1 fanmix: "You Know I Could Use Somebody (someone like you)" // John/Teagan
Title: You Know That I Could Use Somebody (someone like you)
Fandom / Universe: Harry Potter / AU (
for_the_greater_good)
Subject: John Dekker/Teagan Van Buren
Background: I play in the rpg For the Greater Good (
for_the_greater_good). I play the OC Teagan Van Buren (
amillionsubtleties) while a brilliant friend of mine and talented writer plays the OC John Dekker (
selfappointedsavior). This is a fanmix for their CR that is been on-going for over a year in the game that I love.
Track List
"Use Somebody" / Kings Of Leon [video | lyrics ]
"You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you
And all you know and how you speak...
I hope it's gonna make you notice
Someone like me..."
Note: The title of the track may be misleading, but the lyrics are not. Some of the words can lead directly to a conversion of needing each other (of being able to "use somebody" like each other in their lives). It's tied as my favorite song for them currently. I feel the song is rather self-explanatory if you knew the relationship (re: if you write it like I do).
"Stigmatized" / The Calling [video | lyrics ]
"Tease me by holding out your hand
Then leave me or take me as I am
And live our lives, stigmatized
We live our lives on different sides
But we keep together you and I
Just live our lives, stigmatized..."
Note: For one thing, John is stigmatized by nearly everyone for who he is. Even his so-called friend (not Teagan) stigmatizes him and acts like she's doing him a favor by associating with him (it's inaccurate in all sense, but this person can't admit that). Both are willing to take the stigma of being with each other, of association with each other and who they are. This does not simply refer to Teagan deciding she doesn't care with John, but John with her. Teagan is not perfect herself. While she has no obvious label as he does, she still has the stigma of her past and her choices. The lines "I believe in you even if no one understands / I believe in you, and I don't really give a damn" is definitely how Teagan thinks when she considers how John has been and is treated for what he is. This is tied as my favorite song for them right now.
"Monster" / Kris Allen [video | lyrics ]
"Did I ever think to tell you that I am a monster?
You have never seen this side of me
Maybe I should wear a warning that says that there's danger
If you ever get too close to me
I've been telling you to run away
But you say you're not scared
But when I break your heart some day
Girl you need to be prepared..."
Note: The obvious illusion to the moon/night is the main reason this song is on the fanmix. There is also a clear connection between a "different side" and saying one of them should be considered dangerous enough the other one should be afraid from the very beginning of the relationship. Some of the lyrics can nearly be quotes for earlier conversations as they got to know each other.
"Head Over Feet" / Alanis Morissette [video | lyrics ]
"You treat me like I'm a princess
I'm not used to liking that
You ask how my day was
You've already won me over in spite of me
And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet..."
Note: I could not resist a "princess" reference and I regret nothing. There is also a reference to being a best friend and a best friend with benefits. Once again, I regret nothing. It's more of the rather superficial, silly, straightforward love song that reminds of me of them since they both like complicated too much to be straightforward most of the time.
"Accidentally In Love" / Counting Crows [video | lyrics ]
"Well baby I surrender
To the strawberry ice cream
Never ever end of all this love
Well I didn't mean to do it
But there's no escaping your love..."
Note: "I surrender to the strawberry ice cream"? How could I resist? And yes, they are accidentally in love. Just ask them, they'd confirm how it wasn't supposed to happen except not to each other because that would be far too easy. And there's bonus points for the use of "baby" as a pet name in the song. I think it was actually chocolate ice cream that was featured in the scene, not strawberry.
"She Is" / The Fray [video | lyrics ]
"This is going to bring me close to you
She is everything I need that I never knew I wanted
She is everything I want that I never knew I needed
It's all up in the air and we stand still to see what comes down
I don't know where it is, I don't know when, but I want you around..."
Note: The chorus to this song can be directly linked to a conversation, but the whole song is very fitting. If only there was a part of the other person being denial over it as well.
"Push" / Matchbox Twenty [video | lyrics ]
"She said I don't know if I've ever been good enough
I'm a little bit rusty, and I think my head is caving in
And I don't know if I've ever been really loved
By a hand that's touched me
And I feel like something's gonna give..."
