Songs for the Philippines

Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda has devastated thousands of people in Eastern Visayas and has affected not just Filipinos all over the country and the world but people from all countries because of the message that it brought. It is indeed time for us to be more serious about the issue of climate change and take immediate and necessary steps to halt its progress. Not doing so will definitely give our children a scary and doubtful future. 

Haiyan likewise affected all of us emotionally. After the typhoon broke I immediately watched the news and saw images I've never seen before. I couldn't help but cry over the devastation and loss of lives and how days after the typhoon most people have not received the help that they desperately needed.  I was kinda guilty eating delicious food because I knew that so many didn't even have a drop of water to drink. I was glad though that so many people have donated money, goods, time etc. and really amazed at the support that the international community gave and is still giving. I realized that at times like this, we are never alone and that countries all over the world will always be willing to help us. I'm forever grateful to them for that.

There are so many ways to help the victims and I'm sure that most if not all of us have done our part. After learning that iTunes is selling an album, the proceeds of which will benefit the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, I immediately bought a copy. It's a compilation of 39 songs from various artists like The Beatles, U2, Beyonce, Pink, Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Adele, Katy Perry and so many others. The album is great and it's for a good cause so there's really no reason not to buy. A must-have for only $9.99. 

My favorite songs in the album are Count on Me (Bruno Mars), Carry You Home (James Blunt), Love Don't Die (The Fray), Let It Be (The Beatles), In a Little While (U2), Stronger (Kelly Clarkson), I Was Here (Beyonce), and Make You Feel My Love (Adele).

 

 

Girl on Fire

Aside from having a beautiful and sultry voice, Alicia Keys is gorgeous. That is why I am such a big fan. Since she released her debut album Songs in A Minor, I have been following her career and very happy that she is as popular as ever. Her old-school jazz sound mixed with R&B and Soul melodies is totally absorbing. Her songs Fallin, A Woman's Worth, and Why Do I Feel So Sad are like anthems. My current favorite from her is Girl on Fire from her fifth album with the same title. She sang the song last week at the Grammy's with Adam Levine and their performance is one of the highlights of the evening. Here is the lyrics:

Girl on Fire

She's just a girl, and she's on fire
Hotter than a fantasy, lonely like a highway
She's living in a world, and it's on fire
Feeling the catastrophe, but she knows she can fly away

Oh, she got both feet on the ground
And she's burning it down
Oh, she got her head in the clouds
And she's not backing down

This girl is on fire
This girl is on fire
She's walking on fire
This girl is on fire

Looks like a girl, but she's a flame
So bright, she can burn your eyes
Better look the other way
You can try but you'll never forget her name
She's on top of the world
Hottest of the hottest girls say

Oh, we got our feet on the ground
And we're burning it down
Oh, got our head in the clouds
And we're not coming down

This girl is on fire
This girl is on fire
She's walking on fire
This girl is on fire

Everybody stands, as she goes by
Cause they can see the flame that's in her eyes
Watch her when she's lighting up the night
Nobody knows that she's a lonely girl
And it's a lonely world
But she gon' let it burn, baby, burn, baby

This girl is on fire
This girl is on fire
She's walking on fire
This girl is on fire

Oh, oh, oh...

She's just a girl, and she's on fire

Landslide

I so love this song by Stevie Nicks...

Landslide

I took my love and I took it down
I climbed a mountain and I turned around

And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
'Till the landslide brought me down

Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail thru the changing ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?

Mmm Mmm...


Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I'm getting older too


(Guitar solo)

Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I, I built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I'm getting older too
I'm getting older too

So, take my love, take it down
Oh climb a mountain and turn around
If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well the landslide will bring you down, down

And If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well maybe the landslide will bring it down
Oh oh, the landslide will bring it down

Jar of Hearts

I heard this song again a while ago. It kinda made me a little sad but nevertheless it's a beautiful song meant to be heard by everyone.

Jar of Hearts

I know I can't take one more step towards you
Cause all that's waiting is regret
And don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore
You lost the love I loved the most

I learned to live half alive
And now you want me one more time

And who do you think you are
Running 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Who do you think you are

I hear you're asking all around
If I am anywhere to be found
But I have grown too strong
To ever fall back in your arms

And I've learned to live half alive
And now you want me one more time

And who do you think you are
Running 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Who do you think you are

And it took so long just to feel alright
Remember how to put back the light in my eyes
I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed
Cause you broke all your promises
And now you're back
You don't get to get me back

And who do you think you are
Running 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Don't come back at all

And who do you think you are
Running 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
Don't come back for me
Don't come back at all
Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?

Somebody That I Used to Know

I first heard this song in American Idol when Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone sang a duet. I instantly liked it not only because Phillip and Elise gave a really good rendition but because the song itself is beautiful. The melody is sweet but unique and the lyrics is angst-laden. It's a hit because a lot can relate to it. I prefer Phillip and Elise's version rather than Gotye's though. 

