Jon Chu's Music

Let's Just Lie

2009-02-22T02:11:00.001-08:00

Common expressions we familiarize
Ourselves come first, that's how we prioritize
We talk so much about changing the world
But have we found change
It's what we need first

Every now and then, we say that we love
Claim that it comes from heaven above
Hypocrites we are, our lips say we care
Is there truth amongst us? Our hearts testify we hate

Let's just lie and say we care
Let's hug and profess love in the air
What burden is there to bear?
Life's great, so why do we care?

Just An Update

2009-02-22T02:06:00.003-08:00

Hey.

I know. This blog has been dormant for a very long time. I suppose dust must have been collected here so much that all you can view is just dust. Haha! But no worries. Lately, inspiration has somewhat returned to me, and things have been rather interesting.

Before I forget. I managed to record Bid You Goodbye again, and it sounds pretty awesome. Too bad I have no idea how to upload the music here for your hearing. Once I figure out the HTML and what player I can use to put up the music, I'll sure put it up immediately. All thanks to Hajok, Gavan and John Jerald for helping in the process. And also, yes, your support thus far. Although this recording wasn't done professionally, but well, I suppose I've gotta start somewhere. =)

Anyway! Will be updating more soon! Stay tuned for more!

You Carried Me

2008-07-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

You Carried Me
Unknown Artist

It's only when I look back
And traced the way
My crooked path has wandered
I see the footprints in the sand
And I realized You were there beside me
Every single day

You carried me through all of my trials
You carried me when I was troubled and alone
When my strength had gone
Couldn't get along without You

You carried me so I wouldn't stumble
You carried me just when I needed someone there
Who would be a friend
And I reached the end
Because He carried me

And now as I turn to face the narrow way
With shadows growing longer
I know my Savior's by my side
Always there for me
And He'll care for me
When the enemy draws near

He carried me through all of my trials
He carried me when I was troubled and alone
When my strength had gone, couldn't get along without Him

He carried me so I wouldn't stumble
He carried me just when I needed someone there
Who would be a friend
And I reached the end because He carried me

You carried me through all of my trials
You carried me when I was troubled and alone
When my strength had gone, couldn't get along without You

You carried me so I wouldn't stumble
You carried me just when I needed someone there
Who would be a friend
And I reached the end because You carried me

When You Look Me In The Eyes

2008-07-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

When You Look Me In The Eyes
Jonas Brothers

If the heart is always searching,
Can you ever find a home?
I've been looking for that someone,
I'll never make it on my own.
Dreams can't take the place of loving you,
There's gotta be a million reasons why it's true.

When you look me in the eyes,
And tell me that you love me.
Everything's alright,
When you're right here by my side.
When you look me in the eyes,
I catch a glimpse of heaven.
I find my paradise,
When you look me in the eyes.

How long will I be waiting,
To be with you again?
Gonna tell you that I love you,
In the best way that I can.
I can't take a day without you here,
You're the light that makes my darkness disappear.

When you look me in the eyes,
And tell me that you love me.
Everything's alright,
When you're right here by my side.
When you look me in the eyes,
I catch a glimpse of heaven.
I find my paradise,
When you look me in the eyes.

More and more, I start to realize,
I can reach my tomorrow,
I can hold my head up high,
And it's all because you're by my side.

When you look me in the eyes,
And tell me that you love me.
Everything's alright,
When you're right here by my side.
And when I hold you in my arms,
I know that it's forever
I just gotta let you know,
I never wanna let you go, cause

When you look me in the eyes.
And tell me that you love me.
Everything's alright, (it's alright)
When you're right here by my side. (by my side)
When you look me in the eyes,
I catch a glimpse of heaven. (oh)
I find my paradise,
When you look me in the eyes.

Jottings:
Have you ever heard how bias people can get about songs when they were affected in the past, and those songs never fail to bring to surface the past right before their eyes, causing them to relive the torment and fear - all over again?

Perhaps that is so for me.

I realized that many songs written these days are of the surface values. Songs that speak of being okay when a special someone is beside; but is that really true?

Perhaps I am bias because there was a certain past when I had experienced something like that - believing that things will be okay when a special someone was by my side to support me. Little did I care to realize that it was actually my foolish eyes that refused to see the selfishness both in me and that special someone; we both want our dreams, which clashed terribly.

I suppose that is part of growing up - when you experience hurt and love both at the same time.

