Random thoughts for the weekend

Music: “Greatest Hits”/Eric Clapton and the Yardbirds, “Lovin’ Up a Storm”/Jimmy Page & John Paul Jones, “Truth”/Jeff Beck, “Funkoverload”/Maceo Parker, “Magnificent Seventh!”, “Behind Closed Doors”/Thunder
Mood: changes by the minute

Am again a bit restless this weekend, absent-minded, keep forgetting things (ok, it’s maybe the age thing…) except for ONE thing I so want to forget… Well, ok, I don’t have to be so secure or proper or good or smart… cuz it’s WEEKEND, right?

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Went to see a film with a friend last night: Bombón – El Perro, an Argentine movie about a man and a dog. This is again such a film with a very “reticent” main character, and I like that. The silent scenes with him and the dog are very humourous/sad and say actually a lot.

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“When your life is a struggle, it’s a struggle with yourself. It’s almost impossible to win from yourself, isn’t it? So, you’d better find a peace with yourself.” - I wrote to a friend of mine.. but it’s just like I was writing to myself.

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Some people – good friends – seem to know me better than I do… Yes, K., I think this is just the best situation I can think of at this moment… If anything changes, then I’ll think what and how at THAT moment…

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Y used to look so proud and satisfied as he played the intro of Led Zeppelin’s “Heartbreaker”. We were at junior high.

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My mood changes every minute… means I have so many lyrics for today but none of them can express my mood/thoughts for the whole weekend. Well, ok, maybe this one.

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Just Fell In
(Styx)

It was 8:15
When I pulled in the 7 Eleven
I bought a 12 ounce coffee
And I threw down a 357

I guess I was thinking I would never be found
Next thing I knew I was spread-eagle
Down on the ground

I just fell into a manic depression
And I really want to spend it with you

I got pretty paper shoes
And I’m weaving you a basket for Christmas
Three hots and a cot
And a cellmate who keeps calling me missus
But I like to think I’m the king of the couch
And I like my shrink
Cause he always brings me smoke in a pouch

I just fell into a manic depression
And I really want to spend it with you

We don’t have any inhibitions
We’re not consumed by ambition
We’ve got no mission control
They say Dr. Freud might call me an anal retentive
But my PO says I’m delinquent and I got no incentive
Rehab is a thing of the past
I step into the cab and say
“Hey buddy, step on the gas”

Just fell into a manic depression
And I really want to spend it with you

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written by Tommy Shaw/James Young

"Serious note"

Music: Thunder, OL, Jeff Beck, Remy Shand
Mood: Tired but hanging in there

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Serious note
We live in an increasingly high pressure, hard hearted and troubled world. We all have problems, but hopefully most of us also experience some joy. When it gets bad, remember there are almost certainly millions of people in worse shit than you. If you do one little thing to help just one of them, you’ll have made a difference, and you might even make yourself feel better.

End of sermon
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I found this “sermon” on the album sleeve of “Behind Closed Doors” (Thunder). …I can’t remember I did something recently to help someone… On the contrary, I’m afraid I have hurt at least 2 people…and I feel quite bad about it, yes indeed.

One of the stories I translated today:
There’s only 8 million euro donation expected for the people suffering in Asia after the earthquake on Oct. 8, while the total donation for the tsunami victims is now over 220 million euros. One of the reasons can be that Tsunami is rather unknown to the Dutch. Means, earthquakes are too “common” and not terrible enough.
Weird, isn’t it?

I wonder how many cattle and fish I have saved since I became a vegetarian about 17 years ago (oh, but I occasionally eat meat/fish)… and how many trees in the rainforest? In Africa, where many people are starving every year, they grow soybeans and corns to feed the cattle to feed us. They cut down the rainforest in South America to make space to grow soybeans for the same reason (because it makes more money). I boycott “waribashi” (disposable chopsticks) in the hope that I can save some trees in South East Asia… but does it really help? Hm… just try to think: I do one little thing, better than nothing.

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None Of Us Are Free
(Lynyrd Skynyrd)

You better listen my brother
’Cause if you do you can hear
There are voices still callin’ from across the years
And they’re cryin’ across the ocean
And they’re cryin’ across the land
And they will until we all come to understand

That none of us are free
None of us are free
None of us are free if one of us is chained
None of us are free

Well there are people in the darkness
And they just can’t see the light
And if we don’t say it’s wrong then that says it’s right
We got to feel for each other
Let our brothers know we’re here
Got to get the message and send it out loud and clear

That none of us are free
None of us are free
None of us are free if one of us is chained
None of us are free
Well it’s the single truth
We all need to see
That none of us are free if one of us is chained
None of us are free

Well I swear to you salvation isn’t very hard to find
None of us can find it on our own
We got to join together. Spirit, heart and mind
All the souls who are suffering, know they are not alone


