With Shakira and Justin Bieber there, as well as such a colorful performance at the end and such an impressive vibrancy at the beginning (including explosive BTS), I cannot simply skip this one out.
I didn’t watch the championship. I am unable to subject myself to the torture and torment of sitting in suspense, with excruciatingly painful detail, for who will or won’t win, but I was somewhat updated, here and there, by others who were watching. And I’m grateful for that option. It’s not a full miss out on the experience.
Turns out that Spain won? Congratulations! Although, to be quite honest, the main association I make with Spain is that Enrique Iglesias is from there and I love that guy! Plus, I apparently have Spanish roots. But I digress.
As always, I adore it when artists go all out for art. And I continue to be astonished by the artistic talents and skills of Justin Bieber and Shakira. They truly do not have any competition.
Now, with all this celebration and promotion of Love and God, I’m not going to attempt to stop anyone from believing and claiming to believe in such. But I’ll be holding y’all to your words for the action. You believe in and serve a benevolent God? Okay, stop behaving as though you’re literally sent by the Devil. You believe in and stand for genuine Love? Okay, stop behaving as though you’re just seething with Hate. Everyone’s welcome to be humane. But you’re not welcome to pretend you are while not being so.
I don’t know them. I had never heard of them. They may have never crossed my feed before. But after the Empire State stunt, I, like many others, caved in. And this is definitely a ‘trend’ I’m happy to chase. So refreshing in today’s climate! Plus, although concerning what they did, rumors say it all paid off. So I’m happy for them, too!
What is sad is how the message they sent out quickly got overridden by countless alterations that were doing anything but abide by it. Quite the contrary, showing the love for power rather than the power of love. But it’s just like… an overabundance of exhibits of where we are right now. And that’s performance art for you.
It also soon came to my attention that they had a Netflix documentary. And for sure, it looked more than worthwhile, so I wasn’t about to hesitate to watch it. Then, after having done so, I can legit say that it by far exceeded my expectations.
I did have high hopes for it. I mean, that’s badass stuff. But I thought I’d be bombarded with ‘Instagram Famous’ vibes. You know the kind. And if you don’t, figure it out. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how it did not focus or dwell there at all. It even scoffed at it. They were in to be unapologetically raw, financial struggles and all.
It follows the story from before they met and onto one of their most ambitious climbs. And I just love it when we get journeys like that, with behind-the-scenes and more. I’m not even mad at how 'heteronormative' this pair is. Dudes be like, “Men protect and provide, so we are the leaders.” Then don’t protect nor provide and only lead you to hell. This wasn’t the case at all here. (Some of us will still do whatever we want, but you know.)
It also doesn’t shy away from sharing more of their family life, what’s it like for them with their relatives and other close ones, given the insanity of their choices and the confusion that at times plagues them. Bits I’d rather not miss. And speaking of insane choices, it goes there. The risks and the lethal consequences. Having lost people. Not a recommendable path. They just happen to have it in them, no matter what.
They may come across as totally reckless, but they are quite calculated. Furthermore, they PREPARE. For as long as it is necessary. With as much practice as is required. Before attempting anything deadly or regrettable. The “just go for it, don’t overthink it” advice doesn’t apply here. You ought to be able to maneuver and handle what you’re getting yourself into. And I applaud them for that. It’s a perfect mix between planning and taking action.
Yet, again, miracles may be at play. Being blessed with “good luck”. It comes to a close by acknowledging this. Which was a sort of ‘twist’ I didn’t see coming, but wholeheartedly welcome.
Love this clip! Sure, you may be able to fend for yourself, to some extent, but life is unmeasurably better (and greater) when you can genuinely rely on and count on others to face and overcome what life puts in the way or throws at you. That support, that safety net, that shield… it is priceless. Makes it possible to come more as you are and go further as such. You can only do so much by being constantly alert, on the defensive, and panicking about everybody being out to get you. And they take it to a whole other level by being “partners in crime”.
