Friday, June 13, 2008

What Does Your Anthem Sound Like?

I know it's been a while since I've written anything of substance. Sorry about that. I feel like I have so much to get my readers (if I have any left) caught up on that I don't know where to start. Like I'm afraid I'll start typing and never stop because there's so much to tell, but then everyone would be confused because I'd be telling it all out of order and it would make no sense.

So today I'm just going to ask for some help. I'm working on playlist. I am going through some changes (nothing major, just growing) and I need some music that reminds me of my ability to stay strong and positive.
Some of my Soul Sisters have already introduced me to the first few songs on the playlist.
A friend/doula client played india.arie's Private Party at her empowering HBAC (home birth after cesarean). I fell in love with the lyrics:
I’m havin' a private party
Ain’t no body here but me, my angels, and my guitar singin’ baby look how far we’ve come here
I’m havin’ a private party
Learning how to love me
Celebrating the woman I’ve become

Then there's Exactly by Amy Steinberg. I can't tell you how many times these words have helped me stay calm during stressful times:
i am exactly where i need to be
i need to be exactly where i am
i am surrendering so willingly
to be the perfect me inside this now
and truly how else could it be
destiny she blesses me


A beautiful midwife I know posted a cool song on her blog by Jill Scott called Hate on Me. I love her confidence and attitude when she sings:
Hate on me, hater
Now or later
‘Coz I’m gonna do me
You’ll be mad, baby
Go ‘head and hate
Go ‘head and hate on me, hate on
‘Coz I’m not afraid of it
What I got I paid for
You can hate on me

There's also Just Fine by Mary J Blige. There's no way you can be in a bad mood when you're singing along to:
No time for moping around, are you kidding?
And no time for negative vibes, cause I'm winning
It's been a long week, I put in my hardest
Gonna live my life, feels so good to get it right


Then there's a song by the Brazilian Girls which my Jane and the lovely MB introduced me to. It's a song that just makes me feel good (and laugh). I can't really post any of the lyrics, just in case my mom is reading.

So my friends, what songs brighten up your day, make you feel strong and powerful, or simply make you want to shake what yo' mama gave ya?