Every now and then one hears a song that captivates and from then onwards hears it a few more times, only to find that the melody gets more melodious and the lyrics get more meaningful, suiting to one's circumstances. And that is the basis for which I picked my 2005 top charts - the 10 songs which, at first listen, sound ordinary but as I hear them more they become nothing less than pearls to my ears. A dear friend once browse through the music in my iPod and I revealed more or less the few favourites I had this year, only to add in "Yea...come to think about it, they're mostly sad songs!" Alright folks, I know Christmas' just over and the new year is dawning and everyone's in a festive oh so jolly seasonal mood, but mostly what I'm thinking about is what happens after this festive oh so jolly season. I guess you know what I'm referring to.
The songs below mean a lot to me and I took a long long time to sieve through my whole playlist to come up with them. It's always fun for me to do so, to scroll through the thousand songs I have and to pick the top 10. This year, unlike the past where I based the top 10 on playcount, I've chosen this year's top 10 that represent melody and lyrical jewels (of course playcount still plays a part). Also, beside the main song, I've also included another song or 2 by the same artiste. This other or 2 songs also mean a lot but because I wanted the top 10 and not 100 of 2005, I've decided to include them under the same artiste. As you look through the chart, please take a moment to enjoy the lyrics and should you so wish for a listen to the song, just tag or drop me a mail. Without further adue, let me present to you ladies and gentlemen, (*drum rolls*) WB's 2005 top charts!
1. Christmas Lullaby (AMY GRANT - see also IMAGINE) Be near me, Lord Jesus I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever And love me I pray Bless all the dear children In Thy tender care And take us to Heaven To live with Thee there
A boy sings along to this song. I leave home and this comforts me "Be near me Lord Jesus; love me I pray". 2. Shiver (NATALIE IMBRUGLIA - see also I WON'T BE LOST & TORN) I walk a mile with a smile I don't know I don't care where I am But I know it's alright Jump the tracks Can't get back I don't know anyone around here But I'm safe this time Cos when you tell me tell me tell me stupid things like you do Yes, I have to have to have to change the rules I can't lose
We talk and talk round it all Who'd have thought we'd end up here But I'm feeling fine In a rush never trust You'll be there If I'd only stop and take my time Cos with you I'm runnin runnin runnin Somewhere I can't get to Yes I have to have to have to change the rules I'm with You
I first heard this song in the medical centre and then I was thinking, what a repetitive and boring song. But then, I like her. So I bought her album and started to hear this more often. And then it started. Everytime when I hear this song, it reminds me of God. Even as I prepare to leave for Australia, these lines comfort me "I walk a mile with a smile, I don't know, I don't care where I am, But I know it's alright. Jump the tracks, Can't get back, I don't know anyone around here. But I'm safe this time". I imagine myself there alone and I can depend on no one but myself. Or not. Because He's there wherever I'm there. It's only with Him that I can go to places I can't get to on my own. It talks about how one (myself) is always trying to win(I can't lose) but in the next part, it talks about surrendering everything and change the rules, be with Him.
3. Learning to Breathe (SWITCHFOOT - see also YOU)
Hello, good morning, how you do? What makes your rising sun so new? I could use a fresh beginning too All of my regrets are nothing new So this is the way that I say I need you This is the way that I'm Learning to breathe I'm learning to crawl I'm finding that You and You alone can break my fall I'm living again, awake and alive I'm dying to breathe in these abundant skies
There're many things I have to learn. Learn to do on my own.
I often want a fresh beginning so I can find myself break free from an old part of me. But with a fresh beginning also means that a part of me that I wouldn't want to break away from would be missing too.
4. Lion (REBECCA ST. JAMES) Wise eyes, you see the core of me Your gentleness melts me And now I know that words cannot describe the power that I feel when I'm with you This is not a dream that I'm living This is just a world of Your own You took me from all that I knew Shown me how it feels to hope With You with me, facing tomorrow together I can learn to fly Feels like I'm living in the lion's mouth, but the lion is Peace and power, love forever Who am I to stand before You? I am speechless But in my weakness You are here and all is well
"Who am I to stand before You?" - this line strikes me. 2 things. I am small and insignificant, therefore am not qualified to stand before the supreme all knowing and powerful Lord. But it's because that I am small and He's big, that Him being here makes everything well. I am an ironic person. Through the course of the year I know that I need Him. But I always feel unqualified and not worthy. Yet only He alone would make me justified - it makes me think about the things that we should face and confront yet often push them back out of fear. But knowing He's here, it's sufficient and all is well.
