<Poetry/Lyrics and Special Object Project>

There are many different methods we can choose to depict our personalities. For me, it was quite appropriate to use music for it is such a large part of my life. I spend as much as 15 hours a week on my music. Whether it is singing, playing the piano, or just listening to music, I find time for it everyday and cherish it. Music allows you to gloat in your good moments or wallow in your bad ones. Either way it is a means of expression, that helps me to put some of my day to day feelings and overall beliefs that I have out in the open. Those of you who know me are well aware that I am a very complex opiniated person. I have very strong beliefs and strong emotions that define me as, Emily. Searching through some of my favorite songs and poems I now have a better understanding of who I am to myself. I just hope that maybe some of this can shed light on what goes through that crazy head of mine.

The object I chose was a pair of shoes by “Nina Footwear”. “Nina” was founded by my Grandfather and my Great Uncle and has been in my family for the past 50 or so years. My Father is currently the President and my Uncle and second cousin are very involved. This pair of shoes, which when you first look might say represent my shoe fetish (which I can’t deny), has incrediblely deep meaning to me. They are named “Emily” and to me represent my family, all of our trials and tribulations that we have overcome to get this far. They also represent my future, which is such a big part of my life. All of the hard work that I do and the valuable time I spend is all working towards this one idea. I would like to say that I can see myself someday in this business, carrying on this three generation legacy.

I chose “At last” by Etta James and “Like a Prayer” by Madonna, two classics in my mind to show that true loves, great things whatever they may be, can put you on a cloud nine. This seventh heaven that a great test score, a friend, or an event, can put you on is one of the greatest feelings in the world. What I am slowly but surely learning is how important it is to feel that high. The hectivity of my schedule sometimes takes away that time just to feel good, but I always feel that sudden rush of happiness in these two songs.

If you are not familiar with Jewel’s music, her lyrics are poetry in itself. They have unbelievable messages amidst the “oops i did it again”s that teen music of our generation is commonly known for. The song, “Sensitive” tells how words and actions can hurt a lot more then you think. I often portray myself as a very confident, some say intimidating person but inside I am small and fragile. The slightest thing can make me crumble. No one should ever be ashamed of showing their feelings, whether that is through crying, laughing or screaming. Someday we will realize what possesses us to be so mean and cruel but until then we need to stay true to ourselves and not resort or fall to the hate of others.

After the September 11, tragedy and the events that have followed we all have a new take on life. “Alive” by P.O.D and “Two Step” by Dave Matthews Band tell us to wake up and appreciate the life that we have. This new perspective that many of us are taking allow us to give value to the little things that we might not have even realized before. They also say that we should live our lives to the fullest because, sadly in this time, you never know what the future holds. Much of America, including myself, is at this state in life at this time.

Often the occurrences in a movie or the screenplay is deemed by others as the ideal world. We become fascinated by these people’s behavior and often spend much of our time trying to duplicate these. What we overlook is that movies are movies, what takes place in them rarely occurs in the same way in our world. We are different people living in different places and we don’t have a script. But there is always a time in our life, even if it is just once, that we believe that everything is truly going perfectly. I love the line in the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” that describes this.

We tend to say, as young people, that time lasts forever but in reality it goes by so quickly and we don’t give real value to it. There is a part of “In the end” by Linkin Park that sings about time and how “unreal” the way it works is. I don’t really have an explanation for its meaning but whenever I hear that part of the song I just stop and listen and think. There is something so true about it.

Fleetwood Mac will always have music that applies to many generations.“Don’t Stop” tells about the importance of perserverence and overcoming. These are qualities that I pride myself in. Sometimes I convulse about things that I regret doing or wish I had or the way a situation worked out. They give a very realistic approach in that we waste such valuable time dwelling on the past when we can’t change it but we do have some control over our future and it is important to keep our eye on it.

“Landslide”, also by Fleetwood Mac, says that even though we might not see it at the moment, change is almost always for the better whether it is to directly benefit us or to to teach us something. I often resort to the normal, the mundane of day to day life and when change comes out of the blue it hits me and knocks me down. Change is often hard and unusual to us and sometimes we don’t know if we’re going to ever adjust to it and enjoy it but don’t worry we always do.