Note: This can be a song that is seen as a very dysfunctional relationship, but it's the nature of the beast. Not everything is perfect and no one is perfect. They take each other "for granted" and they know it. Despite all their issues, they need each other around, but they don't owe each other anything. In their case, which not exactly the song's, they do it both in a give-and-take dynamic and are more than willing to each other's face when it's "a bit dirty as well".
"Iris" / Goo Goo Dolls [video | lyrics ]
"And I don't want the world to see me
Cuz I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am..."
Note: The lyrics quoted directly goes straight to a very special and unusual part of their relationship. She goes over to his place to "comfort him" and "take care of him" on nights he's weakest and has been said to more or less hide away. He allows her to see him when he doesn't "want the world to see" him. The rest of the song is a very touching depiction, to me, of wanting someone there for you at all cost and to truly know who you are despite how "broken" you might be. The quoted song lyrics can also relate to a recent plot from her prospective.
"Invincible" / Crossfade [video | lyrics ]
"I can't be held responsible
This is all so new to me
Just when I think I'm invincible
You come and happen to me
I memorized all the words for you
If you only knew
How much that's just not like me ..."
Note: Before they met, both had a lot of guards up in their own personal ways. They tried to make themselves "invincible" but they broke down the defenses (accidentally) with well-placed sincerity, kindness, and acceptance. Despite everything else (and certainly other people), they are the last people to judge each other and the first people to make the other do something that is "just not like" them. The bridge of the song (sung once, not quoted above) is very fitting to the change they have made in each other's lives ("I've finally had enough of this wreck of a lifetime / I never thought I'd survive it / Now I'm taking back / All I gave up for that / Leave my pain behind / Wash these stains from my life").
"Traffic Light" / Daughtry [video | lyrics ]
"In a minute of my time did I get your name?
Well you say, that I haven't been asked that in years
Now I think, the traffic light that stood in the way
So that I can hear what you had to say
I'm half way through your story
Cant help thinking that you're just like me ..."
Note: Quoted lyrics by related to the first meeting when Teagan helped John with no regard for him being a stranger who is rambling of what he is. Yes, she thought he was a bit crazy (and sick with the vomiting). However, the whole song including the quoted part may refer to the guard he has up until she takes them down, hearing "his story" and realizing that despite the differences (and there are many) they are like each other. They understood/understand each other and are willing to take the time to get to know each other rather than giving into the urge of thinking the other doesn't want them around (again and again and one third party encouraging this thought process).
"Long Shot" / Kelly Clarkson [video | lyrics ]
"It's a long shot and I say why not
If I say forget it I know that I'll regret it
It's a long shot just to beat these odds
The chance is we won't make it
but I know if I don't take it there's no chance
'Cause you're the best I got..."
Note: Ask anyone who knows them, not even both of them but just one, and the whole idea of a relationship, of love, of being together is a long shot. They are different from each other with very different lives. But there's something that they can't deny - "the best I got" - for the chance to be worth it. As unintentional as their friendship and then later feelings for each other were, they're now there. They didn't expect each other or for anything to happen and they are scared especially as everyone - including each other and themselves - keep throwing up roadblocks. (I think there's only one person who knows nearly everything that is their actual fan in game rooting for them. The other person rooting for them in game doesn't know a vital piece of information that may sway her opinion in the opposite way.)
*Helped Chosen With The Assistance of My Awesome Friend and Player of John* (close second, but they still get credit)
"How" / Maroon 5 [video | lyrics ]
"I'm asking for your help
I am going through hell
Afraid nothing can save me but the sound of your voice
You cut out all the noise
And now that I can see mistakes so clearly now
I'd kill if I could take you back..."
Note: While not quoted above the lines "And I never thought about you much / Til I'm broken down and all alone" and "Took it for granted when you lifted me up" can definitely refer to each other's absence during "the deal" (we have "the deal" and "the bet". We need more.). The song in general relates to the way they are in a strange state of denial and acceptance over what they feel. The lyrics point toward someone regretting a breakup and wanting the person back, but in this case, it's referring to just wanting each other as more than friends while the other seems resistant to the idea and wanting to understand "the meaning of love" when they can't reconcile it in their own minds.