None of us are free
None of us are free

If you just look around you
You’re gonna see what I say
’Cause the world’s gettin’ smaller each passin’ day
Now it’s time to make some changes
Now it’s time we all realized
That the truth is shinin’ right before our eyes

’Cause none of us are free
None of us are free
None of us are free if one of us is chained
None of us are free

Well it’s the very heart of humanity
’Cause none of us are free if one of us is chained
None of us are free

None of us, none of us
None of us, none of us
None of us, none of us are free
None of us, none of us
None of us, none of us
None of us, none of us are free

None of us are free
None of us are free
None of us are free if one of us is chained
None of us are free
’Cause it’s the very truth
We all need to see
That none of us are free if one of us is chained
None of us are free

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written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Brenda Russell

The first goal/acknowledgement

Music: all the Thunder CDs I have, “Opium/CD1 Wide-eyed” by OL + LN, “Horowitz plays Mozart” by Vladimir Horowitz
Mood: …it’s tough but it’s ok

I don’t like my face but I do like my eyes.
I don’t like my freckles but I do like my lips.
I don’t like the grey in my hair but I do like the curls.
I don’t like my short legs but I do like the little toes.
I don’t like my flat butt but I do like my.. uh ok, small butt.
I don’t like my weakness but I do like my flexibility
I don’t like my timidity but I do like my eccentricity.
I can’t sing but I do like my voice.
I can’t dance but I do enjoy music.
I can’t talk but I can listen.
I can’t navigate but I do find the place in the end.
I can’t think logically but I can improvise.
I can’t drive and I can’t park – no, I just can’t.
I can’t fight but I can smile.
I can’t so many but I can try.
I can learn.

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He never loved me more than rock ‘n’ roll, but it’s ok now. It’s his problem, not mine.

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I Love You More Than Rock ‘n’ Roll
(Thunder)

Better listen to me baby, it’s time to speak the truth
You’d better believe it baby, I know I got the proof
Cos I didn’t catch your name, and I know it sounds insane
But I got reason to believe
I was meant for you

Cos I love you more than Rock ‘n’ Roll, trust me baby
I think I love you more than Rock ‘n’ Roll

It’s the way that you move baby, such a dirty grind
I got a glimpse of tattoo baby, but I knew you wouldn’t mind
Cos I know it’s got to be, and I, I got to make you see

I love you more than Rock ‘n’ Roll, on my life
I think I love you more than Rock ‘n’ Roll, say it one more time
I think I love you more than Rock ‘n’ Roll
More than Rock ‘n’ Roll…

So there you go baby, cos my intention’s clear
And now that you know baby, there ain’t nothing to fear
Cos I never thought I’d say, what I said today
I guess it goes to show you that I’m sincere

Cos I love you more than Rock ‘n’ Roll, can you feel it?
I think I love you more than Rock ‘n’ Roll
I love you more than Rock ‘n’ Roll, yeah yeah yeah
I think I love you more than Rock ‘n’ Roll

Trust me…
Love you more than Rock ‘n’ Roll…

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written by Luke Morley

Kym. ...me

Feelin' Groovy

Music: “Backstreet Symphony”, “Behind Closed Doors”, “The Magnificent Seventh!” / Thunder
Mood: groovy

Yesssssssuh!! I’ve got the tickets to the concert of Thunder in Amsterdam… also got 3 CDs I had ordered at Amazon… YAY!!
The weather has been fine, people are kind, wine tastes good… what could I wish more at this moment? (Well, how about winning a lottery??) “Life, I love you / Feelin’ groovy…”
Hmmm… ok, I’m perhaps a bit exaggerating… ’cos I don’t love “life” that much yet, but I can now say: it’s not bad.

"Here we go, here we go, here we go..."



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Fifty Ninth Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)
(Simon & Garfunkel)

Slow down, you move too fast
You gotta make the morning last
Just kickin’ down the cobblestones
Lookin’ for fun and
Feelin’ groovy_____

Hello lamppost
Whatcha knowin’?
I’ve come to watch your flowers growin’
Ain’tcha got no rhymes for me?
Doo Bee Doo Doo
Feelin’ groovy_____

Got no deeds to do
No promises to keep
I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me…
Life, I love you,
All is groovy__________

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written by Paul Simon

I'm such a simple soul

Music: Thunder
Mood: flying and rather relaxed


I found someone who wants to go to the concert (Thunder) in December with me… and that makes me feel SO HAPPY! I’m such a simple soul! Well, she has one CD of Thunder, she said. As soon as I get the CDs I ordered at Amazon, I’ll make copies for her so she can do her homework!! I like some of the songs particularly because they are about a “dream girl”. I just try to think that he’s singing to nobody else but me.

I had 2 dogs (besides Fox) to take care of for this weekend, it kept me busy and I liked that. I have now feeling that I did something useful, that I could be a help.

