Inspired by tweens? *cringe*

My favorite songs these days are "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus and "Love Story" by Taylor Swift. Is it because they're still in their teens (and haven't experienced life yet...not really) that their lyrics can be so sweetly hopeful? I don't know, as hard and crusty as I am on the outside, I feel like in so many ways I'm so utterly naive and hopeful when it comes to love and life. Sometimes I feel that in terms of hopefulness, I'm like Benjamin Button - that is, I mature backwards. Most people start out naive and hopeful about love and life, then get more realistic and/or cynical as time goes by and they are let down by people, by life. I started out at a very young age emotionally weathered and mature - cynical about love and determined to reach my goals without really stopping to enjoy the ride - characteristics of a weathered old person who has suffered much. But as I went through my 20's, I slowly let go of much of the cynicism and goal-oriented nature and became more and more naive and hopeful. The more I live and see, the more I really do think it is about the climb itself and not just reaching the top. And the more I live and love, the more I believe in the magical properties of love.

The Climb:

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb