April showers bring May flowers…that’s how the saying goes anyway so we shall see. So here are the songs of my life for April. I shuffled, I asked, and here is what I received.
What A Wonderful World by Gareth Asher
Gareth does a wonderful, wonderful cover of this song. It was a perfect start to April as I sat on my bed with Nick da Dawg in my lap and my laptop, writing. Nothing could have been more wonderful than being in that moment.
Memphis City Rain by Angie Aparo
This is one of my favorite songs from Angie’s album The American. “And if you come with me. And if you let it be. And sing my melody…Then it don’t have to wash away in a Memphis city rain…All the hatred not to be fading for the love to give.”
I Will Be Something by Stage
I wrote about how I missed that Ryan Star was the lead singer of this band and thank goodness the iTunes on shuffle returned this gem into my life. As I said in my post, this song was an anthem for me. I remember falling in love with the lyrics… “With my pen and all my tears, I will be something, that’s all. You will be nothing at all…”
Bend a Little by Jimmy Buffett
This gem is from Jimmy’s High Cumberland Jubilee album. I think if we all just met in the middle, life would be a little easier. Everyone can have their own opinion. No one is exactly right. No one is exactly wrong. This song is a reminder of that. “You got to bend a little one way or the other. You got to leave your mind open to discover. Seems I’ve been fightin’ it all along. You got to bend a little no matter which side you’re on or soon you’ll be gone.”
The Wilderness by Matthew Ryan
Matthew could sing the McDonald’s Big Mac Song and I would be moved by it. I love his voice and his story telling. This song is simply beautiful. The link is to a raw version he posted on YouTube and very close to the acoustic version that is on Dear Lover (Acoustic). Watch it and then listen to the plugged in version. And everyone should own everything by Matthew. You’re missing out if not.
Riptide by Sick Puppies
These lyrics state it best “…I think I’m doing just fine compared to what you’ve been doing…but I’m not giving up… I won’t justify the way I live my life. ‘Cause I’m the one livin’ it, feelin’ it, tastin’ it and you’re just wasting your time trying to throw me a line… I like to step on cracks. I go against the odds…I never re-decide. I don’t mind if you wait but I don’t waste my time. Crazy is just fine ’cause I like where I’m going…”
Wild Child by W.A.S.P
This is for my niece, Riley. She said “Wild Child” by Juliet Simms was her favorite song at the moment and I of course had to tell her that this song called “Wild Child” was way better! We agreed to disagree.
No Woman No Cry by Xavier Rudd (Bob Marley cover)
As I stood in an inch plus water that flooding my apartment, this song came on. I was on the verge of tears, packing up my car and my dog and just leaving for where ever my car ran out of gas. And I just found myself repeating this mantra…“Everything’s gonna be all right…”
As Far As I Remember by Papa Roach
These lyrics stopped me in my tracks…“I’d rather die on my feet, than live my life on my knees..cause I don’t wanna live with regret and nothing lasts forever, as far as I remember…”
Once In Your Life by Steve Reynolds
“Once in your life, you want it all…”
Field Trip by Kik Tracee
This song is in my top 16 songs of all time. It immediately reminds me of my childhood, is an excellent road trip song, and reminder that life is one giant field trip. “Sit back, relax…there’s a place I know, where we were young, it was our favorite place to go…I must retreat…so buckle up and shut up…I’m gonna make it…”
Some of Us by Starsailor
I adore this band and this is one of my favorite songs by them. I think the lyrics sum up all of us because that’s how some of us do cope. “Some of us laugh, some of us cry, some of us smoke, some of us lie, but it’s all just the way that we cope with our lives. My wandering soul found solace at last…the heart that I stole, I’m not giving back, never giving back.”
Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin
I heard this song every morning on the radio for a week. Other versions that should be listened to: Infectious Grooves (Robert Trujillo’s bass playing makes this song ah-may-zing) and Karen O, Trent Reznor, & Atticus Ross
Sister by the Nixons
Though my sister and I have a great relationship now, when we were in our early twenties, we had that love hate relationship sisters have. We didn’t see eye to eye. We hated the flaws we saw in each other and fought like only sisters can do. When we fought, this song would remind me of the love I always held for her even if I couldn’t or didn’t know how to tell her. She completed the Cooper River Bridge Run again this year and I’m so proud of her and the woman and mother she has become. She’s just the best!
The Captain and the Kid by Jimmy Buffett
April 20th was my grandfather’s birthday. Read about this song and it’s special place in my heart.
Strange World by HIM
This is another band I just love! I cannot wait for their new album. This was from their 2012 compilation album. I love the truth in these lyrics “…We live our lives afraid so close your eyes and just believe in everything you’re told cause in this land of great confusion, it’s easy to give up control. Strange world, people talk and tell only lies. Strange world, people kill an eye for an eye. Strange world, dream one day we’ll see the light. Strange world, believe and everything will be alright and this is the place where everything begins and ends again No secrets left to find, no seven deadly sins. This world that we have wasted, has kept us very well When science now is sacred, who will save us from ourselves?”
Ain’t Easy by Rachel Farley
This song reminds me of how my parents have raised me, the knowledge they have given me, and the support they have always given me. “…I was raised to be tough. I was born to run. I’m the daughter of southern ground. It’s who I am and I won’t slow down. I was taught to fight like hell and love like an angel, pray like a saint and run like a rebel, live each day like there’s no tomorrow, speak my mind and act like a lady. I’ll always be my mama’s baby and you can’t ever tell me nothing…cause this life I’m living is one crazy ride…”
Sick of It by Skillet
When people think of “christian” bands most crinkle there nose, but I don’t care what your band is labeled and though Skillet is a religious band, they fucking rock! This song is just melt your face good. “Take control, it’s now or never…take a stand, raise your hands…”
Love and Roots by Mishka
I am so glad Jimmy Buffett tweeted about Mishka because I have a new artist I can chill to. This is my favorite song from his EP “Ocean is My Potion” and this is a song that reminds me where I came from and where I am going. “When I stop to search my soul and retrieve my memories of the people I’ve, and the places I’ve grown. The spirit within. The truth written in stone. This is my love. These are my roots.”
Up From the Ashes by Burn Halo
These lyrics sum up the month of April for me. “…I’m ready to fight. I won’t give in. I’m not that easy. I’ll live again. Keep on breathing. I’ll bleed my last regrets. Sometimes you got to burn the past to rise up from the ashes…”