*Helped Chosen With The Assistance of My Awesome Friend and Player of John*
"First Time" / Lifehouse [video | lyrics ]
"We're both looking for something
We've been afraid to find
It's easier to be broken
It's easier to hide
Looking at you,holding my breath,
For once in my life, I'm scared to death,
I'm taking a chance, letting you inside...."
Note: Bluntly, it's really the first time either let someone "inside". It's the first time they're actually in love in a way that has changed them and matters. It's the first time for them. It makes them feel alive and happy, but they are scared of the feelings at the same time. Relating to them, it's both a very direct love song, but also has enough of an undercurrent of something new and giving up what is easy and known to dive into something that could be better.
*Helped Chosen With The Assistance of My Awesome Friend and Player of John*
"Dangerous Connection" / O.A.R. [video | lyrics ]
"And you want for answers
And I can’t reply
Take my advances
Is my way to try
You again, yeah
I turn away
All it does is turn you on
All it does is turn me on..."
Note: The part of this song refers to both the distrust, confusion, and surprise that is very them. Over and over, they deny feeling anything more than friendship and lust. They took a night for themselves and both are paying the consequences for the dangerous connection. This song is a very good theme song for their one night together, asking daylight not to ask questions and the night being all for them. Despite it all, also, they keep trying to "try" each other "again". The way they gravitate towards each other is dangerous for them or so they think.
*Helped Chosen With The Assistance of My Awesome Friend and Player of John*
"When You Were Young" / The Killers [video | lyrics ]
"But he talks like a gentleman
Like you imagined
When you were young
When you were young
I said he doesn't look a thing like Jesus
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But more than you'll ever know "..."
Note: This song was mainstream, but I still apologize for any references to religious figures that may be offensive. It is not my intention to offend.
The main thing about this ship is that they seem each other as imperfect. They may care deeply for each other and see the beauty and value in both the perfections and imperfections the other possesses, but they do acknowledge each other's imperfection as human quite readily. This is a very Teagan-based song with how she knows he is not perfect, but also realizes that he's who she both wants and needs in her life. For all his faults, she wouldn't change him. To her, he's "perfect" or at least perfect for her.
Honorary Mentions
"Beautiful Disaster" / Kelly Clarkson [video | lyrics ]
"He's magic and myth
As strong as what I believe
A tragedy with
More damage than a soul should see..."
Note: Very Teagan-orientated song since it can be said she certainly views John in nearly all ways described in the song. And in the same sentiment expressed in the song, she feels that he's more than worth it to hold onto and hang on with. On the same note, Teagan has no idea what John is really doing with her as he is. She can't just walk away, but she's still confused on if the outcome will be a good or bad one (some may say that John views Teagan's association with him in the same context). The "magic and myth" certain relates to both their statuses in the world and what (re: not who) they are in association to the world and each other while "a tragedy with more damage than a soul should see" can reference when he was bitten and the way he was ostracized and had to learn to do things on his own quite suddenly.
Why didn't it make the cut? This was the first choice of my lovely and amazing friend who plays John when I asked for opinions on Kelly Clarkson songs (giving her a few choices), but it's very Teagan-related and also I liked the slightly different sentiment that "Long Shot" related to the relationship and the fact that a few other songs (especially "When You Were Young") could help relate the same message and meaning behind this song. It's one of my favorite songs for it's simple yet potent imagery.
"Life After You" / Daughtry [ video | lyrics ]
"All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
As long as I'm laughing with you
I'm thinkin' that all that still matters is love ever after
After the life we've been through
'Cause I know there's no life after you..."
Note: The two find simple things as meaningful like just talking to each other, laughing with each other, holding/being with each other, ect. They find the simple things (such as laughter) as meaningful and purposeful. They don't need any greater purpose to be with each other but that for them to want to be together, love each other, and to find happiness and laughter together. Lines could be related to their reconciliation after "the deal" had been broken ("You and I, right or wrong, there's no other one / After this time I spent alone / It's hard to believe that a man with sight could be so blind/ Thinkin' 'bout the better times, must've been outta my mind").