I am sooooo excited for this! Initially, I had wrongly assumed that this was going to be a mini-series, and was making room for it, but it is a condensed movie instead. Not that I wouldn’t like a bunch of episodes out of this love story, but my current state cannot truly afford it. It seems to be more like a peek into what the life of two daredevils has been, is, and would be like. And I’m totally in for it!
The trailer is truly captivating, too. The choice of lines, scenes, and the vivid colors that show up here and there, setting the tone for the rest of the picture. I personally also appreciate how it took a moment to get particularly personal and include a birthday party.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I may not believe in romantic love, for me, in this economy, as it is right now, but these two indeed look lovely and, I don’t care how ‘fake’ or not this is, it is quite the ship! So I’m not blaming anyone for shipping them this hard.
(Also, ironically, I just got my first platform warning by quoting this. All I said was ROFL! For how it cuts from “I couldn’t believe how we’d gotten here…” to “...illegally”. 🤣)
Anyhow, I might be about to get my mind blown by their lifestyle, what it implies and what it entails.
I almost casually brought this up a while ago, eager to take a trip back in time, but I’m glad I didn’t. Because now I can do it more justice and forever keep around what is, among numerous loved ones, my #1 favorite song by Maroon 5.
Have you ever been accidentally stuck in a situation you are so pitifully unprepared for that you keep crying out, silently or out loud, “Why does this have to happen to me?! Why?!” And it is so incredibly harmful to your very fragile and vulnerable being that, although you can appreciate the good intentions, you resent anyone telling you that it will make you stronger and wiser? Well, something like that. That is where this song takes me to. Yet, I don’t hate it. On the contrary.
It’s been over a decade. And to answer the question: It gravely confused and weakened me. For years, I had to climb out of that hole, bit by bit, putting myself back together. So, no, I don’t recommend it. Yet, at the same time, I can’t deny that such misfortune did ultimately lead me to come back from it stronger and wiser. And just knowing not to ever go there again. Anymore.
If I ever claim to have your back, after you’ve had mine, and I haven’t explicitly cancelled that contract or excused myself for a valid reason, you can probably assume that I’m dead or so incapacitated I can’t even string words together in my brain. Because, yes, sometimes it IS that bad. Which is part of what makes the official music video so memorable to me. But beware, if you go see it, it is quite graphic.
What I personally hold on to the most, however, has got to be the line, “We drew a map to a better place.” It’s like the entire story gains and regains meaning from that line alone. Definitely miss the taste of a sweeter life and the conversation, too, though.
It took me quite a while to come back to Amy Macdonald, but I finally did. And whoa, it was immediately electrifying, all over again! I couldn’t get enough of the songs I loved in the past and would repeatedly replay them. Now I’m being blown away by all the power contained in more recent ones, such as I’m Done.
Believe it or not, I was just some kid when I first listened to Amy Macdonald. A young adult, if you’d rather I be precise. Lost as I could be. It was around the time I had just left the city for the town life and, in her music, not only did I find solace - it was as though it got rid of YEARS of baggage I was carrying. How is that sort of magic even possible? It is, it very much is! She is proof of it. And I’m ecstatic that she continues to be active, making art imbued with more of what her spirit brings.
It is wild for me to think about everything that’s happened all up to this point. From practically breaking under the pressure of a lifestyle that was never meant for me, having little to no mental or emotional fortitude, unclear about everything, to standing firm and unshakable in what is undeniable. The needlessly hurried, shallow, directionless, and basically rootless approach I was being urged to take was killing me. But, thankfully, now I know better, and such nonsense doesn’t stand a chance anymore. Maybe that’s for you. Me? Hard pass.
In I’m Done, I particularly love how playing games is a theme. Not only that, though. There are many key aspects touched on that relate to taking back your destiny. Not merely in a “What are this year’s resolutions?” kinda way, but in a more devastatingly profound and grand manner. Thoroughly resolute, no matter how long it takes (or what it takes). Calling it a reset would be the understatement of the century.
