So when I was thinking about what to do for BBE* if I were to do it one of my ideas reminded me of a Stuck in my Head I posted months and months ago. Both videos to me touched on like the fear of discovery and the threat of subsequent violence that is unfortunately why today is a Day of Rememberance. And because that connection worked with me, and you haven't had any music or any of my wonderful insights I'm going to repost it (with a few changes and an mp3 at the bottom)
Stay with me because this may seem a little convuluted (and I don't think I spelled that word right at all.) Anyway I've tried to focus on positivity, love hope and beauty, but sometimes the songs themselves that are lodged in your head aren't necessarily the most joyful. Such is the case today. I don't think I had these songs stuck in my head, as much as the videos. But c'est la vie. I've had She Wants Revenge's Tear You Apart in my head for awhile (it's quite addictive)- I remember the first time I heard it I thought it was a new song from Interpol. Of course I later found out who it was (thank you XM radio.) But I still loved the song and when I saw their video I was completely blown away. Who knew Joaquin Phoenix could direct? And who knew he would have a transgender theme and plot, and while the lyrics and song itself aren't really happy I identify quite strongly with this video (for rather obvious reasons) and the ending always makes me really happy and is a fantasy for I would suppose many people, but especially those who have been ostracized and attacked for living their truth. So here's She Wants Revenge and "Tear You Apart"
And any band that has their first video with that type of message I'm bound to like. I was then thinking about that video while having the song stuck in my head and it sparked a memory of when I was young and a video that I knew meant a lot to me at the time, and looking back may mean even more. It's Soul Asylum and Just Like Anyone. The video features Claire Danes at the height of her My So-Called Life fame ( I remember that show being amazing, and it still kind of holds up today). And i really like these lyrics, they really make me happy
She walks into the outhouse
the cold night breathes into her face
the flies are standin' still now
the moon it spills through the place
and she starts wonderin' what its like to be
liked by everyone and like everyone be just
like anyone and just wants to be so
just like anyone, just like anyone
she reaches through the darkness
her fingers touch the porcelain seat
she spins and pulls her pants down
the cold air holds her like a thief
and she starts wonderin what they mean
do they just mean to be mean
and thinkin' bout the scene
do they just want to be seen
try not to seem so just like anyone,
just like anyone
the door comes screechin' open
she walks into the evening air
she disappears in the darkness
all's left, the faint smell of her hair
she starts wonderin' what its like to be
liked by everyone and like everyone
be just like anyone and just wants to be so
just like anyone and wonderin what they mean
do they just mean to be mean and thinkin' bout
the scene do they just want to be seen
try not to seem so just like anyone
just like anyone
And though the video does not have quite an explicit transgender theme I think you'll be able to read between a few lines.
I love the school dance theme, and its import and symbolism, lord knows my senior prom was mind blowing (at Duke not in high school.) And I'm not sure about it but I have a feeling that this video, and its ending, may have planted the seeds for one of my recurring dreams, of ascending from my skin and rising as a winged golden angel. Metaphor much?
But this videos (songs, whatevers) I think fit into the theme of today of beauty and hope and eventual happiness. Just like I cried with happiness for Christine Daniels, was run ragged with emotions and ended up coming out because of it (it's in my last sunday confessional- great reading I'm sure) the release and acceptance that these videos and their final scenes show, escaping the cruelty and pettiness and hurt and transcending it all to find a greater joy and a place of peace and acceptance, are truly beautiful and make me happy at least. Anyway thanks for sticking with me and though I probably don't know you personally, you know me, and I love you for that. Let's keep in touch.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Wow, I was really happy and cheery and...I don't think I was drunk. But I kinda hope I was. A little embarrassing.
Soul Asylum- Just Like Anyone [download] buy it on iTunes
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