"Alive" (P.O.D.)

Everyday is a new day
I'm thankful for every breath that I take
I won't take you for granted (I won't take you for granted)
So I learn from my mistakes
It's beyond my control
Sometimes it's best to let go
Whatever happens in this lifetime
So I trust in love (So I trust in love)
You have given me peace of mind

I, I feel so alive for the very first time
I can’t deny You
I feel so alive
I, I feel so alive for the very first time
And I think I can fly

Sunshine upon my face (Sunshine upon my face)
A new song for me to sing
Tell the world how I feel inside (tell the world how I feel inside)
Even though it might cost me everything
And now that I know this, so beyond, I can't hold this
It's like I can never turn my back away
And now that I’ve seen You (and now that I see You)
I can never look away

I, I feel so alive for the very first time
I can’t deny You
I feel so alive
I, I feel so alive for the very first time
And I think I can fly

And now that I know You (I could never turn my back away)
And now that I see You (I could never look away)
And now that I know You (I could never turn my back away)
And now that I see You (I believe no matter what they say)

I-I feel so alive (feel so alive)
for the very first time (for the very first time)
for the very first time, and I think I can fly.
I-I feel so alive (feel so alive)
for the very first time and I think I can fly,
and I think I can fly, and I think I can fly

Adagio for Strings, Samuel Barber and Tiësto

Composed by Samuel Barber, "Adagio for Strings" has always struck me as the piece you'd listen to as you lay dying. It's the soundtrack of a life well-lived. A reflection and a remembrance. Each movement of the piece, to me, speaks of the many chapters that tell the story of our lives: bittersweet saudade, hope's soft whisper, love's tender caress, defiance...

Tiesto's version, however, is a celebration of life. A celebration of its graceful ebbs and sharp edges. It speaks of an exuberant embrace and an as is/as you are acceptance.

Bookends of life ;o)