Favorite Things: Lyrics and musical elements, plus random thoughts

You Never Know
"Consider well the kind of stream where you've been fishin' . . . "
Could this be Taylor's response to 95% of all speculations posted somewhere in cyberspace?  hmmm . . . considering this too is speculation . . . it's not my place to judge! (c;  My second favorite lyrical element of this song is the double meaning of the phrase, "Don't you ever wonder"--reassurance and a question.  Brilliant!!  On a vaguely musical note, the beginning cow bell sounds . .. so Admiral Twin, no?  I also wondered if Taylor held back from adding a signature speechless-worthy, "Owww!" in the intro during the brief pause before the rest of the song begins because the intro was already so crowded with energy. ::shrug::

If Only
"I sit here waiting, wondering, hoping that I make this right . . ."
This song makes me feel like I'm only just beginning to realize I have a secret crush--when suddenly I wonder if I should let my feelings show!  Wait, that's the theme, isn't it?  But it also pretty much sums up my relationship with this song--from the first time I heard it as a hansonline clip until I sent for the single!   At first listen, I thought, "Nah . . . kind of predictable, no?"  Now all I think about's your harmonica, your drumbeats and all those plaintive chords . . .

This Time Around
"Then I remember and I know why he died . . ."
A brilliant choice for their first U.S. single. The guys not only promote the entire album every time it's played, but answer the "boy band," er "boy performer" question--all in the same breath! (Just for the record, if you don't know the question or the answer to the "boy band question"--Where have you been? (c;) This track is among my favorites on the album, because it contains such a significant message: "Live for what you believe . .. die for the same reason." Hanson truly is watching you," CNN?!! Whoa! This song has tons of "Isaac Hanson lyric-quoting interview potential." ::grin::  

Runaway Run
"As I walked into this old forgotten hall . . ."
I'm going to make a lot of enemies by saying, right off the bat--This number is not among my favorites. Musically, it's irresistible, there's no doubt.  But lyrically . . . I have the same feeling I had during the RTA video when Taylor was filming his tour bus bunk from a camera on his chest.  And now? All that black satin lace? All those breaths!   All those sighs!  Too much!  I barely know you, we've never even met!!! You realize, I'm kidding. ::grin::  Oh, and Zac . . . the drum interlude (Is this what you call that solo?) is breath-taking!!

I hold to my completely groundless theory that this song evolved out of a code word the guys invented on tour for whenever things got a little too freaky.  I also was relieved to hear Taylor explain that, in reality, the lyrics evolved out of three different concepts.  The story line still sounds sort of disjointed to me.

Save Me
"Suddenly the sky is falling.  Could it be it's too late for me? . . ."
I still get the suspended-in-air "Matrix" feeling at Taylor's intro--I mentioned this sensation after I first heard the initial clip on hansonline.  Besides, who am I to argue with Gus Van Sant and Mrs. Hanson herself, who both (according to TV Guide) claim to list this song among their favorites on the album?  The bridge section sounds very Chicago (the band, not the city)!

Dying to Be Alive
"The things you see, the way you see them, will never be seen again."
Among my beloved musical sounds have to be the bongos, a gospel choir and the harpsichord.  Two out of three in a single song?  Amazing!! There are occasions when the lyrics may seem a tad melodramatic.  But then I remember, it was produced by the mind of Hanson . . . Every word is straight from the songwriters' heart and soul.   Who can argue with that?  Plus, Rose Stone and the "Sauce" rock out!!  Back in the day when Hanson covered, "Everyday People", did the guys ever dream that they would collaborate with this incredible songstress? The equivalent for me would have meant finally publishing that book, co-written with L.M. Montgomery, I once dreamed of.

Can't Stop
"I'm bursting at the seams."
This song is my counter-example to "If Only" (a song I grew to appreciate).   At first, "Can't Stop" was among my top picks.  However, its effect began to feel like eating Kraft Shells and Cheese . . . yummy, but only because it's satisfying a craving.  At the same time, could the "Tick Tock" section be any more entertaining?!  I guess Hanson doesn't just think about you 1440 hours (minutes), but 86,400 seconds every day!  And Zac has mentioned that this song was actually written 5 years ago? Whoa!