Well, to scrutinize this song, the lyrics are really fantasy-like. Chord progressions are simple in imitating, as well as the tag. But all in all, catchy and pleasing to the ears.

However, I do not just go for the feel of the music; I go for the lyrics too.

I suppose my biasness is properly displayed. Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against this song.

Sober

2008-06-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Sober
Kelly Clarkson

I don’t know
This could break my heart or save me
Nothing’s real
Until you let go completely
So here I go with all my thoughts I’ve been saving
So here I go with all my fears weighing on me

Three months and I’m still sober
Picked all my weeds but kept the flowers
But I know it’s never really over

And I don’t know
I could crash and burn but maybe
At the end of this road I might catch a glimpse of me
So I won’t worry about my timing, I want to get it right
No comparing, second guessing, no not this time

Three months and I’m still breathing
Been a long road since those hands I left my tears in but I know
It’s never really over, no

Wake up

Three months and I’m still standing here
Three months and I’m getting better yeah
Three months and I still am

Three months and it’s still harder now
Three months I’ve been living here without you now
Three months yeah
Three months I hurt

Three months and I’m still breathing
Three months and I still remember it
Three months and I wake up

Three months and I’m still sober
Picked all my weeds but kept the flowers

Things to know about being a composer

2008-05-24T08:30:00.001-07:00

Your songs are your treasures.

Nobody can tell you that they and deserved to be blotted from the memories of your listeners; but people can tell you what they think about it - good or otherwise. Nobody can tell you that you do not deserve the chance to be a composer; but others can tell you that you could try harder and improve. Although people may criticize your work; some do out of love and care.

No matter what, never ever stop singing the new song of your heart and soul. They are your treasures.

Seek not to conform to what they say; seek to speak what your heart tells you to.

However, knowing this, never stop improving. Never stop seeking ways to write better lyrics (although the quality of lyrics - unless under a set of strict measurable standard rules - will vary from one to another) and never stop learning chord progressions to improve your songs.

There is never a bad composer; only a lazy composer.

Someone's Watching Over Me

2008-04-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

Someone's Watching Over Me
Hilary Duff

I found myself today
Oh, I found myself and ran away
But something pulled me back
A voice of reason, I forgot I had
All I know is you're not here to say
What you always used to say
But it’s written in the sky tonight

[Chorus:]
So I won’t give up
No, I won’t break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I’m standing in the dark I’ll still believe
Someone’s watching over me

I’ve seen that ray of light
And it’s shining on my destiny
Shining all the time
And I won’t be afraid
To follow everywhere it’s taking me
All I know is yesterday is gone
And right now I belong
To this moment, to my dreams

[Chorus]

It doesn’t matter what people say
And it doesn’t matter how long it takes
Believe in yourself
And you’ll fly high
And it only matters how true you are
Be true to yourself and follow your heart

So I won’t give up
No I won’t break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I’m standing in the dark I’ll still believe...

That I won’t give up
No I won’t break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even when it all goes wrong
When I’m standing in the dark I’ll still believe...

That someone’s watching over,
Someone's watching over,
Someone's watching over me
(Yeah yeah, oh oh...)
Someone's watching over me

Jottings:
It's 4.30am now as I type this. I've just finished a major portion of my heavy assignments. Though it seems as if I'm done, I have to admit that the journey of frustrations and mental blockage has just begun.

But just as I was listening to some songs while doing up my assignment, this song just caught my attention. No doubt, the melody was catchy; but what made me search for the lyrics was the bits and pieces I hear in the song. Inspiring it is.

I just realized that in every person, be they strong or weak emotionally, there will always be a part within that desires companionship. Though many mask this need (which I don't think it foolish, for it is a defensive mechanism), they fail to experience the care and love they desperately need.

Yet, should they do otherwise, there will be a huge possibility they be hurt; and should such continue, they would withdraw to self-pity, solitude...

We need somebody to love. We need somebody to care. We need somebody to continually tell us that we are loved and treasured - no matter how rusted we are.

But face the truth, nobody out there will specially do such a benevolent philanthropic thing for us, because they are experiencing the same thing too.

At the end of the day, it boils down to this: how much do we love ourselves. If we knew how to cherish ourselves, if we knew how to love ourselves, if we knew how important we are to ourselves, then we wouldn't first seek comfort from others; we would be assured that we are loved, because we first love ourselves.

