The Meaning Behind the Song...

[MOHLovesAlaska]

 This is a post that I will do every day (with exceptions when times are unavoidable when I cannot post). I will post one song per day and explain the meaning of that song. I will also post where I received the information so you can check it out for yourself, I will also post a link for the song so you can listen to it... If you have a request that you would like to see posted you can either post it yourself or just leave your request here for me to post it for you...If you choose to do it yourself then please provide the information where you got it from...

The first song I'm going to do is of course my favorite overall...Enjoy the read, as well as the song...

Foolish Games (LP Version)   by Jewel...

Jewel Kilcher, an American singer-songwriter known simply as Jewel, wrote and released her hit song “Foolish Games” in 1996, and it quickly became an international sensation. The hauntingly beautiful ballad stayed at the top of the charts for weeks, and its emotional lyrics and powerful melody resonated with millions of listeners worldwide. So, what is the meaning behind this classic song? Let’s take a deeper look and explore the inspiration behind Jewel’s heartbreaking lyrics. 

“Foolish Games” is a song about love and heartbreak, about the pain of letting go of someone you love and the regret that comes with realizing how much you took them for granted. It’s a song that speaks to anyone who has ever been in love, anyone who has ever felt the sting of rejection, and anyone who has ever wished they could go back in time and do things differently. At its core, “Foolish Games” is a song about the risks we take in love, and how sometimes those risks can lead to heartbreak and regret. At the beginning of the song, Jewel sings about the uncertainty of love and how it can be both wonderful and terrifying at the same time. She confesses to her lover that she’s afraid of losing him and that she doesn’t know how to make their love last: Jewel wrote “Foolish Games” during a time of heartbreak in her own life. She was struggling in a tumultuous relationship with her then-boyfriend, and the song was a way for her to express her pain and frustration. In an interview with People Magazine, Jewel spoke about the inspiration behind the song, saying: “I was in an affair with a guy who wouldn’t commit, and I felt like I was doing all the sacrificing. Finally, I said, ‘I’m leaving.’ Once I did, he wanted me back so badly, but I didn’t go back because I knew I would just be sacrificing again. The song was about that. ”Jewel’s personal experience with heartbreak and betrayal is what gives “Foolish Games” its emotional depth and beauty. It’s a song that speaks to the universal experience of love, loss, and regret and resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Since its release in 1996, “Foolish Games” has become a timeless classic and one of Jewel’s most beloved songs. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Kelly Clarkson, and has been used in movies and TV shows like “Dawson’s Creek” and “Cold Case.” But its impact goes beyond just its popularity and success. “Foolish Games” is a song that has touched the lives of countless listeners, and has helped them to find solace and comfort amid their heartbreak. In her book “Never Broken,” Jewel reflects on the legacy of “Foolish Games,” saying: “I’ve had strangers come up to me and tell me how much that song meant to them, how it helped them through a difficult time or gave them the courage to leave a bad relationship. That’s the power of music, and it’s what makes writing and performing so meaningful to me. ”In the end, “Foolish Games” is a testament to the power of love and the pain that comes with it. It’s a song that speaks to the humanity in us all and reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. (Source comes from The Meaning Behind The Song: Foolish Games by Jewel - Beat Crave) (Side Note: Jewel's book Never Broken is a great read, try it out for yourself...)

Take care and GOD bless...

[MOHLovesAlaska]

Good Friday morning, dear friend.  Cold Song by Jewel is a delightful little gem that takes listeners on a brisk journey through the quirks and complexities of love. Though brief, its wit shines through, painting a picture of a type of affection many of us yearn for—a genuine love sprinkled with humor. Jewel's artistry brings warmth to the cold, offering us a charming reflection on the human heart in a compact yet impactful package. Enjoy the song as well as the read.

"Cold Song" is a track by the American singer-songwriter Jewel, featured on her album "Pieces of You (25th Anniversary Edition)," released in 2020. Jewel, known for her distinctive voice and poignant lyrics, captures the essence of human connection in this playful yet intimate song.

In "Cold Song," Jewel uses the metaphor of catching a cold to explore themes of intimacy and connection. The lyrics begin with a playful tone, inviting a partner to share in the experience of being unwell. This invitation is not just about the physical act of being sick; it symbolizes a deeper emotional connection. The repeated line, "Oh do you do you wanna wanna catch a cold with me?" serves as a whimsical refrain that emphasizes the joy of companionship, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.

As the song progresses, Jewel paints a vivid picture of the cozy moments spent indoors, snuggling under blankets, and enjoying each other's company. The imagery evokes warmth and comfort, contrasting the discomfort typically associated with being sick. This juxtaposition highlights the idea that even in times of illness, there can be beauty and intimacy. The playful nature of the lyrics suggests that the narrator finds joy in the shared experience, turning a mundane situation into a romantic opportunity.

The song's lightheartedness is further enhanced by its melodic structure, which complements the affectionate lyrics. Jewel's voice carries a sense of warmth and sincerity, inviting listeners to embrace the idea that love can flourish in any circumstance, even when one is feeling under the weather. The overall message is one of finding joy in simple moments of togetherness, reinforcing the notion that love can be a source of comfort during challenging times. (Source comes from Meaning of Cold Song by Jewel

Have a great Friday and a blessed weekend. Take care and GOD bless.

[MOHLovesAlaska]

Good Sunday afternoon, dear friend. Today, we will learn the meaning behind the song Walk Like an Egyptian performed by The Bangles. 

