ANY MAN OF MINE

This is one fun song that I'd like to share, especially to all the gals out there!! This song is super fun and I just love to sing along to it. 

It's super country so you really feel "fiddly" and all country when you listen to this one. You'd feel like wanting to just slide in a pair of country lookin' boots (if you have them) and just kick to the rhythm and of course, have fun dancing along it.

Shania Twain is kinda like the first Taylor Swift but with a more mature lyrics and music. Well, Shania could be one of the first female country singers who had had brought in contemporary elements into country music, creating a fusion known popularly today as Contemporary country.

Okay this song I wanna recommend is of course by who else, if not Shania Twain (I gave her a splendid introduction, didn't I?)

I love this track because I think that it is simple but fun and it does contain a simple elements of humour. Fun songs like these are great to sing along and have fun with. The lyrics are brilliant in a witty way.

Any Man Of Mine by Shania Twain

Alright, first of all, let me just say this...I don't need my man to be exactly what the lyrics indicate but if he is...it will be super cool also ;P!!

This is what a woman wants...
Any man of mine better be proud of me
Even when I'm ugly he still better love me
And I can be late for a date that's fine
But he better be on time

Any man of mine'll say it fits just right
When last year's dress is just a little too tight
And anything I do or say better be okay
When I have a bad hair day

And if I change my mind
A million times
I wanna hear him say
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah I like it that way

Any man of mine better walk the line
Better show me a teasin' squeezin' pleasin' kinda time
I need a man who knows, how the story goes
He's gotta be a heartbeatin' fine treatin'
Breathtakin' earthquakin' kind
Any man of mine

Well any man of mine better disagree
When I say another woman's lookin' better than me
And when I cook him dinner and I burn it black
He better say, mmmm, I like it like that yeah

And if I changed my mind
A million times
I wanna hear him say
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah I like it that way

Any man of mine better walk the line
Better show me a teasin' squeezin' pleasin' kinda time
I need a man who knows, how the story goes
He's gotta be a heartbeatin' fine treatin'
Breathtakin' earthquakin' kind
Any man of mine

Let me hear you say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah I like it that way

Any man of mine better walk the line
Better show me a teasin' squeezin' pleasin' kinda time
I need a man who knows, how the story goes
He's gotta be a heartbeatin' fine treatin'
Breathtakin' earthquakin' kind
Any man of mine

You gotta shimmy shake
Make the earth quake
Kick, turn, stomp, stomp, then you jump
Heel to toe, Do Si Do
'Til your boots wanna break
"Til your feet and your back ache
Keep it movin' 'til you just can't take anymore
Come on everybody on the floor
A-one two, a-three four
Hup two, hum
If you wanna be a man of mine, that's right
This is what a woman wants... 

The lyrics practically describes every girl's dream guy. I guess the criteria that applies to me the most is the part which say that if I cooked dinner and burnt it black he better like that because I am seriously a lousy cooker. But I think the better version for me would be, if I don't cook dinner, he better like it like that haha...

It's so upbeat and fast that I really enjoy shouting through the lyrics of this song, especially when I'm alone travelling in my car! Blasting this track, moving & dancing inside my car while some of the other drivers looked at me astonishingly and weirdly is kinda fun haha.

Oh well, here it is...enjoy!

This song is more than a decade years old but it is still so fun!

This shows that old songs are also super cool or it also shows that I'm actually old '=.=

With Lotsa Love,

TammyC

FEELING THE CASTAWAYS

I've been driving and listening to my playlist on my modulator, thinking about the perfect song to write about. 

I have a few new songs that I love and I settled with this one because it is very meaningful.

Last week, I felt the sudden urge to relive my childhood memories and I sort of went Youtubing Disney cartoons.

I have very hazy memory on "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and I decided to rewatch it. 

I had a friend who told me unlike many, she actually loves the songs from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". To be fair, I can't give a fair comment then because honestly, I can't remember any songs from that cartoon. But after re-watching it and paying extra attention to the soundtrack, I totally get why my friend loves the songs. There were a few really touching and meaningful ones that had made an imprint.

"God Save the Outcast" is sung by Esmeralda in the cartoon Hunchback of Notredame.

Its lyrics aptly describe the pain and sadness of those people who were deemed not part of the norm or being considered outsiders due to their differences. 

The song obviously outlines one of the themes in the cartoon, which is the loneliness and the challenges faced by those considered outcasts by the society. The Hunchback of Notredame, Quasimodo, is different because of his ghastly appearance and his hunchback, while Esmeralda and his people were banished due to their gypsy status, being believe to practice dark magic that would harm people. 