Love, then, begins from ourselves.

Let us conquer our worse enemies - ourselves.

Sing

2008-04-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Singing isn't an easy art; it takes experience, creativity and control.

I need to improve my singing. I sound nice if reverb is added to my voice, and a tad of bass boost, but if I just plainly sing, I don't sound that good.

So what's the plan?

Live with it, and practice more! That's the big plan.

2008-04-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

Composing a song is very simple when you have the idea, the words, the melody, the harmony, and the skill. But when you lack any one of them, you are basically... stuck.

I have been downloading a lot of music lately, primary to feed my ears for more music. I find myself in a state of stagnance. No matter what I hit on the keyboard... it seems as if all are similar. And trust me, that is not something you would want to happen to you.

I need to write one more song to fill up my EP, but I have no idea how is it going to sound like, what will be the words, what will the message be.

There are times when I sit back and question myself the purpose of composing. Do I want to please myself, prove to myself that I can compose? Or do I want to use the messages I have within me to impact the audience?

That is when striking the balance is needed.

So there I was, sitting at the piano and these words came to me. I have no idea why these words, and I have totally no idea how will they turn out to sound like. But anyways, here are the words:

We had laughed at each other's jokes
Smiled at each other's looks
We had learnt to care to share
Though many times, unintentionally
We hurt
Each other with our words
We learn to accept
To understand

But things do change
That's the way life is
Don't you know that change can't be eluded
So why do you look away
When it is me who is near
Why do you cast a frown
When it is me who is near

This is just an idea. It has not materialized into a song. But looking at the direction of the words are going, I don't think this tentative song will be suitable for the EP.

I still need inspiration.

Perhaps it is due to the many months of composing songs for Entangled, the Music that had paled my ability to write songs.

Inspiration, where art thou?

Finally

2008-04-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

Finally
Fergie

Ever since I was a baby girl I had a dream
Cinderella theme, crazy as it seems
Always knew that deep inside
That there would come that day
That I would have to wait
Make so many mistakes
I couldn't comprehend as I watched it unfold
This classic story told, I left it in the cold
Walking through unopened doors that led me back to you
Each one unlocking more of the truth

I finally stopped tripping on my youth
I finally got lost inside of you
I finally know that I needed to grow
And finally my mate has met my soul

[chorus]
Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though we will have our differences
Something strange and new is happening
Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever had
Give my love to him finally

I remember the beginning you already knew
I acted like a fool, just trying to be cool
Fronting like it didn't matter, I just ran away
Put on another face,
Was lost in my own space
Found what its like to hurt selfishly
Scared to give up me
Afraid to just believe
I was in a jealous, insecure, pathetic place
Stumbled through the mess that I had made

Finally got out of my own way
I've finally started living for today
I finally know I needed to grow
And finally my mate has met my soul

[chorus]
Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though we will have our differences
Something strange and new is happening
Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever had
Gave my love to him Finally

Mmmm....
Finally, finally

[chorus]
Finally
Now my destiny can begin
Though we will have our differences
Something beautiful is happening, is happening
Finally
Now my life doesn't seem so bad
It's the best that I've ever had
Give my love to him finally

Oooh oh
Finally, finally
Finally

Jottings:
Beautiful vocals, with a tad of reverb.

And I just realized how difficult it is achieve a good recording. Lots to look into.

New Inspiration

2008-04-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

I need new inspirations. I need. I need. I need. I need.

I want a song accompanied only by the guitars. I need inspiration. Problem is, none is coming! Help!

Change

2008-04-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Music has taken it's toll on me.

No more writing Christianized songs; my songs are evolving in terms of lyrics and music feel. I begin showing more emotions in my lyrics and music. I suppose that as I changed in my environment, my style of writing songs change too.

More songs to come. I hope I am able to write more songs. But that is also in itself a risk to me. Because in order for me to write songs well, I have to experience a rush of emotions or I've to experience something bad, that often triggers my resentful past.

I hope that writing songs need not go through such difficulty.

What am I ranting about? Sigh.

