Stuck in my head...

On occasion, I get Hebrew prayers stuck in my head for no reason. I guess something about a tune and a string of syllables I know by heart but don't understand is conducive to popping into my head at random times. Anyway, my ramble on prayer is a whole 'nuther issue, but right now I have the Mi Shebeirach stuck in my head (the prayer for healing), specifically the version by Debbie Friedman, which is part in Hebrew and part in English. There are a couple English lines in there that are resonating with me right now:

May the source of strength who blessed the ones before us
Help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing
And let us say, Amen

I feel like it's a lot of what I'm feeling in Quaker Social Witness right now, of not knowing what I believe in (whether this source of strength is a "who" or not, for example), but knowing that I want to make a difference and live a good life. So may whatever has motivated and strengthened all those who came before me, give me the strength and courage to make my life a blessing as well.

Songs on Repeat

There are two songs I'm currently obsessing over: King of Anything by Sara Bareilles and Blue Lips by Regina Spektor. Since I've had them stuck in my head for around three days straight, I figured I'd post the lyrics. I'm doing them from memory as best I can because 1. I'm really bored and 2. maybe it'll help get them out of my head.

King of Anything by Sara Bareilles

Keep drinking coffee stare me down across the table
As I look outside
So many things I'd say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet and count the cars that pass by

You've got opinions, man
We're all entitled to them
But I never asked
So I thank you for your time
And try not to waste any more of mine
Get out of here fast

I hate to break it to you babe
But I'm not drowning
There's no one here to save

Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me how to be
Who died and made you king of anything?

You sound so innocent
All full of good intent
Swear you know best
But you expect me to
Jump up on board with you
Ride off into your delusional sunset

I'm not the one who's lost
With no direction, oh
But you'll never see
You're so busy making maps
With my name on them in all caps
You've got the talking down
But not the listening

Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died and made you king of anything?

All my life, I've tried to make everybody happy while I
Just hurt, and hide
Waiting for someone to tell me it's my turn to decide

Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died and made you king of anything?

Let me hold your crown babe


Blue Lips by Regina Spektor

He stumbled into faith and thought,
God this is all there is
The pictures in his mind arose
And began to breathe
And all the gods and all the worlds
Began colliding on a backdrop of blue

Blue lips, blue veins

He took a step but then felt tired
He said I'll rest a little while
But when he tried to walk again
He wasn't a child
And all the people hurried past, real fast
And no one ever smiled

Blue lips, blue veins
Blue, the color of our planet from far far away
Blue lips, blue veins
Blue, the color of our planet from far far away

He stumbled into faith and thought,
God this is all there is
The pictures in his mind arose
And began to breathe
And no one saw and no one heard
They just followed lead
The pictures in his mind awoke
And began to breed

They started out beneath the knowledge tree
Then they chopped it down to make white picket fences
And they marched along the railroad tracks
They smiled real wide for the camera lenses
They made it past the enemy lines
Just to become enslaved in the assembly lines

Blue lips, blue veins
Blue, the color of our planet from far far away
Blue lips, blue veins
Blue, the color of our planet from far far away

Blue, the most human color...

Day 19 - A Talent of Yours

Making playlists and mix CDs. I know, it's silly and random. I like making playlists for roadtrips and events or even just for sitting out on the green or driving late at night, and they usually go well with the energy level and the people involved. People have told me that they like the playlist we're listening to or that they love the CD I made them and listen to it all the time, so I guess it's a sort of talent. Plus I really like doing it, which makes it all the better. :)

Day 16 - A Song That Makes You Cry (Or Nearly)

Prayer of the Children by Kurt Bestor. It's so moving, and so sad. I don't even remember which conflict or situation it was written for, but it just makes me think of war and violence and genocide and all those unbelievably shitty things that people - children - have to go through. Take a listen; see what I mean.

Day 3 - Your Favorite TV Program

As much as I love Gilmore Girls and The L Word, I think I'm gonna have to go with Glee. Yes, it's corny and unrealistic, and all belief must be suspended in order to get anything out of it. But I'm a sucker for amazingly talented singers and stupid romance drama. Plus a lot of my friends like it, and what's better than watching your favorite TV show with friends?

Speaking of amazingly talented singers, I saw First Aid Kit last night at the Middle East in Cambridge. THEY'RE SO GOOD! They're sisters from Sweden, 17 and 19 years old, and their music is pretty folksy. Basically I just love their voices. (They're also really tall! Maybe it's a Swedish thing?) This link is to a bunch of youtube videos of them - if you like folk at all definitely check them out! One of their openers, Samantha Crain, was also really good. I can't wait to listen to the CD I bought! I got home around 1 last night, so I'm super exhausted, but it was definitely worth it if only to hear them play one of my favorite songs, You're Not Coming Home Tonight.

Ok, now back to work!

Day 1 - Your Favorite Song

First of all, I hate "What's your favorite ___" questions, because I can never pick just one. Plus, favorite song is especially difficult for me, since I listen to so much music and get sick of all my favorite songs anyway after listening to them over and over for weeks. And there's also the question of favorite song at the moment vs. favorite song of all time. So I'll just have to answer both.

First, a disclaimer: in answering the question "What is your favorite song," I am by no means attempting to answer "What is the best song." I really don't really give my taste that much authority.

So let's see...as for favorite song at the moment, I currently keep playing a few songs over and over: Folding Chair by Regina Spektor, Hold On by KT Tunstall, Bottle it Up by Sara Bareilles, Us by Regina Spektor. Also Rock and Roll by Eric Hutchinson, Hey Soul Sister by Train, Breakeven by The Script, Something Beautiful by Needtobreathe, and One Day by Matisyahu. They all put me in a good mood and have a decent level of energy. I like laid-back music I can sing along to. Plus, they're all on the CD that I currently have playing on repeat in my car.

Ugh, I can't choose. I think I have to leave it at top 3 then, guys. Folding Chair, Bottle It Up, and Hold On. Sorry I've failed you.

As for favorite of all time... well I'm pretty sure when I answered this question 2 years ago my answer was Samson by Regina Spektor, Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls, and Black Balloon by Goo Goo Dolls. My current opinion: I still agree with Samson. I also really like Both Hands by Ani DiFranco. And Out Loud (skip to 0:37) by Dispatch.

So there, that's my top 3 favorite songs of all time and at the moment. I know I failed at actually answering the question, but I'll just have to be ok with that.