Commentary, Music

Billy Joel – Uptown Girl

Last week we had Pondering Existential Thoughts where the theme was to find a song that makes you think about life. This week the theme is to find a song that that gets stuck in your head.

I have many songs that get stuck in my head and this is the one song that no matter if I hear the whole song or just a piece of it I have it in my head for days.


Uptown girl
She’s been living in her uptown world
I bet she never had a backstreet guy
I bet her momma never told her why

I’m gonna try for an uptown girl (uptown girl)
She’s been living in her white-bread world (white-bread world)
As long as anyone with hot blood can (hot blood can)
And now, she’s looking for a downtown man (downtown man)
That’s what I am

And when she knows
What she wants from her time (from her time)
And when she wakes up (she wakes up)
And makes up her mind

She’ll see I’m not so tough
Just because I’m in love with an uptown girl (uptown girl)
You know I’ve seen her in her uptown world (uptown world)
She’s getting tired of her high-class toys (high-class toys)
And all her presents from her uptown boys (uptown boys)
She’s got a choice

Oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh

Uptown girl
You know I can’t afford to buy her pearls
But maybe someday when my ship comes in
She’ll understand what kind of guy I’ve been (I’ve been)
And then, I’ll win

And when she’s walking
She’s looking so fine
And when she’s talking
She’ll say that she’s mine

She’ll say I’m not so tough (she’s wrong)
Just because I’m in love with an uptown girl
She’s been living in her white-bread world
As long as anyone with hot blood can
And now, she’s looking for a downtown man
That’s what I am

Oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh

Uptown girl (going uptown)
She’s my uptown girl (going uptown)
Don’t you know I’m in love with an uptown girl? (Going uptown)
My uptown girl (she’s my uptown girl, going uptown)

Don’t you know I’m in love with an uptown girl? (Going uptown)
My uptown girl (she’s my uptown girl, going uptown)
Don’t you know I’m in love with an uptown girl? (Going uptown)
My uptown girl (she’s my uptown girl, going uptown)
(Don’t you know I’m in love) with an uptown girl? (Going uptown)
My uptown girl (she’s my uptown girl, going uptown)

Challenges

Song that Has Me Thinking About Life

When I encountered this challenge, the first song that came to mind was “Where Is the Love?” by The Black Eyed Peas. With everything happening in the world right now, this song reflects my thoughts on the situation.

Where Is The Love?

By: Black Eyed Peas

What’s wrong with the world, mama?
People livin’ like they ain’t got no mamas
I think the whole world’s addicted to the drama
Only attracted to things that’ll bring you trauma

Overseas, yeah, we tryna stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin’
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK

But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate, then you’re bound to get irate, yeah

Madness is what you demonstrate
And that’s exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y’all, y’all

People killin’, people dyin’
Children hurt, hear them cryin’
Can you practice what you preach
Or would you turn the other cheek?

Father, Father, Father, help us
Send some guidance from above
‘Cause people got me, got me questionin’
Where is the love (love)

Where is the love? (The love)
Where is the love? (The love)
Where is the love, the love, the love?

It just ain’t the same, old ways have changed
New days are strange, is the world insane?
If love and peace are so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don’t belong?

Nations droppin’ bombs
Chemical gasses fillin’ lungs of little ones
With ongoin’ sufferin’ as the youth die young
So ask yourself, is the lovin’ really gone?

So I could ask myself really what is goin’ wrong
In this world that we livin’ in people keep on givin’ in
Makin’ wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends
Not respectin’ each other, deny thy brother
A war is goin’ on but the reason’s undercover

The truth is kept secret, it’s swept under the rug
If you never know truth then you never know love
Where’s the love, y’all, come on? (I don’t know)
Where’s the truth, y’all, come on? (I don’t know)
Where’s the love, y’all?

People killin’, people dyin’
Children hurt, hear them cryin’
Can you practice what you preach
Or would you turn the other cheek?

Father, Father, Father, help us
Send some guidance from above
‘Cause people got me, got me questionin’
Where is the love (love)

Where is the love? (The love)
Where is the love? (The love)
Where is the love? (The love)
Where is the love? (The love)
Where is the love? (The love)
Where is the love? (The love)
Where is the love, the love, the love?

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I’m gettin’ older, y’all, people gets colder
Most of us only care about money makin’
Selfishness got us followin’ the wrong direction

Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema, yo’

Whatever happened to the values of humanity?
Whatever happened to the fairness and equality?
Instead of spreading love we’re spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading us away from unity

That’s the reason why sometimes I’m feelin’ under
That’s the reason why sometimes I’m feelin’ down
There’s no wonder why sometimes I’m feelin’ under
Gotta keep my faith alive ’til love is found
Now ask yourself

Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?

Father, Father, Father, help us
Send some guidance from above
‘Cause people got me, got me questionin’
Where is the love?

Sing with me y’all (one world, one world)
We only got (one world, one world)
That’s all we got (one world, one world)
And something’s wrong with it (yeah)
Something’s wrong with it (yeah)
Something’s wrong with the wo-wo-world, yeah
We only got (one world, one world)
That’s all we got (one world, one world)

Daily Prompts

Reclaiming My Voice

Daily writing prompt
What do you enjoy most about writing?

One of the things I love most about writing is that I am gradually rebuilding my confidence and realizing that I can be a good writer. In the past, especially during my younger years, I faced a lot of criticism about my writing. Those negative experiences led me to believe I wasn’t capable of writing well, and they made me feel self-conscious whenever I tried to express myself on paper.