This one is resonating with me down to my core and further beyond...
I may be wrong, but maybe it is somehow connected? Impossible not to think back to La La Land with Ryan Gosling there and to The Martian with Andy Weir also there. Especially with how they didn’t shy away at all from bringing up those films as they promoted Project Hail Mary. (Ryan even joked about redoing a scene with Rocky instead. This time, having his hand in a different direction, which had been haunting him?)
I caught Grace play-pretending a dance, while alone in space, that resembled one of Sebastian and Mia’s. Or was that just a silly moment? Like the glass tapping scene? Tapping is fun!
Anyhow and anyway, I wrote about both of those films too, in the past, so I had to go down memory lane. Like, I have to. It's what I do. So... LOOK HERE. It’s LA LA LAND AND THE MARTIAN WE’RE TALKING ABOUT. Do I have your attention now? But then again, ADDers will ADD. And that’s probably fine, too. ‘Cause… references. Sometimes they apply. Sometimes. Etc.
Okay, what could I have possibly written back then?
July 22, 2018. Excerpt from a La La Land post. You know what? I’m soooo thankful that Project Hail Mary took a different turn. I craved that happy ending. Romantic or not. Sentimentality can be just as wonderful.
January 4, 2016. Excerpt from a The Martian post. Actually, all the text. It was a quick post. But why was I ending each and every single sentence with an exclamation mark in the first paragraph? Was I shouting or what? Strange.
Time flies. And one day is not enough for everything I’d like to delve into regarding Project Hail Mary and all it may entail and imply. So happy I can nerd out on it forever!
I’m just gonna gush about it to my heart’s content ‘cause there’s no way I can do justice to everything in it by being collected and articulate. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS MOVIE. Zero exaggeration. And though I hate to be down, it’s as if I got to see it right when I needed it the most. With everything currently going on. And it picked me up like I could have never imagined. What an out-of-this-world treat!
I’m so incredibly inspired and motivated by grand and crucial missions, although, of course, I wouldn’t want to LITERALLY be in his shoes. But putting things aside so that you can help save, well, everything? Now that’s a calling for a higher purpose. Merely being a witness to that filled me with awe and so much more.
Question. What’s up with the way Grace woke up from his coma, though? That both intrigued and concerned me. How does that go internally? With memories not coming back immediately and whatnot? Are some forever lost and inaccessible? Are people even the same person afterward? Or…? I wonder.
It caught me by surprise how intertwined the concept of death and passing away was, too. How thoughtfully and carefully it was handled. Everything from honoring the crew members by basically promising not to let their efforts be in vain to how Rocky is practically moved to be extra attentive due to his losses. Sometimes I think that honoring the dead and, simultaneously, holding on to those still alive with us is a lost art. But it wasn’t lost here at all.
And speaking of Rocky and being thoughtful and careful, it was such a kind gesture to bother to help find him a voice that suited him. That scary one? Yikes! The following ones? Off, just off. Until that one that did convey his playful (and sorta annoying) nature. In general, he was so adorably depicted, while still going over and embracing his range as a character, that it easily melted my heart. The party hats, too, I can barely handle this much endearment!
The possibility of him dying and them having a sad ending, however, had me FRETTING. You could probably say that I was silently screaming, too. No, no, no. I REFUSE TO ACCEPT THAT. Imagine the relief when they both made it safely. Then imagine the joy when, to top it all off, they even had a world to themselves with other little aliens taking classes.
Overall, it was beyond beautiful. Profoundly so. I sincerely have trouble even believing that something like this exists and I got to be there for it. My body may be tired, but my spirit can now go on and on.
Words of encouragement. Words of GREAT encouragement.
You know, I’d seen it around. And normally, I’d want to watch movies like this. Yet, as I’ve been saying, it’s been stressful and overwhelming times these past few months for me, so I was sort of forcing myself to not mind it - until I couldn’t anymore. What do you mean, the sun is dying? THE SUN? That’s a topic that speaks to me!
