Monday, June 12, 2017

Music Moves Me - Believing in the Goodness of Man

One year ago today, a mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando brought the music to a temporary stop.



When you think of a nightclub, you think of music and dancing, which is what the Music Moves Me blog hop I've started to participate in is all about.  Happiness.  Enjoyment.

We live in uncertain times.  Every day seems to bring breaking news that is more and more depressing.

But the mother of one of the dead said "Even in the midst of evil, you have to believe in the goodness of man."

We all need love, and hope, especially if we don't have much love or hope in our lives.  We need inspiration.  We need songs that will pump us up, that will help us stay strong, that will help us endure.

Today, a little selection of upbeat songs for Music Moves Me.  It seems so inadequate, posting these songs, but music has a power to heal that many aren't even that aware of.

What A Wonderful World, sung by Louis Armstrong.  It speaks for itself.

Believe, by Cher - the original version from 1998.  If you aren't a fan of Auto-Tune software, you won't like how Cher's voice is rendered, but I do (in this song, anyway).

I have been thinking of this song lately.


Everything is Beautiful, by Ray Stevens, is from 1970.  It was not in Steven's usual style- he was more into "gag" songs such as The Streak.  Instead, this song, which has some religious overtones, became one of his best known songs.  But today, go to You Tube, and you will see the snarky comments.

So, to get rid of the haters, this is the perfect song. (And the dance moves aren't bad, either). "Shake it Off" by Taylor Swift.

Just because - McArthur Park, as sung by Donna Summer.  Let's Rock It!

Finally, a little bonus,for something upbeat and danceable.  I bring you What is Love, a 1993 dance track by Haddaway (stage name for musician Nestor Alexander Haddaway)

Yes, dance music is a genre I sometimes can really get into.  Today must be one of those days.  Because we also all need a little happiness.  Even on a day like today.

Because, if we don't believe in the goodness of man, then is there any hope for us?

Have a happy, upbeat week.  And better yet, why don't you join the other Music Moves me Ladies and Gents on the dance floor this week?  Thank you, X-Mas Dolly, Curious as a Cathy , Stacy Uncorked , and JAmerican Spice, our co-hosts of this hop!

19 comments:

  1. Great selections, Alana! We can all use a bit more upbeat, positive thoughts flung out into the world, and a soundtrack to dance to.

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  2. Good point, to look for the goodness of man. Right now in South Africa, this is not difficult. We have just survived a horrendous week of out-of-control fires - and the goodness, generosity and support of the people across our nation made me feel proud to be a South African. Two Common Phrases, what the mean and how they arose.

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  3. A great selection of music - uplifting and inspirational!

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  4. I often turn to music to uplift my mood, your selections are perfect.

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  5. Music often soothes my soul. I also causes to me to cry, really cry hard. Then I feel better. Thanks.

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  6. Love your selections today! Yes a bit of dance music for a Monday is actually perfect.

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  7. Good selection of tunes here. "Everything is Beautiful" might not be Ray Stevens' style, but it's a great song and I can't think of a better singer for it. The original "MacArthur Park," by Richard Harris, is unintentionally funny; it's one of those songs considered among the worst ever written. I like it anyway, and Donna Summer's version almost redeems it. ALMOST...

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    1. I must admit, John, I loved the original MacArthur Park enough to buy the single. There's just something about that song - so bad it is good? But Donna Summer's cover was soooooooo much better, yes.

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  8. Lots of remembrances today. Good to see that we don't forget.

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    1. I won't forget - I worked blocks from another mass shooting (in 2009).

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  9. Well, now I see why our girls have not come over... you forgot to sign in my friend. WOW Have you rocked the house! Lovin' your tunes and so happy you made it over. Oh and thank you for the comment it's great to be back and recovered. Pneumonia is nooooooo fun at all. It just drags the life out of you. I'm still taking naps! hhahahaha BIG HUGS.... oh and go sign in so my girls will stop by!

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    1. Oh, good grief. Two weeks in a row and I mess up both times. That's what happens at 6am - I started the linky and then thought oh I have to get the code - then I don't return to the linky. Maybe next week I'll get it right?

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    2. HAHAHA You're too funny! Hopefully third time is a charm! HUGS

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  10. Wow, you nailed it with your selection of songs for happiness, enjoyment and to get your toes tapping. Thanks for your upbeat message. Interesting Blog Hop, too. Congrats to you on your continued daily posting...amazing.

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  11. I will not forget, as someone who worked blocks from another mass shooting (in 2009).

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  12. Well that was quite a variety for a Monday - McArthur Park would probably be my favourite pick of the bunch.

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  13. I"m just listening to some of these right now.
    Thanks for rocking

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