Somebody That I Used to Know

Now and then I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy you could die
I told myself that you were right for me
But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it's an ache I still remember

You can get addicted to a certain kinda sadness
Like resignation to the end, always the end
So when we found that we could not make sense
Well you said that we would still be friends
But I'll admit that I was glad that it was over

But you didn't have to cut me off
Make it like it never happened and that we were nothing
I don't even need your love, but you treat me like a stranger
And that feels so rough

No, you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records
And then change your number
Guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over
But had me believin it was always something that I'd done

But I don't wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know-oh-oh

But you didn't have cut me off
Make it like it never happened and that we were nothing (oh)
I don't even need your love, but you treat me like a stranger
and that feels so rough

(oh)

No, you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect you records
And then change your number (oh)
Guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Somebody that I used to know
Somebody (now your just somebody that I used to know)
That I used to know
Somebody that I used to know
Somebody (somebody) (now your just somebody that I used to know)
That I used to know

I used to know
That I used to know
I used to know
Somebody

World Class Talent in X Factor Philippines

I was able to watch last night's episode of X Factor Philippines and I was amazed at how much talent the show has. They showed last night the final stages of choosing the top 20 acts (5 for girls, 5 for boys, 5 for over 25, and 5 for groups). The judges namely Gary V., Martin Nievera, Charice and Pilita Corrales really had a hard time choosing. The contestants I would say are even better than their counterparts in Simon Cowell's X Factor USA. But I'm rooting for KZ Tandingan to win. She has that distinct voice and has a charming personality to match.

I'm sure X Factor Philippines will be even more exciting now that the contest proper has already begun. I will definitely watch every week until the first X Factor Philippines winner is announced.

Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

I love Kelly Clarkson. I think she's one of the most talented artists in the music industry today. Ever since I saw her in American Idol, I've been a fan. I bought her CD Breakaway a few years ago, which until now I listen to, and know the lyrics to most of her songs. She has a new song which is like an anthem for me and whenever I listen to it, I'm reminded that there's always hope after a failed relationship and that you're stronger than what you think. You just got to believe.

Stronger

You know the bed feels warmer
Sleeping here alone
You know I dream in color
And do the things I want

You think you've got the best of me
Think you've had enough the last laugh
Bet you think that everything good is gone
Think you left me broken down
Think that I'd come running back
Baby, you don't know me, 'cause you're dead wrong

Chorus:
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes you fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over 'cause you're gone

Bridge:
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/k/kelly_clarkson/stronger.html ]
You heard that I was starting over with someone new
They told you I was moving on, over you
You didn't think that I'd come back
I'd come back swinging
You tried to break me, but you see

Chorus:
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes you fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over 'cause you're gone

Bridge:
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

Thanks to you I got a new thing started
Thanks to you I'm not the broken-hearted
Thanks to you I'm finally thinking 'bout me
You know in the end the day you left is just my beginning
In the end

[Repeat chorus]
[Repeat bridge x2]

I'm not alone

Bye Whitney

When I saw the news about Whitney Houston's death this morning on Yahoo News I was really shocked, that I began texting my friends. It just seems so surreal to me because she was just 48 years old and she could have shared more of her voice and talent for many more years. I must say that she has been one of my favorite singers of all time. I was in college when The Bodyguard came out. I even saw the movie twice. That's how much of a fan I was. How her life turned out is really sad and shows that drugs can destroy a person. I just wish that she was able to turn her life around for all of us to enjoy more of her music. Regardless, I will definitely remember her. I know for a fact that her music will live on forever.

21 by Adele

Ever since I saw her singing in a Youtube video of her song Rolling in the Deep, I've become an avid Adele fan. I couldn't wait to download all her songs from her award winning album 21 so I just bought a CD at Odyssey. I really don't care if it's quite pricey I just wanna listen to Adele over and over again. I don't regret buying it because I love all the songs, most of them touching on heartbreak and picking up the pieces. I kinda relate with some of them as most of you will once you listen to the album. My favorites are Rolling in the Deep, Turning Tables, Set Fire to the Rain, and Take It All. Her version of the song Lovesong is also worth listening to. Here are the tracks in the album:

1.) Rolling in the Deep
2.) Rumour Has It
3.) Turning Tables
4.) Don't You Remember
5.) Set Fire to the Rain
6.) He Won't Go
7.) Take It All
8.) I'll Be Waiting
9.) One and Only
10.) Lovesong
11.) Someone Like You
12.) Turning Tables (Live Acoustic)
13.) Don't You Remember (Live Acoustic)
14.) Someone Like You (Live Acoustic)

Rolling in the Deep

Since I'm such a big Adele fan I again want to share the lyrics of one of her hit singles. It's one of my favorites along with Melt My Heart to Stone and Chasing Pavements. It's the first single in her best selling album 21. I love the lyrics of the song and what it wants to convey to its listeners. It's about moving on from a failed and somewhat abusive relationship. It's finally seeing everything clearly when everything was once a blur.