So, thankfully, I’m not sure what possessed me exactly, but it did, maybe a desperate yearning for some magic to be able to keep facing this crude and cruel reality, I could pause and actually pay attention. And it did look like something I definitely shouldn’t miss! Whoa!
Ryan Gosling's movies are memorable. The author of The Martian is behind it. And I cannot think of a better song than Sign of the Times to go around. Also, that’s a… very compelling trailer. I’m in!
As if I wasn’t already bought, the second trailer further intrigued me. With a more serious tone, though still with its comic reliefs, it pretty much made it clear that this is indeed serious. Got me going, “Uh, oh. That bad?” I’ve never read the book, so I’m quite clueless at this point. But ok, ok. I’m locked in!
Then on to the final trailer. Damn. The gravity of the situation. The weight of that line. “The world is counting on you.” Imagine being someone who sees themselves as merely a school teacher and being hit with this. Among other things, I’d be in disbelief. Make sense of it all you want, but still. Jeez. It’s like, hello, we need an adult here. And you haven’t come to terms with the fact that YOU are the adult. And again, omg. You’ve got to be kidding. What have we come to?
I'm wrapping it up! Watching him perform is something else. I have to limit my exposure to Eminem’s live performances because I don’t wanna be, let’s just say, pathetically starstruck by his awesomeness. But it isn’t a complete day without these theatrics. He did make a full comeback!
PS: I was in awe of the sets at other concerts, too, featuring more of a graveyard. Absolutely nothing was half-assed, huh?
I wanted to open a can of worms, and a can of worms was opened. Surprisingly, can even directly quote some of the lyrics going, “Just opened the biggest can of worms on the whole planet Earth.” But to be fair, it could have been worse.
Boys are dumb, I still cringe and get grossed out witnessing and/or listening to Slim Shady’s antics, tons is rotten, and I’m confused af about what a lot of it meant or was referring to. I tried to go at it in order, but it doesn’t seem very chronologically organized. Maybe there’s a different sort of arrangement to go by. I don’t know. I’m expecting I’ll have realizations over time, to further comprehend it all, when more dots manage to connect (or I come across the answers).
At this point, what I can firmly say is that I sincerely appreciate all the work that went into giving Slim Shady a funeral. Or something like that? It is unclear! But, I mean, how it was so on theme and how imaginative and creative it came out as. If I weren’t such a blatant admirer of artists’ abilities, I’d be envious. ‘Cause, jeez, what a show!
Personally, I believe I can declare Temporary as my top favorite track. I hated it so much. But then loved it so much, too. Death (and moving on) is always a heavy subject, but oughta confront it nonetheless. It was also such a magnificent time-capsule-message embedded piece that it blew my mind. Then, against my will, I fell in love with Guilty Conscience 2. (Don’t get me started about how much Guilty Conscience stood out for me and what a treat a continuation of it is for someone like me!)
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Though the King of Controversy is sorely missed, that’s one hella demanding job. Besides, I want to see Marshall, the “chopped liver”.
A mere few days definitely aren’t enough to take this album in as thoroughly as I would like to. Thank goodness that it is not the end of it (it remains there to be revisited) and it is only the end of my current reviewing. I AM listening to all of the tracks, though, and trying to piece them together. But for now, just emoji-coding them!
Okay, I’m not even gonna attempt to grasp everything that’s going on here. But there’s wordplay to catch, a ride into and through that side of town, and what seems to be an ongoing fight between Marshall Mathers and Slim Shady - including zombie Slim Shadys (and both of them swollen, pfft).
Possibly the craziest Lyric Video in existence, but I’m mostly captivated, and humored, by how it’s done in a retro pixelated video game style. Plus, comic books’ flair. And just so shamelessly absurdist that I realize all over again that Eminem’s the sort of guy to name himself after M&Ms. And that’s… brilliant. To say the least.
