Not the typical Santana song

When you just wanna feel good
Like the doctor said
One good dose of loving
It’s gonna straighten out your head

You got an open invitation
On that you can rely
You got a prepaid reservation
And that’s the only way to fly

Santana - Open Invitation

There are a lot of Santana songs more popular than Open Invitation, but this is one of my favorites; reminds me of days long past. For me, this song represents that person who may come and go throughout your life, but will ALWAYS be welcomed back. They have an “open invitation” to return at anytime.

We all get lonely sometimes

When you need somebody around on the nights that try you
I was there when you were a queen
And I’ll be the last one there beside you;
So you can call out my name

When you’re only lonely;
Now, don’t you ever be ashamed;
You’re only lonely

J.D. Souther - You’re Only Lonely

There’s nothing fancy or flashy about this song, but the music and melody are smooth and real. For me, this is one of those songs that you can’t turn off or change channels when it comes on; it is a must listen to.

Excess and Wanting More

I don’t know how to stop, I give it all I’ve got
It’s like my brakes are shot, I gotta have too much
I don’t know how to stop, Gets crazy but so what
You know it’s what you want so give it up
And don’t be scared of how good it feels

Halestorm - Don’t Know How to Stop

I like several different genres of music, but Hard Rock/Heavy Metal is one of my favorites. Halestorm is an amazing band and Lzzy Hale can sing with the best of them. She has the range to do the sultry ballad as well as the in-your-face rocker. There will be several posts with Halestorm lyrics as a lot of their songs reach inside and grab me. I have been fortunate to see them a couple of times at Carolina Rebellion (2015 & 2018), and again in 12/8/2021 at the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet.

Reminicing -- an elusive relationship

She was a friend to me when I needed one –
Wasn’t for her I don’t know what I’d done
She gave me back something that was missing in me
She could of turned out to be almost anyone
Almost anyone…
With the possible exception
Of who I wanted her to be

Jackson Browne - That Girl Could Sing

I really liked Browne’s album Hold Out, and this was one of my favorite songs from it. I’m not a musician, but I was somewhat obsessed with the simple guitar riffs and the tones created. There’s a portion of the song where you can hear the fingers slide up and down the strings. I can’t explain it, but for me it accentuated the impact of the song.

This song resonates because most people can relate to a relationship like this. Sometimes your projection of who you want your partner to be, overshadows who they really are.

Sometimes You Have to Give It a Shot

Well, just look at that girl with the lights comin’ up in her eyes
She’s got to be somebody’s baby
She must be somebody’s baby
All the guys on the corner stand back and let her walk on by

I try to shut my eyes but I can’t get her out of my sight
I know I’m gonna know her but I gotta get over my fright
We’ll, I’m just gonna walk up to her
I’m gonna talk to her tonight

Jackson Browne - Somebody’s Baby

It’s a simple concept; you don’t know until you try. Doesn’t matter if it’s a person, task, new job or hobby. You have to get over your fear of taking the first step. I have had these lyrics saved for a long time, because I knew I’d use them. A chat with a friend reminded me of this exact scenario, so it became the perfect time to post them. I can remember a time when all it took was the courage to just talk to the girl.

I have always been a fan of Jackson Browne and I’m sure more of his songs will find their way onto these pages.

The Power of Music

Day after day I’m more confused
Yet I look for the light through the pouring rain
You know that’s a game that I hate to lose
And I’m feelin’ the strain
Ain’t it a shame
Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
…
And when my mind is free
You know a melody can move me
And when I’m feelin’ blue
The guitar’s comin’ through to soothe me

Dobie Gray - Drift Away

There is nothing like music, and a song you love, to get you through the tough times. Whether it’s work, family, or relationships, music can soothe and provide the strength to carry on when things don’t go your way. I have always relied upon music to accentuate/celebrate the high points in life, and to provide perspective and comfort in the tough times.