Now, as I spend more time writing, I can feel myself becoming more comfortable and sure of my abilities. Every word I write helps me to see that I can convey my thoughts and ideas clearly. It’s a journey, but with every story or poem I create, I am learning to trust myself more and enjoy the process. Writing is not just about the end result for me; it’s also about finding my voice and healing from the doubts that held me back for so long.

Poetry

Drafted by Moonlight

On a draft, she started to write,
A poem drifting in the night.
Words danced like leaves in the breeze,
Her thoughts took shape with heartfelt ease.

Commentary, Daily Prompts

Embracing Daily Creativity

Daily writing prompt
What do you wish you could do more every day?

I often think about how much I want to spend more time being creative every day. There are so many things I enjoy doing, drawing pictures, writing and working on different projects. When I get the chance to express myself through these activities, I always feel happier and more alive.

MAD Missy 😠

Daily Prompts

Creative Expression

Daily writing prompt
What activities do you lose yourself in?

I often lose myself in art, reading, and sometimes writing. Creating art lets me express my feelings and imagination while reading transports me to different worlds and introduces me to diverse stories. Writing helps me articulate my thoughts and emotions. Together, these activities provide a creative outlet and help me connect with myself on a deeper level.

Daily Prompts

Positive Events

Daily writing prompt
What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?

In the past year, I’ve experienced many positive events. One of the first was obtaining my Master’s degree in Special Education, and now I am actively looking for a job that will allow me to utilize my degree to its fullest potential.

Another positive event in my life is that I became friends with an amazing person, and I feel grateful to have met him. Every day, I appreciate the friendship we share, whether we’re just chatting about our day, exploring new activities together, or sharing our thoughts and dreams. His positivity and support have motivated me greatly, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. There have been countless moments filled with laughter and deep discussions that have enriched my life in ways I never anticipated. Knowing that I have such a reliable friend by my side gives me a sense of comfort and belonging. I truly cherish this friendship and look forward to all the adventures that lie ahead.

Over the past few months, I’ve noticed a significant shift in my writing journey. I have become more confident in my abilities, which has encouraged me to share my work with all of you. This openness has been both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking, but each time I share, I learn and grow. The support I’ve received has motivated me to push my boundaries further and explore new topics and styles. I’m excited about this journey and look forward to continuing to improve and share more with you all!

MAD

Poetry

Embrace Your Creative Journey

Writing can truly be so fun.
Don’t be afraid, don’t have to run.
Spark your dream today
Don’t give up or stray
Find your way.
Make a ton

MAD

Poetry

✨New Poem Forms✨

Special thanks to my collaborator on this Rengay, Anthony
https://empathmuch.wordpress.com/


Learning poem forms
It’s a challenge and it’s fun
Here I go again
These rules have me on the run
Count eight syllables or ten???
-MAD/AAA 11/19/2024

Commentary, Daily Prompts

Favorite Subject

What was your favorite subject in school?

Okay, this might shock some, but my favorite subject in school was math. I loved its clear-cut nature, where answers were definitive. There was something satisfying about solving problems and knowing I was right or wrong. Math provided a sense of order and logic that I found comforting.

Recently, I’ve begun to appreciate writing more. Initially, I saw it as subjective and ambiguous compared to math. However, as I explored poetry, storytelling, and essays, I discovered the beauty in its complexity. Writing allows for creativity and expression, enabling unique perspectives and emotions.

MAD

Poetry

Unleashing Creativity

I am in a writing funk,
That I need to debunk.
I search high and low,
For inspiration to show,
To make my creativity flow.

MAD

Commentary

Share Your World 2nd September 2024

Welcome to Share Your World. There are two ways in which you can participate: Leave your answers to this week’s questions in the comments box below or create your own post and link back to this one. Ping-backs are activated, but don’t always work properly, so to play safe, leave a link in a comment […]

Share Your World 2nd September 2024

Here are this week’s questions:

1.  What was the last photograph you took?


2.  When was your last field trip? The last field trip I had was when I went with my friend to paint the picture above
3.  What is your favourite past time as an adult? My favorite pastime is creating art and lately I have been gaining confidence in my writing which is now starting to become a pastime.
4.  Do people ask you for advice? Yes, I do have people coming to me for advice and at times it can be overwhelming, but I have learned to put up boundaries if needed and I actually like helping others.

Gratitude:

  • For being alive another day
  • For Friends who encourage me to take risk
  • For the ability to create art that brings me joy
  • For those family members who have my back
  • For my therapist who has been helping me overcome my anxieties.

MAD

Poetry

Three Things Challenge #M738

Welcome to the daily Three Things Challenge. Use your imagination and creativity using one, two or all three words that may or may not be related. …

Three Things Challenge #M738

DAFT
DRAFT
RAFT

In a daft draft, she began to craft,
A poem on a solitary raft,
Words swirling like a wild whirlwind,
On her makeshift paper, her thoughts pinned.

-M.A.D.

Poetry

Alone

Originally Posted May 10, 2024

Alone in the silence, I sit and I weep
My heart heavy with sorrow, my soul feeling deep
The emptiness surrounds me, a cold, dark embrace
No one to hold me, no one to chase

The days stretch on endlessly, a never-ending night
No one to share my thoughts, no one to hold tight
I long for connection, for someone to see
The loneliness inside me, the ache to be free

I reach out in the darkness, but no one is there
I cry out for comfort, but no one will care
I am lost in this void, this vast empty space
Alone in my loneliness, with tears on my face

But I know deep inside, that this too shall pass
That the sun will shine again, that this pain will not last
I hold onto hope, that one day I’ll find
A kindred spirit, a love that is kind

So I’ll weather this storm, this lonely night
And trust in the promise, that everything will be right
For even in my solitude, I am not truly alone
For love will find me, and make this heart its home.

-M.A.D.