Ryan Leslie - Gibberish

*Press play on the 'Gibberish' widget to hear a snippet of this song*

When we hear gibberish, i imagine that most people think of words, conversations that dont make any sense.

I think in life though, that gibberish can be words that one understands but one chooses not to listen to. When we say people are 'talking' nonsense, a lot of the time, we either dont agree with another's words or we believe they arent making any sense.

But how many time does it hit that sometimes gibberish makes sense. It usually the case after something has happened or some time has gone by. Then we look back and realise that sense was being made then. It one of the reasons that i try to really listen to people's words....there just might be gems of wisdom amongst the 'gibberish'.

On to this fab fab song.

Ryan Leslie is one uber talented dude. A lot of of people will have heard of him via his speculated relationship with Cassie and his appearance on her 'Me & U' track. However, this man is way more than that. First of all, he graduated from Harvard at 19. To explain his looks - His dad is from Barbados and his mom is of Carribean Dutch, Chinese and African heritage. Ryan had been producing music for years and finally decided to sing in 2004. His debut cd from which this song comes from finally comes after a few failed attempts in 2003 and 2006. This cd is a gem and this is my favorite song of the cd. 'Valentine', 'Diamond Girl' and 'Addiction' are some other standout tracks.

Now, this song is genius. The first time you hear the song - its like - what is he saying thanks to the vodacorder...but you know he is making sense, its just not really clear. Layer that over a killer beat, and this song is ice cream for my ears.

I managed to dig up the lyrics of this song and it actually makes some sense but i am worried about putting it up here in case it just gibberish....

Elisabeth Withers - Simple Things

How do you explain this funny feeling deep inside

Makes me smile when I'm lonely - comforts me when I'm sad

(How do you) explain this sweet sweet smile on my face

That just keeps (getting better) with each passing day

For so (long) I didn't (know) I was searching in all the wrong places

(Thinking if I) spent more money than I could

(If I) worked harder than I should

Always having friends to feel good (I'd be happier)

Losing my breath in the hustle

Just stressin' over nuthin'

Forgetting the real joys that lie - in the simple things

How do you explain when there’s more month @ the end (ofthe money)

Your situation tells (you to worry) but you see the flowers in bloom

(How do you) explain THE soft caress on your face

That tells you it’ll get better with each passing day

For so (long) I did not know I was looking in all the wrong places

The sun shining on my face - your strong embrace

Mama calling - Daddy calling to see if I'm ok

The fresh air I breathe - enough food to eat

A warm place to sleep at night - are the simple things

This song is from Elisabeth Withers' debut album 'It can happen to you'.

I went on a search for her album after i heard 'Be with you'. A lot of people may not have heard her name but i am sure a a lot of people are familiar with her work as she used to sing backup for Celine Dion and Jennifer Lopez. She is best known for her Tony Award nominated potrayal of Shug Avery in the Broadway musical version of The Color Purple. She used to release dance singles under the alias Elle Patrice and had 2 singles reach the charts.

Like Heather Headley who has also worked on Broadway in productions including Aida, Elisabeth has a very very rich voice that reminds me of Anita Baker and Toni Braxton because of how deep it is.

There are number of standout tracks on her album for me, but i really like this song for a few reasons - sure it has a catchy beat but the message of the song is what gets me. In this world of pursuit of material things, we sometimes forget to appreciate the simple things.

There are so so many things that dont have a price tag that are guaranteed to make my day: I love watching rain, seeing babies and their fathers, my husband's smile, hearing a new song that speaks to me....the list is endless. But the bottom line is that i make a conscious effort to appreciate the simple things around me - the things that make me so so glad to be alive.....

What 'simple things' do it for you?

Back! Sort Of

For anyone that followed by Betty Boop blog, my love for music is a huge part of my life and i come across songs that i just want to share, artists i want to talk about....

So i give up - i have to share some of my music thoughts with anyone other than my family - who already think i am obsessed at this point.

So going forward, there will be random posts on music stuff.....