Music & Family

This guitar has been sitting in the corner of whichever room I used less for I don't know how long.  The last time I remember playing was shortly after moving to Dallas.  The last time I really played a lot & improved & learned new songs?  I think that was back in high school. 

Lately Isaiah has been enjoying my singing to him.  My repertoire is small - songs from musicals & hymns.  And today after being fussy for awhile, he just grinned from ear to ear when I started singing The Beatles.  I put him in the swing and sang to him.  And then I decided that I would play my guitar, the first time I've even picked it up in years.  Thanks to my sister Glory, it wasn't completely out of tune.

As I attempted to remember the chords to Yesterday, he smiled & smiled until he was fast asleep.

I have high hopes for my family's musical direction because one of my favorite things about my mom was always her playing her guitar & singing to us.  But I'm not making any promises, because then I probably wouldn't keep them. 

Song for Isaiah

I've been sortof sad lately for reasons I probably won't ever discuss here.  Just because I think some things are better left... unreported.  Of course the implications of my moderate sadness for this blog are that I haven't felt like writing much about anything. 

But today I decided that I missed listening to music.  So I fired up the ole Pandora & listened away, singing to Isaiah & working.  It was lovely.  And I think my little one enjoyed my singing to him, even though when I finally thought to video tape it, he wasn't too happy.

This song, Run by Snow Patrol, came on, and although I've listened to it many times before, it now has a new meaning for me.  Most of it isn't applicable, but these lyrics made me imagine the day that Isaiah moves away from home...

I'll sing it one last time for you

Then we really have to go

You've been the only thing that's right

In all I've done

Light up, light up

As if you have a choice

Even if you cannot hear my voice

I'll be right beside you dear

To think I might not see those eyes

Makes it so hard not to cry

And as we say our long goodbyes

I nearly do

That will be a sad day.  Good thing I have a few years before I actually have to deal with it. 

I love you son.

You're Just Too Good to be True

Today I was listening to some music while cleaning my kitchen.  (After Marcus suprised me with cooking breakfast... Awww...)  And Lauryn Hill came on with Can't Take My Eyes Off You. 

I've always loved this song.  Growing up, instead of listening to music from my decade of origin (80s), at the Kipapa house we listened to music from the 50s, 60s & 70s.  Oldies but goodies.  So I'm used to the classic version by Frankie Vallie & The Four Seasons. 

Either way, I've never quite listened to the lyrics like I listened to them today.  What a perfect song for Isaiah!  

Of course being pregnant & emotional, I teared up every time I tried to sing it... 

You're just to good to be true.  Can't take my eyes off of you. 

You'd be like heaven to touch.  I wanna hold you so much. 

At long last love has arrived.  And I thank God I'm alive.

You're just to good to be true.  Can't take my eyes off of you. 

Try to sing that one to your baby or child.  Can you do it without crying? 

Now I just have to figure out which version is the most appropriate.

The classic version is wonderful.  The bridge before the chorus is unforgettable, and then with Frankie Vallie, you can almost yell the chorus, and yelling music is fun. 

But then with Lauryn, I can hear a mother singing to her child.  And her voice...  Also Lauryn brings soul to her version.  Soul that rarely existed with the Oldies I grew up singing.  Lauryn's version might be a little more appropriate for the Marcus side of Isaiah.  He grew up listening to Oldies too, but instead with Teddy Pendergrass & Al Green. 

Okay I've decided.  An old classic song from my side coupled with the soul and heart from Marcus's side. 

Take a listen, see if you agree. 

Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Lauryn Hill

Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Vallie & The Four Seasons

I asked Marcus if it could be our song for Isaiah.  I can envision us singing it to him. 

Our song or my song, he's got a song.