I immediately appreciated how Houdini seemed to be an ‘answer’ to Without Me’s line, “Now, let's go, just give me the signal. I'll be there with a whole list full of new insults.” Yet, more than that, how it played with the passing of time. It’s been a while indeed and things have changed plenty. It packaged and delivered the nostalgia outstandingly, bringing it into today. It did come across as pretty random, though, nevertheless, clever. And I was hooked by the line, “And for my last trick, I’m ‘bout to reach in my bag, bruh.” I suppose it was referring to the insane content within the album?
Not gonna lie. This one was triggering the heck out of me. I had to force myself to actually listen to what was being said. Or attempting to communicate. And remind myself that it wasn’t catering to me and my sensitivities, in particular. That ~I’m not the only one with issues~. My snap judgment was that it was such a defeatist pity party, and I, forever the ~where there’s a will there’s a way~, despised that. It might be that it painfully reminded me of my own powerlessness to help people dealing with addiction problems (been there, not a happy ending story) and the sad reality that you can only help those who want to be helped and who will also help themselves. But taking myself and my personal issues out of the equation, and valuing it for what it is, I’m so grateful that such an intimate look at the struggles one could find themselves in was given. Somebody Save Me is heartbreaking, especially if you’re the kind who’s there for others or wishes to be.
Then, Temporary broke me. Confused or not, damn it. I was not ready to cry this much over a freakin’ song by no other than EMINEM. I ended up MAD. Like, what even was this about? Some hypothetical death and being asked to move on? But then again, it’s a family thing, and I’m only a stranger on the outside looking in, so what can I even say? I don’t know, but it messed me up regardless. ‘Cuz wutcha talkin’ about? I don’t want to move on! SIGH. Anyway, I listened to it recently, and it doesn’t stir me like that anymore. But it’s still so damn upsetting and unsettling. Jeez. The girl in me, with an absent father, was made to experience a multitude of feelings.
In general, though, gotta keep applauding Eminem’s genius.
Umm, yeah. Can’t tell if Marshall Mathers’ brain is more saturated with horror movies and overall stories than mine is. I’ma have to bet yes. What even is that thing? “Fear not, you’re in the hands of heroes!” Not sure if I should read that in a serious or mocking tone, either. But okay, let’s keep going…
Why are you spitting on Slim Shady’s grave? What’d he do to you?! Man, it’s times like this when I realize that I wasn’t enough of a fan, tracking every move of each and all these personalities, because I’m missing so much context. I mostly just remembered Slim Shady as ‘problematic’, ‘politically incorrect’, and ‘giving free advertisement’ to everyone he picked on or merely mentioned in his rapping. Along with the many abilities he rightfully gets credit for. But what do I know? Maybe it does take people like Dr. Dre to withstand him. And even then…
Hmm. This ambiance struck me as familiar. I don’t know if it is intentional or not, though. Or just a coincidence. But even if it’s coincidental, it might have been subconsciously connecting to it for some reason. It reminds me of “Not Afraid”. Maybe I just really liked that music video. But most importantly, what is this person being forced to watch and why? Guess I’ll have to listen to the album…
There’s even an Expanded Mourner edition?
Truth be told, I was reluctant to expect much coherence within this whole fictional universe. Could all just be a mixture of sensationalist stuff that rhymes and references. Which, if the case, whatever; at least it sells. Not everybody can, or should even attempt to, be a die-hard nerd. But if I’m not mistaken, he emphasized somewhere that it was a CONCEPT album and asked to listen to the tracks in order so that we could get it. Or so I heard. If so, sounds like there was plenty of thought put into it.
Buckle up, ‘cause I’m finally going into it! I’d been puzzled about it and drawn to this concept album since it was first announced. Horror, crime, antiheroes? Count me in! I couldn’t give it the attention it merited before (too angry, too sad, too ‘can hardly give a f**k’). Now I can, though.