“Hold on” by Sarah McLachlan says that things we do can be so hard but there is always going to be someone standing by our side to guide us through it. Even though change or tragedy can bring us down we will be together at the end to enjoy it. When Carol King sings “You gotta friend” she shows how our friends can be some of those people that are always there. Whether it is for the lessons, the laughs or the cries friends make you who you are and are such a big part of our lives. In my life my friends have been there for all of the major events and will continue to be for the rest of the ride. Sometimes it isn’t even friends that bring you out of the dark. In “Angel Standing By” Jewel sings about how we don’t need to worry so much about surviving because we can with our “guardians”. Yes, bad things do happen and they will continue to affect us but there is always that someone out there watching over us and they won’t let us fall, at least only hard enough to learn a lesson.

“Good to Enough” is a song that gives me much of the motivation I need. I have worked so hard for my accomplishments and that is a very important part of my life but sometimes I tend to settle for less then I deserve. I need to keep reaching for what I truly want and never think that I merited anything less. Although the song “Kissing you” by Des’ree might be looked at as having a very literal meaning it also has to do with staying strong no matter what and know that we will succeed for our efforts. I hear the song and it is empowering. The one simple way that song begins is so true, it reminds me to never give up.

“Faces” was written by a friend of mine that chose to remain anonymous. When he gave it to me a while back it instantly touched me. It depicts the typical teenage angst. The images that we portray are not always true to who we are. If people take the time and the strength needed to shed there “masks” and show their real selves we could all really get to know who we all really are. One of my pet peeves has got to be lies and the phoniness of much of our world. In “how you remind me” Nickelback also sings about cutting though the layer of lies and images we all have to find who we really are and how sometimes one person can complement our being in .

This is all a “stew” of things that are important to me all centered around my special object, a simple pair of dress shoes. Yet it all means so much more. I hope you have a better understanding of who I am and my values as well as some of my aspirations for my life and our world.

Etta James

Etta James

 “At Last”

 

 

At last,

My love has come along

My lonely days are over

and life is like a song

 

Oh yeah yeah

 

At last,

The skies above are blue

My heart was wrapped up in clover

The night I looked at you

 

I found a dream that I could speak to

A dream that I can call my own

I found a thrill to press my cheek to

A thrill that I have never known

 

You smile, you smile

Oh and then the spell was cast

And here we are in heaven

For you are mine at last


Linkin Park

“In The End”

 

It starts with one thing

I don't know why

It doesn't even matter how hard you try keep that in mind

I designed this rhyme

To explain in due time

All I know

Time is a valuable thing

Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings

Watch it count down to the end of the day

The clock ticks life away

It's so unreal

Didn't look out below

Watch the time go right out the window

Trying to hold on, but didn't even know

Wasted it all just to watch you go

I kept everything inside and even though I tried, it all fell apart

What it meant to me will eventually be a memory of a time when

 

I tried so hard

And got so far

But in the end

It doesn't even matter

I had to fall

To lose it all

But in the end

It doesn't even matter

 

One thing, I don't know why

It doesn’t even matter how hard you try, keep that in mind

I designed this rhyme, to remind myself

I tried so hard

In spite of the way you were mocking me

Acting like I was part of your property

Remembering all the times you fought with me

I'm surprised it got so (far)

Things aren't the way they were before

You wouldn't even recognize me anymore

Not that you knew me back then

But it all comes back to me (in the end)

You kept everything inside and even though I tried, it all fell apart

What it meant to me will eventually be a memory of a time when I

 

Chorus

 

I’ve put my trust in you

Pushed as far as I can go

And for all this

There's only one thing you should know (2x) Chorus


Jewel

“Sensitive”

 

I was thinking that I might fly today

Just to disprove all the things that you say

It doesn't take a talent to be mean

You words can crush things that are unseen

 

CHORUS: So please be careful with me, I'm sensitive

        And I'd like to stay that way

 

You always tell me that it's impossible

To be respected, and be a girl

Why's it gotta be so complicated

Why you gotta tell me if I'm hated

 

CHORUS: So please be careful with me, I'm sensitive

        And I'd like to stay that way

 

I was thinking, that it might do some good

If we robbed the cynics and took all their food

That way what they believe will have taken place

And we can give it people who have some faith

 

CHORUS: So please be careful with me, I'm sensitive

        And I'd like to stay that way

 

