X-Static Process

I've been struggling with my "X" post, and I even elicited the help of my friend Eric G., who gave me a couple of ideas which I could not personally expand upon even though I tried.  So thank you Eric.  So, all of a sudden this morning I thought of this song by Madonna from her much maligned album, American Life.  The song is an acoustic ballad that makes no use of the title within its lyrics.  The song's kind of sad, and I can identify with its lyrics, which you can find below.  Nice song!

 
Madonna - X-Static Process (Live Mtv) by Giouft


X-Static Process

I'm not myself when you're around
I'm not myself standing in a crowd
I'm not myself and I don't know how
I'm not myself, myself right now

[Chorus]

Jesus Christ will you look at me
Don't know who I'm supposed to be
Don't really know if I should give a damn
When you're around, I don't know who I am

I'm not myself when you go quiet
I'm not myself alone at night
I'm not myself, don't know who to call
I'm not myself at all

[Chorus]

I always wished that I could find someone as beautiful as you
But in the process I forgot that I was special too

I'm not myself when you're around
I'm not myself when you go quiet
I'm not myself all alone at night
I'm not myself standing in a crowd
I'm not myself and I don't know how
I'm not myself, myself right now
Don't know what I believe

[Chorus]

I always wished that I could find someone as beautiful as you
But in the process I forgot that I was special too
I always wished that I could find someone as talented as you
But in the process I forgot that I was just as good as you

Lyrics: Song Meanings

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Song of the Day - Fantasy Island - M People

I think that this just might be a first for John's World.  Back in the 1990's I was a huge M People fan, but this marvelously talented group from the U.K. never really caught on big time here in the States, so their music was hard to come by.  I first came upon them by accident, buying a single of theirs, Open Your Heart, thinking it was something else.  I didn't realize this until I played it, though, and I was hooked on first listen.

The sound of M People is unique and sophisticated.  With lead singer Heather Small's deep, raspy voice, always inspirational lyrics, and a multitude of real instruments playing in the background, their music was simply intoxicating, as you can hear in this tune.

Fantasy Island is all about peace and love in a Utopian place where "I look at a Muslim embracing a Jew.
Everyone's eating everyone's food.  Free from diseases, ain't no Third World.  Love is the message, love is the word."  The song is one of my favorite M People tunes, and I hope you'll like it.  

 

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Flashback Friday Song of the Day - Unpretty - TLC

Since I reported that Chili and T Boz, of TLC, were getting together to do some shows and make new music, I've been thinking about the group, wanting to post something about them.  For the past couple of years, I've marked Left Eye's death with a Song of the Day post, and this year I missed it.  So maybe this news item was a sign for me to do it before too long (Lisa passed away on April 25, 2002).

metrolyrics

The trio's second album, CrazySexyCool, was a huge difference from their debut, Oooh...On the TLC Tip. Where the first one was raw, childish (but fun!) hip hop, the second was much more sophisticated, tackling serious issues in a musically mature manner.  The album was a smash, with the smooth, soulful Creep, the tender and beautiful Waterfalls, and the female empowering No Scrubs paving the way for later singles on later albums such as this one from Fanmail.

Unpretty deals with an issue many can identify with, and that's low self-esteem, and the song was the girl's fourth and last #1.  Check out Unpretty:

TLC - Unpretty by Keo

Unpretty

I wish could tie you up in my shoes
Make you feel unpretty too
I was told I was beautiful
But what does that mean to you
Look into the mirror who's inside there
The one with the long hair
Same old me again today (yeah)

My outsides look cool
My insides are blue
Everytime I think I'm through
It's because of you
I've tried different ways 
But it's all the same
At the end of the day 
I have myself to blame
I'm just trippin'

[Chorus:]
You can buy your hair if it won't grow
You can fix your nose if he says so
You can buy all the make up 
That M.A.C. can make
But if you can't look inside you
Find out who am I too
Be in the position to make me feel 
So damn unpretty
I'll make you feel unpretty too

Never insecure until I met you
Now I'm bein' stupid
I used to be so cute to me
Just a little bit skinny
Why do I look to all these things 
To keep you happy
Maybe get rid of you 
And then I'll get back to me (hey)

My outsides look cool
My insides are blue
Everytime I think I'm through
It's because of you
I've tried different ways 
But it's all the same
At the end of the day 
I have myself to blame
I'm just trippin'

[Chorus]

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Walking

If there's one thing I know about staying fit and looking good, it's that you can't just rely on eating lighter (or God forbid, dieting!) to do it.  Sure, eating healthier and lighter has its benefits, but there is no way on God's green earth that anyone can keep thin and gawgeous without getting some regular exercise.

 We are thin and gorgeous!
that'ssogay

Exercise!  It's a word a lot of people don't like, but getting some in there is a necessity if you want to have any chance at looking good physically.  There are plenty of forms of exercise one can do, everything from all out gym workouts to running to playing a sport.  Joining a gym is usually the first thing a person does when they want to start working out, but more often than not, it ends up being a monthly bill that pays for less and less workouts because let's face it, the hardest thing about going to the gym is going to the gym.  So I say why not do the easiest thing and start walking?

Walking is probably the easiest way to get exercise.  It's really effortless, and you get to see a lot of interesting things you wouldn't ordinarily get to see driving in the car.  You can pop that iPod in your pocket and enjoy your favorite tunes while you do it.  You can walk with a friend or family member and spend some quality time getting fit together.

Truly, walking is the least anyone should do for exercise.  I work out regularly, but I can't always find the time to get them in every day, and so the one thing I do almost every single day is walk, because it's so easy, and my body is in the best shape it's ever been in.

alex

The research can be found all over the place.  Among other things, walking helps to prevent various conditions, including Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, it strengthens your bones, helps you maintain good balance and coordination, it lifts your mood, and it helps you stay fit.  So if you're looking to lose a few pounds and you're not too keen on joining a gym or getting regular exercise, I say what are you waiting for?  The weather's nice so there's no excuse.  Get on out there and start walking!  

iwalksonoma

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