10 Cool New Pop Songs to Get You Through The Week: Mimi Webb, COIN, Hanson & More

By | February 23, 2022
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Billboard

Looking for some motivation to help power you through the start of another work week? We feel you, and with some stellar new pop tunes, we’ve got you covered.

Hanson, “Child at Heart”

Although Hanson’s decades-long run as adult pop crowd-pleasers has been consistently rewarding, the three brothers will sometimes sneak in some left-of-center fare on projects to keep their formula fresh. “Child at Heart,” from the upcoming Red Green Blue album, is wider than Hanson’s normal stance, a showy pop-rock ballad with strings, epic lyricism and the type of big-top hook that begs to be hummed by its second time out. – J. Lipshutz

JPEGMAFIA Absolutely Does Not Feel Fulfilled

By | February 23, 2022
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HYPEBEAST

JPEGMAFIA LP new album Brooklyn steel show interview feature Hanson Brittney spears Kanye west Denzel curry zeelooperz

Sophie Schieli

The first thing JPEGMAFIA says when we walk into the room, where he awaits us backstage at the Brooklyn Steel music venue of East Williamsburg, “Oh, I thought you were going to be a white guy? I was ready to be angry this interview. Come on, we can go to my actual room.” The 32-year-old, Barrington DeVaughn Hendricks, may operate on the fringes of reality, between anti-establishment punk rap and internet-troll subculture, but Peggy really is who he says he is. This would be confirmed several times throughout the rest of the evening, from spitting in fan’s mouths and having the crowd break out into “F*ck You Peggy” chants to dancing to Hanson’s MMMBop in the mirror of his [Green] room.

HANSON RELEASE FIRST SINGLE “CHILD AT HEART”

By | February 11, 2022
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HANSON RELEASE FIRST SINGLE “CHILD AT HEART”

HANSON RELEASE FIRST SINGLE “CHILD AT HEART” TODAY, FEB 11th

 

NEW ALBUM RED GREEN BLUE COMING MAY 20th

 

RED GREEN BLUE WORLD TOUR BEGINS JUNE 8 IN HELSINKI, FINLAND FOLLOWED BY NORTH AMERICA, LATIN AMERICA AND MORE

Feb 11th 2022, HANSON announced today’s release of “Child At Heart,” the first single from the multi-platinum, 3x GRAMMY® Award-nominated pop-rock trio’s eagerly anticipated new project, RED GREEN BLUE. Written by Taylor Hanson, and co-produced by Taylor, GRAMMY® Award-winning Producer/Engineer/Mixer Jim Scott (Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wilco) and GRAMMY® Award-winning artist/producer David Garza (Fiona Apple, Midland, Sharon Van Etten), the dynamic new track is available now via 3CG Records at all DSPs and streaming services.

“The song “Child At Heart” is about remaining open and hopeful despite the obstacles of life’s journey,” says Taylor Hanson. “Like a child whose heart is yet to be discouraged by the tribulations of the world.”

The music video for “Child At Heart” is premiering at 9am US central time today on American Songwriter, followed by an exclusive live chat with the band talking about the making of the song, the music video and the creative vision behind the Red Green Blue album.

Shares Taylor Hanson, “The music video depicts a series of inflicted wounds and tragedies, which leave my character nearly dead. It’s meant to be a metaphor for the pain of life and love, and the ultimate redemption of his love rejoining him reinforces the song’s message that we have to remain open and hopeful, despite what life throws at us”.

Comprising three solo-led projects from Taylor, Isaac, and Zac Hanson, RED GREEN BLUE arrives via 3CG Records on Friday, May 20; pre-orders are available on Hanson.net now. The album, which marks HANSON’s milestone 30th anniversary, brings together the band’s three unique creative voices like never before, with a third of the album written and produced by each brother: Taylor’s RED, Isaac’s GREEN, and Zac’s BLUE. The album, which is also, co-produced with Jim Scott and David Garza, amplifies the band’s unique trifecta of sound in a new way which is highlighted through the release of three singles, one featuring each brother. Starting with Taylor’s emotive rock anthem on “Child At Heart” (out today) followed by Isaac’s organic and heartwarming “Write You A Song” (March 11) and the rock-infused force on Zac’s “Don’t Let Me Down” (April 15), each song is a clue to the unique musical influences which make up the project.