I have this theory, that if we're told we're bad

Then that's the only idea we'll ever have

But maybe if we are surrounded in beauty

Someday we will become what we see

'Cause anyone can start a conflict

it's harder yet to disregard it

I'd rather see the world from another angle

We are everyday angels

Be careful with me 'cause I'd like to stay that way

POD

“Alive”

 

Every day is a new day

I'm thankful for every breath that I take

I won't take it for granted (I won't take it for granted)

Show my love for our mistakes

It's beyond our control sometimes it's best to let go to whatever happens in this lifetime

So I trust in Love (so I trust in Love)

To give me peace in this lifetime

 

(CHORUS)

I.. I feel so alive

For the very first time

I can't deny You, I feel so alive

I.. I feel so alive (I feel so alive)

For the very first time (for the very first time)

And I think I can fly..

 

Sunshine upon my face (sunshine upon my face)

A new song for me to sing (A new song for me to sing)

Show the world how I feel inside (Show the world how I feel inside)

Even though it might cost me everything

Now that I know this could be in my control from this I can never turn my back away

Now that I see you (Now that I see you)

I can never look away

 

(CHORUS)

 

And now that I know You

I could never turn my back away

And now that I see You

I could never look away

And now that I'll know You

I could never turn my back away

And know that I see You

I'll believe no matter what they say!

 

(CHORUS x3)

And I think I can fly (x3)

Madonna

“Like a Prayer”

 

Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone

I hear you call my name

And it feels like home

 

Chorus:

 

When you call my name it's like a little prayer

I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there

In the midnight hour I can feel your power

Just like a prayer you know I'll take you there

 

I hear your voice, it's like an angel sighing

I have no choice, I hear your voice

Feels like flying

I close my eyes, Oh God I think I'm falling

Out of the sky, I close my eyes

Heaven help me

 

(Chorus)

 

Like a child you whisper softly to me

You're in control just like a child

Now I'm dancing

It's like a dream, no end and no beginning

You're here with me, it's like a dream

Let the choir sing

 

(Chorus)

 

Just like a prayer, your voice can take me there

Just like a muse to me, you are a mystery

Just like a dream, you are not what you seem

Just like a prayer, no choice your voice can take me there

 

Just like a prayer, I'll take you there

It's like a dream to me

Nickelback

“How You Remind Me”

 

Never made it as a wise man

I couldn't cut it as a poor man stealin'

Tired of livin' like a blind man

I'm sick of sight without a sense of feelin

And this is how you remind me

 

This is how you remind me

Of what I really am

This is how you remind me

Of what I really am

It's not like you to say sorry

I was waiting on a different story

This time I'm mistaken

For handing you a heart worth breakin'

I've been wrong, I've been down

Been to the bottom of every bottle

These five words in my head

Scream "Are we having fun yet?"

Yet?, Yet?, Yet?, no no

 

It's not like you didn't know that

I said I love you and I swear I still do

It must have been so bad

Cause livin' with me must have damn near killed you

This is how you remind me

 

(Chorus)

 

Never made is as a wise man

I couldn't cut it as a poor man stealing

And this is how you remind me

This is how you remind me

 

(Chorus)

Fleetwood Mac

“Don’t Stop”

 

If you wake up and don't want to smile,

If it takes just a little while,

Open your eyes and look at the day,

You'll see things in a different way.

 

Don't stop, thinking about tomorrow,

Don't stop, it'll soon be here,

It'll be, better than before,

Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone.

 

Why not think about times to come,

And not about the things that you've done,

If your life was bad to you,

Just think what tomorrow will do.

 

(Chorus)

 

All I want is to see you smile,

If it takes just a little while,

I know you don't believe that it's true,

I never meant any harm to you.

 

(Chorus)

 

Don't you look back,

Don't you look back.

Sarah Mclachlan

“Hold on”

 

Hold on

Hold on to yourself

for this is gonna hurt like hell

Hold on

Hold on to yourself

you know that only time will tell

What is it in me that refuses to believe

this isn't easier than the real thing

My love

you know that you're my best friend

you know I'd do anything for you

My love

let nothing come between us

My love for you is strong and true

 

(Chorus) Am I in heaven here or am I...

at the crossroads I am standing

So now you're sleeping peaceful

I lie awake and pray

that you'll be strong tomorrow and we'll

see another day and we will praise it

and love the light that brings a smile

across your face

 

Oh god if you're out there won't you hear me

I know that we've never talked before

oh god the man I love is leaving

won't you take him when he comes to your door

 

(Chorus)

 

Hold on

hold on to yourself

for this is gonna hurt like hell.         