5. The Promise (SECRET GARDEN)
This comes from their 2nd album. A classical piece.
6. Our Last Summer (A*TEENS - see also HEARTBREAK LULLABY)
Oh yes those crazy years, that was the time of the flower-power But underneath we had a fear of flying Of getting old, a fear of slowly dying We took the chance Like we were dancing our last dance I can still recall our last summer I still see it all In the tourist jam, round the Notre Dame Our last summer Walking hand in hand Paris restaurants, our last summer Morning croissants, living for the day worries far away Our last summer
Makes me think about the last few weeks that I would spend here in Singapore...
7. When Christmas Comes to Town (from THE POLAR EXPRESS) I'm wishing on a star
And trying to believe
That even though it's far He'll find me Christmas Eve I guess that Santa's busy Cause he's never come around I think of him When Christmas Comes to Town
Presents for the children Wrapped in red and green All the things I've heard about But never really seen
This song helps me come to terms with the certain doubts that I have.
8. Blind (LIFEHOUSE) I would fall asleep only in hopes of dreaming that everything would be like is was before but nights like this it seems are slowly fleeting they disappear as reality is crashing to the floor after all this time I never thought we'd be here never thought we'd be here when my love for you was blind but I couldn't make you see it couldn't make you see it that I loved you more than you'll ever know a part of me died when I let you go
Look at it not from a negative point of view and you'd understand.
9. Theme from Sword3
2nd of 2 classical pieces. Always reminding me of my childhood (had this as a present when I was in ?Sec 1 when I was in Taiwan. Tricked my grandpa into buying this for me. Hehe. Yea...my adorable grandpa from Taiwan)
10. Nullabor Song (KASEY CHAMBERS - see also IF I WERE YOU) When it's quiet out here A hundred miles away You can hear the train on the line The whistle blows just to break the silence I wave just to break the time I close my eyes I think of runnin' water I think of runnin' away But the fires burnt to ashes And it's darker than before But I can see as clear as day If I'm not here in the morning I'll cry a river of tears I'll learn to live in a new town But my heart is staying here
Speaks for itself.
DrWb 3:43 PM
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Thursday, December 29, 2005
Repost
Alrite guys, this is what went unpublished - The post that was created halfway and then was of no more. Should have been up a couple of weeks back, considering the following text is somewhat of 'history'. Nevertheless, I've decided to retype and repost. Thanks to advanced technology. New post comin' up. Meanwhile, here it is. The original excerpt:
Closing This Memory Down - Issue 1: A Road to Single Mindedness [NC 16]
We are spoilt for choices these days. Even as I contemplate to pen down my next entry, many topics come to mind and the so many subjects I would elaborate on overwhelm me. Of these, I've come to pick the 4 that I would think sum up 2005 rather neatly:
a) Season Dilemmas b) Random Thoughts from a Consultation Room c) 2005 Top Charts! d) And then I Found Peace
So in 4 'issues', I'd present to you a look back at 2005. All would be rather long posts, so I suggest you hold your breath and devour everything if you so please, either that or come back from time to time to check-it-out; and tag!
And yes, I'd like to start off with a thank you to all who taught me a lesson or 2 on encouragement and love. Print out this page in exchange for a free big hug. Kisses and cuddles for girls only.
Well, common sense probably does give one some clues as to what lies beneath these titles. But here, let me present to you the first of 4...
Season dilemmas - As this Christmas season approaches, calling for a conclusion, coupled with a big celebration to all things 2005, I am once again at a crossroad, junction, dilemma, or whatever you call anything that makes your head go round and round and still you find yourself in one circle. It's that kind of thing that tells you to choose this, but no, that would be better; but then again, this is already, has been already.
First off, UWA (University of Western Australia, Perth) has, finally replied - a letter of offer! When I first read it off the internet, the feeling (There he goes again, feelings) was delicious! Come on man! It was afterall my dream university! First choice! Was. Was.Was... Ok, is. I'm working hard on that, Having already accepted UNSW after much struggle, applied for accomodation, paid the deposit, it becomes this sour sweet feeling now that UWA offers a place. I've travelled far and wide, searching for an answer to make an end to this. Here's what I got: " Which is your dream university? Right! Then you should go to UWA!"; "I donno leh...both can graduate with MBBS right? Then go to the one you like lah!"; "Stop being so po po ma ma, be a man! Stick with UNSW since you've already accepted it!"; "Why UWA!!!?? What's so good? UNSW's reputation is better!"; "Lets see...pros and cons, have you weight them...?" Alright folks, believe me, I've done that a thousand times. Here's my point of view. Less I have to repeat this story again everytime I ask for an opinion from my bestest friends, how about an excerpt from 'Medical Dilemmas'?