Let the Rain Fall

2008-04-04T07:34:00.001-07:00

Let the Rain Fall
Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Chu

[Verse 1]
The sun is shining
Glaring on your skin
Seems like your yesterdays and fears are sinking in
You need redemption
From your insecurities
And stress and pain and hurts

The clouds close in
And droplets fall
You step into the rain
Cry out your all
Let the sun go
Let your pain fade
Let your jade-d self go
Away

[Chorus]
Let the rain fall
Let the tears dry
Let everything you believed in
Slip you by
Let yourself fall
It's useless to cry
Let the rain wash your pain
Give you reason to smile again
Let the rain fall

[Verse 2]
The days went by
The smiles flashed by
All don't mean a thing
All just worth forgetting
None tell you that
There's love out there
(That) there's a chance to be accepted

And by shunned from all cruelty of life
Let the sun go
Let your pain fade
Let your jade-d self go away

[Bridge]
Let the rain
Let the rain fall
(Let the past go)

Face It

2008-04-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

Face It
Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Chu

Spent your time hoping
For a chance to be understood
To be loved for who you are
To have someone to
Stay by your side
Until the fear
Subsides

Spent your days wishing
For someone to sit by your side
Love you more despite your insecurities
Hear you hum your sweet melody
Despite how entangled you are

But just face the truth
Superficiality is all that's wanted
Who you truly are don't count
Only who you are to them
Face it

They say
"It's great to have you"
"I love you" or
"Thank you"
But despise you when they see
What is true inside of you

They say you've changed
You're selfish and foolish
And criticize you and your actions and your words
Just because you're different
They conclude you're not good enough
And they only seek for you
When there's something they need from you

So face the truth
All friendships are meant to be at arm's length
Who you truly are don't count
Only who you are to them
Just face the truth
You're not good enough to join in
Who you can be don't count
Only who you can be to and for them
Face it

Face it
Face it

People don't love you for you
Face it
People don't love you for you
Face it
People don't love you for you
Face it
People don't love you for you
Face it

So face the truth
All friendships are meant to be at arm's length
Who you truly are don't count
Only who you are to them
Just face the truth
You're not good enough to join in
Who you can be don't count
Only who you can be to and for them
Face it
Face it
Face it

Meninggikan Nama Tuhanku

2008-04-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Meninggikan Nama Tuhanku
Lyrics and Music by Jonathan Chu

[Verse]
Di dalam hidup ini
Ku sembah Kau Tuhan
Hanya Tuhan sahaja
Ku sembah Kau Tuhan

[Chorus]
Meninggikan nama Tuhanku
Meninggikan nama Tuhanku
Ku tinggikan namaMu dengan suaraku
Ku hanya sembah Tuhan

[Bridge]
KeranaMu
T'lah mengubahkan hidupku
Memberiku
Tenaga untuk berjuang
KeranaMu
Oh Tuhanku
Aku mampu menyanyi untukMu
KeranaMu

Great Is Your Reward

2008-04-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Great Is Your Reward
Lyrics and Music by Jonathan Chu

[Verse]
Have you been tired to serve?
Have you been frustrated 'bout situations in life?
Have you been so sad about areas in your life?
Jesus, He's there for you.

[Pre-Chorus]
Even problems arise, thunder may strike
Rest assure He hears your cries
Frustrations, tiredness, sorrows, and cries
Jesus hears them all, He hears your cries
Jesus, He's there for you

[Chorus]
Do you know
It hurts Him more to see you cry
For you're His star in the sky
A precious jewel in His eyes
A precious priceless child of Christ

Just press on and run the race
Don't stop or slow down your pace
Aim towards the crown of life
To hear the words
"Well done, good and faithful child,
Great is your reward."

Untangle You

2008-04-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

Untangle You
Lyrics and Music by Jonathan Chu

[Verse 1]
You walk across the streets with no one by your side
You want to be true but your secrets you still hide
Selfish people care only for selfish purposes
Nobody understands, nobody cares enough

You tell yourself, "I'll walk this road alone."
You build a wall, you shield yourself
Unbreakable wall has somehow numbed you
To everything in the world
Long forgotten how to receive love again

[Chorus]
Listen to me, forget your entanglement
Come here with me, I will untangle you
Bring your heart to life again
See the sunrise of hope again
There is hope I assure you

[Verse 2]
So what if they say you are selfish and foolish
So what if they criticize you and your actions
Isn't self-defense proper, isn't it so?
I don't blame you, I won't, I won't.

[Verse 3]
Pitch darkness is all you see
Nowhere to go, no one to hold your hand
Somehow you've fallen with no way to untangle yourself
You seek, but none was found
But...