“Going into our 30th year as a band we felt like it was imperative we continue to tell our story like only we can,” says Isaac Hanson, “and telling stories in ways that will continue to challenge us to grow and give people new reasons to listen. RED GREEN BLUE is about sharing what has made us a band that has been able to weather so many storms.”

“Our love and respect for Jim Scott has only grown since we first met 20 years ago,” says Taylor Hanson. “He has been behind some of our favorite albums, so it’s an absolute joy to have finally made a project together.”

“We have had a long friendship and deep connection with David Garza since our early days as a band,” says Zac Hanson. “We could not have had a better musical collaborator for this milestone project.”

HANSON
RED GREEN BLUE
(3CG Records)
Release Date: May 20, 2022

Tracklisting:
RED
1-Child At Heart
2-Rambling Heart
3-Truth
4-We Belong Together
5-Semi Hollow

GREEN
1-Greener Pastures
2-Write You A Song
3-No Matter The Reason
4-The Gift of Tears
5-Cold As Ice

BLUE
1-Bad
2-World Goes Around
3-Wake Up
4-Don’t Let Me Down
5-Where I Belong

HANSON will celebrate the new album on their upcoming RED GREEN BLUE World Tour, with more than 80 shows around the world set to get underway June 8 in Helsinki, Finland’s House of Culture; North American dates begin July 12 at Houston, TX’s House of Blues and continue mid-September. Latin American tour dates follow in September, with shows in Australia/New Zealand set for November. A new show in Switzerland has also been added to the schedule. HANSON’s first full-scale world tour in more than three years, the RED GREEN BLUE World Tour will feature the live premiere of 15 songs from RED GREEN BLUE along with the first-ever live performances of songs from 2020’s Against The World and career-spanning setlists of fan favorites. For complete details and remaining ticket availability, please visit hanson.net/calendar.

Officially founded in May 1992, HANSON will mark their momentous 30-year anniversary with HANSON Day 2022, an unforgettable weekend of exclusive streams and events set for May 12-14 in the band’s hometown of Tulsa, OK. Highlights will include a very special livestream concert event on May 13, direct from Tulsa’s famed Cain’s Ballroom; streaming tickets are available now exclusively via In.Live. For complete details and registration, please see hanson.net/hday2022.

HANSON
RED GREEN BLUE WORLD TOUR 2022

EUROPE

JUNE
8 – Helsinki, FINLAND – House of Culture
10 – Stockholm, SWEDEN – Berns
12 – Oslo, NORWAY – Vulkan Arena
13 – Goteborg, SWEDEN – Pustervik
14 – Kolding, DENMARK – Godset
16 – Hamburg, GERMANY – Mojo
17 – Koln, GERMANY – Gloria
18 – Munich GERMANY – Strom
20 – Milan, ITALY – Magazzini Generali
21 – Rubigen, SWITZERLAND – Mühle Hunziken **JUST ADDED**
22 – Paris, FRANCE – La Cigale
23 – Brussels, BELGIUM – Ancienne Belgique
24 – Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS – Melkweg
26 – Nottingham, UK – Rock City
28 – Glasgow, UK – SWG3 Galvanisers
29 – Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz
30 – London, UK – Roundhouse

JULY
2 – Bristol, UK – O2 Academy
3 – Leeds, UK – Stylus @ Leeds University Union

NORTH AMERICA

JULY
12 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
14 – New Orleans, LA – The Joy Theater
15 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
16 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
17 – St Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
19 – Birmingham, AL – Alabama Theater
20 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
22 – Richmond, VA – The National
23 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
24 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
26 – Pittsburgh, PA – Palace Theatre
28 – Albany NY – Empire Live
29 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
30 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
31 – New York, NY – The Beacon Theatre

