There's a couple of songs I go to when I need to get motivated for the larger tasks in life. Not songs to pep me up and get me out the door, but songs that prop up my sometimes weary mind and help me to remember that there are things and ideas out there larger than me, and my task is to make sure I do right by those compasses, and to make sure that I'm growing more accepting, not more walled into my own beliefs.
I guess all I'm saying is these songs make me want to be a better person, and they remind me that I am not the sum of all I want to be.
First, the 8th Square, by The Cruxshadows. The video here was not made by the band. Lyrics below the video.
The trial is set before us and its hard to understand,
The mechanics of this world we tread, the potential in our hands.
Truth is born in uncertain stages and in turn life will reveal-
That though we stand before the crown the future is concealed.
So we must move to face our enemies, and to each of us- his own.
Perspectives change across the board as the last among us knows.
And I am proud of what I've sacrificed and I am proud of what I've saved,
in commitment to a greater good strength grows from splintered faith.
And if the darkness falls upon me in the silence of my heart,
and if the world turns to abandon, I will not fall apart.
For I believe in something deeper than the physics that we share...
and I will strive with all my power, to reach the 8th & final square.
For in every evil, and every loss a finer verity unfolds;
you are free to face this trepidation and with your weakness grow.
For the strongest bones are broken and the soul needs to redeem,
With courage face the thing you fear, so the pawn becomes the queen.
I go inside the darkness, I go within the light.
I find the open spaces, my world is black and white.
Every year, on my birthday, I have to listen to this next song. Interestingly enough, it's called Birthday, and is also by The Cruxshadows. Lyrics below the video.
Roll out of bed, look in the mirror
and wonder who you are-
another year has come and gone
today is your birthday
but it might be...
the last day of your life
so what will you do if tomorrow- its all gone
You won't be young forever
there's only a fraction to the sum
you won't be young forever
nor will anyone
so...
Look at your life, who do you want to be- before you die?
Look at your life, and what do you want to do?
Look at your life, who do you want to be before you die
Look at your life, you haven't got forever (it all comes back to you)
hmmmmmmm
and tell me what really matters
is it the money & the fame?
or how many people might
eventually know your name?
but maybe you touch one life
and the world becomes a better place to be
maybe you give their dreams
another day, another chance to be free...
You won't be young forever
there's only a fraction to the sum
you won't be young forever
nor will anyone
so...
Look at your life, who do you want to be- before you die?
Look at your life, and what do you want to do?
Look at your life, who do you want to be before you die
Look at your life, it all comes back to you
You won't be young forever
there's only a fraction to the sum
you won't be young forever
nor will anyone
I thought I ought to flesh out the diary a bit more, and not just pimp some band, but...I think the music does well on it's own, so I'll just leave it alone. Hope you enjoyed our morning foray into the leather and fishnet world of the Cruxshadows!
Here's a link to their site:
http://www.cruxshadows.com