That's My Dream

2008-04-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

That's My Dream
Lyrics and Music by Jonathan Chu

[Verse 1]
Everybody has something to do in this life
It is something he yearns for
Or something she has passion for
It may be getting a hubby
Or singing a melody
Writing a rhapsody
Or playing like Tchaikovsky
As long as that's what you want to do
That's your dream (4x)

[Verse 2]
I have found my dream all I want to do is sing
Under the lights have my face beam
As I sing, I fly as if I have wings
That's your dream (4x)

It may be living til ninety
Or narrate a story
Become a mommy
Or be somebody
As long as that's what you want to do
That's your dream (4x)

[Bridge]
If you haven't found your dream
All you need to do is search inside of you
Think about what you always do
Then that's your dream
That's your dream
That's your dream
Dream, dream, dream
That's your dream

The Ballad of Entanglement

2008-04-01T10:47:00.001-07:00

The Ballad of Entanglement
Lyrics by Suit Lin and Jonathan Chu
Music by Jonathan Chu

[Cassandra]
Just one sign, just one sign
The dream I want can be mine
Just one sign, just one sign
The comfort I need I can find
Teach me how to carry on
Give me strength to go on
Just one sign, just one sign
The dream I want can be mine

[Bernardo]
Just one truth, just this truth
A hurt that keeps on coming

[Desiree]
But the truth, but this truth
Won't change who you are inside

[Bernardo (Desiree)]
Just this truth (but this truth)
Just this truth (but this truth)
Stops me from living (Won't push me aside)

[Bernardo & Desiree]
Cause of you, cause of you
We can find, we can find
Strength to triumph

[Anita]
Just one day, just one day
Give me a chance to say goodbye
Just one day, just one day
Help me give life one more try
Teach me how to carry on
Give me strength to go on
Just one day, just one day
Give me a chance to say goodbye

[Edmond]
Just one push, just one push
Her dreams and their lives I can crush
I can silence her sweet melody
I can have my sweet revenge
Though I see Clara in her...

Such foolishness I must be sober
Such foolishness I must be sober
Come what may, come what may
They will pay

[Anita]
Just one day

[Cassandra]
Just one sign

[Bernardo]
Just one truth

[Desiree]
But the truth

[Edmond]
Just one push

[Anita]
Just one day

[Cassandra]
Just one sign

[Bernardo]
Just one truth

[Desiree]
But the truth

[Edmond]
Just one push

[Anita]
Give me a chance to say goodbye

[Cassandra]
This dream I want is now mine

[Bernardo]
My past I can leave behind

[Desiree]
Who you are won't push me aside

[Edmond]
At last, vengeance will be mine!

[All]
Such is her atonement
Such is his lament
Such is their entanglement
Such is our entanglement
Our entanglement
Our entanglement!

Silence

2008-04-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

Silence
Lyrics by Suit Lin and Jonathan Chu
Music by Jonathan Chu

[Bernardo]
Cassandra, Cassandra
I know you may think otherwise
And my words to you will never suffice
Perhaps to you everything I say is lies
Perhaps it may be too late to apologize

[Cassandra]
Silence, nothing but silence
Have you done anything for me
Have you done anything I can see
That you care for me
That you love me

Silence, nothing but silence
You left me here, entangled
Alone and in pain, entangled
In fear and in shame, entangled

[Bernardo]
Cassandra, Cassandra

[Cassandra]
Do you see the scars on my hands

[Bernardo]
What else can I say to convince you

[Cassandra]
Do you see entanglement in my hands

[Bernardo]
What I say you do not understand

[Cassandra]
What you say I can no longer understand

[Bernardo]
It is not that I don't care to make you understand

[Cassandra]
It's because you don't hear me

Anymore, anymore (2x)
Look at my entanglement
Can you see my pain
Can you feel my hurt

Maybe not, maybe not
Maybe it's better to be alone
You are and will always be silent

[Bernardo (Cassandra)]
You don't know (You don't know)
You can't know (You can't know)
You don't know
You can't know
My own entangled scars
I have my own pain
I have my own hurts
I have my own pain and hurts

Can't You See

2008-03-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

Can't You See
Lyrics and Music by Jonathan Chu

Why can't you see
The pain that I bear
The tears and despair
That I suffer
Just for you to see you
Good

Why can't you see that my intentions
Have always been for your protection
I can't bear to face mom and dad
Should I fail to do so