AUGUST
2 – Montreal, QC – Corona Theatre
3 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
5 – Elizabeth, IN – Caesars Event Center
6 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre
7 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
9 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe Live
10 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
12 – St Louis, MO – The Pageant
13 – Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom
14 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
16 – Springfield, MO – Gillioz Theatre
18 – Council Bluffs, IA – Stir Cove at Harrah’s
19 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis
20 – Fargo, ND – Fargo Brewing Company Outdoors (SOLD OUT)
21 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theater
23 – Calgary, AB – The Palace Theatre
24 – Edmonton AB – Midway
26 – Vancouver, BC – The Vogue Theatre
27 – Seattle, WA – The Moore
28 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom
30 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
31 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues

SEPTEMBER
2 – Los Angeles, CA – Ace Theatre
3 – San Diego, CA – Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay
4 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
6 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl
7 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
9 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
10 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theatre
11 – Wichita, KS – Cotillion Ballroom
13 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
14 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

LATIN AMERICA

SEPTEMBER
25 – Mexico City, MEXICO – BlackBerry
27 – Guadalajara, MEXICO – Teatro Diana
28 – Leon, MEXICO – Foro del Lago
29 – Queretaro, MEXICO – Teatro Metropolitan

OCTOBER
1 – Monterrey, MEXICO – Pabellon M
4 – Santiago, CHILE – Teatro Coliseo
6 – Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA – Teatro Gran Rivadavia
8 – Montevideo, URUGUAY – La Trastienda
11 – Porto Alegre, BRAZIL – Teatro Bourbon Country
12 – Curitiba, BRAZIL – Live Curitiba
14 – Ribeirão Preto, BRAZIL – Arena Eurobike
15 – Sao Paulo, BRAZIL – Espaco Das Americas
16 – Uberlandia, BRAZIL – Arena Sabiazinho
19 – Brasilia, BRAZIL – Centro de Convencoes Ulyess Guimaraes
21 – Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL – Qualistage

AUSTRALIA

NOVEMBER

DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

Exclusive Premiere: Hanson’s “Child At Heart”

By | February 11, 2022
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American Songwriter 

Hanson is often hard at work.

The Tulsa, Oklahoma-born band has been making music now for just about three decades. The group, which achieved a No. 1 single in 1997 with the track, “MMMBop,” is comprised of three brothers—Isaac, Taylor, and Zac. And ever since their hit found the airwaves in the late ’90s, the brothers have been producing song after song, album after album.

And that trend continues today with the group’s latest single, “Child At Heart,” which American Songwriter is premiering today.

But the news from the band doesn’t stop there. Not only is the band set to hit the road this summer (tickets moving fast) on a swath of dates, but the brotherly group has a whole new concept album in the works.

Friday (February 11), the band has announced its newest LP (along with the single we’ve premiered), which is called, Red Blue Green. Three brothers, three colors.

Each of the members represents a different hue on the LP. Taylor is red, Isaac is blue and Zac is green. Comprised of 15 songs, each brother has five that they’ve completely written solo and co-produced with the legendary behind-the-scenes musical mind Jim Scott. Each brother is responsible for his part while Scott keeps everything cohesive. “Child at Heart” is written by Taylor and on March 11 the band will release Isaac’s “Write You A Song” and on April 15 they will share Zac’s “Don’t Let Me Down.”

“One of the great thrills of writing a song is the moment of initial conception, where the idea is born,” Taylor said of the new release. “This song was born on a day where I was pondering the many challenges of coming of age and growing up (I have kids from 19- to one-year-old). I was sitting with my youngest two children and felt an overwhelming sense of peace hearing my two-year-old son, Indiana, telling me all the things he hoped to do that day.

“The message is ultimately about staying hopeful and pure, in spite of the challenges life can bring, and as a songwriter, I love that you hear that message crystal clear from the very first word.”