If you are one of those who feels that you are alone because you are different, and you feel that no one cares for you, this song will definitely make you feel better because at the end of the day, you know that there could be a greater person out there looking over you.  

I don't know if You can hear me

Or if You are even there

I don't know if You'd listen

To a gypsy's prayer

Yes, I know I'm just an outcast

I shouldn't speak to You

Still I see you face and wonder

Were You once an outcast too?

Sometimes when you are so left out by society, you doubt if you are even worthy of love. The song reminds us that that no matter how cast out we are, or how we feel alone, one is still worthy of love. And I believe that there is always someone there. Besides, remember that Jesus was once an outcast too...

God help the outcast,

Hungry from birth

Show them the mercy

They don't find on Earth

God help my people

We look to You still

God help the outcast

Or nobody will

Not everyone is as lucky. In many ways, I consider myself very lucky, to an extend I feel that I might not know what it's like to have suffer adversities. But I really admire people who can still strive forward in the hardest of situations and continue to believe, hang on in life and not give up. This song is written as a reminder bell that we have to help those in need and try as much as possible not to boycott people who are different. Easier said than done actually but we do our best. 

I ask for wealth

I ask for fame

I ask for glory to shine on my name

I ask for love I can possess

I ask for God and his angels to bless me

I ask for nothing

I can get by

But I know so many

Less lucky than I

Please help my people 

The poor and down-trod

I thought we were all 

Children of God

God help the outcasts

The children of God....

People that have everything ask for more but those with nothing stay contented and just pray for things to get better. Some of them even consider themselves lucky and would pray for others. Hmmm I totally respect how some people can see things in such a different perspective and be still be so generous despite their own less fortunate situation. 

The cartoon itself is touching and this song brilliantly capture the essence and message of the whole Disney cartoon. Another meaningful work produced by the legendary Disney brand. I find that Hunchback is definitely not a bad cartoon, though it wasn't my favourite back in my childhood days. I love the message it convey; it's a really touching and inspirational movie.

Anyway, savour this song.

With Lotsa Love,

TammyC

Let's all try to be nicer and kinda to those who are different and let's all learn to be grateful of the blessings we get everyday. 

I WROTE HERE

"I Was Here" is a brilliant song by Lady Antebellum.

If you don't know who Lady Antebellum are, well, you really should because they are one of the fastest growing country music band. Consisting of 3 members, Hilary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Heywood, Lady Antebellum strums out some of the greatest country songs I've heard. They have their own unique country style that are just as enjoyable as Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and Shania Twain, just to name a few country artistes.

The first time I heard about them was on radio, when FlyFM mentioned this band. Soon after, I saw their performance during the Grammy Awards and kinda fell in love with them. In fact, they did won a few Grammy awards. (I believe related to upcoming new artiste or something). 

I then went searching for more of them and among other brilliant tracks, I found this song super inspiring. 

You will notice me
I'll be leavin' my mark, like initials carved in an old oak tree
you wait and see
maybe I'll write like Twain wrote
maybe I'll paint like Van Gough,
cure the common cold
I don't know but I'm ready to start cuz I know in my heart

I wanna do something that matters
say something different
something that sets the whole world on it's ear
I wanna do somethin better, with the time I've been given
and I wanna try to touch a few hearts in this life
and leave nothin less that something that says I was here

I will prove you wrong
If you think I'm all talk, you're in for a shock
cuz this streams too strong, and before too long
maybe I'll compose symphonies
maybe I'll fight for world peace
cuz I know it's my destiny to leave more that a trace of myself in this
place

And I know that I, I will do more than just pass through this life
I'll leave nothin less that somethin that says I was here, I was here, 

I was here, I was here

Wanna do something that matters
somethin that says I was here
wanna do somethin that matters
somethin that says I was here, I was here

The song kinda me of the things that I'd like to do everyday, especially the chorus. I hope that  in whatever I do, I could make a difference in the world and help people. That is something I want to do ultimately with my life - to inspire. Though there are many many times I feel like a useless loser, I guess it's songs like these that serves as a reminder and a booster to get you going again. I'm not perfect but I always wish that I can at least make one person out there happier or feel better. Sigh...I'm not sure if I'm doing it enough though. I feel that I screw things up quite a lot.

Well, I'm going to start another new chapter in life soon and hopefully, this chapter brings adventure and loads of fun. And hopefully, along the way, I will be making a mark and a huge difference in someone's life - help make their lives a better one.

With all that said, enjoy this song!

With Lotsa Love,

TammyC

V-DAY! V-DAY!