Fleetwood Mac

“Landslide”

 

i took my love, i took it down

climbed a mountain and i turned around

and i saw my reflection in the snow covered hills

'til the landslide brought it down

 

oh, mirror in the sky

-what is love?

-can the child within my heart rise above?

-can i sail thru the changin' ocean tides?

-can i handle the seasons of my life?

i don't know.....

 

well, i've been afraid of changin'

'cause i've built my life around you

but time makes you bolder

even children get older

and i'm getting older too

 

oh, take my love, take it down

climb a mountain and turn around

-and if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills

well the landslide will bring it down

 

-and if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills

well the landslide will bring it down

the landslide will bring it down

Sarah McLachlan

“Good Enough”

 

Hey your glass is empty

it's a hell of a long way home

why don't you let me take you

it's no good to go alone

I never would have opened up

but you seemed so real to me

after all the bullsh*t I've heard

it's refreshing not to see

I don't have to pretend

she doesn't expect it from me

 

Don't tell me I haven't been good to you

don't tell me I have never been there for you

don't tell me why

nothing is good enough

 

Hey little girl would you like some candy

your momma said that it's OK

The door is open come on outside

no I can't come out today

it's not the wind that cracked your shoulder

and threw you to the ground

who's there that makes you so afraid

you're shaken to the bone

and I don't understand

you deserve so much more than this

 

So don't tell me why

he's never been good to you

don't tell me why

he's never been there for you

don't you know that why

is simply not good enough

 

So just let me try

and I will be good to you

just let me try

and I will be there for you

I'll show you why

you're so much more than good enough

Carol King

“You’ve gotta friend”

 

When your down and troubled

And you need a helping hand

And nothing, whoa nothing is going right.

Close your eyes and think of me

And soon I will be there

To brighten up even your darkest nights.

 

(Chorus)You just call out my name,

And you know wherever I am

I'll come running, oh yeah baby

To see you again.

Winter, spring , summer, or fall,

All you have to do is call

And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.

You've got a friend.

 

If the sky above you

should turn dark and full of clouds

and that old north wind should begin to blow

Keep your head together and call my name out loud

And soon I will be knocking upon your door.

 

(Chorus)

 

Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?

People can be so cold.

They'll hurt you and desert you.

Well they'll take your soul if you let them.

Oh yeah, but don't you let them.

 

(Chorus)

 

You've got a friend.

You've got a friend.

Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.

Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.

You've got a friend.

Dave Matthews Band

“Two Step”

 

Say, my love, I came to you with best intentions

You laid down and gave to me just what I'm seeking

Say, love, you drive me to distraction

 

Oh, Helena, do you believe that we might last a thousand years

Or more if not for this,

Our flesh and blood

It ties you and me right up

Tie me down

 

(Chorus)Celebrate we will

Because life is short but sweet for certain

We're climbing two by two

To be sure these days continue

Things we cannot change

 

Change... oh, I want to change it...

 

Hey, Helena, you came to me like wine comes to this mouth

Grown tired of water all the time

You quench my heart and, oh, you quench my mind and say:

 

(Chorus)

 

Oh, Helena, I came to you

With best intentions

You laid down and gave to me

Just what I'm seeking

Say, love, watch me celebrate...

 

(Chorus)

Desree

“I'm kissing you”

 

Pride can stand a thousand trials,

The strong will never fall

But watching stars without you,

My soul cried

Goo Goo Dolls

“Iris”

 

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming

Or the moment of truth in your lies

When everything feels like the movies

Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive

Anonymous

“Faces”

 

Every time we step out the door,

Our whole life changes.

We become who we pretend to be,

These plastic faces.

 

I cried with a happy man,

Laughed with a miserable soul,

Smiled with the doomed,

They didn’t know who they were talking to.

 

Our plastic faces are too hard to deny,

The locks on our doors,

The eyes in our masks,

Reveal who we truly are.

Jewel

“Angel Standing By”

 

All through the night I'll be standing over you

All through the night I'll be watching over you

And through the bad dreams I'll be right there, baby

Holding your hand, telling you everything is all right

And when you cry I'll be right there

Telling you you were never anything less than beautiful

So don't you worry

I'm your Angel standing by