Entangled
That's how I am
With nowhere to go
That's how I am now
Can't you see
That I love you
I want the best for you
Not the worst for you
Can't you see

The Three Hot Sisters

2008-03-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

The Three Hot Sisters
Lyrics by Suit Lin
Music by Jonathan Chu

[Sings]
I am hot, sizzling hot
I'll make traffic stop
Set your heart in a frenzy
You'll begin to go crazy
We're pots, (as) vain as can be
Betcha can't find 'nother so pretty

[Speaks]
This place would be so dull without me
Like green pastures without water
Like the sky without its stars
Like a forest without its trees
Like the mountain without its breeze

[Sings]
I am hot, sizzling hot
I'll make traffic stop
Set your heart in a frenzy
You'll begin to go crazy
We're pots, (as) vain as can be
Betcha can't find 'nother so pretty

[Speaks]
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
Which speaks of my beauty
My charm makes men dizzy
My charm makes the world so tipsy
Better than any other drink in this county

[Sings]
I am hot, sizzling hot
I'll make traffic stop
Set your heart in a frenzy
You'll begin to go crazy
We're pots, (as) vain as can be
Betcha can't find 'nother so pretty

[Speaks]
Isn't it silly how my sisters are so vain
When I hear them I can easily faint
Their shameless boasting makes me insane
For one has to see someone like me
To separate the beauty from the beast!

[Sings]
I am hot, sizzling hot
I'll make traffic stop
Set your heart in a frenzy
You'll begin to go crazy
We're pots, (as) vain as can be
Betcha can't find 'nother so pretty
Pretty! Like me!

Stay

2008-03-31T12:36:00.001-07:00

Stay
Lyrics by Suit Lin
Music by Jonathan Chu

[Verse 1]
I saw you in my dream
We were walking by a stream
I saw your sweet face and I knew
That you would leave me
As fast as morning dew

[Pre-Chorus 1]
Dance with me in the morning sun
Watch it rise in the horizon
Hold me, hold me, before you go

[Verse 2]
I saw you again tonight
Like the star, you gave me light
I can't keep my eyes away
So that I can watch you smile another day

[Pre-Chorus 2]
Dance with me in the evening sun
Watch it across the horizon
Love me, love me, before I go

[Chorus]
Will you stay by my side
Until the fear subsides
Will you stay with me forever
And keep me safe with your laughter
I will stay with you
As long as I can
This - I promise you

[Bridge]
I must go, I must go
I cannot stay any longer
I must go
'cause staying would only make the hurt stronger
Let me go, let me go
Holding me will make it harder
Remember me (3x)
But live
Live your life for me

Ginger Soup Fight

2008-03-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ginger Soup Fight
Lyrics by Suit Lin
Music by Jonathan Chu

(Sings)
Ginger soup, ginger soup
The freshest in town
Mama's own secret recipe
Nobody can make it
So tasty, so tempting
You'll ask for a second serving

(Speak)
Making ginger soup is a work of art
It's even better when served with a piece of tart
The genes from my mama to me
Gives me the intuition and inkling
To concoct the perfect delicious soup
More onions!

Making ginger soup is a method of science
It's precision only appreciated by someone less dense
The genes from my mama to me
Gives me the intelligence and wit
To concoct the perfect nutritious soup
2.548mg more cinnamon powder would rid the taste of extra onions!

(Sings)
Ginger soup, ginger soup
The freshest in town
Mama's own secret recipe
Nobody can make it
So tasty, so tempting
You'll ask for a second serving!

(Speaks)
Ginger soup is what makes the customers coming
From the sidewalk they hear the aroma calling
The scent sends their heart a flutter
The broth makes their mouth water
They'll always come back for another!

(Sings)
Ginger soup, ginger soup
The freshest in town
Mama's own secret recipe
Nobody can make it
So tasty, so tempting
You'll ask for a second serving!

Love You More

2008-03-31T12:29:00.001-07:00

Love You More
Lyrics and Music by Jonathan Chu

Every smile, every touch
Reminds me of the days spent with you
Every picture, every memory
Reminds me of the times spent with you
Every thought if filled with you
Every action done to please you
Every minute, every moment
I think of you

Times together, I'll love you more
Even if we're not together
It's as if you were here
With me
I'll love you more
In this life, with every breath
I will love you more

So if harsh moments try to blot you
Out of my heart and out of my mind
I will triumph over
Over every pain
Over every hurt
Over every fear
Because of you -
Just because of you -
Will give me strength
I will love you more

Jottings:
The musicians asked, "Who were you thinking about while writing this song?" The truth is, nobody. All I knew was this song should and will signify the romance between Bernardo and Desiree, show their affection for each other even though struggles persists between both of their lives (especially Bernardo's).

