"When You Believe"

"God will not abandon you. So don't you abandon us." -Miriam

I had to do several takes of this song.
It's so heart-moving, so full of hope and love,
that I kept breaking down in tears.

What a powerful message it carries. And not just in English.
Got to learn a bit of Hebrew for this.

When You Believe by ashleyserena

a-shi-ra a-no-da-nai ki ga-oh ga-ah
(I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously)

a-shi-ra a-no-da-nai ki ga-oh ga-ah

(I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously)

mi-cha-mo-cha ba-elim adonai

(Who is like You, O Lord, among the celestial)

mi-ka-mo-cha ne-dar-ba-ko-desh

(Who is like You, majestic in holiness)

na-chi-tah vi chas-di-cha am zu ga-al-ta

(In Your love, You lead the people You redeemed)

na-chi-tah vi chas-di-cha am zu ga-al-ta

(In Your love, You lead the people You redeemed)

a-shi-ra, a-shi-ra, a-shi-ra...

(I will sing, I will sing, I will sing...)

Singing both female parts, the children's part, and with the chorus.
All challenging in their own way.

The Hebrews endured 40 years in the desert.
While traveling through our own wildernesses,
let's not give up hope, friends.

{MP3 Downloadable HERE}

{images via WeHeartIt & DreamWorks}

{"When You Believe" © DreamWorks}

"Healing Incantation"

Let's continue the Tangled love & culture ourselves, too.
In Japanese, Rapunzel's beautiful "Healing Incantation"
is called「魔法の花」 or "Magic Flower".
{I added some background vocals to make it magical-ler.}



花は煌めく　魔法の花
時を戻せ　過去に戻せ
傷を癒せ　運命の川
さかのぼれ　蘇らせろ
過去の夢

hana wa kirameku    mahou no hana
toki wo modose    kako ni modose
kizu wo iyase    unmei no kawa
sakanobore    yomigaerasero
kako no yume

Glowing flower    Magical flower
Turn back time    Bring back the past
Heal the wounds    River of fate
Flow upstream    Resurrect (him)
Dreams of the past

Although Tangled is dubbed into Japanese in the Japanese version,

{ 塔の上のラプンツェル or "Rapunzel Above the Tower"}

the mouths are not synced to match the Japanese dialogue.

I find this fascinating.

But I suppose they've done that with 

all the Disney movies thus far.

For a bit better quality,
you can download the mp3 here: {Healing Incantation}

魔法の花 Healing Incantation by ashleyserena

Gah, I can't get enough of these two.
Rapunzel & Flynn Eugene forever.

{"Healing Incantation" 魔法の花, Tangled 塔の上のラプンツェル © Disney}

"I See The Light"

I've been wanting to do this duet FOREVER.
Thank you, Ben Murphy, for being charitable and singing with me.

I See The Light by ashleyserena

Can we be frank, friends?
I am quite in love with his voice.

If I was Ursula,

I'd probably steal it in my magical conch.

I requested he speak/sing with his natural accent
so you could hear its Australian beauty.
I'm glad he abided.

For this song,
I went for the childish, whimsical speaking voice of Rapunzel,
more so than the adult sound Mandy Moore used.
Ben sang with his natural, princely voice. A swoon-worthy Flynn.

Our tones are different,

but I like that.

May we all find our lantern-lit princes, ladies.
And sirs, may you all find your curious princesses.

{MP3 Downloadable HERE}

{images via Andells, AliceXZ, PhatPuppy, Smitth}

{"I See The Light", Tangled © Disney}

"It Is You (I Have Loved)"

Let's celebrate every day of the week.

Today is Tuesday. How did you make it special?

I made an ice cream sandwich, myself.

Dear Santa,
Wait, scratch that. Christmas is too far away.

What's the next holiday?
The 4th of July?

Dear Founding Fathers,
I would like a better camera

so my recordings can sound nice.

By the way, I love your guys' work. Revolutionary.

"Angels Sing the Earth's Story"

"Healing springs from the womb of time." -Michael Tippet

My father and I

went to the Utah Symphony & Chorus' performance of
A Child of Our Time.
The music was so bone-chilling, so heart-warming,
it moved me to wonder
if the choirs of Heaven sing our world's story.

Can you imagine the Kingdom of the Almighty
eternally serenaded by the most captivating voices,
the golden journal of our Earth
penned in song?
The wars, the friendships,
the moments when we let Christ in our doors...

Maybe our departed loved ones
sing about us.
Maybe our guardian angels record our personal stories
with their voices.

Just a little thought.

"Green Hill",
my rendition of There is a Green Hill Far Away,
is my tribute to this Sunday's celebration.
Happy Easter, everyone!

{photos via Maee, Ralucsernatoni, Aparatka, Felicia}

"Just Around the Riverbend"

Life is full of decisions:

some of which you're excited to make,

and others you never wanted on your plate.

Just Around The River Bend by ashleyserena

I came home from Japan 

thinking I knew which bend in the river I wanted to take,

but Heaven sent a strong current crashing against my canoe,

pushing me down a different course.

