Home is not just a physical place, but it's also an idealized vision of something that can be different from one person to the next. If home is where the heart is, I wonder what happens when someone gets a heart transplant?...
I'll be honest--I'm a bit of a homebody. Now that I'm retired I spend a great deal of time at home and I'm completely comfortable doing so. And yet, if tomorrow I had an opportunity to take off to live on the road doing something I enjoyed (and able to afford to live the lifestyle in comfort) I'd be gone without too much thinking it over. Still, I'd want to have someplace that I could think of as my home base--a place where I keep my stuff and lay my head when I need a break now and then.
I want the best of all worlds. I want to be true to my own self, but to consider those for whom I care the most. That's what I think. Is it what I do?
Battle of the Bands
From Now On
For anyone who has been reading my blog posts this year, you are probably aware by now that I have become a fanatic about the 2017 film The Greatest Showman. Since I've said a great deal about this film in previous posts, I won't delve into this more in this current post. However, I'm going to use another great song from the film for another Battle. The film has so many great songs that have inspired a myriad of YouTube covers by some very talented artists and I keep finding more of them. Here are some recent finds that are covers of the song "From Now On".
In the film, this song expresses the revelation to the re-imagined historical figure of P.T. Barnum of what is most important to him--family and friends and home. This is a message that can likely resonate with most of us. No matter how hard we pursue our dreams or how far we go from our roots, our hearts yearn for the love of those who support us and encourage us onward. If we forget those who gave us our lives, we have lost the truest essence of who and what we are.
Initially I was a bit surprised to find so many Christian interpretations of songs from The Greatest Showman, but as I watched those videos and listened to the lyrics I soon realized why. The film is decent family-friendly fare that extols the values of love, acceptance, friendship, and heritage. When I received notification that a band that I've started following had released their own Christian version of "From Now On" then I started researching the other versions and hence a Battle was born...
Susan Shiebler & Company "From Now On" (2018)
Forsaken Hero "From Now On" (2019)
One of my dream places to live is Marion Virginia. My discovery of the Christian band Forsaken Hero came when I was perusing YouTube for videos about the town of Marion and found the band's live performance version of the song "This Is the Greatest Show." As I started exploring many of their videos on YouTube I took a liking to the band and began following their social media accounts. A few weeks ago I was notified about their latest CD (now available) and after listening to the cut of "From Now On" another Battle was born! I've been disappointed that the band has for some reason taken down most of their YouTube videos, but I guess maybe they have their reasons for doing so. In any case we at least have this video for now...
Time to Vote!
In this round we have a couple videos where the musical arrangements are similar, but the presentations are somewhat different. Both groups are very talented and I like them both, but I'm going to vote for one as my favorite. What about you? What's your favorite between these two choices? You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.
Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.
Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
Angel's Bark
Debbie Doglady's Den
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Cherdo on the Flipside
A I Love Music
Winner of this Battle Announced on Friday June 21st.
It's the summer blogging slowdown I think. Or maybe blogging is just slowing down. I'll be just here counting the votes and reporting the outcome in a week. I'm living my life here at home--for now.
Where do you think of as your home? Do you have a tendency to be content wherever you are as long as the circumstances are reasonable? What are reasonable circumstances in your view? Have you seen The Greatest Showman yet?
Both are good. But being a Christian, Forsaken Hero gets my vote due to the vibe of their version.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I hear what you're saying.
DeleteFirst vote goes to Forsaken Hero.
Lee
Wow! Both singers are fabulous, but there's something about the first one that triggered a more profound emotional reaction. Can't put my finger on what, exactly. Please give my vote to Susan Schiebler & Co. Although not a Christian, I do appreciate good music, regardless. Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, good music can and should cross all boundaries.
DeleteA vote for SS & Co.
Lee
I give my vote to Forsaken Hero. The sincerity and simplicity catch me.
ReplyDeleteOf course Susan Schiebler & Co are amazing! No doubt about that.
Home is where we are, with our family near enough to come home. We have learned to take things as they are, and find joy in them.
Reasonable circumstances are where we are safe and find God there.
Susan K, I think one is happiest when they learn to make due with what they are given, but never stop trying to achieve something additionally fulfilling.
DeleteSafe in the arms of a loving God. That's enough for any of us.
A vote for Forsaken Hero.
Lee
>>... Where do you think of as your home?
ReplyDeleteHeaven is Home. And I'm going Home.
But for now, Carson City, Nevada ("Willoughberry"), is home. I love it here, and I am convinced that God Himself directed me here. It's the place I'd been looking for since 1992. It's 30 miles and 50 years away from Reno.
