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José González — Stay Alive
Album: The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (Soundtrack)
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3171









Released: 2013
Length: 4:25
Plays (last 30 days): 3
There's a rhythm in rush these days
Where the lights don't move and the colors don't fade
Leaves you empty with nothing but dreams
In a world gone shallow
In a world gone lean

Sometimes there's things a man cannot know
Gears won't turn and the leaves won't grow
There's no place to run and no gasoline
Engine won't turn
And the train won't leave

Engines won't turn and the train won't leave

I will stay with you tonight
Hold you close 'til the morning light
In the morning watch a new day rise
We'll do whatever just to stay alive
We'll do whatever just to stay alive

Well the way I feel is the way I write
It isn't like the thoughts of the man who lies
There is a truth and it's on our side
Dawn is coming
Open your eyes
Look into the sun as the new days rise

And I will wait for you tonight
You're here forever and you're by my side
I've been waiting all my life
To feel your heart as it's keeping time
We'll do whatever just to stay alive

Dawn is coming
Open your eyes
Dawn is coming
Open your eyes
Dawn is coming
Open your eyes
Dawn is coming
Open your eyes

Look into the sun as the new days rise
There's a rhythm in rush these days
Where the lights don't move and the colors don't fade
Leaves you empty with nothing but dreams
In a world gone shallow
In a world gone lean

But there is a truth and it's on our side
Dawn is coming open your eyes
Look into the sun as a new days rise
Comments (109)add comment
 jim1964 wrote:

I was surprised at how much I liked this song, I think I saw the movie on a plane


 nlarsen1 wrote:

This movie is fantastic. This song is fantastic. So much so that my partner and I couldn't speak after seeing the movie.

A year later, I proposed to her when she bought me this soundtrack on vinyl, and gave it to me right as I was about to ask her to marry me.



 itsme_bygolly wrote:

Okay, I'm going to say it. Jose' Gonzales is from Gothenburg, Sweden. Migration is mysterious to watch.




José González was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, to Argentine parents. The González family – made up of González's father, a National University of San Luis psychology student, González's mother, a fellow student studying biochemistry, both of whom were politically active, and González's older sister, then an infant – fled Argentina after the military coup d'état in March 1976, at the start of the "Dirty War". Escaping to Brazil, they were granted asylum by the Swedish consulate in Rio de Janeiro, and relocated to Gothenburg in 1977.[2] José was born a year later, in the Haga district of Gothenburg.[3]

I still cry when I listen to this on the Walter Mitty with Ben Stiller soundtrack.
Okay, I'm going to say it. Jose' Gonzales is from Gothenburg, Sweden. Migration is mysterious to watch.
 nlarsen1 wrote:

This movie is fantastic. This song is fantastic. So much so that my partner and I couldn't speak after seeing the movie.

A year later, I proposed to her when she bought me this soundtrack on vinyl, and gave it to me right as I was about to ask her to marry me.



I watched the film last night, based on your recommendation. Really enjoyed it. RP doesn't just introduce you to new music!
Jose Gonzalez vs Benny Sings.  Fight!
I remember watching the original "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" when I was young. It made quite an impression on me so when the remake came out I was primed to dislike it, after all. Ben Stiller vs Danny Kaye! Preposterous!
But I loved the movie, and sound track. To echo other posters. Enjoy the movie, it's worth your time.
This is us ❤️RP Stephan
That road looks great!
when a heart breaks, no it don't break even
11! 

I already loved this song, but after the year we've all had, this brought tears to my eyes.
Hang in there, fellow humans <3
I wish I could give this song more than a 10.
 rlr511 wrote:

Couldn't agree with you MORE!
 

Not as in deeply profound or biopic as Zoolander, but still a good film

Do whatever just to stay alive.
Always a good reminder. 
human condition song... very few can get to this level. Bruce Cockburn's "Angel/Beast" & BHTM's "Monument In Green"also come to mind.
Beautiful song!
  really like this one, just makes me smile...
Always magnificent.
 unclehud wrote:
Watched this movie (again) the other night.  Search for it and set aside the time; it's worth it.

Scenery, story, and supporting actors are all fabulous.  Also, I hate everything Ben Stiller's ever done — except this.
 
Couldn't agree with you MORE!
 h8rhater wrote:

Says a guy named Skid_Mark.  Maybe you could change it to Wuss_Wipe.
 
now that was good...picking meself up off the floor.
Jose Gonzalez, either solo or with Junip is amazing.
One of those RP songs that makes me stop in my tracks and just listen.
This movie is fantastic. This song is fantastic. So much so that my partner and I couldn't speak after seeing the movie.