When we worry we've taken a wrong turn,

let us remember that we have a paddle;

we can maneuver around the rocks

and discover the new river path we're given.

{MP3 Download Here}

{♪ "Just Around The Riverbend" © Disney}

{Images via WeHeartIt}

"Kiss the Girl"

"Roll over to your lover, say, 'put your arms around me'." -Ferras

Kiss the Girl by ashleyserena

Life is full of love.

Though there are shady lovers,

and shadowy pathways,

there is always love,

found in the Light.

If you're celebrating today with

someone special,

with sweet friends,

or with a carton of ice cream,

Happy Day of Love, to you all. ♥

{MP3 Download HERE}
{"Kiss the Girl" © Disney}
{Images via WeHeartIt, © respective owners}
{Grathiath to Kevin for Scuttle's squawk}

"サリーの歌 ♥ Danny Elfman Love"

I do so love this song, guys.

Hope y'enjoy mah leetle translation.

kaze ga sasayaita
the wind whispered
higeki no makuake wo
of the dawning of a tragedy
tasukete agetai
how I wish to help
fukitsuna kiri no naka
within the ominous mists
chikazuiteru no yo
getting closer
ano hito wa kizukanai
he is so unaware
setsunai
I'm miserable
kono kimochi ni kanawanu koi
in this feeling of unrequited love


kodoku yo kotaete
answering loneliness
futari no unmei wa
our fate is
machi no zawameki ni
in the bustle of the town
tokete shimaetara
if I could resolve it...
watashi ni wa dekinai
but I can't
yume mite mo
even in a dream
kanau hi wa konai no
that day won't ever come
todokanu hito
he's unreachable
sou, watashi ni wa...
yes, to me...

{Original song © Danny Elfman}

{Image via WeHeartIt}

"Everytime"

You meet someone
and all at once, you're bewildered,
wondering how you lived before,
without them.
And then, they're gone.
And you must remember
how to flap your wings again.
Hope you like my recording.

Everytime by ashleyserena

Notice me

Take my hand

Why are we

Strangers when

Our love is strong

Why carry on without me?

Every time I try to fly

I fall without my wings

I feel so small

I guess I need you, baby

And every time

I see you in my dreams

I see your face

It's haunting me

I guess I need you, baby

I make believe

That you are here

It's the only way

I see clear

What have I done?

You seem to move on easy

Every time I try to fly

I fall without my wings

I feel so small

I guess I need you, baby

And every time

I see you in my dreams

I see your face

You're haunting me

I guess I need you, baby

I may have made it rain

Please forgive me

My weakness caused you pain

And this song's my sorry

At night I pray

That soon your face will fade away

Every time I try to fly

I fall without my wings

I feel so small

I guess I need you, baby

And every time

I see you in my dreams

I see your face

You're haunting me

I guess I need you, baby

{MP3 Download Here}

{♪ "Everytime" originally recorded by Britney Spears}

{Image via WeHeartIt}

"Rudolph the Tonakai"

Rudolph the Tonakai by ashleyserena

Recorded this for my ninth graders.

We're having a whole lesson

just singing Christmas songs.

Actually, I'm starting to turn into Rudolph myself.

Achoo!

But dancing in the rain was so worth it.

{MP3 Download Here}

{Instrumental © Joey Miskulin}
{Images via WeHeartIt & FotoSearch}

"Holy Night: 聖し、この夜"

The ladies in my Relief Society

rescheduled their Sacrament Meeting performance

so I could sing this sacred song with them.

Because I'm flying back to America

in time to celebrate Christmas

with my loved ones.

Silent Night.

{MP3 Download Here}

{Image via Felicia}
{Instrumental via Liahona}

"Once Upon A . . ."

"December."

It's nearly upon us.
Can you feel it?
{"Once Upon A December" mp3 download}

After getting off of Skype with my grandmother today,
the lovely lady who gave my musical career a push
by forcing me into piano lessons at age 7
I felt the need to record something for her
in thanks for guiding me to the beautiful world that is music.
And I did the video for my own viewing pleasure.
Because Final Fantasy & Kingdom Hearts have pretty people.
Now it's off to bed with me.


Enjoy your Turkey Day, lovelies!

{Original song © Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty}

{Final Fantasy XII, XIII, Versus XIII © Square Enix}

{Kingdom Hearts II © Square Enix}

{Music Box via WeHeartIt}

"Just Can't Wait..."

Guess what I did instead of homework today?




I can't synch the lion's lips to mine, UGH.
Simba, I love you, but
you make life difficult for people
who want to take creative liberty with your song.
And I blew the speakers like 12 times in this recording.
See, this is what happens when you rush things: you get awful audio.

HEAVEN HELP ME, I WILL PRODUCE SOMETHING WORTHWHILE IF IT KILLS ME.

< / rant >

I have 9,463,237 projects right now.
Most of them self-inflicted.
LIFE IS EATING MY HEAD.
LET'S SING US SOME DISNEY, WOOT.
My English is pretty.

Anyone have a Disney dream role?
Mine's a toss-up between Belle, Ariel,
and young, careless Simba.

