Gunung Agung, Bali’s holy mountain, in the clouds… Music, lyrics, musical arrangement and vocal arrangement by Kennie Ting. Photography and artwork design by Kennie Ting.
…THIS was the very first song I wrote for the album.
I knew from the start that I wanted to write a rapturous love song about… well, love, the universe and Bali. =)
And that …THIS would be a full-on electronic dance number; one for the clubs.
…THIS is what I imagine “Bali-electropop” would sound like: the insistent synth, a touch of the ’90s, the sinuous, sensuous, snaking melody, the thumping bass and beats, the lyrics blending love, sensuality and spirituality, the overall energy and exuberance…
It would be a tribute to Bali, and the many days and weeks I have spent there, bathed in the tropical sun and rapturously in love.
And then of course, I also took reference from the Song of Songs (also known as the Song of Solomon) in the Bible… sensuous and erotic Hebrew love poetry. Structured as a dialogue between the Lover and the Beloved, they provided me great inspiration in the writing of the lyrics.
They are absolutely, rapturously beautiful – and I encourage anyone, even if you’re not religious, to read them.
[Note that while I am not religious, I am spiritual.]
Here is the opening verse of the Song of Songs:
“May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
for your love-making is better than wine.
Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfume;
your name is like perfume poured out.
No wonder the virgins love you!
Take me away with you—let us hurry!
Let the king bring me into his chambers”
The music video played in my mind – myself and back-up dancers, just dancing and gyrating and swirling the night away. Dancing with abandon, exuberant, ecstatic, rapturous.
The ultimate message is that LOVE is divine. That the most BEAUTIFUL thing in the UNIVERSE is the LOVE between two people. And that LOVE conquers all.
Did I already say that I wanted …THIS to be an implosion of rapturous joy?
MAKE LOVE NOT WAR. MAKE LOVE NOT WAR.
And come, let’s dance. =)
[Best with earphones.]
LYRICS:
I want you oh so badly / Why can’t you feel it, baby? / It’s time to take communion / It’s never too late, never too late!
The stars are in alignment / My cup is running over / Before the sun arises / Let’s put on a show, a show, a show for them.
The one true religion is …this, my love.
My lips upon your altar / The sound of your sweet laughter / My hands raise you to heaven / So you’re closer to me, closer to me
You whisper holy verses / I sink deep into rapture / You bless my sex / I’m shooting meteors on my chest
The one true religion is …this, my love / And nothing can surpass this feeling inside.
And after it’s all over / We lie awake giving thanks / The universe was born here / Right where we lie
And nothing can surpass this feeling inside.
© 2010 / 2019 Kennie Ting. All Rights Reserved.
Dream Of A City 