The Story
Life: The Musical is an original aFa production is a journey featuring songs of about life. Each act features an aspect of life as a theme with music supplied around that theme.
Program (Past Posts)
Act 1: Life
Act 2: Born
Act 3: Names
Act 4: Young
Act 5: Dream
Act 6: Teens
Act 7: School
Act 8: Adulthood
Act 9: Work
Act 10: Play
Act 11: Hope
Act 12: Love
Act 13: Positive Emotions
Act 14
Life … the time for the living to live. One’s life starts when one is born. Shortly thereafter, we are given something that stays with us no matter where we go – a name. Immediately, we are nourished, so we grow physically, mentally, and emotionally from babies into young children … and that’s when we start to dream about our future life. Growth never stops, so from children we move on as teens .. but school is still much of life at this point.
Eventually, we move into adulthood as women and men with many things going on in our life. Whether its work, play, or family, life can be complicated, so many times we hope for the best. Maybe above all else, people desire love, and go through many ups and downs in that quest.
No matter the situation, human encounters also provide a wide-range of emotions over a life with ups and downs. Whereas the previous act featured positive emotion, Act 14 is about negative emotions – so, all song titles must have a negative emotion in the song title. (The producers says stay away from love unless the title is a negative emotion.)
Production Note
To prevent browsers crashing from loading too many videos, please 1) include the song title and artist in your text, and 2) paste the URL as part of your last line (not a new line). The latter will provide a link, thus not embed the actual video … but I don’t mind unembedding, so apologies are not necessary.
Announcement
There are different versions of this song, but we thought this jazz version is a great fit for starting this act. Ladies and gentleman, we welcome the dynamic Diana Krall with Cry Me a River.
Ok, Frank, one of my favorites. 19th Nervous Breakdown. http://youtu.be/zI-iMy0aZM8 .
I have a special place in my heart for this song, because it cracks me up. Once I was beyond stressed out at work. There was too much to do, too little time. On the way home, this song came on the radio. I laughed and managed to get everything done.
LikeLike
Elyse,
Besides a wonderful song, love the fact that you have a story attached to this song … but only 19 nervous breakdowns? Wow … I’m impressed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s when I stopped counting. Some women stop counting birthdays, I stop counting nervous breakdowns!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Despite how depressing the lyrics are, I love this song (and all its renditions) so very, very much. Gary Jules’ “Mad World”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3N1MlvVc4
LikeLike
Twixt,
Oh wow … First time with this song for me … awesome … and love the human animations … outstanding song and video!
LikeLike
Here’s a great Tears for Fears cover https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFsHSHE-iJQ
LikeLike
Roxy Music does John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRzGzRqNj58
LikeLike
Resa,
An good song, but this version from Roxy Music is awesome. Well done!
LikeLike
One of my most reliable sources of catchy, negative emo music, Frank, is The Smiths. Here’s front man, Morrissey, singing lead on “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” next to Johnny Marr, the sullen guitar player strumming the wailing chords: http://youtu.be/TjPhzgxe3L0 Like Morrissey, I would feel pretty miserable if I had a huge tree branch shoved in my rear pants pocket. Glad that trend started and ended with him.
LikeLike
Lame,
I didn’t know this song, but I like it … good one. Seeing the branch in the pocket has given me an idea … but with mistletoe!
LikeLike
Okay, Frank. Here’s one of my favorites of all time. I’ve seen him twice in concert and would go back again and again. Elton John: Sad Songs (Say So Much). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X23v5_K7cXk
LikeLike
Oooh, la la la~
LikeLike
Cathy,
What a great song! … and the fact that you’ve seen Elton twice makes it even better.
LikeLike
How about “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon? You tell me if it qualifies, Frank. Sometimes I really blow these things. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQZmCJUSC6g
LikeLike
Amy,
Now this is a challenging choice because I can see both acceptance and rejection. I talked to the producer, and to my surprise, he gave it a thumbs up … thus I anticipate he’s either in the holiday spirit or getting soft … which could get him fired! 😉
LikeLike
Well, I always like to give the producer a challenge! At least I succeeded in that. Please thank him for accepting my entry. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love Diana Krall. Great song too, Frank. Here’s mine. An old country and western https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS2–iVR6xM ‘Jealous heart’ by Ray Price.
LikeLike
Sylvia,
Glad you enjoy Ms. Krall. … and thanks for bringing another genre into this act. After all, we know that many C&W songs would qualify for this act. My the way, I hope you see Pauline’s (theContentedCrafter) song, which is just below your comment because someone close to your heart is in the video.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m going with ‘A Man of Constant Sorrow’ the version from O Brother Where Art Thou which was such a great movie peppered with good old American folk music! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjadWaB_L2g
LikeLike
Pauline,
You had me scratching my head at first, but once i say the video, my wonder turned into Oh, that one! ,,, good choice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved this one. What fun! 🙂
LikeLike
I knew you would enjoy it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s “Johnny Get Angry” sung by Shelley Fabares. The song was a bigger hit by Joanie Sommers, but you get an extra emotion with Shelley’s. I wanted to “be” her, so I’ve added a bonus negative emotion–envy! 🙂 Don’t forget to listen for the kazoo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baUjwKWR1GY
LikeLike
Debra,
Ha ha … Envy about the singer of the angry song. Awesome! ,,, the kazoo is such an added touch! 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Frank! Here’s “Guilty” performed live by Randy Newman http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KnViPIJKDP8
Bonnie Raitt does a great version, as do others, but the original is worth experiencing.