My family is so engrossed in Chinese New Year that we tend to forget it's also Valentine's Day. So, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to all you lovebirds out there. For singletons like me, we can still celebrate love alone haha.

  

Anyway, since it's Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share some love songs that I'm currently super into currently. Let's move straight to the Top 5 love songs that I love currently. In no particular order....

1. It is you (I have loved) by Dana Glover

This song is just a simple beautiful love song off the soundtrack of Shrek (I don't know which one though). I came across this song while watching Dancing with the Stars, in which Mark & Shawn waltz along the melody. I instantly fell in love with the song & I can't help but waltz in my mind everytime I hear to romantic tune of this song.

2. Crazier by Taylor Swift

Basically one of my favourite songs of all times, so...obviously it landed itself here.

3. Fly With Me by The Jonas Bros

I really don't like the JB but then some of their songs are, well kinda nice. I don't know why but "Fly With Me" is like one great love song that I love to sing along to.

4. You Got A Way With Me by Shania Twain

I've loved this song since young because it's just romantic. I love the video too because it kinda brings me out of this world to a land of romance, purity and divinity...

5. Strawberry Wine by Deana Carter

This is more like a first love song. It's about the taste of first love and I also love it a lot. Ty and Chelsie waltzed through this track and I'm loving it too.

Well, since these days I'm really not in the writing element, I'm keeping this short & sweet. Anyway enjoy the love folks! Happy V-day!


With Lotsa Lurve,
TammyC

THE COLOURFUL COAT OF LOVE

I fell in love with this song the moment I hear it.

It reaches deep within my heart and soul and I was really touched by the lyrics.

It's a song about a mother's love and gratitude.

In short, it's about how one could be so poor but yet feel so rich.

Originally sang by Dolly Parton, the version I heard was by Shania Twain, which was brilliantly covered by this beautiful country singer, who happened to be one of my favourites.

You know, really, I just love country music. They are stories told through melodic lines and that's why I think they are brilliant. I know, I know,...many people just don't get it but seriously, I can't get enough of country songs. 

"Coat of Many Colours" tell about how this little girl got a box of old rags. For some, I bet you'll think that old rags are worth nothing and most probably, we'd throw them away. But this little girl's mama improvised and made a colourful coat out of them rags for her since fall is turning in.

The girl knew that though it seems that they are poor, the truth is, she felt rich because she had her mama's love. The colourful coat signifies how something that is deemed worthless can in fact be such a priceless possession - that a family in poverty can actually feel so rich. I mean, where in the world can you get a colourful coat sew with the threads enriched with a mama's love? It's the one and only coat in the world and this little girl has it. So it's safe to say that she is richer than Paris Hilton who probably buys her clothes from Gucci & Prada, which probably are not even exclusive. Even if there are the only design in the world, the outfit just doesn't have the touches of love in them (which probably explains why Paris Hilton never seemed to understand the true meaning of being in love...opps! No defamation here...)

This song kinda reminds me of what my grandma told us (me and my cousins) the other day.

She told us that times were hard for them (my grandpa, grandma, my dad & my aunts) but they were happy. I remember those exact words she told us at the restaurant, where we were enjoying our Western food. How ironic. A hardship story in a well-lit, kinda lavish restaurant. In many ways, I knew that I've been born into a great life. I wasn't as poor as my dad back then and I have most of the things that I wanted. Therefore, I guess I never truly understand what it's like to be poor but feel rich.  But then again, I'm not like those spoiled rich brat because I'm so not rich too...I'd say I'm gladly placed in the middle class range but I know my dad had always wanted me and my siblings to be more frugal haha. But I'll say that most of the times, I feel blessed and lucky I couldn't wish for anything more, and thus, I'd say that I do feel 'rich' in many ways. Again, like the song says, it's how you choose to see yourself that matters. Be proud of what you are and where you come from.

Anyway, I love love this song by Dolly Parton and I think it'll serve as a friendly reminder for me to stay grateful and learn to appreciate love and the simplest things in life.

Enjoy...

This is the original version by Dolly Parton

Then Shania serenades us with her rendition...

You can sing along to this one since there are lyrics haha...