Rolling in the Deep

There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch and it's bring me out the dark
Finally I can see you crystal clear
Go ahead and sell me out and I'll lay your ship bare

See how I'll leave, with every piece of you
Don't underestimate the things that I will do
There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch and it's bring me out the dark

The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I can't help feeling

We could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside your hand
And you played it to the beat

Baby, I have no story to be told
But I've heard one of you and I'm gonna make your head burn
Think of me in the depths of your despair
Making a home down there as mine sure won't be shared

The scars of your love remind you of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I can't help feeling

We could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside your hand
And you played it to the beat

Could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside your hand
But you played it with a beating

Throw your soul through every open door
Count your blessings to find what you look for
Turn my sorrow into treasured gold
You pay me back in kind and reap just what you sow

(Now I'm gonna wish you never had met me)
We could have had it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
We could have had it all

(Now I'm gonna wish you never had met me)
It all, it all, it all, it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)

(Now I'm gonna wish you never had met me)
We could have had it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
Rolling in the deep

(Now I'm gonna wish you never had met me)
You had my heart and soul
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
And you played it to the beat

(Now I'm gonna wish you never had met me)
Could have had it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
Rolling in the deep

(Now I'm gonna wish you never had met me)
You had my heart and soul in your hand
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
But you played it, you played it, you played it to the beat

The Man Who Can't Be Moved

I bought an iPod shuffle two weeks ago at Beyond the Box at the Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila. Since I'm so busy with a lot of things I still haven't transferred all the songs I have in my mobile phone. Only those I especially love listening to like Adele and The Fray. Plus this really awesome song by The Script entitled The Man Who Can't Be Moved. I know very little about this band and only appreciated their music when I heard this song. I googled them and found out that they're an Irish alternative rock band from Dublin. They've been here in the Philippines for a concert (I don't exactly know how many times already). Anyway, I just want to share their song which is currently one of my favorites. This song never fails to move me every time I hear it.

The Man Who Can't Be Moved

Going back to the corner where I first saw you
Gonna camp in my sleeping bag, I'm not gonna move
Got some words on cardboard, got your picture in my hand
Saying if you see this girl can you tell her where I am

Some try to hand me money, they don't understand
I'm not broke I'm just a broken hearted man
I know it makes no sense, but what else can I do
How can I move on when I've been in love with you

'Cause if one day you wake up and find that you're missing me
And your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I could be
Thinking maybe you'll come back here to the place that we'd meet
And you'd see me waiting for you on the corner of the street

So I'm not moving
I'm not moving

Policeman says son you can't stay here
I said there's someone I'm waiting for if it's a day, a month, a year
Gotta stand my ground even if it rains or snows
If she changes her mind this is the first place she will go

'Cause if one day you wake up and find that you're missing me
And your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I could be
Thinking maybe you'll come back here to the place that we'd meet
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/s/script-lyrics/the-man-who-can_t-be-moved-lyrics.html ]
And you see me waiting for you on the corner of the street

So I'm not moving
I'm not moving
I'm not moving
I'm not moving

People talk about the guy
Who's waiting on a girl, oh whoa
There are no holes in his shoes
But a big hole in his world

Maybe I'll get famous as the man who can't be moved
And maybe you won't mean to but you'll see me on the news
And you'll come running to the corner
'Cause you'll know it's just for you

I'm the man who can't be moved
I'm the man who can't be moved

'Cause if one day you wake up and find that you're missing me
And your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I could be
Thinking maybe you'll come back here to the place that we meet
Oh, you see me waiting for you on a corner of the street

So I'm not moving
('Cause if one day you wake up, find that you're missing me)
I'm not moving
(And your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I could be)
I'm not moving
(Thinking maybe you'll come back here to the place that we'd meet)
I'm not moving
(Oh, you see me waiting for you on a corner of the street)

Going back to the corner where I first saw you
Gonna camp in my sleeping bag, I'm not gonna move

Adele Fan

This past two weeks transformed me into an Adele fan. Nursing a broken heart, I was looking for songs that would somehow reflect the feelings I had and kinda looking for something or someone that I could identify with. I've often heard the judges in American Idol raving about her and saying how good she is but never really heard her sing. Not until two weeks ago. Now I can never get enough of her. My day will never be complete if I don't hear her amazing voice. I just want to share my favorite Adele song here.

Melt My Heart to Stone

Right under my feet there's air made of bricks
Pulls me down turns me weak for you
I find myself repeating like a broken tune
And I'm forever excusing your intentions
And I give in to my pretendings
Which forgive you each time
Without me knowing
They melt my heart to stone

And I hear your words that I made up
You say my name like there could be an us
I best tidy up my head I'm the only one in love
I'm the only one in love

Each and every time I turn around to leave
I feel my heart begin to burst and bleed
So desperately I try to link it with my head
But instead I fall back to my knees
As you tear your way right through me
I forgive you once again
Without me knowing
You've burnt my heart to stone

And I hear your words that I made up
You say my name like there could be an us
I best tidy up my head I'm the only one in love
I'm the only one in love

Why do you steal my hand
Whenever I'm standing my own ground
You build me up, then leave me dead

Well I hear your words you made up
I say your name like there should be an us
I best tidy up my head I'm the only one in love
I'm the only one in love