Have you tried singing along in different accents?  Midwest--stretch out your "a"s or Southern--sing "cain't stop." (How frightening is this peek inside my brain?! (c;)  Actually, here's a side note--I think Hanson have rediscovered their Tulsan lilt in the pronunciation on this album--after a brief, trial relationship with the New York brogue. 

I Wish That I Was There
"I seem to forget my lonely days."
::sniffle:: As if the headbanger hair or the beefy new look or the obvious height factor weren't enough . . . Zac, we can hear it in your voice that, well, "Lucy"'s gone forever!  From this musical "postcard" we can tell that you've done more than play video games and ride your 4-wheeler since you've been gone!  I love how Hanson references other songs, wittingly or unwittingly--I don't know--as in this one, "Sunlight's falling, another day gone without you," (picking up a theme from "As Surely As the Sun"?) and "It's been raining here . . . and I just want you to be near." (much like the sweet sentiment of "Rain"?)

Love Song
"And the thunder rolls these crashing seas . . ."
If I didn't know any better, I'd think this song finally reveals the MMMBop secret "no one knows."  Isaac, how incredibly perceptive and terribly romantic are you?! In my opinion, the lyrics are rooted in the observations that come from being a part of a family where parents are honest about their commitment to each other.  Suddenly, it doesn't sound as dreamy as it could be . . . so listen to the song instead of me--obviously! (c;

Sure About It
"My faucet's running and my car got towed . . ."
Without a "Man From Milwaukee" on this album, this song receives the "Quirkiest Lyrics" award!   The fact that there is a deeper meaning behind the music does nothing but endear the band even more to my heart . . . This track also receives a "Graceland" award, named for the Paul Simon album of the same name.  On that record enigma and beauty are woven into just about every song, while several songs also address social concerns in their spare time. I love the scratching on the album in general, but on "Sure About It" in particular. Yay DJ Swamp! I really wanted to hear Zac sing lead on this one though . . .

Hand in Hand
"And I can't find the bridge from my mind to reality."
How jazzed was Isaac that Jonny Lang plays on this song?!  If only the subject of these lyrics had said good-bye?!!  But then again, if she had, the song would not have been possible. hmmm . . .

In the City
"You've got to tell me once again do you love me . . ."
This one feels like Hanson went out of their way to be able to say the following about it, "We vote this song as the most likely to get the reaction, ' . . . THAT'S Hanson???' This baby ROCKS!!" (Moe #7) At the same time, when Hanson puts their collective minds to a task . . . well, you better watch out!  For its pure adrenaline, this will be among my most anticipated concert numbers!  From the "slightly crazed" file: I have to report that when I listen to this song in my car, the speakers are at my feet and so specifically Taylor's voice (with Isaac supporting) rises up from near the accelerator, "I'm gonna ask you once again . . ." I'm far too easily amused!

A Song to Sing
"These blue yonder dreams and second hand shoes . . ."
Let me just get this out of the way, I adore this song!!!  Yes, I have a favorite!  With phrases like "gone awry" and "blue yonder dreams" and "worn out cable" . . . was there ever any question about it? Wow!!   Just . . . wow!

Okay, that having been said, I've actually story-boarded the video. Brief, slightly slow-cam shots of ordinary individuals (psycho, die-hard, hard-core . . . 1997 fans--Can you tell where I'm going with this? ::grin::) going through their daily routines . . . unconsciously mouthing the lyrics as the song plays in the background. The band, in the old-time film strip sequences they so dearly love--displayed on random tenement halls or reflecting as mirages on water or windows--appear as inaccessible, but present in every shot.  Hello, is Mr. Van Sant available?

Your thoughts are always welcome!! dknstormy@aol.com