I guess I have some ‘splainin to do. Whenever my people ask me why I love Mariah Carey, my standard reply is, “…because we’ve been through so much together.” I know most of those who hear this line dismiss it as just another silly remark in my endless litany of stupid little quips. Well, now I’d like to share what that line really means.
It was in the second half of 1994 that I first saw this waif-like woman with long, unruly curls, reaching for unnaturally high notes on one of my favorite shows back then—MTV Unplugged. But it was more than her eight-octave range that grabbed my attention; it was her song. I loved it the first time I heard it and still do until now. In fact, it will always be my favorite song of all time, bar none. Few people know this. The song is “Make it Happen.” The phrase “I can relate” would be the understatement of the century in relation to how I feel about this song. It simply struck a chord… so deep inside me that it physically hurt at the time. It goes…
Make it Happen
Not more than three short years ago
I was abandoned and alone
Without a penny to my name
So very young and so afraid
No proper shoes upon my feet
Sometimes I couldn't even eat
I often cried myself to sleep
But still I had to keep on going
Never knowing if I could take it
If I would make it through the night
I held on to my faith
I struggled and I prayed
And now I've found my way
Chorus:
If you believe in yourself enough
And know what you want
You're gonna make it happen
Make it happen
And if you get down on your
knees at night
And pray to the Lord
He's gonna make it happen
Make it happen
I know life can be so tough
And you feel like giving up
But you must be strong
Baby just hold on
You'll never find the answers
if you throw your life away
I used to feel the way you do
Still I have to keep on going
Never knowing if I could take it
If I would make it through the night
I held on to my faith
I struggled and I prayed
And now I've finally found my way
I was at the lowest point of my relatively short life that time, still a teenager yet very troubled. I was at the brink, in every way possible. Yes, I was even contemplating suicide. (Well, I'm exaggerating, of course. The thought did cross my mind but don’t be alarmed, I never would’ve been successful at it, coward that I am. (That’s why I think the book Veronica Decides to Die is hilarious! Well, I only read the first chapter. I’m still looking for a kind soul to lend me a copy.) I never reached the point of no return but the line “You'll never find the answers if you throw your life away” really hit the mark… BIG TIME! It was like this fresh-faced singer on TV was singing it to me and no one else. If she could make it through the night by simply holding on to her faith, why couldn’t I?
That was the first major turning point in my life. It was my first wake up call, in a life spent mostly in deep slumber. Yes, Mariah, or Mimi as she’s fondly called, single-handedly did what my loved ones had been trying to do—she forced me out of my stupor and made me embrace life again. I know it’s cheesy but that’s the truth.
The beginning of Mimi ‘s career was such a fairy tale. She released one album per year, all #1s, with a whole range of singles that either topped the charts or lingered at the top ten for months at a time. I distinctly remember the first thing she did when the cash came flooding in—she launched Camp Mariah—a summer camp for underprivileged children. Its aim was to get kids high on their talents, not on drugs, a noble cause in itself.
Not long after Tommy Motola, the chief of Sony Records, discovered her, they were married in a wedding that would make even Cinderella green with envy. Her life was perfect. And she could do no wrong, professionally or personally. And then the divorce came—the death knell to their marriage.
To this day, I still don’t know what went wrong, or why it drove Mariah to drastically change her image and sound. She became more daring, and more ghetto, collaborating with rap/hip-hop artists and wearing little more than a white bikini in “Honey”, her first video off her album “Butterfly.” Perhaps she was exposing her independence to the world, shedding her inhibitions along with her clothes. All I know is that in spite of this total image and personality overhaul, she has remained in touch with her fans, and most of all, her FAITH. How do I know this? I used to visit her official site faithfully and listen to her audio messages dedicated to her “Lambs” as she likes to call us. Each message would be more uplifting than the next. But one thing remains constant… her gratitude to Jesus above all.
I guess she somehow lost her way when it comes to her songs, or maybe she just wants to please her record company and sell a whole lot of albums, fearing that another flop might usher in an era reminiscent of the whole Glitter fiasco—her career’s lowest ebb. That’s why I’m still hopeful that Mariah will go back to her roots and release an inspirational song, if not a whole album that will reflect her strong faith in our maker.
Mariah’s career is littered with Gospel songs. Hey, even her guest appearance on the original Divas Live show with Aretha Franklin, etc., showcased her Gospel background. Her “Merry Christmas” album is my all-time favorite Christmas CD. Even though Mama never complained, I knew back then that she was sick and tired of hearing Mimi’s Christmas album playing day in and day out every December, and even in June if the mood strikes me. “Miss You Most” is my favorite cuz it’s so poignant. Her version of “Joy to the World” makes me wanna get up and clap my hands while singing His praise.
Ok, now I’m enumerating Mimi’s songs. Better stop here. ;) The point is I can relate with Mimi because she is simply human and she’s not afraid to show it. She makes mistakes just like everyone else. The only difference is when she does, everyone else makes it her/his business and it’s always plastered in the tabloids. One thing’s for sure though, Mimi always bounces back and so will I. She never lets anything faze her and neither will I. She gets up, dusts herself off and moves on. THAT is why I will always be her fan… no matter what anyone says about her. THAT is why I always say we’ve been through so much together. Just remember, every hurtful thing you say about Mimi, is like a needle point pricking my heart so next time, please be careful. (Ok, so I'm not that sensitive but you get the point.) I’m proud to be a Mimi wannabe; I always will be. :P
Disclaimer: I know I will never be as talented, sexy or divalicious as Mariah. I'm not that delusional. *wink*
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