The Last Song: 2 Thumbs Up

Saturday April 3, my mom and I decided to have one of our 'girls day out' and went to see The Last Song. Personally, I like Miley Cyrus as an actor, not to mention the amount of talent that girl has that goes unnoticed and unappreciated. I started out liking Cyrus during her show Hannah Montana, yes I know. It is Disney Channel and childish right? Wrong. First, I would like to say that I like Disney channel because it has 'clean' humor. No sex, no drugs, nothing vulgar, morbid, or perverted. Just clean comedy. If you have any good movies that do not involve sex, drugs, perverted 'humor', or stupid comedy (like Napoleon Dynamite) feel free to tell me what they are. I'd love to know.

For example, just typing in 'Comedy Movies' in yahoo images search engine, I find things like "The Hangover" or "Sex Is Comedy". First of all, I did not think highly of The Hangover at all because one: I thought the 'comedy' in that movie was stupid. Secondly: the message behind the movie was pathetic. A man goes to Vegas with friends for a bachelor's party, gets so drunk he forgets everything, and almost leaves his wife stranded at the alter because his friends forget he is on top of the hotel building. The entire movie is about 4 immature and idiotic men trying to figure out what happened the night before. What good message comes from that? Anyways, I will save that for a different day.

When I went to see The Last Song, multiple things impressed me. Miley Cyrus showed more talent than I thought she had, plus the movie, in my opinion was very well made, not to mention, a beautiful story (and this time, I decided to read the book after the movie so I could keep separate opinions on the two). Cyrus not only showed good acting skills, but she also presented her talent on the piano. When discussing this movie with several different friends, I was shocked to hear most of them say they refused to see the movie because Miley Cyrus was the main character. Why?

I believe that society has defined 'comedy' as crude, perverted, sexual, or pointless so actors on Disney channel never get a chance when it comes to the big screen and I think that is because people believe that the actors on Disney are there because they can't really act when in reality, that statement is false. In my opinion, if Miley Cyrus had never signed a contract with Disney, I think more people would consider seeing her movies in theaters. Why do Disney productions make a difference? Because 'mature' teenagers and adults do not take her seriously because they think that she has no talent, so in the long run, Disney has done her no justice. Yes, she has made her way onto the big screen in Nick Sparks movie as well as her songs on the radio, but I believe that is more because of the talent she offers and because her father knows the business.

If your reason for not considering to see The Last Song is due to the fact that Miley Cyrus has "poor acting skills" or no talent, I would think again. You cannot base your opinion off of a Disney channel show that is specifically made for kids and family viewing. Walk into that theater with an open mind and pretend as if you have never heard of Miley Cyrus and I guarantee you would be impressed. So instead of saying "yea but it's Miley Cyrus" enjoy a night out to see a movie, you deserve it. Oh and bring a box of tissues. I even heard men sniffling in the theater.

The Art In Writing A Song

Most people envy those who can write a song that has a powerful meaning. Whether it is about love, anger, happiness, or sorrow, people turn to music to express themselves. It could be the artist expressing their emotions through lyrics, or the listener expressing themselves by relating. Regardless, music connects to the soul.

As a musician, I often hear a good song and ask myself how did they come up with these lyrics? But I have found that is the wrong question to ask. Instead, I should be asking what the meaning is behind the lyrics. Once you find their meaning and relate, you can find your own way to write a lyrical masterpiece. Anyone can become an artist. It does not take right-brained or left-brained, it takes emotion. The only difference between an artist and an every day average joe is that artists feel emotions on a whole new level. They are able to feel pain, joy, excitement, any emotion and express them through words. Revealing your thoughts without worrying what others will think will transform you into a true artist.

Now, to write a song, you need to sit back and think. Ask yourself what it is your feeling. If it helps, get a pen and some paper and write down all the emotions you are feeling and try and describe them. Do not think of any one else's opinion until after you have a rough draft (this is important because in order to have others relate to your lyrics, you have to relate to them first). This is what makes writing songs so frustrating. If you try to think of other people's feelings so that you can write a song that they can relate to, you are not really writing what relates to you. Yes, other people are your audience but in order for an audience to relate, YOU have to relate.
You can start out by confessing a mood. For example:
Happiness- The thought of you brings a smile to my face
Then think of what it means to smile- My spirit has been lifted and I feel free
Next, ask yourself how can you feel free simply because of happiness- I am free because I can laugh, I can smile, I can love, I can dance, I can sing, I can play and I can live (things you can do that make you feel free)
(You can go as far as you want but make sure each thought relates to the previous one).
Then, move to your verse, for example:

I think of you and happiness surrounds
My spirit is lifted, my feet can't touch the ground
I can laugh, I can dance, I can love, I can sing
With your embrace I can do most anything

See? Simple. Some people prefer to rhyme but it all depends on the rhythm. It is not written anywhere in a secret handbook that your lyrics have to be like the example above. It is actually simple to rhyme but using words that are compatible makes your lyrics that much better.

Once you have written a song, do not be ashamed to show your close friends. In fact, their critique will help you become a better writer. Think about writing an essay. Is your final draft exactly the same as your rough draft? Or do you edit it and ask for people to read it in hopes that their opinion will perfect it? Point is, you cannot be afraid to show people your work. The whole challenge in being an artist is being able to tell others exactly how you feel.

Lastly, you do not have to be a master at guitar or piano to be an artist. Writing a song, or even a poem in ways that others feel your heart and soul is what makes you memorable, that's what relates you to other people. Most importantly, have fun and do not let anyone discourage you. Think of all of the things, people, and places that inspire you and use them as your muse. Just because one person does not relate to your song does not mean no one will.

Remember- Music washes from the soul the dust of everyday life
Have fun and start writing!