Yet, it is not just about the musical I had in mind; there is more to this.

I have met many who yearn to be close to somebody, to be embraced, to be loved. They hope that one day, just one day, somebody will come by and admit that every action done is to show affection, to show importance towards them.

So, here it is: Love You More. To some it might be cheesy, but to some, the song signifies a yearning of acceptance and love. What is yours?

Sweet Melody

2008-03-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

Sweet Melody
Lyrics and Music by Jonathan Chu

Sweet Melody
Dance in the atmosphere
Sink in the beauty of the night
There is joy, there is fun
There is gladness all around
Tonight

In this time, in this night
There is fun, there's delight
Stop your sulk, let's get bright
There is joy, tonight

A cup of tea, a cup of joy
A toast for all, let's enjoy
Stop your sulk, stop your gloom
There is joy, let it bloom

Sweet Melody
Dance in the atmosphere
Sink in the beauty of the night
There is joy, there is fun
There is gladness all around
There is excitement, there is pleasure
Let's be jolly, let's be merry
Tonight, tonight

A hum of pride, a song of hype
A burst of delight, screw all your plights
So cheer up, brighten up
For the night starts now
It starts now
It starts now

There's no reason to be down
There's no why to wear a frown
So let's forget all sorrows of life
Let us enjoy the night
Let us enjoy the night

Sweet Melody
Dance in the atmosphere
Sink in the beauty of the night
There is joy, there is fun
There is pleasure all around
So let's forget all sorrows of life
Let us enjoy the night
Let us enjoy the night
Let us enjoy the night!

Jottings:
This song marks the opening of Act I, a song that basically brings the atmosphere of jolliness and glamor as Cassandra sings it. It would, also, be somewhat her trademark song.

It wasn't my intention to make it this way. In fact, I originally wanted something more... glamorous and hippie, if there's a word that describes both emotions, if you get what I mean. However, it turned out to be this, which was very unexpected, but nevertheless, I love the way it is.

If you ask me which phrase(s) I like the most in this song, it would be"Dance in the atmosphere" and "Sink in the beauty of the night." Somehow they are rare and fresh to me (even though we have practiced it multiple times!)

Carry Me - Jars of Clay

2008-01-08T06:28:00.000-08:00

January One, I got a lot of things on my mind
I'm looking at my body through a new spy satellite
I try to lift a finger but I don't think I can make a call
So tell me if I move 'cause I don't feel anything at all

So carry me
I'm just a dead man
Lying on the carpet
Can't find a heartbeat
Make me breathe
I wanna be a new man
Tired of the old one
Out with the old plan

I woke up from a dream about an empty funeral
But it's better than a party full of people I don't really know
Well, they've got hearts to break and burn, dirty hands to feel the earth
There's something in my veins but I can't seem to make it work
Won't work

So carry me
I'm just a dead man
Lying on the carpet
Can't find a heartbeat
Make me breathe
I wanna be a new man
Tired of the old one
Out with the old plan

Can you find a beat?
Inside of me?
Any pulse, getting worse
Any pulse, getting worse
Inside of me
In front of me

Carry me
I'm just a dead man
Lying on the carpet
Can't find a heartbeat
Make me breathe
I wanna be a new man
Tired of the old one
Out with the old plan

Carry me
I'm just a dead man
Lying on the carpet
Can't find a heartbeat
Make me breathe
I wanna be a new man
Tired of the old one
Out with the old plan

When Love Came Down

2008-01-04T10:20:00.000-08:00

When Love Came Down
Lyrics and Music by Jonathan Chu

[Verse]
Have you found yourself in pain?
Have you found yourself in confusion?
Have you found yourself in sorrow?
Have you found yourself in despair?

