Remembering Abba, at "Fete de La Musique"

June 21: Fete de la Musique!!

This music festival and now also World Music Day is a festival that originated in France but soon spread to many other countries and became a worldwide festival! Unfortunately, the UAE is not a country where the Music Festival is popular but I know that Lebanon is where it always takes place! Every year, bands, performers and musicians gather in Beirut to play music all night long... All genres of music are played, from Rock to Jazz to Pop and everyone will find something to enjoy!

In the occassion of Music Day, I would like to share with you the lyrics of the song: The Winner Takes It All by Abba. This classic song is one I really admire and Abba is a band I respect. Let us remember history's most amazing POP band and enjoy its music.

The Winner Takes It All on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92cwKCU8Z5c

The Winner Takes It All Lyrics:

I don’t wanna talk
About the things we’ve gone through
Though it’s hurting me
Now it’s history
I’ve played all my cards
And that’s what you’ve done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play

The winner takes it all
The loser standing small
Beside the victory
That’s her destiny

I was in your arms
Thinking I belonged there
I figured it made sense
Building me a fence
Building me a home
Thinking I’d be strong there
But I was a fool
Playing by the rules

The gods may throw a dice
Their minds as cold as ice
And someone way down here
Loses someone dear
The winner takes it all
The loser has to fall
It’s simple and it’s plain
Why should I complain.

But tell me does she kiss
Like I used to kiss you?
Does it feel the same
When she calls your name?
Somewhere deep inside
You must know I miss you
But what can I say
Rules must be obeyed

The judges will decide
The likes of me abide
Spectators of the show
Always staying low
The game is on again
A lover or a friend
A big thing or a small
The winner takes it all

I don’t wanna talk
If it makes you feel sad
And I understand
You’ve come to shake my hand
I apologize
If it makes you feel bad
Seeing me so tense
No self-confidence
But you see
The winner takes it all
The winner takes it all......

DRIVE AWAY!

Today is a really special day for me... I finally got my Emirates driving license!! Well, you might think: Big deal, you're not the first one. But you would really be missing the point. I am glad to have the option of driving, the freedom of taking a car and going anywhere I want. I guess that was a feeling I was missing here.

My mood has recently changed because of the thought of how my life can change with a car on hand. So now it's all about choosing the car; my FIRST CAR! :) A "fast car"? A car for "chasing cars"? You must know to which songs I'm referring: Fast Car - Tracy Chapman and Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol. It's amazing how many songs there are about cars! I suppose it's because this means of transportation has meant more to people than its purpose. A car is a personal asset representing the personality of its owner, acting as a second home for someone, becoming a companion along the roads.

I discovered a folk song by Woody Guthrie called "Car Song" on youtube. I like how he makes the sounds of the car with his mouth and sings along. It reminded me somehow of "Old McDonald had a farm" so it's quite melodic. I guess we never stop learning about what's in music! Even cars get songs... It's a great feeling to own a car, hit the road and drive away. Just drive carefully please. :)

Fairuz... In the morning

In the morning, I go to work with colleagues of mine by the time I get my driving license. And every morning, the car radio is tuned in on an Arabic-speaking station: 98.4 FM2. Between 7:00 am and 8:00 am, the station plays songs of Fairuz, the Lebanese singer who is considered to be one of the most famous and respected singers in the Arab World.

Fairuz is a national pride for Lebanon and an admired singer whose songs at heard until today. Her musical career started in the 1960s and her songs are as popular today as they were then. I reckon that is because of the simplicity of the words, the context and the rhythms. The time of Fairuz's songs was different from our time and this explains why people still find the songs so appealing and engaging. They remind them of another period, bring about memories, give an air of simplicity and relaxation. People can associate themselves with them.
The music of  Fairuz's songs, composed by her husband Assi Rahbani is exceptionally appeasing. A real pleasure for people who know how to appreciate it and linger in its charming effect. I admit it is not music I would hear all day but a shot in the morning would feel good to start off the day.

I understand that this Fairuz morning ritual that I am witnessing every morning, except on weekends, is common in several Arab countries: Syria, Iraq, Tunisia, UAE to name a few that I know of. This is also true in Lebanon. My dad used to sometimes listen to Fairuz on the radio while taking me to university in the morning!
I must admit that as a youngster, I didn't understand Fairuz's music and songs. They seemed so dull and uninteresting. With time, I learned how to recognize the value of Fairuz's art, which is part of the Lebanese folklore. What I like most in her is her voice's steadiness. She has a stable tonality, a strong and cohesive voice; at once calm, flowing and beautifully controlled. She goes from octave to another so easily that it seems effortless! I am trying to sing some of her songs, however as I mentioned earlier on my blog, Arabic singing is very different from Western singing as it entails different learning systems. However, singing never knows a limit and I would like to try it all! ;)

P.S.: I leave you with a song for Fairuz that I like most for its meaningful words, pleasant beat and emotional value: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=151IbT6ucO4&feature=related
Enjoy!