Why didn't it make the cut? For one thing, I had another Daughtry song I liked a lot. This was the first choice, once again, of my friend and player of John, but it has association in my mind to other rpg-related things (as well as personal). I felt that "Traffic Light" expressed a different level in the relationship that "Life After You" did that was also represented in other songs in indirect ways. As much as I love this song and do feel it relates to John/Teagan, I felt it was best to go the other direction.
"Marchin' On" / OneRepublic [video | lyrics ]
"We'll have the bonds that we save,
But we'll have the heart not to lose it.
For all of the times we've stopped,
For all of the things I'm not.
We put one foot in front of the other,
We move like we ain't got no other..."
Note: This song has this understated and amazing way of describing how no matter the problems, the only thing a strong person can do is just move on and keep going - marching on, if you will. No matter how many fights and trouble they have, they would never give up. It paints a beautiful picture of the battle that is life and just holding on when it even hurts or is hard. It can be directed to people in general solo, friendships, romantic relationships and families. Really anything that causes someone to stand up and just keep going no matter how hard something is. In this case, the relationship is not always easy and they do stumble into obstacles and just have to keep marching on - together.
Why didn't it make the cut? One main reason that it wasn't chosen was that I remember someone once saying it was a theme song to "all the ships in the game" and I wanted to be less obvious (not that it's always going to keep me from being obvious in future fanmixes). I also view this song as something more generic about staying strong and just keep moving until things get better in a personal sense. It's not entirely romantic for me (and in fact relates personally in my life to non-romantic things) and it felt a bit wrong to throw in on a fanmix officially for a ship. This song is beautiful and has become a classic to me in the way it accurately, prettily, articulately describes the turbulence that can be found in relationships and life and the strength it takes to just overcome it and keep moving when you know it's worth it in the end. It's perfect for John/Teagan, but it's also perfect for them as individual characters.
Fandom / Universe: Harry Potter / AU (
for_the_greater_good)
Subject: John Dekker/Teagan Van Buren
Background: I play in the rpg For the Greater Good (
for_the_greater_good). I play the OC Teagan Van Buren (
amillionsubtleties) while a brilliant friend of mine and talented writer plays the OC John Dekker (
selfappointedsavior). This is a fanmix for their CR that is been on-going for over a year in the game that I love.
Track List
"Use Somebody" / Kings Of Leon [video | lyrics ]
"You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you
And all you know and how you speak...
I hope it's gonna make you notice
Someone like me..."
Note: The title of the track may be misleading, but the lyrics are not. Some of the words can lead directly to a conversion of needing each other (of being able to "use somebody" like each other in their lives). It's tied as my favorite song for them currently. I feel the song is rather self-explanatory if you knew the relationship (re: if you write it like I do).
"Stigmatized" / The Calling [video | lyrics ]
"Tease me by holding out your hand
Then leave me or take me as I am
And live our lives, stigmatized
We live our lives on different sides
But we keep together you and I
Just live our lives, stigmatized..."
Note: For one thing, John is stigmatized by nearly everyone for who he is. Even his so-called friend (not Teagan) stigmatizes him and acts like she's doing him a favor by associating with him (it's inaccurate in all sense, but this person can't admit that). Both are willing to take the stigma of being with each other, of association with each other and who they are. This does not simply refer to Teagan deciding she doesn't care with John, but John with her. Teagan is not perfect herself. While she has no obvious label as he does, she still has the stigma of her past and her choices. The lines "I believe in you even if no one understands / I believe in you, and I don't really give a damn" is definitely how Teagan thinks when she considers how John has been and is treated for what he is. This is tied as my favorite song for them right now.
"Monster" / Kris Allen [video | lyrics ]
"Did I ever think to tell you that I am a monster?