>... "Each person in this video is a survivor, a survivor of cancer, abuse, anxiety, addiction, bullying or depression"
I survived a night in a Mexican jail. How come they didn't invite me to join in their reindeer games?!?!
I enjoyed the last third of that first version, but had trouble embracing it up until that point.
An easy vote for FORSAKEN HERO, primarily on the strength of the lead singer's voice. I most definitely preferred the vocal quality of the second group's leading man.
Good Battle, Lee!
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
STMcC, I think we can sometimes feel drawn to something that can be difficult to explain to others let alone ourselves. If God did direct you then it's the right thing.
DeleteA vote for Forsaken Hero.
Lee
Retirement is magical. I'm not technically retired...but I'm retired, working from home when I feel like it. Maybe I'll do something else later, but I just might keep rolling along as I do. I've always been an extroverted introvert and lean towards being a homebody (where I can actually recharge).
ReplyDeleteStephen was in a Mexican jail for a night? ONLY A NIGHT??? This is what is wrong with their system, ha ha ha (I'm just ribbin' ya, brudder).
Both versions are good, and as I listened to #1, I told myself, "Welp, that's the pick..."
Nopity nope nope, I dig FORSAKEN HERO. Give them my one and only vote!
Cherdo, retirement is nice, but I'd like mine a lot better if I had more financial freedom for necessities as well as things like travel. Your description of yourself sounds very much like me.
DeleteHopefully I'll never make it to a Mexican jail or any other jail for that matter.
Forsaken Hero!
Lee
I saw the Greatest Showman on the plane this year when I came back from the US. It was enjoyable but it wasn't my cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there was incredible music from the show and it is great to see there has been many different interpretations of the music. This was the tough battle as both artists and renditions were so good. But, I have to go with Susan Shiebler & Company because I love the mood and slow-down tempo.
Aisasami, I've heard a number of folks say they didn't like Showman that much while others are like me and loved it. The music is a big part of why I liked the film so much.
DeleteA needed vote for SS & Co.
Lee
I have a traveling job. Sometimes I miss home; I miss being in my own space and having my things around me. I even miss family, once in a while, lol. Mostly, I miss my cat.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about some songs just naturally fitting the Christian music genre. I feel that way when I listen to Imagine Dragons, the song WHATEVER IT TAKES.
This is a great battle. Two very good artists. I enjoyed both versions, and yes it is an inspirational song. I'm voting for Forsaken Hero, I think they have a tad mellower vibe to the sound, and I liked it better for this song.
Dolorah, when I toured in the 70's and 80's I got so used to the road life. I always kept a lot of stuff stored at my parents though. The road always lures me, but home calls to me if I've been away too long.
DeleteA vote for Forsaken Hero.
Lee
Susan Shiebler & Company "From Now On" (2018) has my vote (the first song). I liked the voice of the 2nd guy, but I liked the passion the first band showed in their performance.
ReplyDeleteJade Li, the theatricality of the first group is fun and well done.
DeleteA vote for SS & Co.
Lee
Forsaken Hero is my choice Lee.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Yvonne, so glad to hear from you again!
DeleteA vote for Forsaken Hero.
Lee
Interesting perspectives from both contenders. Forsaken Hero is the one the spoke to me the most.
ReplyDeleteMary B, the direction both artists took caught my attention.
DeleteForsaken Hero.
Lee
I'm also a fan of The Greatest Showman I rarely buy DVDs, but I did get this one so I can watch it whenever I want.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I can be content almost anywhere...and I do love staying home more than I love going out. It's getting harder and harder for my husband and I to even go out to eat because home feels better.
Patricia, I had decided to stop buying any more DVD's a couple years ago, but sometimes something catches my yearning to want to own. I've already gotten my money's worth from the Showman DVD.
DeleteSometimes I'd even rather eat at home than eat out and that's a real change from how I used to be.
Lee
I have to vote for Susan over Hero because it seemed to be just a bit more polished and love the way they started the song. I’m a homebody as well and love my home but home can be made anywhere. Losing my childhood home in such a bad way with my Uncle taking full advantage of our weaknesses, has made me realize not to put so much into the home one has. I love this film and feel it was not showcased well for the Oscars. Many songs are great and the one should have won the Oscar
ReplyDeleteBirgit, I can settle pretty quickly into a place as long as I feel safe and comfortable. Investing too much emotionally in a place can lead to devastating results sometimes. I too feel that Greatest Showman was robbed by the Film Academy, but the public accolades and support more than makes up for that in my book.
DeleteA vote for SS & Co.
Lee
OK, this is a toughie. In the end, this homebody's going with Susan. (And I can't even logically express 'why.') Good battle, Lee!
ReplyDeleteMyra, how you feel about a song is what the Battle is all about...
Deletea vote for SS & Co.