So, now that you know its origins, enjoy the new song, upcoming LP, and tour (if you’re so inclined). And be on the lookout here at American Songwriter for more from the trio of Hanson. And, as always, enjoy the tunes, music fans.

 

Do you remember the Hansons? You are back (never gone)

By | February 10, 2022
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The Courier

Three blonde, beardless children appeared on television and sang a chorus that stuck in their minds. It was confusing but rhythmic. It was imperceptible, but a “mmmbop” was known to bounce somewhere. And it was this “mmmbop” that toured the world in 1995.

The topic had been picked up a year earlier by three children aged 10, 13 and 16. After some fine tuning in the studio, their first single from their debut album proved to be a complete success.

“MMMBop” is estimated to have sold over 10 million copies. It is certain to have reached number one top selling in more than twenty countries, including the coveted North American ranking. It quickly became one of the anthems of that year – and of the ’90s. A remarkable achievement for three young men who, more than two decades later, are a distant memory for most people.

And if you’ve remembered them at any point in the last 25 years, you’ll know they’re back with a new album and a tour that will span Europe in 2022 – although Portugal isn’t on the way.

Isaac, Taylor and Zac decided to celebrate Hanson’s 30th birthday with a world tour to present “Red Green Blue,” an album bringing together the solo works of all the brothers, who were born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and are now less beardless are. After all, Isaac is in his forties; Taylor, the teen favorite, is now 38; and the youngest Zac is also almost 40 at 36.

The first single is expected to be released on February 11th, the next two on March 11th and April 15th. The European tour starts on June 8th in Helsinki and ends on July 3rd in Leeds, UK, with stops in Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Munich, Oslo and Stockholm.

The three were born into an evangelical family in suburban Tulsa and have four younger siblings. Not only were they extremely religious, they were raised at home by their parents, but they fell in love with music. They began playing different instruments and recreating the sounds of rock legends from Chuck Berry to Little Richard. They debuted their own versions of these classics on small stages and at community parties.

“We were homeschooled and spent a lot of time reading poetry and listening to rock ‘n’ roll,” Isaac told The Guardian in 2018. “My father was an accountant, but he studied ballet at university and always dreamed of becoming a poet. They were very supportive. Let’s play the drums in the living room.” Many in the religious community to which they belonged did not understand this dangerous deviation from the norm. “A lot of people in the church said, ‘Why are you going to start a band? That is very dangerous.’”

Gradually they began to raise money to finance concerts and the recording of songs. They dreamed of releasing their record. They managed to record a first demo, “Boomerang”, in 1994, and that’s also when they started writing a specific theme – they were actually the three of them who wrote the lyrics and composed the melodies, unlike many pop artists currently. .

“MMMBop only started out as a background theme. We did an independent album called Boomerang and we were working on another song and looking for something to keep in the background. And that plan eventually became the chorus of MMMBop,” Taylor said of her biggest (and only) success.

In this photo there are already forty

The Hanson brothers found themselves in a cycle of concerts on humble stages. They tried desperately to get caught by a major publisher, but their attempts were repeatedly rejected. More than a dozen publishers said no, mostly because of the decidedly pop look and sound. It was a much softer side than the one that dominated sales, the grunge era.

It was thanks to producer Steve Greenberg that they finally got the support of a publisher – he launched other names like The Jonas Brothers or Joss Stone. “No one does that,” he told The Guardian, as soon as he heard the brothers’ first songs. “I saw her at a trade show in Kansas, in the middle of nowhere, and we signed immediately.”

At this point Hanson already had her second independent album “MMMBop” in hand, which contained the original version of the song of the same name. From him Greenberg went from success.

Eventually he reached out to the producers of Odelay, Beck’s then-new album. The Dust Brothers accepted, but the recording didn’t do well. “They got fed up after two days in the studio, but adjusting the drums, bass and a few guitars was enough.” The patchwork began to form, although another difficulty arose – and the only solution was to cheat. “While we were recording, Taylor’s voice kept breaking [devido à puberdade]. I could hardly do the MMMBop in the original top, which I wanted to keep because it sounded so good,” he recalls.

