Nothin’ lasts forever
And we both know hearts can change
And it’s hard to hold a candle
In the cold November rain
Taken from the song November Rain from Californian band Guns n’ Roses from their third studio album Use Your Illusion I (1991). Known as the “most dangerous band in the world”, they had a string of hit singles at the end of the 80s and early 90s, including Welcome to the Jungle.
So no one told you life was gonna be this way
Your job’s a joke, you’re broke
Your love life’s D.O.A
It’s like you’re always stuck in second gear
When it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month
Or even your year, but
I’ll be there for you
(When the rain starts to pour)
I’ll be there for you
(Like I’ve been there before)
I’ll be there for you
(‘Cause you’re there for me too)
The opening lines and chorus from I’ll be There For You by The Rembrandts, from the American duo’s third studio album LP (1995). The song is far better known for being the theme tune to sitcom phenomenon Friends, a show I’ve been rewatching from the start. You can find two of the many jokes here and here.
Oh, simple thing, where have you gone?
I’m getting old, and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you’re gonna let me in
I’m getting tired, and I need somewhere to begin
Taken from the song Somewhere Only We know by East Sussex band Keane, from their debut studio album Hopes and Fears (2004). Originally a UK top 3 hit, it was later covered by Lily Allen, who topped the charts in 2014. I also really recommend Everybody’s Changing, from the band’s same album.
They say the devil’s water, it ain’t so sweet
You don’t have to drink right now
But you can dip your feet
Every once in a little while
Taken from the song When You Were Young by Las Vegas band The Killers, from their second studio album Sam’s Town (2006). You can find another of my favourite Killers’ song here.
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime
Taken from the charity song Do They Know It’s Christmas by Band Aid (1984). The multi-million selling single was written in response to a severe famine in Ethiopia, and, along with several re-releases, has raised an estimated $150m into different causes. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone.
All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head, I wanna drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow
The opening lines of the song Mad World by Bath duo Tears For Fears, from their debut album The Hurting (1983). As well as being a big hit for the group, a more sombre version of the song became an unlikely non-festive Christmas number one and won an Ivor Novellor award for songwriting, the second for the British band. I also quoted another of their delightful songs here and have tickets to see them live next year.
I have a picture, pinned to my wall
An image of you and of me and we’re laughing and loving it all
But look at our life now, it’s tattered and torn
We fuss and we fight and delight in the tears that we cry until dawn.
The opening lines of the 80s classic Hold Me Now by English pop group The Thompson Twins from their fourth studio album Into the Gap (1984).
I can remember the good old days
When you and me used to hide away
Where the stars were shining or the sun was blinding our eyes.
Yeah you filled up my glass
With promises that could never last
But I still find pieces of you in the back of my mind.
The opening lyrics of unreleased track Talk by Irish band Kodaline, from their debut album In a Perfect World (2013). My thanks to the ever awesome Tosha for making me aware of the song and the band. You’ll find her original poetry and singing on her blog here.
Oh no I’ve said too much
I haven’t said enough
Taken from the song Losing My Religion by REM, from their multi-award winning album Out of Time (1991). Among their other songs I’m a big fan of is Everybody Hurts.
Take a look in the mirror and what do you see?
Do you see it clearer? Or are you deceived?
Taken from the powerhouse single Human by emerging talent Rag ‘n’ Bone Man from his upcoming album Human (2017).
Alex Raphael 