Lee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteI'm giving my vote to Forsaken Hero. I preferred their simple cover over the more produced version. We pass through Marion, VA on our visits to see my parents who live about 30-mins from Wytheville, VA off south I-77. Marion is smaller than Maryville and this might be a bit of culture shock. To off set the need for some of the convenience of city life you will find some of that in some of the nearby communities of Abington or Wytheville and of course Bristol which is a little further away. The temperatures that far north will be cooler and purrhaps a bit more winter related weather than what we have in the Tennessee Valley. You'll definitely like the area with the Applachian mountains surrounding the area. If you're content with staying at home then those semi-rural towns might be a purrfect fit for you someday. :)
Now to answer your questions...
Home is anyplace I share with DH. :)
Where do you think of as your home? Although I long for a new home and we are in the market, I am quite content anywhere as long as DH is with me. I guess reasonable circumstances are things that meet our basic needs protection against the elements, warmth in the winter, cool in the summer, and generally a safe haven. We have not seen The Greatest Showman yet. I'm not near the fan of mewsicals as I once was so I'm not eager to buy or rent the movies but if it comes available on one of our streaming services then I'd like to see it because it does have an amazing soundtrack. :)
I'm scaling back in Blogosphere but I'll do my best to visit you often and I'll still keep my Monday's Mewsic Moves Me posts running while on my semi-blogging break. Have a bandtastic week, my friend!
Cathy, Marion VA first hit my radar in 1977 when I started regularly traveling up I-81. Over the years whenever I'd pass by Marion I'd look down from the highway and long to visit. Other than stopping for gas a few times off the exit, I never actually went into Marion until 2017 after which I stayed a couple of times. Marion would be a huge contrast to L.A. where I have convenient access to anything I need. But these days I don't seem to need all that much. The big city is okay, but I just don't trust the governments in charge out here in California.
DeleteI encourage you to watch Greatest Showman. It's better than just about any movie musical that I've seen.
A vote for Forsaken Hero.
Lee
Lee,
DeleteI wouldn't be happy in California. The state is too liberal and crazy extreme to suit my way of life. I can't blame you for wishing to relocate. The good thing about Marion is there are some decent size cities within an hour drive so you're not living out in the sticks completely. :)
Cathy, I'm concerned about what the government might have in store for us in the future. Maybe they'll start making us take in illegals or something that will interfere with my privacy and sense of personal freedom. If that sounds selfish, well, I guess it is in a way.
DeleteLee
Ok, food is cooking so brief here. Really good tune, can't lose either way. Just a touch slow starting on #1, so Forsaken hero for me... but close because the first one was better towards the end.
ReplyDeleteCW, speaking of food, I think I need to go have some dinner.
DeleteAgain a vote for Forsaken Hero.
lee
Forsaken Hero, please.
ReplyDeleteMichael, you've got it! Thanks for voting...
Deletefor Forsaken Hero.
Lee
I can make a home pretty easily anywhere. Especially if I've laid my hat there someplace.
ReplyDeleteI've not seen The Greatest Showman yet, and it will only happen when the moons align. It simply isn't the sort of movie that I often see... and I have so little time for movies anyway that I can't imagine it jumping the queue ahead of many movies on the unseen list for years.
This is a great battle, though. I really like the song a lot, and both bands do a good job; I like them both. In fact, I had to listen to them twice to make my choice.
I am going with SS&C. It starts off too slowly, but really like that Lumineers/Mumford and Sons sound they get rolling with after a couple of minutes!
6-Gun, I think people like you and me who have done a lot of traveling and lived in various places can pull up roots more easily--or maybe never get all that rooted in a locale.
DeleteThe Greatest Showman is worth your time in my opinion. But I have the circus/Barnum bias going that not everyone can agree with.
A vote for SS & Co..
Lee
Forsaken Hero, for me, please! And hats off to all of us who are. The song really resonates with me somehow, and the lead singer is perfect for the message.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the movie yet, but will make a point to do so now that I know about it.
No matter how often I leave, home is always where my heart is. I love having roots in the land of legendary sunshine; where even the lizards rip across the road for shade. It's a comfort to know it will be there come fall when the forest grows cold.
Family, food, and my laptop are all good ingredients for contentment - wherever I happen to be ;-)
Diedre, that's a good recipe for home and happiness.
DeleteTry to see the film and let me know how it affects you.
Another vote for Forsaken Hero.
Lee
That's a tough one. I love The Greatest Showman and all the tunes. I think Forsaken Hero might have just inched ahead for me in this battle.
ReplyDeleteLoni, great songs can sound pretty good no matter what competent artists perform them.
DeleteA vote for Forsaken Hero..
Lee