A post in which I finally get some things done, and prove why I shouldn’t post straight into Word Press, especially at 2AM+.

Way back in the dark ages, I had a pondering titled “Heroine Anthems.” (Wow, really. It went live in early June, which means I probably had it done some time in May… so uhh… six months is O_o a reasonable follow up, right?) Lucky for me I have some friendly tweeple giving me not so subtle hints and reminders to get it done. (Sadly these days my twitter account is probably the most reliable medium for contacting me.)

So – for a number of the videos, the embedding has been disabled by request, and I respect that. I also want to link to the official music video whenever possible because well, a myriad of reasons.

First up, the current state of our hero. He’s a mess. He needs the love of a good woman. [And perhaps some loving, depending on what sub genre you read/write.] Animal I Have Become. This is for the “angry, wounded heroes. The hero who has been to war or killed and thinks he’s irredeemable.” (I can’t say it any better, so thanks, Lorelie!)

Now, our intrepid “I won’t commit” hero. He also considers himself something of a player- and the previous women he’s dated or been with in the past have only proven him right. Of course. He’ll Break Your Heart.

And I can’t have a post without some love to the angsty hero, so… come on- brace yourself for some hilarious awesome Duran Duran, and Come Undone!

This is also our slightly recovered hero, who is now madly playing the field. Come on – “you can have whatever you like…” This song is so dirty, and fun – perfect. “Brain so good – swore you went to college…I want your body, need your body, long as you’ve got me you won’t need nobody…” Come on! Listen to this song! 😀 (Of course it’s “Whatever you like” by TI.)

The next song is for our hero who is falling in love. Conveniently titled, Falling in Love in a Coffee Shop.

I “discovered” Landon Pigg a few years ago, and am happy for his success – or at least that fact that tons of commercials have picked up his songs. This is a really sweet song, and I like his style. And one that ties in – the hero who is already in love, but… it didn’t work out. Come on – you know you’ve read/written the “oops it didn’t work out the first time, but lets try it again baby, because you’re the one who got away and I’ve never forgotten you or stopped thinking about you.” Again, aptly titled- Can’t Let Go.

Now we move on to the hero pining after the “unattainable” heroine. I love this song so hard. Yay Vertical Horizon – Everything You Want. You know – the hero who thinks the heroine should be with X guy (not him) who is so perfect because he (the hero) is too messed up for her… <3 <3 <3 “I am everything you want. I am everything you need. I am everything inside of you that you wish you could be. I say all the right the things at exactly the right time but I mean nothing to you and I don’t know why…”

And more angsty hero. [I like this song – it seems upbeat, but if you listen to the lyrics… it so isn’t. So, so not.]

Seriously – the song title has nothing to do with it – and its not supposed to be dirty. But… Deep Inside of You. Who doesn’t love Third Eye Blind? Come on now. This also works as the “a-ha” moment a hero has. Maybe after a knock out thrown down fight he has with the heroine – after they’ve “broken up” as it were… I imagine this is how he’d feel.

This is another great song that fits somewhere in this close range of emotions. Voxtrot is under exposed and under appreciated. Especially this song.

More in love hero.

“I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I feel about you now…” And the whole saving part… come on now. This is the hero who is about to give in – willing to take a chance on that elusive thing we call love.

And… this is the hero ready to take a stab.

So here we have is All I Want, by Toad the Wet Sprocket. 😀

Anyway, Mark McGrath is/was incredibly pretty. And he had a good voice. Rumor has it Sugar Ray is coming back. I have mixed feelings about the band – loved/hated their songs- but… this one is just so so… “Answer the phone… I know that you’re home…” Come on. This works for so many genres.

More happy – (ok so this post isn’t linear. Get over it.) This is perfect for when the hero discovers the heroine. Fascinating New Thing. Fits perfectly, yes? And who doesn’t like them a little Semisonic?

Then there’s Stand Inside Your Love. “You and me/ Meant to be/ Immutable/ Impossible/ Its destiny… You’re everything that I want and ask for … Who wouldn’t be the one you love? … You’re mine forever now…”

And… the happiest song here. The hero realizes he’s in love! And this is a good thing, and he’s happy about it. Anyway this song makes me happy too. And it is so cute. And perfect. “But I know one thing – that I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you…”

And finally… we end with Follow Through. I’ve never seen the video before now. Hello, Gavin Degraw. Seriously – “Oh, this is the start of something good…” The perfect song for the cautiously happy and upbeat happily ever after.

Heart. So – what do you think? Do any songs come to mind instantly as “hero anthems” for you? Have you read a book then heard a song, or thought of a song and said *this one*? This list is by no means comprehensive or exhaustive – but I had to limit myself.

ETA: And… this post might be a little… scattered, because it’s been a year in the making, marinating in the “back part” of the blog. 😛