Further, I feel more relaxed now than a few days ago. Being honest to yourself is not always easy… I know… but if you don’t know a better way or right answer…then what could you do other than to let you go… if I get trouble, when I get the depression again… then I think what to do at that moment, but not now. Now, at this very moment, I don’t want to worry about anything – because there’s nothing concrete to worry about.

Fox stepped on a bee and got stung… poor thing. But it’s funny to see (sorry, Fox!) He’s a natural born clown and he always cheers me up.

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Everybody Wants Her
(Thunder)

Let me tell you ’bout this girl I know
She ain’t nothing like any girl you’ve known before
’Cos everybody wants her
In her dress or her old blue jeans
When you see her you’ll be coming apart at the seams
’Cos everybody wants her

She’s got everything a man could ask for, she’s animal and innocence
She could wrap you ’round her little finger
She’s sharp as a knife, you ought to see her dance

(Everybody wants her) Everybody wants her, they make it plain to see
(Everybody needs her) Everybody needs her, she don’t know it, but she wants me

The first time that she passed my way
I got so nervous that I couldn’t find a thing to say
’Cos everybody wants her
She’s told so many guys to sling their hook
But I’ve been watching her eyes and I’ve seen her look
She knows everybody wants her

I’m never wrong with my intuition, I’m gonna say what I have to say
I got it worked out to the letter, I know I can make her see it my way

(Everybody wants her) Everybody wants her, they make it plain to see
(Everybody needs her) Everybody needs her, she don’t know it, but she wants me

She wants me

She’s got everything a man could ask for, she’s animal and innocence
She could wrap you ’round her little finger
She’s sharp as a knife, you ought to see her dance

(Everybody wants her) Everybody wants her
I got to tell you that the woman makes it plain to see
(Everybody needs her) Everybody needs her, she don’t know
(Everybody wants her) Everybody wants to be her man
(Everybody needs her) Everybody wants her, but she wants me
That’s the way it’s gotta be, just her and me, together baby
We’re together, you and me…

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written by Morley/Bowes/James/Matthews

I've got the blues

Music: “U.K.”/U.K., “Thunder Live”, “Live Circuit”/ Thunder
Mood: Low battery

Went out with a friend last night. We’ve been trying to see each other for a long time; every time we picked a date, we had to cancel it because… well, you know, we are all so busy these days… This time we said like: “now or never!”, and we finally managed to go out together. After we had a very nice dinner in a Mexican restaurant, we moved on to a café where they have live music almost every night. I used to go to this café often when we were living just across the canal. Anyway, I had a very good time. Today I expected to feel sick from the drinks I had last night (started with beer, then wine at dinner, then Mexican coffee with tequila and coffee liquor, and again beer… ) , but no, not even a headache – fortunately! Only, I’ve got this “after going out” blues, am not feeling doing anything. I don’t like cooking for myself alone, eating on my own… it’s just waste of energy. Well, ok, I think I’ll be feeling better tomorrow. But then, I’ll have the weekend blues instead.

It’s getting colder day by day… I wanted to turn on the heating tonight.. oh, but wait a sec! I should first check the boiler if the water pressure is alright… Darn!! I don’t know how to fill it, have never done before. Hmm… I’ll ask a neighbour tomorrow.
It’s so, so, so frustrating and makes me feel hopeless, as I most probably have mentioned before, when I can’t do something… especially those simple things like filling the boiler (it must be simple, right?) or connecting the DAT deck to the amplifier… I know I could if I knew how…
And this frustration is not helping me out of the blues I’ve got. My body is still aching too.

BTW, I just went to the basement (read: the record library) to check the credit of one of Thunder’s songs. Gees, I found 4 albums of Thunder… 2 of them are numbered special edition!!! Oooooooh, I want to keep them! I ordered 2 CDs at Amazon last week, but these vinyls are really special! Officially, the half of this record collection is MINE….

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Stand Up
(Thunder)

When you get up late for work in the morning
And somebody’s broken into your car
Makes you feel like killing, maybe you’d be willing
But you don’t have to take it that far
Stand up, kick the cat and stand up
Cos when things grind you down
You can’t fight ’em sitting down
Stand up

You catch your girl making love with the postman
And they’re doing it in your very own bed
She says he’s giving her a letter
I think you should forget her
And go out with her sister instead
Stand up, say “who cares” and stand up
Don’t go crying on the floor, just throw them out the door
And stand up

Every now and then boy, you gotta take it on the chin
It’s just another symptom of the world we’re living in
Every day’s a battle, sometimes you’re gonna bruise
But if you let it get you down you lose
Stand up, stand up

Sunday morning you relax with the papers
All week long you been working so hard
Then you can’t believe what you’re seeing on the page
About a road they’re gonna build through your yard
Stand up, shout about it stand up
You don’t have to beg them please
Don’t go down on your knees stand up
Do everything that you can, you got to make a plan stand up
If they’re gonna tread on you make ’em think before they do
Stand up

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written by Morley/James