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Debra Smith

Debra Smith
Niagara Falls / Toronto, On
Canada

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Do you have a theme song or a song that captures the essence of your life's journey?

I have been listening to a number of songs lately and many seem to speak of a life's journey. I am wondering if TEDdies identify with a song and if so if you would consider posting it?

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Topics: Songs hopes and dreams love songs poetry self awareness themes vulnerability

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Jason Pounds
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Jul 19 2012: Music is the best way I can every describe what I think and feel, and I have yet to find a better way to put out there what I want to say. It seems every week I have a new theme song or something I relate to, but I am glad you asked this question because I always ask people I meet what song describes them the most, and I feel its one of the best ways to learn about some one.

Under The Bridge- Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Staind- Epiphany
Stand By Me- Ben E. King
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 19 2012: Thanks so much, Jason. This is sort of exciting because I do not remember these ones. Thanks too for sharing your approach- I think that there is something of importance to learn from it.
Feyisayo Anjorin 50+
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Jul 18 2012: If it has to be one song, then its "One Minute" by Mary Mary.
It touches my heart like no other song and a good day turns to a great one by just singing along to it.

I also love "Natural" by pop group S Club 7. AND.........
"Forces of Nature" by Backstreet Boys.
"I'll stand by you" by Girls Aloud.
"Lost In Space" by Lighthouse Family
"Always" by Atlantic Starr
"Sometimes" by Britney Spears
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 18 2012: Thank you for this generous response. I will have a good afternoon here, listening to each again!
Steve C
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Jul 17 2012: some of my tops:
Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes
The Outfield - For You
Puddle of Mudd - Blurry
Don Henley - The Boys of Summer
Staind - It's Been Awhile
Margaret Becker - Just Come In

I wouldn't say they drive me into action or anything like that, like "Eye of the Tiger" (so I wouldn't call it a theme song), just that they "seem to speak of..." something; ... hopes, dreams, memories, feelings.
Debra Smith 200+
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Jul 9 2012: THE KINKS?
How can it be that a man from over the edge, koolaid drinking right wing teaparty sends me a song by the KINKS?

At least we are still looking for solutions!
- pat gilbert 100+
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  Jul 9 2012: Maybe you should listen to the lyrics?
  
  When you get done "looking" at every possible solution maybe you should consider what I have said?
  - Debra Smith 200+
    
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    Jul 9 2012: I did listen, Pat but I will again whether or not you expand the possible outcomes to the idea that I disagree with your conclusion, or I have my heartt hardened to the presented logic or I mispercieved the message. None of those are as calous as just disregarding your input.
    - pat gilbert 100+
      
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      Jul 9 2012: By virtue of your stating that the Kinks and an over the edge (thanks for the compliment) individual are non sequitar, I took it that you rejected the lyrics and the song?
  - Debra Smith 200+
    
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    Jul 9 2012: The link is to 20th century man. Was that your intent? It says a lot about finding soluitions.
    - pat gilbert 100+
      
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      Jul 9 2012: My response was to you regarding your statement "At least we are still looking for solutions!" My statements are very consistent yet I see no evidence that you have considered them.
      
      The premise of the song is the pathology of the collective.
      
      I was born in a welfare state
      Ruled by bureaucracy
      Controlled by civil servants
      And people dressed in grey
      Got no privacy, got no liberty
      Cos the twentieth century people
      Took it all away from me.
      
      Don't wanna get myself shot down
      By some trigger happy policeman,
      Gotta keep a hold on my sanity
      I'm a twentieth century man but I don't wanna die here.
  - Debra Smith 200+
    
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    Jul 9 2012: Pat, this might be a serious clue to the differences between us. You still see no evidence (which feels like you are calling me a liar) and you did not respond to mY request for assistance and clarification. I sure appreciate your posting the words. Did you take note that I asked if the 20th Century man- where the link takes me- is what you intended? I now hear the words you quoted at more than 3.5 minutes in. My worry that I had the wrong song and the earlier lyrics made me less receptive to your lyrics.
    
    OK pat, here is what i perceive to have happened. When osmeone asserts that he/she is in th ewrong century and states that they are schizoid and are convinced that they do not want to die in our century (whatother century coud they die in, I ask) I start to focus on the illness rather than the overt words coming out of their mouthes.
    - pat gilbert 100+
      
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      Jul 9 2012: I don't know what you mean?
      
      One of the barriers to communication is that before one can compare or evaluate information he has to copy or get that information (why the word copy is used in military communication) any evaluation cannot occur until the copy part is done.
      
      What I have noticed with you is that you talk about the possible interpretations and your corresponding evaluations of those interpretations. Which jumps over the first step in a communication. Here is an example from the thread about women in equality?
      
      This is a point of logic in that assuming is illogical.
      
      My Post:
      I can't believe how rude the Canadians are/were?
      
      Your reply:
      
      Jun 29 2012: Rude Pat? please explain because that is generally not the view we hear from other cultures. Rudeness may be in the eye of the beholder especially if you are offended by the truth or other people's perspective of it.
      