You have never seen this side of me
Maybe I should wear a warning that says that there's danger
If you ever get too close to me
I've been telling you to run away
But you say you're not scared
But when I break your heart some day
Girl you need to be prepared..."
Note: The obvious illusion to the moon/night is the main reason this song is on the fanmix. There is also a clear connection between a "different side" and saying one of them should be considered dangerous enough the other one should be afraid from the very beginning of the relationship. Some of the lyrics can nearly be quotes for earlier conversations as they got to know each other.
"Head Over Feet" / Alanis Morissette [video | lyrics ]
"You treat me like I'm a princess
I'm not used to liking that
You ask how my day was
You've already won me over in spite of me
And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet..."
Note: I could not resist a "princess" reference and I regret nothing. There is also a reference to being a best friend and a best friend with benefits. Once again, I regret nothing. It's more of the rather superficial, silly, straightforward love song that reminds of me of them since they both like complicated too much to be straightforward most of the time.
"Accidentally In Love" / Counting Crows [video | lyrics ]
"Well baby I surrender
To the strawberry ice cream
Never ever end of all this love
Well I didn't mean to do it
But there's no escaping your love..."
Note: "I surrender to the strawberry ice cream"? How could I resist? And yes, they are accidentally in love. Just ask them, they'd confirm how it wasn't supposed to happen except not to each other because that would be far too easy. And there's bonus points for the use of "baby" as a pet name in the song. I think it was actually chocolate ice cream that was featured in the scene, not strawberry.
"She Is" / The Fray [video | lyrics ]
"This is going to bring me close to you
She is everything I need that I never knew I wanted
She is everything I want that I never knew I needed
It's all up in the air and we stand still to see what comes down
I don't know where it is, I don't know when, but I want you around..."
Note: The chorus to this song can be directly linked to a conversation, but the whole song is very fitting. If only there was a part of the other person being denial over it as well.
"Push" / Matchbox Twenty [video | lyrics ]
"She said I don't know if I've ever been good enough
I'm a little bit rusty, and I think my head is caving in
And I don't know if I've ever been really loved
By a hand that's touched me
And I feel like something's gonna give..."
Note: This can be a song that is seen as a very dysfunctional relationship, but it's the nature of the beast. Not everything is perfect and no one is perfect. They take each other "for granted" and they know it. Despite all their issues, they need each other around, but they don't owe each other anything. In their case, which not exactly the song's, they do it both in a give-and-take dynamic and are more than willing to each other's face when it's "a bit dirty as well".
"Iris" / Goo Goo Dolls [video | lyrics ]
"And I don't want the world to see me
Cuz I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am..."
Note: The lyrics quoted directly goes straight to a very special and unusual part of their relationship. She goes over to his place to "comfort him" and "take care of him" on nights he's weakest and has been said to more or less hide away. He allows her to see him when he doesn't "want the world to see" him. The rest of the song is a very touching depiction, to me, of wanting someone there for you at all cost and to truly know who you are despite how "broken" you might be. The quoted song lyrics can also relate to a recent plot from her prospective.
"Invincible" / Crossfade [video | lyrics ]
"I can't be held responsible
This is all so new to me
Just when I think I'm invincible
You come and happen to me
I memorized all the words for you
If you only knew
How much that's just not like me ..."
Note: Before they met, both had a lot of guards up in their own personal ways. They tried to make themselves "invincible" but they broke down the defenses (accidentally) with well-placed sincerity, kindness, and acceptance. Despite everything else (and certainly other people), they are the last people to judge each other and the first people to make the other do something that is "just not like" them. The bridge of the song (sung once, not quoted above) is very fitting to the change they have made in each other's lives ("I've finally had enough of this wreck of a lifetime / I never thought I'd survive it / Now I'm taking back / All I gave up for that / Leave my pain behind / Wash these stains from my life").
"Traffic Light" / Daughtry [video | lyrics ]
"In a minute of my time did I get your name?
Well you say, that I haven't been asked that in years
Now I think, the traffic light that stood in the way
So that I can hear what you had to say
I'm half way through your story
Cant help thinking that you're just like me ..."