Reported by Jessica Charliez Jolie [J] Great doctor wannabe Weilbur Biker Notts [W]
J: So, what made you accept UNSW's offer when you knew you'd much rather prefer UWA? W: (chuckles) Well, there were a few facotrs. For one, the army requires one to submit the form for diruption (The actual day I complete NS, aka ORD date is in Mar '06, but because term in UNSW starts in Feb '06, I'd have to 'disrupt' and then serve the remaining one month during or after I've got the MBBS) 3 months before the intended date of disruption. Because UNSW replied early in Nov and I was told that UWA would only do so in Dec, I felt inclined to accept UNSW. Also, I was afraid that if I held on to the offer from UNSW too long while waiting for UWA's reply, UNSW would withdraw their offer and UWA would only reply with a 'sorry no entry'. And all would be lost. Of this, I did call the agent for advice. Well, he told me UWA's generally slower and is harder to get in (I wished I knew why) - so I shouldn't hesitate to take up UNSW's offer. Then was a major factor - my parents and most people I know. The discussions. Convenience? Sydney. Assurance? UNSW. Reputation? UNSW. Opening in Singapore in 2007? UNSW. Then? UNSW. As much as I wanted to wait for UWA's reply, I suppose you could understand why I had to lodge the acceptance to the offer from UNSW.
J: (Nods readily) Oh yes yes, I do understand. (Touches Weilbur's hand) What tremendous ordeals! W: (Holding on to Jessica's hand) (Smiles humbly)
J: Now... Why exactly do you prefer UWA? W: Good question. (Letting go of Jessica's hand, noticing her ring finger is without a ring) I would say the reason to this is not exactly very clear to myself as well. It's just this feeling I get when I compare between the universities. The more obvious reasons would of course be the environment. I've been to Perth before and I really like the weater and pace of lifestyle over there, and...
J: Have you been to Sydney before? W: No I haven't, but Perth is...
J: Wouldn't it then be unfair that you compare Perth to Sydney when you haven't been there before? w: (frowning slightly) Yes that would be true... Well you could say that I'm slightly biased, but it's just the impression of city life in Sydney, and as for Perth, I think it's more conducive for study and character development. So....
J: What makes you think that you won't be able to do that in Sydney? Oh well, I mean (noticing W is getting restless), I'm just curious that's all, that you're making up Sydney to be a lousy place. It's just... not right. W: (Long pause) I lnow what you mean, but I'd be alone there for 6 years, and I wouldn't want myself to be influenced by...
J: Then you should switch to UWA! I would even go wherever you would if you take me! (Arupt pause) W: ...
J: (Blushes) I mean, you could be a great doctor wherever..."
Well. I've already called the agent to make the decision.
I've closed UWA's file...
I would feel all bitter about being 'forced' to accept this decision.
I'm living with it. I have to.
But I'm actually feeling quite alright! I'm dealing quite well! In fact, I feel a weight off my chest. I'm feeling glad. There's this sudden rush of relief washing over me. I think I've finally come to terms with this decision. Indeed, I'm amazed at this sudden change of attitude I find in myself as well...
I guess years later when I look upon this chance to go to UWA, the 'what ifs' would definitely come running back. But I think, I could live with that. Now, I'm feeling excited and all geared up to enjoy my life there as a medical student and as a person. I can already almost taste it. 2 more months down the road in Singapore, then I'd be flying away. For a journey of a lifetime.
DrWb 1:02 PM
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Wednesday, December 21, 2005
?Patience
Alrite, this blog ISN't dead.
First off, there's just so much upcoming for this Christmas that folks I'm sorry it's kept me off updating for quite a while. But rest assured that this blog is pretty much alive. So much so that sometmes I pop by my own website to think that there will be a new post somehow.
Next, I'm rather angry. Because! I've already completed one very long draft entry as a post. And guess what! All's gone!! I have to retype. Yes. RETYPE! That's why... But! I will do it! Before Christmas.
In the mean while, folks, get set for the season of the year! It's all very so exciting eh. With Narnia comin up some more...
Before I conclude, watch King Kong. I have a lot to say about this movie.