{image via here}
{video/song © Disney}

"Broomless Witch"

Cho wouldn't use a broom to fly.

But for the effect,

she'd probably grab one, sprout her wings,

and fly with it anyways.

Video, finish my thoughts, kudasai:

{"Cho" © Ashley S. Harmon}
{Music via Nox Arcana & Brand X Music}
{Cockroach & Typhoon via Google}

"Come Little Children"

"I'm not a witch, I'm your wife." -The Princess Bride

All this week, I'm wearing eye makeup to school.
The English teachers know about it, but...
I wonder what the principal will say.
I'm celebrating my cultural heritage, so there.

{Music via Kate Covington & Yoko Kanno}

"I Won't Say (I'm In Love)"

Just fer fun.

I Won't Say (I'm In Love) by ashleyserena

'cuz I'm feelin' sassy.

All mah ladies, sing along.

{"I Won't Say (I'm In Love)" © Alan Menken & David Zippel}

{Image © Dimitri Caceaune}

"Help Along That Ol' Wishing Star..."

"You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling."

When I was but a wee lass,

I had a dream

to board a big, white airplane

and fill my eyes, mouth, and heart

with all the different flavors of the world.

Little by little,

I'm making that dream come true.
I just have to keep
helping along my wishing star.

{Click Here for Download}
{Original Song © Disney}
{Image via Technicolor}

"Arrietty's Song"

I was so moved by the new Ghibli fan

借りぐらしのアリエッティ

{The Borrower Arriety}.

The music transcends me into another world,

and the composer, Cecil Corbel, is a Ghibli fan.

I think we should be friends, Cecile.

Japanese:

     

I'm 14 years old, I am pretty

元気な小さいlady

床下に　ずっと　借りぐらししてたの

I'm 14 years old, I am pretty

genki na chiisai lady

yuka shita ni zutto karigurashi shiteta no

時にはhappy、時にはblue

誰かに会いたい

toki ni wa happy, toki ni wa blue

dare ka ni aitai

風　髪に感じて　空を眺めたい

あなたに花届けたい

kaze kami ni kanjite, sora wo nagametai

anata ni hana todoketai

向こうは別の世界

ほら蝶々が舞ってる、私を待っている

mukou wa betsu no sekai

hora cho-cho ga matteru, watashi wo matte iru

そう、変わることのない　私の小さい世界

嫌いじゃないの　でもあなたを

もっと、もっと知りたくて

sou, kawaru koto no nai, watashi no chiisai sekai

kirai ja nai no, demo anata wo

motto, motto shiritakute

喜びと悲しみは　いつも　折り混ざってゆく

yorokobi to kanashimi wa itsumo, ori mazatteyuku

風　髪に感じて　空を眺めたい

あなたに花届けたい

kaze kami ni kanjite, sora wo nagametai

anata ni hana todoketai

向こうは別の世界

ほら蝶々が舞ってる、あなたを待っている

mukou wa betsu no sekai

hora cho-cho ga matteru, anata wo matte iru

太陽の下で　花に囲まれて

あなたと日々過ごしたい

この想いを胸に　新しい世界で

私らしく　生きる

taiyou no shita de hana ni kako marete

anata to hibi sugoshitai

kono omoi wo mune ni atarashii sekai de

watashi rashiku ikiru

-------------------------------------------------------

My English Translation:

I'm 14 years old, I am pretty

An energetic little lady

All my borrowed things under the floor

At times I am happy, at times I am blue

I want to meet someone

Feel the wind in my hair, I want to gaze at the sky

I want to send you flowers.

Beyond here is a separate world

Look, a butterfly is soaring; it's waiting for me

Yes, my little world is unchanging

I don't hate it, but I want to know you more and more

Joy and grief are always folded, mixed together

Feel the wind in my hair,
I just want to look at the sky and send you flowers.

Over there is a separate world

Look, a butterfly is dancing; it's waiting for you

Beneath the sun, enclosed in a flower,

I want to spend each and every day with you

With this thought in my chest, I will live in a new world.

My Japanese professor told me that,

in order to master Japanese,

I have to stop translating the words in my head

and start translating them in my heart.

I hope you enjoy my interpretation of this lovely song.

♥

{Click for Download}
{"Arrietty's Song" by Cecile Corbel & Ghibli}
{Image via Vanessa Paxton}

"Come, Thou Fount"

It's Sunday,

a day for naps in the sunshine,

prayers at Church,

and filling your home with peaceful music.

*deep inhale* *slow exhale*

I feel better.

{Song downloadable here}

{"Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" © Robert Robinson}

{Images via Once Wed}

"Let Me Be Your Wings"

Growing up,

Thumbelina was

one of my favorite love stories.

When I was recording this:

I kept choking up

and twirling around the room

with my arms outstretched.

No, it's okay,

you can laugh.

♥

What are your cherished childhood films?

{Downloadable Here}

{"Thumbelina" & "Prince Cornelius" via Don Bluth}

{"Let Me Be Your Wings" original song via Barry Manilow}