LikeLike
Danica,
Now that’s classic Randy Newman … love the old video clip! Good choice!
LikeLike
Hard to pick from the multitude of songs on negative emotions! Here’s two and if I don’t see the rest, I’ll add them later on!] Son House: Death Letter Blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDCNbacVt5w and Patsy Cline: I Fall To Pieces https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuZTk1hdpMs [more TBA!]
LikeLike
Marina,
No doubt about the long list of possible songs … especially in the 2 genre (blues and C&W) that you selected. Maybe, the future could deliver Bummer: The Musical.
LikeLike
Oh, no, were the producers disappointed? Gary Numan: Haunted https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8579wjzQHEk&list=RD8579wjzQHEk&index=1
Paint it Black – The Rolling Stones https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9snY79WeunQ
LikeLike
Oh no … not disappoint at all, but that is the nature of the two genre. In terms of strict rules, nope to Paint It Black … but I will substitute Don’t Fear the Reaper (Blue Oyster Cult) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdXfkkyI1nQ … a rock classic!
LikeLike
Brilliant! Last one for tonight: Bad Blood by Ministry 😉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DyIIS-jCpE#t=11 [heavy storm we’re having!]
LikeLike
I don’t know that one .. .but I also like finding songs with words yet to be used … and different genres as well .. such as, Worthless (Dido) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I52GvyEYzaA
LikeLike
http://youtu.be/_jIpOkL-J-c “I can’t live, if living is without you” – Air Supply, but also redone by Mariah Carey. A real tear jerker…
LikeLike
Renee,
Interesting approach because it doesn’t fit the single word requirement, but the collective title works. 🙂
LikeLike
Mine never fit! I’m foing to keep themto myself in the future. Sorry.
LikeLike
Oh no … It was approved!
LikeLike
Feel free to delete!
LikeLike
Oh no … it worked because the title as a collective fit!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The easy part was picking the song for the “negative emotions” theme to your Act 14 of Life: The Musical. The hard part was choosing a favorite performer from among the many great vocal stylists in my YouTube listening, including: Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, and Doris Day. In the end they all bit the dust to Linda Ronstadt’s exquisite rendition of “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” which was actually a reprise in the 1940 Rodgers and Hart musical “Pal Joey” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHtKAv6gCVc
LikeLike
Tim,
Wow … great song .. better yet, one with 3 different words that qualify!
LikeLike
Late, no cigar and couldn’t avoid the word, but hope you will love my reach back into history. Here is one of my favorites from back in the day, Pat Benatar, Love is a Battlefield: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGVZOLV9SPo
LikeLike
Val,
Ah ha … the first challenge of the day with Love in the title … but this fits because of the negative implications. Love the throwback to the early MTV days.
LikeLike
I had a couple of different choices but ultimately had to go with this one. Pat remains one of my favorite rockers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lazy, Flawed & Hopeless by Brazzaville, an Indie Band from the United States. The song is about growing up in Koreatown (I’m not sure where they are referring to in the United States). I found the lyrics to be depressing though I did enjoy listening to the song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeU8WYTO1l8
LikeLike
Catherine,
Very late responding … missed this … sorry about that … Cheers to another one that I don’t know … and it fits.
LikeLike
Not sure if “take” (or “every”?) will pass the one word negative implications test, but stalking is as ugly as it gets.
Sting and the Police. “Every Breath You Take”.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMOGaugKpzs
LikeLike
Mouse,
A very delayed response as somehow I missed this … but nope … it doesn’t fit.
… will have to return later to give you a song.
LikeLike
Here we go, Frank! Wasn’t sure I’d find one, but Nina Simone…. I can always count on her! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT_Z-D31vbU Little Girl Blue
LikeLike
Hey Vix,
Somehow I missed this one … sorry about that … but blue is definitely a negative emotion. Meanwhile, another song I don’t know … very much a lounge style. I like it.
LikeLike
No wonder we are getting so many floods Frank.. All these Rivers being cried 🙂 And thank you for the Tip about sharing youtube vids.. I learnt something Knew today 🙂
Many thanks for sharing Frank.. and a Sad Song for you is Christina Perri Sad Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf62hgdtXV8 And I am so sorry, its not like me!…. Wishing you a wonderful Weekend Frank.. Blessings Sue
LikeLike
Sue,
Sorry about the late response … but somehow I unintentionally missed this … 😦 … but sad sure fits the theme! 🙂 Well done.
