I Learn The Hard Way Every Time

The only good thing to do with good advice is pass it on; it is never of any use to oneself.
–  Oscar Wilde
.
On This Day In:
2017	For Some
2016	Fragile And Explosive, Provocation And Privacy
2015	Bound Up
2014	Economic Engines
2013	Weren’t You Supposed To Be Reading?
	Absent Friends
	Where I Stand
2012	Hangin’ With His P’s
	Help Save
2011	Six Facets Of Good Leadership

Read Full Post »

The Hard Way Every Time

Everything I did in my life that was worthwhile I caught hell for.
—  Earl Warren
Former Chief Justice
United States Supreme Court
[You can find the song’s lyrics on my Poems page.  —  KMAB]
.
On This Day In:
2014	Indispensable Wits
2013	I’d Like To
2012	2012 National League Champions – San Francisco Giants!!
	2nd Viewing – No Change
	Light Shining Out of Darkness
2011	Just Kickin It
	Are These The “Real” Protectors Of America’s Constitution?
2010	Giants Advance To 2010 World Series!!!

Read Full Post »

Rain, Rain, Rain

When I got out of the Army, a friend recommended a book to me about a CIA assassin who was also a zen master (yeah, I know, but just go with me for a second).  Anyway, the guy had a garden built in the middle of his house so when it rained he could sit on a cushion, close his eyes and listen to the rain drops hit the various leaves.  The image has always stuck with me…
While I was in Liverpool recently, I was sitting next to an open window (reading) and the memory came back to me, so I closed my eyes and I’ll be darned if I couldn’t hear the drops striking various things – the window, the roof, the trees, etc.
This in turn got me thinking about “rain” themed songs.  Most are usually about crying over a breakup, but some are not.  It turns out there are loads of songs which use this imagery.  Here are some of my favorites from across my life:
Breakups:
It Must Be Raindrops
Listen To The Rhythm Of The Falling Rain
I Wish It would Rain
Happiness and/or Memories:
Singing In The Rain
I Can See Clearly Now
Alabama Rain
Walking In The Rain (With The One I Love)
Shelter From The Storm
As always, read the words (first), then go listen to the songs/music.  If you agree they’re terrific or just bring back memories for you – drop me a comment.  Don’t forget to buy from your source or go visit someone playing live music.  That’s the best way to support the Arts!!
.

Read Full Post »

When Breaking Up Is Hard To Do…

I was watching the morning news shows last week and it seems there are some mighty gutless folks out there who text message their boyfriend/girlfriend to break up because they just can’t face the other person!!
Let me make it easier on you…  Send them one of these two songs: “It Ain’t Me, Babe” or “Lover’s Cross“.  (The links are to the lyrics, not to the songs.  Go look ’em up yourself!)
By the way, I still think you’re gutless to not face them, but at least this has got a little more flair!
.

Read Full Post »

I’m Feeling Patriotic… (Well, more than usual, anyway.)

Today I’ve added a bunch of lyrics and two poems.  One of the poems, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” was actually a poem before it was converted to a song.  The other poem (“Fire And Ice“)  is another of the one’s I learned while a child.  I memorized it because it was meaningful – but mostly because it was short.

 

Next, I’ve added two more patriotic lyrics: “America, The Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner“.  My favorite line from America is “crown thy good, in brotherhood, thy liberty, in law”.

 

The next two are martial (as well as nationalistic), but they represent a very strong side of my personality: “The Ballad of the Green Berets” and “The Marine’s Hymn“.  I always thought I’d grow up to be a Marine, but then I found out they were actually part of the Navy and were mostly based on ships.  Since I didn’t know how to swim and was terrified of the water for most of my life – that was out!  My poor vision kept me out of consideration for a lot of occupations in my life.  I definitely would have considered being Airborne, Ranger and Special Forces.  I guess God had other plans…

 

The final two additions today are both about thinking back.  The first is by Billy Joel, who – for a brief period – was one of my favorite pop stars: “Keeping the Faith“.  The second, is another by Jim Croce: “Operator“.  Sometimes you want sooo bad to make that call — then, never mind!

 

 

Read Full Post »

Still Learnin’ Hard…

Today I added my first lyrics page.  It’s the song: “Learned the Hard Way Every Time“, written by Jim Croce.  I don’t remember the first time I heard the song.  It was probably back when I was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington state (just outside of Seattle).

I’ve probably listened to this song a thousand times (that’s “listened to”, not heard).  It still reaches into my soul.  I’m not sure you can say much more about a song (or poem).  I’ve always felt it was a great tragedy Jim Croce died so young.  All three of his main albums were great!  To me, the night of his plane crash, was the second “night the music died”.

Read Full Post »