Note: Quoted lyrics by related to the first meeting when Teagan helped John with no regard for him being a stranger who is rambling of what he is. Yes, she thought he was a bit crazy (and sick with the vomiting). However, the whole song including the quoted part may refer to the guard he has up until she takes them down, hearing "his story" and realizing that despite the differences (and there are many) they are like each other. They understood/understand each other and are willing to take the time to get to know each other rather than giving into the urge of thinking the other doesn't want them around (again and again and one third party encouraging this thought process).
"Long Shot" / Kelly Clarkson [video | lyrics ]
"It's a long shot and I say why not
If I say forget it I know that I'll regret it
It's a long shot just to beat these odds
The chance is we won't make it
but I know if I don't take it there's no chance
'Cause you're the best I got..."
Note: Ask anyone who knows them, not even both of them but just one, and the whole idea of a relationship, of love, of being together is a long shot. They are different from each other with very different lives. But there's something that they can't deny - "the best I got" - for the chance to be worth it. As unintentional as their friendship and then later feelings for each other were, they're now there. They didn't expect each other or for anything to happen and they are scared especially as everyone - including each other and themselves - keep throwing up roadblocks. (I think there's only one person who knows nearly everything that is their actual fan in game rooting for them. The other person rooting for them in game doesn't know a vital piece of information that may sway her opinion in the opposite way.)
*Helped Chosen With The Assistance of My Awesome Friend and Player of John* (close second, but they still get credit)
"How" / Maroon 5 [video | lyrics ]
"I'm asking for your help
I am going through hell
Afraid nothing can save me but the sound of your voice
You cut out all the noise
And now that I can see mistakes so clearly now
I'd kill if I could take you back..."
Note: While not quoted above the lines "And I never thought about you much / Til I'm broken down and all alone" and "Took it for granted when you lifted me up" can definitely refer to each other's absence during "the deal" (we have "the deal" and "the bet". We need more.). The song in general relates to the way they are in a strange state of denial and acceptance over what they feel. The lyrics point toward someone regretting a breakup and wanting the person back, but in this case, it's referring to just wanting each other as more than friends while the other seems resistant to the idea and wanting to understand "the meaning of love" when they can't reconcile it in their own minds.
*Helped Chosen With The Assistance of My Awesome Friend and Player of John*
"First Time" / Lifehouse [video | lyrics ]
"We're both looking for something
We've been afraid to find
It's easier to be broken
It's easier to hide
Looking at you,holding my breath,
For once in my life, I'm scared to death,
I'm taking a chance, letting you inside...."
Note: Bluntly, it's really the first time either let someone "inside". It's the first time they're actually in love in a way that has changed them and matters. It's the first time for them. It makes them feel alive and happy, but they are scared of the feelings at the same time. Relating to them, it's both a very direct love song, but also has enough of an undercurrent of something new and giving up what is easy and known to dive into something that could be better.
*Helped Chosen With The Assistance of My Awesome Friend and Player of John*
"Dangerous Connection" / O.A.R. [video | lyrics ]
"And you want for answers
And I can’t reply
Take my advances
Is my way to try
You again, yeah
I turn away
All it does is turn you on
All it does is turn me on..."
Note: The part of this song refers to both the distrust, confusion, and surprise that is very them. Over and over, they deny feeling anything more than friendship and lust. They took a night for themselves and both are paying the consequences for the dangerous connection. This song is a very good theme song for their one night together, asking daylight not to ask questions and the night being all for them. Despite it all, also, they keep trying to "try" each other "again". The way they gravitate towards each other is dangerous for them or so they think.
*Helped Chosen With The Assistance of My Awesome Friend and Player of John*
"When You Were Young" / The Killers [video | lyrics ]
"But he talks like a gentleman
Like you imagined
When you were young
When you were young
I said he doesn't look a thing like Jesus
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But more than you'll ever know "..."
Note: This song was mainstream, but I still apologize for any references to religious figures that may be offensive. It is not my intention to offend.