      You may find it interesting that it was a Canadian who tried to convince your Greenspan to save you from the meltdown. It was also Canadians who saved your diplomats in Iran.
      
      One of the things Canadians generally consider polite is to never forget a kindness.
      
      Maybe what you meant is UPPITY? We are never thrilled about bending our knee to psuedo rulers of the world.
      
      If you refer to the men at GM remember to watch some of your own movies about what all women in mines and factories endured in the USA as well.
  - Debra Smith 200+
    
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    Jul 9 2012: PAT, while this appears to be one more Fox news type ploy, i choose to play along for now (like most liberal tend to do but the time is almost at an end. The trouble is that is works well for use against those who are less dogmatic and more well informed. I will let you in on a "secret" that most of you know already" three disjointed answers or I don't undewrtstand yous= used even as a ploy derails most conversations. You use logic with me or accuse me of rudeness - astounding!
    
    In case you really did not listen to your own song here are the words you demand to consider my arugement, Pat.
    
    Gotta keep a hold on my sanityI’m a twentieth century man but I don’t wanna die here.My mama says she can’t understand meShe can’t see my motivationAin’t got no security,I’m a twentieth century man but I don’t wanna be here.
    
    My mama said she can’t understand meShe can’t see my motivationJust give me some security,I’m a paranoid schizoid product of the twentieth century
    - pat gilbert 100+
      
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      Jul 10 2012: No I really did not get what you were saying? (there is no ploy) Yup I'm big on logic, where did I accuse you of rudeness?
      
      We don't agree about any aspect of politics and never will, which is the case with 90% of the TEDsters so be it. I'm just asking you to get what I'm saying BEFORE you tell me I'm a stupid Kool aid drinking over the edge Tea party guy or whatever.
      
      Yes Ray Davies is referring to his circumstance caused by socialism and caused his insecurity (clearly not a good member of the collective), lack of motivation, and his paranoia, which is explained further in the context of the song.
daniel hehir 20+
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Jul 9 2012: Here is a Gordon Lightfoot song .. also from Canada !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLGSZisx7ks
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 9 2012: Daniel! Simply exquisite! Norway and Canada share a pristine beauty of winter. I offer you another dance metaphor song this time by Leonard Cohen - Dance me to the endo f love.
  
  http://youtu.be/0Yc4QrvNJ1Q
  
  Debra
Rob Clark
- +1
Jul 8 2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qqib2eDweE

This song I think helps define me.

Calm, laid-back, not without its unpredictability, slowly changing through different keys (stages of my life) hopefully to resound to a peaceful tonal end.

Not trying to seem egotistical or anything haha
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 9 2012: Wow, I wish I could claim to be as beautiful as this is!
  Thank you, Rob!
pat gilbert 100+
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Jul 8 2012: This song is indicative of my most profound and heavy thinking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qei_ccdgTMU
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 9 2012: You are more of a joker than i ever anticipated. I read your advice on another thread. Am I being humoured out of my opinion?
  Big hug,
  Debra
  - pat gilbert 100+
    
    +1
    Jul 9 2012: Am I to understand that you find humor in my heaviest and most profound thoughts?
    - Debra Smith 200+
      
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      Jul 9 2012: Well..........................yea if they are charcterized by Mancini!
  - pat gilbert 100+
    
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    Jul 9 2012: Well I never....
    - Debra Smith 200+
      
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      Jul 9 2012: Still waiting for the deep and profound answer to my question, Pat.
  - pat gilbert 100+
    
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    Jul 9 2012: Ok Debra
    
    This is a bit technical but I think self explanatory
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIS5n9Oyzsc
    - Debra Smith 200+
      
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      Jul 9 2012: Are you a dingle arm, Pat. Has the government already made an offer- for you?
  - pat gilbert 100+
    
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    Jul 9 2012: It is what happens to people when they become afflicted with government.
    - Debra Smith 200+
      
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      Jul 9 2012: Oh no ,PAT!
      Sre you telling me that your life has become a morality tale?
  - pat gilbert 100+
    
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    Jul 9 2012: Hmm maybe so, no on 1st thought I had it right, you are left. Morality is a tale of the collective, as morality is more about agreement and less about ethics, as with the ubiquitous group think on TED.
    
    Perhaps this song although I don't have a problem with technology:
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrmQB38aT5U
Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+
- +1
Jul 8 2012: Well Debra,
there are many songs that I identify myself along with. It depends on the state of my mind.

But this particular track captures the essence of my life's journey ,really beautiful to listen to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5vK5IqT97Q
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 9 2012: Thank you for sharing this with me. I might never have discovered it myself.
  Thank you,
  Debra
daniel hehir 20+
- +1
Jul 8 2012: There is a town in north Ontario,
with dream comfort memory to spare,
and in my mind I still need a place to go,
all my changes were there.

Blue, blue windows behind the stars
Yellow moon on the rise
Big bird flying across the sky
Throwing shadows on our eyes.

Leaves us helpless, helpless, helpless

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aoqVEYzsZk
daniel hehir 20+
- +1
Jul 8 2012: ...... ;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5_Hn_cLIvI
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 19 2012: Where are you Daniel?
daniel hehir 20+
- +1
Jul 8 2012: Don't mean to overdo it Deb.