It is not a secret that this is actually my all-time favorite side of Eminem. The darker stuff, shining a light on it. And how, even while being quite hands-on, raw and explicit, it gets quite psychological too. Talk about thrillers. I love him for it (understatement).
This came as a shock to me, however. Killing Slim Shady? Look, I disagreed plenty with the guy, er, character, and believed he’d be my high school bully if both were put in the same setting, but killing him? Really? I can’t kill my own OCs that nobody’s heard of, how can anybody permanently kill a figure as great as Slim Shady? This had to be some sort of joke. But anyhow, I was clueless about where all this was coming from and where it was headed, so I tried to suspend my judgments until later.
Today is Friday the 13th, and digging into The Death of Slim Shady seems oddly fitting for the occasion.
I don’t always tune in for the Super Bowl’s Halftime Show, but this year I did. And whoa! I do not regret it at all. I’m extremely glad and relieved I didn’t miss it. ‘Cause what a show! And more than that… What a moment in History!
Of course, I’d been hearing about it. There was controversy around the fact that Bad Bunny would do the performance, with an increasingly (and absurdly) “nationalist” regime forming and taking place in The United States. There were people mad about it. A Puerto Rican?!? That’s not America! And well, he gave them a Geography lesson. It was also particularly delightful how welcome he was in the state of California, which even declared a day in his honor.
Know him or not and hate him or not, something about Bad Bunny is undeniable: He’s got his own flair. One that, as he established himself through his trajectory, brings with it what we’d call Sabor Latino, or rather, to quote him, “Sazón”. Yet, in his case, it is not merely (or precisely) about being comparatively sensual and ‘hot’, but about unabashedly bringing that - and more - forth to an extent like never before. Next to him, a todos nos falta sazón!
It actually made me so indescribably happy to see so much culture plastered all around, telling our stories, capturing our history. It’s like he tried to include everything, as much as he could, and then wraps it up with the line of “Debí tirar mas fotos” (“I should have taken more pictures”). And to do so while on such a wide-reaching and impact-causing platform. It was not only genius, but meaningful and significant af. There were some, Latino or not, whining about how it was showing ‘the worst’ and how it was ‘below standards’, and that’s just telling on themselves. Too shallow to get the point. If there’s a genuine Art & Culture subject, they’ve failed it horribly.
The chosen lyrics that were sung were also quite interesting to me. It’s a bit of this and that, here and there, but, overall, paints a picture of what it’s like to be Latino or, at the very least, to mingle where he mingles. The censored part amused me for real, got me repeatedly laughing about it by myself. And so did the “Cuidao con mi corrillo que somos un montón” part. It was all quite unhinged, but in a fun (and harmless) way.
Lady Gaga’s appearance was such an unexpected surprise! I applaud that “mismatched” move. Like, who would have guessed? And there she was, celebrating a culture, with both dedication and respect. Adding to it no other than one of my most personal favorite songs. However, as Salsa! It’s as though she’s making dreams come true before they’re even dreams, if that makes sense. Then, as if that wasn’t more than enough already, came Ricky Martin to hit us hard in the feelings. Abuelita, noo. Our lands, nooo.
It is no exaggeration to say that a ton of us LOVED it. Especially Canadians, apparently. You had to be awfully determined to hate it in order to do so. Even if you are indifferent about the genre or it sits among your dislikes, the show was undeniably extraordinary. Truly, amazingly put together (best appreciated in video, though). That level of attention and commitment it must have taken to get it all exactly as it went astounds me and makes me grateful that there are still people giving so much to art.
That moment when Bad Bunny looks straight into the camera, and therefore into your eyes, to tell you, as if one-on-one, to believe in yourself and that you’re worth more than you think is priceless. The self-care gift you might not have known you needed but got anyway.
You think I'm oversentimentalizing this? Understandable. But did you see the trailer? If you haven't, you should. It speaks for itself. Our ancestry and our roots have been wonderfully preserved. More profoundly and grandly than I could ever ask for. My heart is beyond full. 💝
Guess I’m listening to Bad Bunny now...