[Pre-Chorus]
When all hope is gone
When all trust is torn
When all dims around
You find yourself so down
When all love is lost
Seems like all is falling down
Take heart, don't worry
Hope is just one step away

[Chorus]
When Love came down
Lost hope turned found
Strength regained
Troubles disappear away
When Christ came down
The path to life is now found
And the reason for coming down
Is you
When Love came down

[Bridge]
The hollow void once filled with sorrow
Now overflow with peace and joy
(repeat)
When love came down

Bid You Goodbye

2008-01-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

Bid You Goodbye
Lyrics and Music by Jonathan Chu

[Verse]
Sweet dreams my love
Fly like a dove
Away from me

I'll send you away
I'll put you away
To breathe again
So I could breathe again

[Chorus]
Memories
I'll bid you goodbye
You know I have tried
To love you always
Goodbye, my love
I'll have you no more
No more remorse
Goodbye

[Bridge]
Pain is what you gave me
And now I'll set myself free
I'll set myself free
(repeat)

Candle In The Dark

2008-01-04T08:43:00.001-08:00

Candle In The Dark
Lyrics and Music by Jonathan Chu

[Verse 1]
Sometimes it seems as if
All is falling down
The hope that you've just found
Seems to crush about
The little light of joy of hope
Now all blacks out
Silence, something's gonna turn about

[Pre-Chorus 1]
So, turn around
Look about
Behind every dark cloud
Is a silver lining
These storms won't wear you out

[Chorus]
The candle in the dark
There is always hope in the midst of troubles
Within the storms, there will be a spark
To swerve you to what you think impossible

[Verse 2]
Nothing will be nothing
Unless you insist it's something, it's something
The past will be bygones
Unless you say it's happening, it's happening now

[Pre-Chorus]
Tell me would you talk with me
And march out of the darkness together
Will you? Can you?
What is your answer?

[Bridge]
What are you waiting for ?
Hold my hand, we'll soar.

Entangled

2008-01-01T23:28:00.000-08:00

Entangled
Lyrics and Music by Jonathan Chu

[Verse 1]
There was a storm
Locked up in the cold
Was a girl who found entanglement
Though she tried to cry for help
None came

[Verse 2]
Invisible ropes
Tearing her skin
Darkness looming
Pulling her in
Escape was impossible
Redemption unreachable

[Chorus]
Entangled
There's no way out
No matter how loud you shout
There's still no way out
Entangled
There is no way to free yourself
No matter how much you struggle
There's no way to free yourself
Entangled

[Bridge]
Tears - no more
Faith - no more
Hope - no more
Entangled

Apologize

2007-12-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

Apologize
Timbaland (featuring One Republic)

Apologize Lyrics:
I’m holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground
And I’m hearing what you say
But I just can’t make you sound
You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down
But wait...
You tell me that you’re sorry
Didn’t think I’d turn around and say..

That it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late

I’d take another chance, take a fall, take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
(But that's nothing new)
Yeah yeah

I loved you with a fire red, now it’s turning blue
And you say
Sorry like the angel heaven let me think was you
But I’m afraid

It’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
Woahooo woah

It’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, yeah yeah
I said it’s too late to apologize, a yeah

I’m holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've been listening to this song for more than five hours nonstop. It's beautiful - that I don't get bored of it after such long hours of listening.

Ever Ever After

2007-12-14T07:12:00.000-08:00

Ever Ever After - Carrie Underwood
Video clip and lyrics

The theme song for Enchanted, a recently Walt Disney movie, is a very enchanting song. Inspiring. Beautiful. Motivating.

Many a times we often hope to have a dream come true. To some, the acquaintance of a life long lover; to some, a successful period in life when everything just falls into places, and worrying is no more in the list; to some, getting something desirable. This song depicts the heart's cry for everyone's own "dream come true".

Carrie Underwood - Ever Ever After lyrics

Storybook endings, fairy tales coming true
Deep down inside we want to believe they still do
And a secret is taught, it's our favourite part of the story
Let's just admit we all want to make it too

Ever ever after
If we just don't get it our own way
Ever ever after
It may only be a wish away

Starting your fashion, wear your heart on your sleeve
Sometimes you reach what's real just by making believe
Unafraid, unashamed
There is joy to be claimed in this world
You even might wind up being glad to be you

Ever ever after
Though the world will tell you it's not smart
Ever ever after
The world can be yours if you let your heart
Believe in ever after

No wonder your heart feels it's flying
Your head feels it's spinning
Each happy ending's a brand new beginning
Let yourself be enchanted, you just might break through

To ever ever after
Forever could even start today
Ever ever after
Maybe it's just one wish away
Your ever ever after

(I've been dreaming of a true love's kiss)

Oh, for ever ever after