“Nightmares and mistakes / Swim around this bed that I made / Know the past doesn’t change / But we’re pushing past today.” Life can get incredibly dark sometimes, something that soulful pop singer/songwriter Alex Aiono clearly highlights on “Good Morning.” You can get bogged down in negativity and let the tribulations be your undoing. Even when it seems like the last straw, Alex suggests that we atone by ‘getting up’ – appreciating the good in our lives and having the faith and resolve to tackle any pesky obstacles. We shouldn’t will ourselves to die due to adversity, but instead, push forward!
There’s plenty that’s bugging Alex on this gospel-tinged opener from The Gospel at 23. He commences with the fact that “Last night was shit / My phone was dark / The world’s a mess…”
It doesn’t stop there, as he receives a “Phone call from mom / Dad lost his job / Text from my ex / She’s moving on.” Things are B-A-D! But, as aforementioned, with all the tough news he receives, and as he wears “The same old jeans” and his “Vans [are] never clean,” he’s an optimist – it’s a “good morning” because he’s alive and honestly, it could be worse. Furthermore, tomorrow isn’t promised. The centerpiece is chorus, where Aiono further unleashes hopeful, soulful vocals, supported by superb, choral gospel vocals:
“So, get up
Make some coffee, make some love
Take a shower, do whatever
Just get up
‘Cause the sun ain’t gonna stop
If you’re ready, if you’re not
Just get up
Today is all we got
Tomorrow might not come
So, get up
Get up
Good morning.”
The big takeaway from “Good Morning?” Don’t stay down, get up, count your blessings, and face the adversity head-on.
You can learn more about Alex Aiono here:
About The Curator - Brent Faulkner
Slightly eccentric with interests that seem to know no ends, restless ‘Renaissance Man’ is the best way to characterize Brent Faulkner, a native of Kentucky. A certified music educator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer known for his incredibly sharp ear, he lives and breathes music of a variety of styles. In addition to passion for educating, performing, and writing music, he’s equally passionate blogging and writing about it, managing his own site, The Musical Hype (https://themusicalhype.com). When he’s not intensely analyzing music, you can find him reading or watching a movie, reality television or some sporting event.
