But, the lines about the world in transition, war and terror amplified, and soldiers are aligned... these lines don't justify the listener to wallow in self-pity without very good reason-- and this song doesn't really point out that the singer has a really good reason.

In fact, some people DO have a really good reason, IMO. Those who have been to the front lines and seen grotesque things, or those who have lost loved ones, or are anxiously awaiting their loved ones return, or any number of reasons. But even then, instead of sending a message that reinforces their numbness, or indifference, or total loss of function and reason- I think the songs that are presently becoming hits are the ones that do the direct opposite, i.e. the ones that encourage strength, participation, and all of us sticking together.

Matter of fact, the line about...Is there anything more pathetic... might possibly have snapped me out of my self-absorbed lack of concern if I thought I had a great reason to feel that way, but that's only a slim chance-- if I were really lost within myself, most of this one would only help keep me there. Was this line your attempt to make the listener snap out of the funk? Because if you intended to use this song for that purpose, I think it is a worthy purpose, but it wasn't accomplished with just this one line.

I guess this is my long-winded way of asking how you intended this one? Because as it is, I'm trying to imagine what was in your mind as you wrote it, what would be in the singer's mind, and what audience you are hoping this will relate to! Because there is a large audience that has been greatly hurt over the recent world events, and they are probably numb from pain by now, or are hoping for numbness. I just feel like this song might take advantage of that audience, and possibly prolong the sufferring.

If you are just trying to depict the mindframe of those people, you do a great job, but what does it really do to help? (accept to say that it is pathetic)

Like I said, very mixed emotions. I suppose if I heard it like it is on the radio one day, without the opportunity to ask the writer what he was thinking as he wrote it, I would remember that faith comes by hearing, over and over again. Faith in God, Jesus... faith that in hard times, things will get better... faith in any form comes from hearing repeatedly. But, so does lack of faith.... people believe that they are stupid, worthless, and all kinds of bad things about themselves from hearing it over and over. People also come to believe that they will never be able to feel again or believe that great pain will ease, especially if a song like this is on the radio for them to hear over and over.

Hope this hasn't been offensive, I certainly do not intend it that way!

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Keeping the faith,

no offense taken

i would hope the over all bleak picture put forth by the singer of this song, would get people to ask themselves, do i really want to be like him, is this the way i want to live.

i certaintly wasn't trying to undermine anyones true sorrow, i was just trying to say, that the state of the world leads to an over all malaise; why bother if there's a "good" possibility, that there will be no reward for your efforts.

Quite obviously our leaders are always advising us, in lieu of terrorists threats, to go about business as usual, cause they can see how detrimental a depressed attitude can be for a society.

Maybe the leaders should view a song like this, and say, what can we do, to make the world a better place, besides spreading the same old tired rhetoric.

In any event, i'm glad this song, sparked something inside you, that made you lash out, for that was it's intention.

thanks for the emotional read!!!!!!!

also can you please look at "Magical Angel" red and i could use your expertise!!!!

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http://www.random-noise.com/

[This message has been edited by spiderlady (edited 05-30-2003).]