It's just that Jackson has so many incredibly beautiful songs. Hope its not too much for you ...

Are you familiar with Jackson?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqYiHkx7ils&feature=related
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 8 2012: Never too much, Daniel!
  Debra
daniel hehir 20+
- +1
Jul 8 2012: Perhaps one of Jackson's most beautiful song. "For a Dancer" is written about Jackson's girl friend who took her own life at a very young age after giving birth to Jackson's son. Please follow the text on this one Deb....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU1rZa8Ur_Q&feature=related
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 8 2012: For Daniel, the words not the music.
  
  http://youtu.be/K0gbr7Y5RYg
  - daniel hehir 20+
    
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    Jul 8 2012: Thanks Deb!
    
    Are we Human or are we Dancer? Perhaps both ...?
    
    On my knees looking for the answer .... I can relate to that....
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 9 2012: Daniel,, I may have heard this a million times and never had any clue about the pain that generated it, thanks for enlightening me.
  Debra
daniel hehir 20+
- +1
Jul 8 2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxwiVwF0ImA&feature=related
daniel hehir 20+
- +1
Jul 7 2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kpXxxwYmbY

I think you know this one ...
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 8 2012: It is hard not to love this one, too.
  I feel so much satisfaction and feel you have offered me such gifts that I cannot adequately repay but fervently wish I could.
  Debra
daniel hehir 20+
- +1
Jul 6 2012: Here's another lovely Dylan song called "I Believe in You" done by Alison Krauss

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qadnY8p-Hi8&feature=related
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 8 2012: You, Daniel, help me to believe in you too!
  Debra
daniel hehir 20+
- +1
Jul 6 2012: Thanks Debra!
Yes! Barley, wheat and rye. It's a most beautiful country indeed! I have been here for 27 years now. I come from Michigan. I love music and am always in search of new songs that move something in the soul if you know what I mean. I work at a hospice. I play the guitar and harmonica and sing to the patients who are looking at death from a very close hold. So music is not only my favorite hobby but also my way of picking up their spirits.
I really liked your topic and hope that there will come a lot of music with meaning. Bob Dylan is my all time favorite! Here are a few of his songs. Spanish Boots of Spanish Leather is his by the way. I hope you heard the text to it. Its most beautiful. Please google it if not! You'll love it!

Here is Norah Jones doing Dylans "Forever Young"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jEKY-3eNZc&feature=related

Here is Dylan doing "Every Grain of Sand"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAf3bSDPSPM&feature=related

Also exceptionally good texts!

I'll send you some more in a bit

:-)
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 8 2012: Daniel, I have been away from my email and computer for a couple of days and I returned just now to find this cornucopia of beauty. Wow. I am deeply impressed with your work and feel it is a life's calling and adore you even more for such a choice. Norway sounds exquisite!
  Thank you for such a feast!
  Debra
Robert Winner 50+
- +1
Jul 6 2012: Yes. The people that I worked with have inspired my choice:

Bring in the clowns.

All the best. Bob.
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 6 2012: All the best to you, Dear Bob!
  How is this version with Barbara?
  
  Hope you and yours are well,
  Debra
  
  http://youtu.be/ghd5weu5Mpg
  
  another one for you!
  
  http://youtu.be/Q_jnv0AYdEc
daniel hehir 20+
- +1
Jul 6 2012: ... and still another beautiful song by Eva Cassidy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKtqTYSOBCg&feature=related
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 6 2012: Daniel,
  Are there fields of barley in Norway?
  Best wishes forever to you too.
  Debra
daniel hehir 20+
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Jul 6 2012: Here's one more you might like Deb. By Jackson Browne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPk11AugG4c

Best wishes again
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 6 2012: Daniel, I loved this one and was listening for the umpteenth time when the new one arrived. I love that one too. You are my new minstral! Thank you, sweet spirit!
  Debra
  
  PS Did you see Jackson Browne's TED talk/song?
daniel hehir 20+
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Jul 5 2012: Hi Deb,

Wish you all the best ! Hope you are getting better ! Hope this touches you like it touches me !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1KxthvX1Ms
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 5 2012: Daniel! Thank you vor 6:15 minutes of utter bliss. I love Spanish Guitar and it touched me deeply!
  As does your generous kindness,
  Deb
Gerald O'brian 50+
- +1
Jul 5 2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzn9Sb4P_QA
- Debra Smith 200+
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  Jul 5 2012: Wow! Pure beauty. Gerald did you ever consider that you migh tbe a synesthete?
Debra Smith 200+
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Jul 5 2012: As I have shared before, i had a surgery in December that went wrong and I was expected to die. I have too much left to do to die (and I have one son who moved heaven and earth to keep me alive). Sometime after that I discovered this song and it is working as my current position statement. I hope it transmits that I am trying hard to listen to my own inner voice -something that I have not always been good at:

http://youtu.be/QJ-nUCwnwHM

Please also remember that I am struggling with a bit of aphasia.

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