you really do
Suavecito
‘Cause you know it, girl, that I love you
Suavecito, mi linda
Suavecito
I really do love you…