PS: I absolutely adore the irony of practically 'Seasoning' a 'Super Bowl'.
Sweet. Regardless of everything that is currently happening, which is heavy stuff, to say the least, I’m glad an official music video was made for Opalite, an undeniable favorite, and that it was out in time for February, way to set and fit the mood! Again, my heart may be full of hate and whatnot, but lovable art is lovable. And I’ll be singing and dancing along as if whatever.
An answered prayer. Yet, beyond being a personal favorite, I’d say that it is a good thing that, for a break, the focus was put on such a piece during these trying times. It can’t all be doom and gloom 24/7. Besides, the way things have been, culturally, it is a common phenomenon to suffer from failed or non-ideal relationships. So it addresses a problem, it tends to a wound, it validates an experience. Much worse things are happening in the world, indeed, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take a moment for a bit of medicine if we need it. And can you argue that Opalite is not that?
I see many people enjoying it through the joy of seeing Travis and Taylor, as a couple, pictured in it. And that’s valid! In my case, though, I continue to not exactly be a fan of that relationship, so I’m left with all else there is to appreciate about it - which is plenty.
The look and feel of the 90s got me, of course, as a true millennial who partly survives on nostalgia and sentimentality. And how they managed to capture and convey that period was outstanding! Especially as it leaned on quirks and silliness rather than glamour. Striking the graceful balance of poking fun at it without making fun of it. It’s serious but not that serious. I loved this so much.
It also gave us a handful of different relationships reflected back at us. Functional and dysfunctional. To be pondered (the internet is going wild trying to get the corresponding interpretations). The rock with the cactus, existing together as if they were made for each other, was such a clever touch, in my opinion! The stapler’s issues, though, whoever they are… I just hope they get a qualified therapist and quality therapy that helps them flourish rather than just water them down. And, well, that pair of dorks who are enough of a team to pull off a fun dance routine like that sure have merit in spite of how they're judged. Etc. Etc. Etc.
All in all, this was an adorable drop. I can admit, even as I remain bitter. And if you wish to further nerd out on it, within another context and through another angle, the extended versions, part 1 and part 2, are also released. There, instead, Taylor pretty much gushes about the talented personnel and impressive work behind the scenes, hanging out as her usual self. Hurray for bonus clips!
The world, as we know it, may be ending. And everything that is happening in it can be concerning, riddling us with fear. However, if there’s something I’ve already learned well, it is that fear is often a liar (especially when it is intentionally manufactured to cripple) and giving in to it might do no more than lower our chances of making it through. Because of that, and more, this is a song I personally appreciate.
It is not my first time bringing up Of Monsters and Men. I did so, too, in the past, when I went on about Little Talks, which is also a song I hold close, particularly for the parts that go, “‘Cause, though the truth may vary, this ship will carry our bodies safe to shore.” I cannot put into words exactly how much that got to me.
Like many others, I like to stay sane and lucid. A lot depends on that. That we see reality for what it is. However, something counterproductive can happen if we cling too hard to what we can, without a doubt, see: We lose sight of what is or could be beyond it. We lose our optimism, to become realists, but turn into pessimists. We miss out on hope and faith and the very real products of having them. We stop being brave. We resign.
I’m a Lionheart. Maybe you are, too. Or perhaps a King. And while I cannot expect to know with absolute certainty what the future holds, I can tell you in full truth that there hasn’t ever been a time in my life when not believing in myself beyond reason worked in my favor. You ought to believe in your power against ‘evidence’ to the contrary. Because you don’t actually know - you literally fail to gauge - what you’re capable of, really, until you make the most of it. And that won’t happen if you’re cowering, too set on perceived shortcomings or limitations.
Whether you see it or not, this existence is magical in that everything affects everything, and you do too. So next time you look in the mirror, will you see a lionheart or a king or both? How about a team?