“We have tried everything. We brought in a voice coach to try and catch Taylor on a good day, just pick up a line and try again another day. There was a particular high note in the second verse that he would obviously never find again. So we had to cheat, we slowed it down so he could sing it, and then we speeded it up again.” “The band never got to sing the original version live again.”

“MMMBop” was another topic. Faster and happier than the original version. The music was on point, but one detail was still missing: retouching the boys’ image. Greenberg felt that the brothers “needed a more urban and risqué style”. “They came from Oklahoma and had their own style, which was a bit suburban. We had to hit the needle, further away from Gap and further to Urban Outfitters. There was initial resistance, but then they felt better and bolder.”

“Middle of Nowhere” was released in the spring of 1997 and toured every must-visit nation in the country, from radio stations to late-night shows. As MMMBop gained traction, invites multiplied.

Puberty began to affect each of the brothers, forcing them to restate the themes sung live. “When we toured in 1997 and 1998, my voice was a challenge. We had to change the hues,” explains Taylor. “There was a psychological effect of deciding that something had to change and I couldn’t continue singing the song like that. But it all happened so quickly. I was 13 when we recorded the album, 14 and 15 when we promoted it…”

In the following years we tried to build on the success of “Middle of Nowhere”. Vain. They released Christmas albums, compilations of other songs, and even an album recorded live. They managed to hold onto a small niche of self-obsessed fans, but were never able to repeat the runaway success of the first record. Not even the second original record released in 2000 could move the needle. But that didn’t stop her either.

From 2000 to date, Hanson have released six more original albums and a new Christmas album. They continue touring in the United States, home to the fans who resisted since the late 90’s, and Europe and the rest of the world would end up being left behind, just like “MMMBop”.

In 2003, however, they founded their own publishing company, which gave them more creative freedom. After all, there were many millions earned from Middle of Nowhere to spend. Far removed from the image of beardless kids with long blond hair, the three brothers are now business and family fathers. Isaac is the father of three children. Zac has five and Taylor is the record holder with seven children. In addition to publishing, the brothers launched a beer called Hanson Brothers Beer in 2013.

However, the seemingly untouchable image recently gave way when Zac was embroiled in a controversy revealed by Vice. In an article published in 2020, the magazine revealed that there was an uproar among fanatical Hanson fans: they were angry at the recent opinions of their idols, advocates of gun use and ownership and critics of anti-pandemic measures.

The anger began with the death of George Floyd, committed by a police officer, sparking riots and tributes across the country. While thousands of other artists publicly expressed their support, the brothers remained silent. Why? For many fans, silence was a sign of indifference — and that couldn’t happen. Only after an avalanche of criticism did the Hansons decide to react publicly. “Racism is wrong,” explained Isaac.

The ever-obsessed fans soon crossed paths with younger brother Zac’s Pinterest profile. It was full of pro-gun propaganda images, many with racist, transphobic, homophobic, and misogynistic phrases.

Zac would eventually assume the account was his. “It’s a joke,” he justified himself while removing dozens of comments and blocking critics on his social networks. “The Pinterest page presented a distorted view of race and social justice issues that did not reflect my personal beliefs at all. I apologize to those who felt hurt by my actions,” Zac said again.

Isaac, the eldest, would also be in the sights of fans, who were already criticizing the band for continuing to tour even with the progress of a pandemic that was killing and killing thousands across the United States. In November 2020, with a looming new holiday vacancy looming, the band member took to social media to complain about government measures, which he said wanted to cancel Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

“I will not follow.” And once again he had to back down in the face of criticism: “It was just an emotional reaction to a recent personal experience. I apologize for the pain and concern my post has caused. I don’t think there is a group conspiring against Christmas.”

