Songs about Babies
Jars of Clay's new album came out today. So of course I rushed right out and bought it. There's usually at least one song on their album that I can really identify with so I listened carefully to the lyrics waiting to see which one it would be this time. I didn't have to listen too hard because it was pretty obvious which song it would be this time. It's called Boys (lesson one). It's about having a son, probably more from a father's perspective, but I can still appreciate the sentiments.
Lesson one, do not hide.
Lesson two, there are right ways to fight
and if you have questions we can talk through the night
So you know who you are and you know what you want
I've been where you're going, and it's not that far
it's too far to walk, but you don't have to run
you get there in time
Lesson three, you're not alone
But since I saw you start breathing on your own
You can leave, you can run
But this will still be your home
So you know who you are and you know what you want
I've been where you're going, and it's not that far
It's too far to walk, but you don't have to run
You get there in time, get there in time
In time, to wonder where the days have gone
In time, to be old enough to wish that you were young
When good things are unraveling, bad things come undone
If you ever love or loose your innocence
There will be liars and thieves who take from you
Not to undermine the consequence, but you are not what you do
And when you need it most I have a 100 reasons why I love you
So you know who you are and you know what you want
I've been where you're going, and it's not that far
It's too far to walk, but you don't have to run
You get there in time
So you know who you are and you know what you want
I've been where you're going, and it's not that far
It's too far to walk, but you don't have to run
You get there in time, you get there in time
If you ever love or loose your innocence,
just remember....
Lesson one....
Ever since finding out I was pregnant I've paid extra attention to songs that were written for or about the musicians child. Some of my favorites: Still Fighting and Gracie by Ben Folds, Lullaby for Wyatt by Sheryl Crow, Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel) by Billy Joel, Song for Sleeping by Stone Temple Pilots, Father and Son by Cat Stevens, Beautiful Boy by John Lennon, Forever Young by Bob Dylan. Personally I also think White Light by Wilco falls in that category but I'm not sure that was their intention. The weirdest one is probably a song by Nuno Bettencourt, written when his daughter was born, called Swollen Princess (um even the title is weird). I've included links for the lyrics in case anyone is interested. It would just take up way too much space to post all the lyrics here, but I couldn't completely resist so I put some of my favorite lyrics from the songs below:
Good morning, son
In twenty years from now
Maybe we'll both sit down and have a few beers
And I can tell you 'bout today
And how I picked you up and everything changed
You nodded off in my arms watching TV
I won't move you an inch even thought my arm's asleep
One day you're gonna want to go
I hope we taught you everything you need to know
And there will always be a part of me
Nobody else is ever gonna see but you and me
I have held you close
And breathed your name, my dear
I was with you then
And will remain, my dear
How do I keep you from losing your way
Hope you will find love like I did some day
But love is letting go
And this I'll know
Cause you were mine
For a time
Finally Ive met you
The day has come
Youre more than beautiful
And youre my son
Out on the ocean sailing away
I can hardly wait
To see you come of age
But i guess we'll both just have to be patient
'cause it's a long way to go
A hard row to hoe
Yes it's a long way to go
But in the meantime
Before you cross the street
Take my hand
Life is what happens to you
While you're busy making other plans
May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
If you feel like singing a song
And you want other people to sing along
Just sing what you feel
Don’t let anyone say it’s wrong
And if you’re trying to paint a picture
But you’re not sure which colors belong
Just paint what you see
Don’t let anyone say it’s wrong
Lesson one, do not hide.
Lesson two, there are right ways to fight
and if you have questions we can talk through the night
So you know who you are and you know what you want
I've been where you're going, and it's not that far
it's too far to walk, but you don't have to run
you get there in time
Lesson three, you're not alone
But since I saw you start breathing on your own
You can leave, you can run
But this will still be your home
So you know who you are and you know what you want
I've been where you're going, and it's not that far
It's too far to walk, but you don't have to run
You get there in time, get there in time
In time, to wonder where the days have gone
In time, to be old enough to wish that you were young
When good things are unraveling, bad things come undone
If you ever love or loose your innocence
There will be liars and thieves who take from you
Not to undermine the consequence, but you are not what you do
And when you need it most I have a 100 reasons why I love you
So you know who you are and you know what you want
I've been where you're going, and it's not that far
It's too far to walk, but you don't have to run
You get there in time
So you know who you are and you know what you want
I've been where you're going, and it's not that far
It's too far to walk, but you don't have to run
You get there in time, you get there in time
If you ever love or loose your innocence,
just remember....
Lesson one....
Ever since finding out I was pregnant I've paid extra attention to songs that were written for or about the musicians child. Some of my favorites: Still Fighting and Gracie by Ben Folds, Lullaby for Wyatt by Sheryl Crow, Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel) by Billy Joel, Song for Sleeping by Stone Temple Pilots, Father and Son by Cat Stevens, Beautiful Boy by John Lennon, Forever Young by Bob Dylan. Personally I also think White Light by Wilco falls in that category but I'm not sure that was their intention. The weirdest one is probably a song by Nuno Bettencourt, written when his daughter was born, called Swollen Princess (um even the title is weird). I've included links for the lyrics in case anyone is interested. It would just take up way too much space to post all the lyrics here, but I couldn't completely resist so I put some of my favorite lyrics from the songs below:
Good morning, son
In twenty years from now
Maybe we'll both sit down and have a few beers
And I can tell you 'bout today
And how I picked you up and everything changed
You nodded off in my arms watching TV
I won't move you an inch even thought my arm's asleep
One day you're gonna want to go
I hope we taught you everything you need to know
And there will always be a part of me
Nobody else is ever gonna see but you and me
I have held you close
And breathed your name, my dear
I was with you then
And will remain, my dear
How do I keep you from losing your way
Hope you will find love like I did some day
But love is letting go
And this I'll know
Cause you were mine
For a time
Finally Ive met you
The day has come
Youre more than beautiful
And youre my son
Out on the ocean sailing away
I can hardly wait
To see you come of age
But i guess we'll both just have to be patient
'cause it's a long way to go
A hard row to hoe
Yes it's a long way to go
But in the meantime
Before you cross the street
Take my hand
Life is what happens to you
While you're busy making other plans
May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
If you feel like singing a song
And you want other people to sing along
Just sing what you feel
Don’t let anyone say it’s wrong
And if you’re trying to paint a picture
But you’re not sure which colors belong
Just paint what you see
Don’t let anyone say it’s wrong
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