The main thing about this ship is that they seem each other as imperfect. They may care deeply for each other and see the beauty and value in both the perfections and imperfections the other possesses, but they do acknowledge each other's imperfection as human quite readily. This is a very Teagan-based song with how she knows he is not perfect, but also realizes that he's who she both wants and needs in her life. For all his faults, she wouldn't change him. To her, he's "perfect" or at least perfect for her.
Honorary Mentions
"Beautiful Disaster" / Kelly Clarkson [video | lyrics ]
"He's magic and myth
As strong as what I believe
A tragedy with
More damage than a soul should see..."
Note: Very Teagan-orientated song since it can be said she certainly views John in nearly all ways described in the song. And in the same sentiment expressed in the song, she feels that he's more than worth it to hold onto and hang on with. On the same note, Teagan has no idea what John is really doing with her as he is. She can't just walk away, but she's still confused on if the outcome will be a good or bad one (some may say that John views Teagan's association with him in the same context). The "magic and myth" certain relates to both their statuses in the world and what (re: not who) they are in association to the world and each other while "a tragedy with more damage than a soul should see" can reference when he was bitten and the way he was ostracized and had to learn to do things on his own quite suddenly.
Why didn't it make the cut? This was the first choice of my lovely and amazing friend who plays John when I asked for opinions on Kelly Clarkson songs (giving her a few choices), but it's very Teagan-related and also I liked the slightly different sentiment that "Long Shot" related to the relationship and the fact that a few other songs (especially "When You Were Young") could help relate the same message and meaning behind this song. It's one of my favorite songs for it's simple yet potent imagery.
"Life After You" / Daughtry [ video | lyrics ]
"All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
As long as I'm laughing with you
I'm thinkin' that all that still matters is love ever after
After the life we've been through
'Cause I know there's no life after you..."
Note: The two find simple things as meaningful like just talking to each other, laughing with each other, holding/being with each other, ect. They find the simple things (such as laughter) as meaningful and purposeful. They don't need any greater purpose to be with each other but that for them to want to be together, love each other, and to find happiness and laughter together. Lines could be related to their reconciliation after "the deal" had been broken ("You and I, right or wrong, there's no other one / After this time I spent alone / It's hard to believe that a man with sight could be so blind/ Thinkin' 'bout the better times, must've been outta my mind").
Why didn't it make the cut? For one thing, I had another Daughtry song I liked a lot. This was the first choice, once again, of my friend and player of John, but it has association in my mind to other rpg-related things (as well as personal). I felt that "Traffic Light" expressed a different level in the relationship that "Life After You" did that was also represented in other songs in indirect ways. As much as I love this song and do feel it relates to John/Teagan, I felt it was best to go the other direction.
"Marchin' On" / OneRepublic [video | lyrics ]
"We'll have the bonds that we save,
But we'll have the heart not to lose it.
For all of the times we've stopped,
For all of the things I'm not.
We put one foot in front of the other,
We move like we ain't got no other..."
Note: This song has this understated and amazing way of describing how no matter the problems, the only thing a strong person can do is just move on and keep going - marching on, if you will. No matter how many fights and trouble they have, they would never give up. It paints a beautiful picture of the battle that is life and just holding on when it even hurts or is hard. It can be directed to people in general solo, friendships, romantic relationships and families. Really anything that causes someone to stand up and just keep going no matter how hard something is. In this case, the relationship is not always easy and they do stumble into obstacles and just have to keep marching on - together.
Why didn't it make the cut? One main reason that it wasn't chosen was that I remember someone once saying it was a theme song to "all the ships in the game" and I wanted to be less obvious (not that it's always going to keep me from being obvious in future fanmixes). I also view this song as something more generic about staying strong and just keep moving until things get better in a personal sense. It's not entirely romantic for me (and in fact relates personally in my life to non-romantic things) and it felt a bit wrong to throw in on a fanmix officially for a ship. This song is beautiful and has become a classic to me in the way it accurately, prettily, articulately describes the turbulence that can be found in relationships and life and the strength it takes to just overcome it and keep moving when you know it's worth it in the end. It's perfect for John/Teagan, but it's also perfect for them as individual characters.