Janis Ian – This Train Still Runs

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Michael Cavacini

My musical tastes are eclectic – I like everything from Patti LaBelle to Chromeo. Regardless of musical genre, I’m a sucker for a good melody and a great lyric. “This Train Still Runs” by Janis Ian has both. My favorite part of the song is:

“Sure as a baby loves the teat
Sure as a high heel on concrete
Sure as the songs I’ve left unsung
This train still runs”

And my favorite line is “sure as a high heel on concrete” because it’s incredibly visual without being overly descriptive.

Below are the rest of the lyrics and a live recording of the song. Enjoy!

This Train Still Runs

Janis Ian/Jess Leary

“I felt a rumble in my heart, over the mountains
as the engine ate the spark, spitting out the miles
Times when I tried to jump the track
Weight of the world upon my back
Still after all is said and done

This train still runs
It doesn’t matter where it’s gone
This train still runs
and though the baggage weighs a ton,
we carry on
Nothing is forever young
I’m not done – this train still runs

I had a friend I left behind, back at the station
We used to burn the power lines, racing with the wind
But time has the manners of a thief
Young love turns bittersweet
Still we keep that lantern hung – this train still runs

This train still runs
It doesn’t matter where it’s gone
This train still runs
and though the baggage weighs a ton,
we carry on
No one is forever young
I’m not done – this train still runs

Got a ticket in my pocket & I’m ready to ride
Got a motor rolling over to an easy glide
I’m gonna travel on the gravel to the other side
Sure as a baby loves the teat
Sure as a high heel on concrete
Sure as the songs I’ve left unsung
This train still runs

This train still runs
It doesn’t matter where it’s gone
This train still runs
and though the baggage weighs a ton,
we carry on
Nothing is forever young
I’m not done – this train still runs
This train still runs
This train still runs”

Dionne Warwick: All In Love Is Fair

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Michael Cavacini

One of the most beautiful songs of all time is “All In Love Is Fair” by Stevie Wonder. Below are the lyrics as well as my favorite interpretation of the song. After watching the video, I’m sure you’ll agree that Dionne Warwick’s version is simply gorgeous.

“All In Love Is Fair”

All in love is fair
For love’s a crazy game
Two people vow to stay
In love as one they say
But all is changed with time
The future none can see
The road you leave behind
Ahead lies mystery
But all in love is fair
I had to go away
A writer takes his pen
To write these words again
That all in love is fair

All of fate’s a chance
It’s either good or it’s bad
I tossed my coin to say
In love with me you’ll stay
And all in war is so cold
You either win or you lose
And when the game is played
The winner must be paid
But all in love is fair
I should have never left your side
A writer takes his pen
To write these words again
That all in love is fair

A writer takes his pen
To write these words again
That all in love is fair

John Oates – Beauty

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Michael Cavacini

One of the most gorgeous songs I’ve ever heard is “Beauty” on John Oates’ first solo album, Phunk Shui, which is fantastic from start to finish. Below are the lyrics as well as the song itself. Enjoy!

Beauty

They say that beauty’s in the eye of the beholder.

Some say beauty is a spirit deep inside.

The colors of the rainbow look the same to young and older.

The way you look at beauty is the way you look at life.

Your state of mind and definitions may change, but the essence of the question goes on.

You can wonder till the end of time, ponder and pray, but I say beauty is the that way you look tonight.

To stay in touch with beauty, keep an angel on your shoulder.

Reach for beauty in the stars up in the sky.

Moonlight on the mountains or a sunset on the ocean, the way you look at beauty is the way you look at life.

No black and white, your perceptions may change, so the essence of the question goes on.

You can wonder till the end of time, ponder and pray, but I say beauty is the way that you look tonight.

Beauty is the spirit deep inside you that I see in your face.

Your state of mind and definitions may change, but the essence of the question goes on.

You can wonder till the end of time, ponder and pray, but I say beauty is the that way you look tonight.

People say that beauty is a spirit deep inside.

The way you look at beauty is the way you look at life.

The eye of the beholder is a window to the soul.

Beauty’s just like passion, it’s the same for young and old.

Rock Done Right: John Waite, Joe Cocker And Michael Des Barres Band

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Michael Cavacini

Over the past year, I’ve fallen in love with Spotify, which has allowed me to enjoy artists I know and love as well as discover new ones. While I’m a fan of all kinds of music, melodic rock is my favorite.

Below are three albums I’ve been listening to over and over again:

JOHN WAITE – ROUGH & TUMBLE

John Waite’s newest album, Rough & Tumble is simply awesome. His signature voice is as strong as ever, and his lyrics are quite impressive. I’ve always been a fan of his music, everything from The Babys to Bad English, and, of course, his amazing solo albums. My favorite track from this album is “Evil.” It has a killer guitar riff and a funky groove that will get you moving around the room in no time. But don’t take my word for it, check out the video below.

JOE COCKER – HARD KNOCKS

Joe Cocker has a legendary voice and a unique stage presence. His latest album, Hard Knocks, is filled with a wide variety of music, and it’s all good. One of my favorite tracks is “Thankful” because it’s a soulful number that builds to an outstanding climax featuring a choir and Cocker’s signature scream. As you’ll see from the video below, it’s a spine-chilling song about the importance of being grateful.

MICHAEL DES BARRES BAND – CARNABY STREET

For those of you that read my recent post about Murdoc, you know how I admire the talented Michael Des Barres. Well, his new band just released its first album, Carnaby Street, and it’s excellent. Listening to it conjures up visions of Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones. If you like no-nonsense rock n’ roll, then this album is for you. While there are many great tracks, one of my favorites is “Please Stay.” It’s a slow, soulful number that’s full of emotion. Below is a live version of the song.