Anthony Warlow - "Anthem"

As we stand on the precipise of a new government and a new day for the United States of America, I am reminded of this stirring song and the idea that our nation is more than borders and states, but that it lives in all of us, and that we must come together as a whole to create the nation we need.

Anthony Warlow AM (born 18 November 1961) is an Australian opera and musical theatre performer, noted for his character acting and considerable vocal range. He is a classically trained lyric baritone and made his debut with the Australian Opera in 1980.

Warlow has performed on Broadway, the West End, Carnegie Hall and across Australia with all of the symphony orchestras. His studio recordings have spanned nearly 30 years and include solo albums, cast recordings and live performances in concert and with Opera Australia.

He has been honored as an 'Australian National Treasure' and his outstanding achievements have been acknowledged with his investiture as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to the performing arts.

So, today, with hope dawning, I choose Anthony Warlow’s version of “Anthem” from Chess as my, hold it in your heart, where ‘ere you go, like leaves on the wind, song for a, follow the dream, believe in your possibilities, sing your heart out, Tuesday.

Sarah McLachlan - "Blackbird"

And then you have a moment where you realize the only thing holding you down was your choice to stay on the ground.

So lift up your wings, and learn how to fly, because yours is the blue in all of the sky; the clouds and rain and rainbows too, and all the places your wings can take you.

So today, wings open, I chose Sarah McLachlan’s lovely cover of the Beatles’ “Blackbird” as my, silver linings, forgotten songs, stories you no longer need to tell yourself, song for a, when you are ready, how quickly things shift, a landscape exciting and unknown, Friday.

Ray Charles & Bette Midler - "Am I Blue"

Both of these versions have such a dragging, scraping, pulling sensation, it’s easy to see where Bette got her inspiration.

Both are remarkable.

So today, feet dragging, I chose Ray Charles (& Bette Midler)’s version of “Am I Blue” as my, keep on, don’t quit, 60 seconds worth of distance run, song for a, well that was today, you don’t have to live it again, I think I can, Thursday.

Fiona Apple - "The Whole of the Moon"

It is always interesting to me to hear versions of songs that I have loved, from perspectives that I wouldn’t have imagined.

I had always heard this song as a dreamy homage to the person being sung about, but Fiona’s cover is full of anger and passion, a hint of resentment mixed with love and admiration. It’s an entrancing listen, and well worth the time.

It inspired me to remember my own magic, and how easy things can be if you let them. Hold less tightly to that which served you in the past but does so no longer.

Today, with surprise remembrance, I choose Fiona Apple’s cover of “The Whole of the Moon” as my, little lights, you flew, Brigadoon in the rain, song for a, magic isn’t lost just forgotten, little joys, open your wings, Wednesday.

Rock the Runoff - "Georgia On My Mind"

I’ve been thinking about the election, the runoff, the capitol riot, my relationship with politics and how that plays into my family dymanic. It’s been an interesting week. I thought we planned to leave a bunch of this madness in 2020. sigh.

Thank you Stacey Abrams, for knowing what your state needed and getting out to activate your constituents. You are a treasure.

So, with weighted shoulders, I chose Rock the Runoff’s incredible cover of "Georgia On My Mind" as my, still thinkin’ about it, the trudge, I don’t need this much luggage under my eyes, song for a, where do we go from here, I think we’ve lost the path, the only way out is through, Tuesday.

Kacey Musgraves - "Somewhere Only We Know"

Some days you just need a little extra care. Something soft and sweet, holding you closely as you gather your pieces back together. This beautiful cover of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” is so touchingly done. It slips right up into your heart and throws a spark.

So today, with kid gloves, I choose Kacey Musgraves’ cover of "Somewhere Only We Know" as my, deep breath, little breaks, many dreams, song for a, probably this, maybe that, who knows anymore, Monday.

Rihanna - "Shut Up And Drive" (As performed by Alyssa Edwards & Tatiana)

After a terribly tough week, Boyfriend and I succumbed to some comfort viewing last night and ended up watching a “best of” list of RPDR lip syncs. While I can say that not all of the chosen battles were ones I would qualify as “Top Ten” this one absolutely was.

While watching, and letting myself be transported back to a simpler, happier, easier time, I remembered what an absolute BANGER this song was. Rihanna is a true hitmaker, and while she doesn’t need to make music any longer (you know she has that FENTY money now), I truly hope she does.

So today, not looking in the rear view, I choose Rihanna’s "Shut Up And Drive", as performed by Alyssa Edwards & Tatiana, as my, get on with it, trucking along, full tank and a dream, song for a, hold on tight, seat belts buckled, Oh S*** handle, Friday.

Sam Smith & Demi Lovato - "I'm Ready"

Some days you just hear a song and think “F*** Yeah!”. I had that moment this morning.

These are two artists I have sincerely grown to love. While I have to admit, I was skeptical of them both when they first hit the music scene, but over the years they have both grown to show an incredibly diverse range of vocal stylings and capabilities. Theirs are voices that I could listen to on a loop.

So today, ready, I choose Sam Smith & Demi Lovato’s "I'm Ready" as my, you bet your a$$, one small miracle at a time, look to the light, song for a, trifle not with those focused on the inconsequential, leave that b**** on read, not my circus - not my monkey, Thursday.