 

Crowd Source: Lyrics: Magic Man

By | February 9, 2022
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We are struggling to piece together the lyrics of the new song Zac sang at BTTI, “Magic Man”  here’s our best attempt – if you have any ideas please leave a comment:

Pink moon rising right over my head and fire escape
You seem so sad though, back into the dark of heaven’s gate
Ooh I want to be, where you have been, behind the sunset
Ooh and I hear you calling, not afraid to ride, fall back

Sun must go and autumn is all around in her crown
And you see me asking why, but all of the answers, no reply
Black eyed dog pulling me home again back to my bed
ooh magic man
floating away, again
singing a life long song my friend

Notes: Pink Moon and Black Eyed Dog are songs by Nick Drake

Kate Beckinsale shares at-home dance video which ends in mishap

By | February 7, 2022
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Hello Magazine

Kate Beckinsale knows how to make the best of some down time, often taking the opportunity to loosen up and have fun with her friends and pets.

In a new video she shared, she did more of just that, revealing that she and her friend Jarret were at home playing with bubble guns.

The two unleashed a huge amount of bubbles as they started dancing to Hanson’s Mmmbop, and she tempted slippery fate by even wearing sky-high combat boots.

One part of the video that many fans noticed was her cat Clive sitting on the kitchen counter in front of them, unamused in a bonnet and Fendi sweater.

However, she revealed that all didn’t end well, as in another clip, Jarret walked up to the camera and took a tumble because of how slippery the bubbles had made the floor.

Kate could be heard in the background laughing up a storm, and poked fun at him by writing in her caption: “Janet tries to have fun but is immediately punished by baby Jesus because in an mmmbop it literally is gone. (SWIPE) #hanson”

Kate and Jarret’s party with bubbles ended in a slippery accident

FAMOUS SONGS THAT ARE TURNING 25 IN 2022

By | February 7, 2022
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Grunge

As hard as it might be to believe, the year 1997 was an entire quarter-century ago. In many ways, it was not all that memorable of a year, but that’s hardly a sleight: the Cold War was over, the 9/11 attacks and subsequent War on Terror were years in the future, there was no global pandemic, inflation was low and employment was strong. In other words, little news in general meant a lack of bad news.

In terms of culture, 1997 had its hits and misses. A few hugely successful movies came out, such as “GATTACA,” “The Fifth Element,” and of course “Titanic.” (It was also the year of “Gone Fishin’,” but what can you do?) Books like “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Guns, Germs, and Steel,” “Cold Mountain,” and “Into Thin Air” flew off shelves. And according to Classic TV Database, “Seinfeld” was the biggest hit on TV.

In the music world, 1997 showcased just how varied American taste in music can be. From pop songs to rap music to rock to swing, many of the songs that topped the charts in 1997 were so different from one another that all they have in common was the release year. Some of the biggest hit songs from 25 years ago hold up well today, and may even still have been hits had they come out recently. Others were definitely a product of their time. But for those of us who were tuning in back then, they still strike a chord.

MMMBOP BY HANSON
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Hanson’s “MmmBop” is one of those so-called “earworms” that you may love getting stuck in your head … or you may prefer to get a migraine. Long story short, according to National Post, people tended to have a love or hate relationship with this huge hit from 1997. It was a chart-topper that year, according to Billboard.

As far as the band members, brothers Zac, Taylor, and Isaac Hanson are concerned, if more people understood what the song was even about, perhaps many more would fall into the love category — according to the brothers, “MmmBop” is one of the most misunderstood songs of all time. While poppy and catchy and all, it is about rejection (more as in rejection by the public of an artist, not as in romance), about the fleeting transience of life, and about the difficulty of staying on your own course. Which is pretty heavy coming from kids who were 14, 12, and 10 when they created it. But look closely at the lyrics, and it’s all right there: “You have so many relationships in this life | Only one or two will last | You go through all the pain and strife | Then you turn your back and they’re gone so fast.”

And as a sidebar, one version of the song’s music video uploaded to YouTube is approaching 119 million views at the time of this writing.