Michael Jackson.

 

Okay, I said it.  And now I can admit that I am currently listening to the "classics" of Michael Jackson on my Windows Media Player.  Now despite the fact that, in my mind, he totally ruined his image professionally, there was a time in which the man could sing.  Not only that, but he is one of the few artists that has literally been singing his whole life.  Much like the band U2, he is an artist that many generations can identify with.  (Remember when he was that cute kid in the Jackson 5?)

 

His genre of songs are amazing.  But more imparticularily, the lyrics and messages behind them.  Clearly, his songs vocalize issues that have been plagueing the world for ages: Racism ("Black and White"), Poverty and World Hunger ("Man in the Mirror"; "Heal the World"), Depression ("You Are Not Alone"), Segregation ("Come Together")... 

 

Little did I know when I was young singing along with many of these songs (I know, imagining that is kind of rough.  Especially with the woo-hoos!) that I was singing about such issues.  It seems that I have just come to realize this actually.  And now that I do, that doesn't mean I will stop singing, no matter how bad I sound.  Such issues should be addressed and thought about.  In music especially!  I am sure political campaigns, if expressed in good music, and then sold through iTunes would have a greater effect on generations than debates and articles.  (Just think, more people vote for Idol pop stars on television than their own president!)

 

So please excuse me while I crank up "Man in the Mirror" a little louder and get in the "groove". 

 

For those of you that would like to join me in song, feel free.  And trust me, your voice cannot be worse than mine.

 

 

I can not sugar coat this confession in anyway.  I am a reality TV show addict.  Though a good medical drama (House) or just plain drama (24) can easily "distract" me from my daily activities.  It is those darn reality shows that get me the most.

 

Five years ago (roughly) the "reality TV craze" struck the USA.  Sure there had always been the good game show to watch, but this was the dawn of Survivor.  The Amazing Race.  Fear Factor.  And who can forget Who Wants to be a Millionaire.  The list could go on from there.  Big Brother.  The Bachelor(ette)...  Though the one that caught my eye was the Simon Cowell creation: American Idol.  A show in which 'stars are born' (or at least theoretically).

 

I am sure many of you actually listen/own some of the 'Idols' music.  Kelly Clarkson.  Clay Aiken.  Carrie Underwood.  (just to name a few...).  Though being a "Soul Girl", this years winner, Taylor Hicks, really had my foot tapping.  The older I get, it seems the older the music is that I have to dig up to even find something that has a good beat (and decent lyrics as well).  Though a recent good performance will surface on occasion.

 

I would like to share with you a song sung by this new found "Idol" entitled "Do I Make You Proud". While you listen/read the song ask yourself, are you living a life that makes others proud to have known you?  Or one in which you are proud to have known certain people?  I hope that I am.

 

Below are the lyrics:

 

 

I've never been, the one to raise my hand,

That was not me, and now that's who I am,

Because of you, I am standing tall,

 

My Heart is full, of endless gratitude

You were the one, the one to guide me through,

Now I can see and I believe it's only just beginning.

 

This is what we dream about,

But the only question with me now,

Is do I make you proud?

Stronger than I've ever been now.

Never been afraid of standing out,

But do I make you proud?

 

I guess I've learned, to question is to grow

That you still have faith, is all I need to know

I've learned to love myself in spite of me,

And I've learned to walk, the road that I believe.