Cheers~

Back through the years 
I go wonderin' once again 
Back to the seasons of my youth 
I recall a box of rags that someone gave us 
And how my momma put the rags to use 
There were rags of many colors 
Every piece was small 
And I didn't have a coat 
And it was way down in the fall 
Momma sewed the rags together 
Sewin' every piece with love 
She made my coat of many colors 
That I was so proud of 
As she sewed, she told a story 
From the bible, she had read 
About a coat of many colors 
Joseph wore and then she said 
Perhaps this coat will bring you 
Good luck and happiness 
And I just couldn't wait to wear it 
And momma blessed it with a kiss 
 

Chorus: 
My coat of many colors 
That my momma made for me 
Made only from rags 
But I wore it so proudly 
Although we had no money 
I was rich as I could be 
In my coat of many colors 
My momma made for me 
So with patches on my britches 
Holes in both my shoes 
In my coat of many colors 
I hurried off to school 
Just to find the others laughing 
And making fun of me 
In my coat of many colors 
My momma made for me 
And oh I couldn't understand it 
For I felt I was rich 
And I told them of the love 
My momma sewed in every stitch 
And I told 'em all the story 
Momma told me while she sewed 
And how my coat of many colors 
Was worth more than all their clothes 
But they didn't understand it 
And I tried to make them see 
That one is only poor 
Only if they choose to be 
Now I know we had no money 
But I was rich as I could be 
In my coat of many colors 
My momma made for me 
Made just for me

With Lotsa Lurve to give,

TammYC counting down to Chinese New Year

Gong Xi Gong Xi Gong Xi Ni...

THE BEAUTY OF RAIN

If Dana Glover doesn't sound at all familiar to you, well, it doesn't to me either.

But I discovered her few days ago and suddenly, I became a fan of her songs. I was re-watching Dancing with the Stars Season 8 when I saw Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas waltzing through the song "It's you (I have loved)" by Dana Glover (of course...duh haha).

Impressed with her song, which happened to be OST of Shrek, I then went Youtubing for her other songs.

I came across this meaningfully beautiful one entitled "Rain".

Very powerful lyrics that would certainly remind us with family and friends how lucky we are. As for those who feel lonely, I believe this song will remind you that you are not forgotten...God is always there for you...Your are never really alone. But I know, it's always easier said than done. I know the times when I feel so alone, and that no one understands me is not as worst if compared to those out there who literally has no one out there for them.

Anyway enjoy this song. 

Rain..
Rain..

Rain, Her mother gave her a name on a weary day
24 hours of pain then she gave her away
Into the arms of another family
Into a life of confusion and misery

Rain, day after day in her room where the walls are bare
No dreams exist in the eyes of her empty stare
Night after night in her room with no one to care
She lays her head down to cry and whispers a prayer

Oh woah...

Oh God there must be some mistake
But no one's ever loved me
I'd like to believe in you and I try
But I'm just so lonely

Rain...
Rain...

Rain, she's got smile in her heart no one's ever seen
She's got a life in her mind and a crave to dream
She walks alone on her way to a secret place
And fills up her soul up with tears
Such a silent space

Woah, woah, woah...

Rain, one tennis shoe on the ledge one in midair
She feels a whispering breeze rushing through her hair
She lifts her face to the sky in complete dispair
And cries aloud in the night with her very last prayer

Oh..., oh God there must be some mistake
But no one's ever loved me
But if there's something more in my life you can make
Here I am won't you show me

And then the clouds began to roll
And the peace replaced her pain
And on her face and in her soul
She felt the drops of that sweet, sweet

Rain
Pourin' Rain
I need your love to rain down on me
Rain...

Ironically, though rain metaphorically represents sorrow and sadness, the song portrayed rain as a symbol of hope, a gesture of love from God, reminding us that there is always something or someone there for us. 

I love how the writer name the girl Rain, symbolizing her duality, just like the rain - both representing sadness but also beautiful.

I've always love the rain...and I guess this song aptly justify why.
Plus, there's always a rainbow after the rain...

With Lotsa Lurve,

TammyC hoping that the rains in 2010 will be tears of joy

AND THE GRAMMY GOES TO...TAM-ME!!!

Just the other day, we witnessed the mega event of the 52nd Grammy Awards and I'm sure all of you have your own thoughts on the winners who brought home the Gramophone trophy that night.

As a fan of Taylor Swift, I'm really pleased to hear that she took home 4 Grammys that night. Not bad for a 20-year-old huh? (Can't believe Taylor is actually younger than me).

But Taylor winning the 'Album of the Year' has stirred many critics. My friend MSN-ed me yesterday saying that Taylor's album lacked the substance needed to be deemed "Album of the Year". I wouldn't say I disagree with him but then again, it all boils down to how you define 'Album of the Year' really. 