Songwriter Liam Sternberg wrote this. He got the idea when he was on a ferry boat and saw people struggling to keep their balance. The way they held out their arms and jerked around made it look like they were doing Egyptian movements, and if the boat flicked, they would all topple over.

Sternberg was part of a vibrant '70s music scene in Akron, Ohio, where he wrote and produced for the almost-famous Jane Aire & The Belvederes and Rachel Sweet. That gritty city is the antithesis of Los Angeles, but by the mid-'80s, Akron was in musical decline, and LA was where it was happening, so that's where he pitched his demos. The "Walk Like An Egyptian" demo, with a vocal by Marti Jones, got the attention of Bangles producer David Kahne, who had them record the song. The biggest hit for the Bangles, "Walk Like An Egyptian," gave them a new level of notoriety, but not the kind they wanted. Formed in 1981, they wrote their songs and were a big part of the Los Angeles Paisley Underground movement, which included eclectic acts like Rain Parade and The Dream Syndicate. These Paisley bands did well with critics but never broke big, except the Bangles.

Their first album, released in 1984, had a '60s sound with lots of clever, well-constructed songs written by their guitarists, Susanna Hoffs and Vicki Peterson. It did well and earned them a spot opening for Cyndi Lauper. Their second album, Different Light, was their breakthrough, but the big hits were songs written by outsiders. First came "Manic Monday," written by high-profile Bangles fan Prince. Then, "If She Knew What She Wants," written by Jules Shear.

Then came "Walk Like An Egyptian," a goofy romp written by another outside writer that the band didn't think would get released as a single because it was "too weird." It shot to #1 and became a sensation, but the group's rock pedigree took a hit. Suddenly, they were known for this quasi-novelty song instead of their compositions.

The song does have their stamp on it, though: every Bangle could sing, and three of them get a verse on "Egyptian." The guitar riff is also their distinctive sound, something Vicki Peterson had been developing for a while (check out "He's Got a Secret" from their first album).

The Bangles didn't have a problem with the song itself, but when it made them famous, it also made them miserable broke up in 1989 at the peak of their powers. Hoffs launched a solo career that didn't get very far, and Vicki Peterson joined a roots-rock band called the Continental Drifters. In the late '90s, after enough water had passed under the bridge, the Bangles re-united. They still had some bitter feelings about "Walk Like An Egyptian," which came out in a VH1 Behind The Music where they talked about the song as a catalyst for their demise. But as years went by, the song took on a feeling of nostalgia, and the group made peace with it.

"These days I feel very differently about it than I did in the '90s, because to me it was such an odd moment," Vicki Peterson told Songfacts in 2018. "I loved doing it. I thought the song was brilliant in the strangest way. I had fun recording it, minus a few hiccups here and there, because it wasn't a great time for us. But, the song itself, I thought, 'OK, we will never write anything like this. This takes the record to another level, so let's do this.'"  

She added: "It's so fun to do live because of how it's received by our audience: They are completely in love and having a blast. It reminds them of that time in high school, that time in college, whatever it is that connects to a moment of sheer fun and joy and silliness and dance moves. So, at this point, when we do it, I just have a blast."

All members except drummer Debbi Peterson sang a verse. Peterson was originally supposed to sing the whole thing, but producer David Kahne had each member audition the lyrics to determine who would sing what verse. Debbi's sister Vicki Peterson got the first verse, bass player Michael Steele (a girl, despite the name) the second, and Susanna Hoffs the third. This was offered to Toni Basil, but she turned it down. The Bangles needed one more song to complete their album, so they took it. The difficult recording process caused a lot of tension within the band, which tried to share the spotlight in equal measure (literally: they insisted on four spotlights on stage). Leaving Debbi Peterson out of this one was a pivotal moment for the Bangles, who, instead of standing up to producer David Kahne and insisting she have a part in the song, allowed her to be left out. They used a different producer (Davitt Sigerson) on their next album, but the fissures got deeper when Susanna Hoffs became the focus of their look and sound. Their chemistry turned combustible, leading to their 1989 breakup. In the US, this was the #1 song of 1987, according to Billboard's year-end chart. It held the top spot for four weeks. The video for this song made the band superstars, as it aired in heavy rotation on MTV. The Bangles became darlings of the network, but early on, they weren't sold on the medium. Here are some quotes from 1985 where they kvetch:
Debbi Peterson: "When you listen to a record, you can imagine what they look like and what they were doing when they recorded, but when you see the video, it ruins it for you."

Susanna Hoffs: "I wish they could be more like movies. I wish they could somehow fulfill you, bring you through an experience. "Bangles drummer Debbi Peterson didn't perform on this song at all; percussion was done with a drum machine. When they performed it live, which you can see in the video, Debbi abandoned her drum kit and moved out front with a tambourine as a backing track played the drums. The famous whistling after the guitar solo was machine-made, according to Vicki Peterson. In concert, Debbi would mime it. Bangles bass player Michael Steele was a member of The Runaways, a groundbreaking all-female rock band of the '70s that never had a hit - their story was made into a movie in 2010. Steele was the second Runaway to become a hitmaker, following Joan Jett, whose 1981 cover of "I Love Rock And Roll " was a monster hit. Lita Ford became the third member to make it big when "Kiss Me Deadly" reached #12 US in 1988. (Source comes from Walk Like An Egyptian by Bangles - Songfacts

Have a great Sunday, friend. Take care and GOD.