LikeLike
I have a hard time thinking of emotions as “positive” or “negative”….sometimes crying can be wonderful, anger too…to me, emotions just ARE, …not to be judged in and of themselves…Never The less, here’s SYNN with Day of Wrath https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8Fj7dMWBgg
LikeLike
Cynthia,
Correct, crying is a good example of an emotion being both positive and negative … but it’s use in the title can be telling which it is. Nonetheless, wow … you picked an electric song .. whew … The Little Old Lady Who has some spunk! 😉 The producer winced wrath, thus torn if it works or not, but he’s getting soft (thus probably getting fired). So I’m adding a song to ease his burden … When God Fearin’ Women Get the Blues (Martina McBride) … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq1CuhcDj8Y .. besides, I like Marina! 😉
LikeLike
I’ve been meaning to say….littleoldladywho ….is all one word. You’re supposed to say it fast and with a lilting voice so it sounds like you’re yodeling (as in the old knock-knock joke: “Knock, knock.”–“Who’s there?”—“Little old lady.”—” Little old lady who?”—” Wow, I didn’t know you could yodel!”) 🙂
LikeLike
Oh my gosh … now that is hilarious. Thanks for the correction and the giggles!
LikeLike
Glad I am not too late to the party for once Frank! 🙂 Does Eric Clapton’s ‘Tears in heaven’ count as negative? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxPj3GAYYZ0
LikeLike
Madhu,
Tears is one of those emotions that can be either positive or negative …. but the directions weren’t overly pick … so it works! 🙂 … and a great song!
LikeLike
An ode to negative emotions: Menomena – “Heavy Is As Heavy Does” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47xZnb1JefI
LikeLike
Yahooey,
Heavy is definitely a negative emotion … and thanks for not only joining the fun, but for introducing me to a song I don’t know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the song, and Diana Krall–sometimes PBS airs her live program, but now I’ve forgotten where it was filmed.
LikeLike
Ponder,
I wonder if this was part of that special (but I don’t know) … this one is from Canada. Meanwhile, here’s Billy Joel with a yet-to-be-used word (I think) … Pressure … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyv905Q2omU … enjoy.
LikeLike
my tomorrow’s post and not sure if this song makes it into your life category sung by Adele…http://youtu.be/B2vkohEhEAQ … I Can’t Make You Love Me
LikeLike
I always liked that song – even if it doesn’t get Frank’s nod…the one word thing is difficult, Frank!
LikeLike
Mouse … not that hard … especially when one finds a list of negative emotions. Yea Google!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me thinks you have waaaaay too much time. Back to the dance floor!!! (Aching feet brings up that “Achie Breakie Heart” song …but still not negative enough…..continuing to muse……)
LikeLike
A broken heart fits!!! so here’s Billy Ray Cyrus for you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byQIPdHMpjc
LikeLike
I don’t see this one on you list, hope it’s okay. Johnny Cash with Hurt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmVAWKfJ4Go
LikeLike
Fasab,
Big WOW …. now that’s a powerful video! … and cheers to you for using a different word!
LikeLike
Dammit! I was getting excited that Hurt hadn’t shown up yet Just two more to check and I was home-free! But nay… Fasab got it. Dang.
By the way, you may have not noticed but there are three above that did not get your nod of approval… Just thought I’d let you know that you seemed to have unwittingly dissed PhilosopherMouse, Victoria and Sue Dreamwalker. I only let you know as you have never missed a single one as yet.
You may thank me later.
LikeLike
Thanks … sometimes some get lost in a fury … and very unintentional … and some come in late.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I figured… glad I could help!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As usual, I’m way too late to this party, but does Buddy Guy’s Too Many Tears work for this act? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5miplogHBI&spfreload=10
LikeLike
Sandy,
Although tears can be a variety of emotions, it works for this act! … .and love a touch of the blues and Buddy Guy!
…. and hey … the holiday party is underway, so hope you can stop by … and there are gifts!!!!
LikeLike
Pingback: Life: The Musical – Act 15: Growing Old | A Frank Angle
Pingback: Life: The Musical – Act 16: Death | A Frank Angle
Pingback: Life: The Musical – Act 17: Remembrance | A Frank Angle
Pingback: Life: The Musical – Epilogue | A Frank Angle
Now for MY entry… How ’bout some Elvis? (You ain’t nothing but a ) Hound Dog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXiulKIgGpg I know I am so pushing it on that one!
But how about I add Big Mama Thornton’s original? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrieOEPJCos
LikeLike
Dale,
You are correct … your are pushing the limit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well dang. Considering I have sacrificed two days to you, I thought I would be permitted just a little leeway. ‘Parentlly not.
So I will go with my original choice by the great Sarah Vaughn (no, don’t give me Billie, Ella or Etta or even Diana…though I do loves them all) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbgIFooh6aA THIS is MY fave…
LikeLike
Now that’s more like it … and a wonderful tune for my Friday morning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Phew! She says as she wipes her brow…
LikeLike