We agreed that if Album of the Year is given based on popularity, I really don't see why Taylor shouldn't win. She is in fact doing very very well this year. Her hits like "Love Story", "Fifteen" and "You Belong With Me" have been topping the charts and have all established a solid footing in the charts for weeks and weeks. So definitely she has the rights to claim the award. Plus I feel that the whole Kanye West grabbing her mic incident actually served as a great publicity for her. It's like, from that incident on, Taylor Swift just bloomed. So having that kinda publicity combined with her talent, there's no doubt she became instantly larger than large (metaphorically speaking though since she's really a little too skinny).


Arguably though, there are certain elements lacking in her album that makes people question the album winning. First of all, ya it could be lacking in maturity in terms of lyrics? I mean I love her writing skills, that's for sure but many feel that her expressing love this way is very childish. Again, debatable. But there's no doubt that I enjoy most of Taylor Swift's songs. 

Anyway overall, I'm kinda satisfied with this year's winners. I mean, previously, I really don't get why some people or bands get the Grammy, but this year, most of those given the title were deserving. 

Here are the list of some big winners that night:

RECORD OF THE YEAR 

goes to....

Use Somebody - Kings of Leon

Other nominees:

Halo - Beyonce

I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas

Pokerface - Lady Gaga

You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

goes to...

Fearless - Taylor Swift

Other nominees:

I am...Sasha Fierce - Beyonce 

The E.N.D. - The Black Eyed Peas

The Fame - Lady Gaga

Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King - Dave Matthews Band

SONG OF THE YEAR

(awarded to songwriters)

goes to...

All the Single Ladies (Put a ring on it) - Beyonce

Other nominees:

Pokerface

Pretty Wings

Use Somebody

You Belong with Me

BEST POP COLLABORATION WITH VOCALS

goes to...

Lucky - Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat

Other nominees:

Sea of Heartbreak - Rosanne Cash & Bruce Springsteen

Love Sex Magic - Ciara & Justin Timberlake

Baby It's Cold Outside - Willie Nelson & Norah Jones

Breathe - Taylor Swift & Colbie Caillat

(Personally, I prefer Breathe haha)

BEST FEMALE COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE

goes to...

White Horse - Taylor Swift

Other nominees:

Dead Flowers - Miranda Lambert

I Just Called You Mine - Martina McBride

Just A Dream - Carrie Underwood

Solitary Thinkin' - Lee Ann Womack

BEST MALE COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE

goes to...

Sweet Thing - Keith Urban

Other nominees:

All I Ask For Anymore - Trace Adkins

People Are Crazy - Billy Currington

High Cost of Living - Jamey Johnson

Living For The Night - George Strait

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM

goes to...

(by now you should know)

Fearless - Taylor Swift

Other nominees:

The Foundation - Zac Brown Band

Twang - George Strait

Defying Gravity - Keith Urban (this one not bad also)

Call Me Crazy - Lee Ann Womack

BEST ROCK SONG

goes to...

Use Somebody - Kings of Leon

Other nominees:

The Fixer - Pearl Jam

21 Guns - Green Day (I personally think this song is better)

Working on a Dream - Bruce Springsteen

I'll Go Crazy if I don't Go Crazy Tonight - U2

BEST ROCK ALBUM

goes to...

21st Century Breakdown - Green Day

Other nominees:

Black Ice - AC/DC

Live From Madison Square - Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood

Big Whiskey & the Groogrux King - Dave Matthews Band

No Line on the Horizon - U2

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM

goes to...

The E.N.D. - The Black Eyed Peas

Other Nominees:

Breakthrough - Colbie Caillat

All I Ever Wanted - Kelly Clarkson

The Fray - The Fray

Funhouse - Pink

Generally, this year's winners were all very deserving. Of course as usual, there are always some debatable wins (I mean, it's the Grammys, it's always controversial), but then again for me, they are really all winners. Seriously, if I have to pick the winners, it will be hard also to pinpoint a favourite because it's a really very subjective thing.

Anyway there were some brilliant performances that night and the ones I kept hearing people talk about is Taylor's and Stevie Nicks' collaboration and also Taylor singing her latest song "Today was a fairytale", soundtrack from the movie "Valentine's Day". Then there's also Lady Gaga's horrendous outfits that night. Here are some performances I managed to find on Youtube.

Taylor Swift and her awesomeness on stage

Beyonce effortlessly awing the audiences with her medley

Lady Gaga "poking-her" face, oh well, she did get everyone gaga over her

The Black Eyed Peas getting the crowd wild as always with their cool sounds

Green Day was also there to serenade with my favourite 21 Guns

Their only song that I'm so crazy over

If you watched the Grammys, good for you. If you didn't well you can YouTube it like me.

Take care

With Lotsa Lurve,

TammyC trying hard to not be so lazy...