Head over heels, no time to think/
Looks like the whole world’s out of sync.

The early 1980s brought a wave of fun girl bands: The Gogos, Cindi Lauper, The Bangles & Madonna (before the British accent) were all less serious than the female singer-songwriters of the 70s. At the time, people loved it, but it was not well received critically. Time has proved the critics wrong–the music rocks.

Head Over Heels by The Gogos explodes with a classic 80s synthesizer intro that gets your heart pumping. It is fast-paced–which aligns well with the meaning of the song. The song is about the hustle of daily life and struggling to make ends meet. Life can seem like both a daze and a whirlwind as we try to make it. Time passes slowly then quickly–it is disorienting.

As we hustle to make ends meet, sometimes, we forget about things that are truly important. As the narrator explains, “I’d forgotten about my heart”. This was perhaps “someone I left behind”. This revelation about her love life seems to send the narrator into a further spin…it’s life in the fast lane.

Both the chorus and verse sound great. They are hectic, alive and spontaneous–just like the lyrics. One thing I’d like to point out is the out-of-synch handclap (I think that’s what it is. It sounds kind of like a whip). It seems to come in at such a weird time that it throws you off your bearings as you wait to hear the follow up. This is great production.

Head Over Heels Lyrics

Been running so long
I’ve nearly lost all track of time
In every direction
I couldn’t see the warning signs
I must be losin’ it
‘Cause my mind plays tricks on me
It looked so easy
But you know looks sometimes deceive

Been running so fast
Right from the starting line
No more connections
I don’t need any more advice
One hand’s just reaching out
And one’s just hangin’ on
It seems my weaknesses
Just keep going strong

Head over heels, where should I go?
Can’t stop myself, out of control
Head over heels, no time to think
Looks like the whole world’s out of sync

Been running so hard
When what I need is to unwind
The voice of reason
Is one I left so far behind
I’ve waited so long
So long to play this part
And just remembered
That I’d forgotten about my heart

Head over heels, where should I go?
Can’t stop myself, out of control
Head over heels, no time to think
Looks like the whole world’s out of sync

Head over heels, where should I go?
Can’t stop myself, out of control
Head over heels, no time to think
Looks like the whole world’s out of sync

Head over heels, where should I go?
Can’t stop myself, out of control
Head over heels, no time to think
Looks like the whole world’s out of sync

Head over heels, where should I go?
Can’t stop myself, out of control
Head over heels, no time to think
Looks like the whole world’s out of sync

Songwriters: Charlotte Caffey / Kathy Valentine

Love can touch us one time/
And last for a lifetime.

Try to remember the first time you heard Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”. I remember feeling so emotional and overcome by the performance. This song has been overplayed so much that it almost becomes annoying. That is one of the most difficult aspects of making a good top 500 songs list—is finding a way to get past that feeling and just analyze the song. I want my songs to have great melodies that make an emotional impact, and “My Heart Will Go On” delivers on this, or at least it did the first 100 times I heard it.

“My Heart Will Go On” is a very well-written song. The way it changes key a half step up to heighten the emotion plays right into Dion’s powerhouse, as she loves to belt out the high notes. The Irish instrumentation (to fit The Titanic theme) adds to the song and makes it unique in pop.  I also have to point out that the lyrics do a great job of representing the emotion for the movie. It is great to have a great song written for your movie, but when the lyrics match the climax perfectly…that is something special.

My Heart Will Go On Lyrics

Every night in my dreams,
I see you, I feel you.
That is how I know you go on.

Far across the distance,
And spaces between us.
You have come to show you go on.

Near, far, wherever you are,
I believe that the heart does go on.
Once more you open the door,
And you’re here in my heart.
And my heart will go on and on.

Love can touch us one time,
And last for a lifetime.
And never let go ’til we’re gone.

Love was when I loved you,
One true time I’d hold to.
In my life we’ll always go on.

Near, far, wherever you are,
I believe that the heart does go on.
Once more you open the door,
And you’re here in my heart.
And my heart will go on and on.

You’re here, there’s nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on.
We’ll stay forever this way,
You are safe in my heart and
My heart will go on and on.

Songwriters: James Horner / Will Jennings

When I awoke today, suddenly nothing happened/ 
But in my dreams, I slew the dragon.

“Waiting for My Real Life to Begin”  by Colin Hay is a song about a man facing lean times who is looking forward to a different future. Certainly, his luck will change: “Any minute now my ship will come in, I’ll just keep checking the horizon.” His fortunes will change, he just needs to roll the dice one more time.

This is a classic folk tune, with a simple acoustic guitar and a powerful, clear story: He is weary, he is ready to start slaying dragons in real-life just like he does in his dreams. His girlfriend offers the following advice: “Open up your heart and let the sun shine in.” That doesn’t sound like the most practical advice, but it sounds more loving than ‘get your shit together’.

Listening to this song reminds me of “Beautiful Boy” by John Lennon. He said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”

This song contrasts so much with another song we reviewed “Awaiting Eternity”. This is a song with very little vocal variation, with understandable lyrics and simple instrumentation. “Awaiting Eternity” has obscure lyrics, crazy vocal range and has several instruments and effects. Both are great songs.

Waiting For My Real Life To Begin Lyrics

Any minute now, my ship is coming in.
I’ll keep checking the horizon.
I’ll stand on the bow, feel the waves come crashing,
Come crashing down down down, on me.

And you say, “be still my love,
Open up your heart,
Let the light shine in”.
But don’t you understand?
I already have a plan-
I’m waiting for my real life to begin.

When I awoke today, suddenly nothing happened.
But in my dreams, I slew the dragon.
And down this beaten path, up this cobbled lane,
I’m walking in my old footsteps, once again.

And you say, “just be here now
Forget about the past, your mask is wearing thin”.
Just let me throw one more dice,
I know that I can win.
I’m waiting for my real life to begin.

Any minute now, my ship is coming in,
I’ll keep checking the horizon.
And I’ll check my machine, there’s sure to be that call.
It’s gonna happen soon, soon, oh so very soon.
It’s just that times are lean.

And you say, “be still my love
Open up your heart, let the light shine in”.
Don’t you understand?
I already have a plan,
I’m waiting for my real life to begin.

On a clear day I can see, see for a long way.
On a clear day I can see, see for a long way.

Songwriters: Hay Colin James / Mooney Thomas Lawrence