A year later, I proposed to her when she bought me this soundtrack on vinyl, and gave it to me right as I was about to ask her to marry me.
Never tire of this.
Love this movie - great soundtrack!
great photo from an excellent action scene, made me wish I was a gutsy teenager whipping along that empty long swerve of concrete
woo-hooooooo  : )
skate
Sounds a lot like Featherstone by The Paper Kites.  Coincidence??
Watched this movie (again) the other night.  Search for it and set aside the time; it's worth it.

Scenery, story, and supporting actors are all fabulous.  Also, I hate everything Ben Stiller's ever done — except this.
Ryan Adams?!  WTF.  Had no idea, thx Bill
Poor bastard is impossibly talented.
 Skid_Mark wrote:
Vaguely reminds me of Sufjan Stevens, which is not a good thing.  Wuss rock.
 

 
Says a guy named Skid_Mark.  Maybe you could change it to Wuss_Wipe.
Haunting tune and meaningful lyrics. I really liked the movie too.  
{#Smile}
 nutrod42 wrote:
This is the first song I've heard by this guy that I actually like, so I thought maybe he didn't write it. Sure enough, Ryan Adams did.

 
wow, I would never have guessed. Sounds a lot more like something Jose would write than Ryan.
This is the first song I've heard by this guy that I actually like, so I thought maybe he didn't write it. Sure enough, Ryan Adams did.
 Skid_Mark wrote:
Vaguely reminds me of Sufjan Stevens, which is not a good thing.  Wuss rock.
 

 
Seems more like folk than rock to me.
So Nice !
"Couldn't have been that easy to forget about me..."

Nice segue from Wildflowers Bill! 
 hayduke2 wrote:
(tick tick tick tick tick ...)  look into the dawn, a new day, the greatest gift of all people   my dad's on his death bed, and this quiet philosophy Jose sings of is very much appreciated thank you   peace and love  ( ... tick tick tick tick... )

 
well said, been there, feel for you
 Skid_Mark wrote:
Vaguely reminds me of Sufjan Stevens, which is not a good thing.  Wuss rock.
 

 
You may have coined a new genre in the term Wuss Rock.  Perhaps add Alt-J, Snow Patrol, and Coldplay to its featured lineup?
(tick tick tick tick tick ...)  look into the dawn, a new day, the greatest gift of all people   my dad's on his death bed, and this quiet philosophy Jose sings of is very much appreciated thank you   peace and love  ( ... tick tick tick tick... )
 jazzdevil wrote:
José González is a good artist but he does not have any sign of crescendo in his songs and for this after some time you get bored of him.

 
It's hard to think of a song which doesn't have such a dramatic crescendo as this one. The whole song is one long bloody crescendo...
AND I LOVE IT!

Vaguely reminds me of Sufjan Stevens, which is not a good thing.  Wuss rock.
 
THANK YOU!!!
Now I feel Better!!! 
Absolutely love this song. I crank it every time it comes on. Solid 10.
Sweden rules!

{#Bananajam} 
Maybe YOU do. 

 
jazzdevil wrote:
José González is a good artist but he does not have any sign of crescendo in his songs and for this after some time you get bored of him.

 


José González is a good artist but he does not have any sign of crescendo in his songs and for this after some time you get bored of him.
love it yay
I find this song haunting in a very pleasing way. I really enjoyed the movie as well.
Almost want to see the movie after hearing this.
I bloody love this.

Happily listen to it every day.


 wellmm wrote:
Love this song!

yep



Love this song!
 lausebengel wrote:
5 by association with a terribly shallow movie. 7 without connection to Ben Stiller's "work". 6 for now. 

 
That's deep...
RP, thank you for spelling our names correctly.
Love the way this builds.
5 by association with a terribly shallow movie. 7 without connection to Ben Stiller's "work". 6 for now. 
I take it all back. I posted last night on another Gonzalez song that he had neither a Wiki page nor an AMG entry. Well, that was because the last name spelling was wrong here at RP, and I was directed to a deleted page—and no alternatives. Or was it all just a strange dream? Nonetheless, it's a relief to know Jose is real. Wish I had as much confidence...
great song!  My Thurber inspired life decision was when I quit my corporate job to go to Manhattan and study art, and so one rainy cold first semester afternoon I sit in the back of a quiet diner for coffee and a cheap sandwich, sketch/note book out, I look across at the only other soul in the place, a shaggy mustachio'ed bloke in an overcoat and dark tweed cap, he stares right back at me. Jeezus, thats Jerry Stiller! Saw him just the other night on The Flip Wilson Show! We both exchange knowing slow nods, and continue schlurrping our brimming wide white cups of hot joe. My lunch with Jerry, his boy did quite a great job on the movie, especially the awesome skate-board scenes!
9 > 10
Great Song, the movie was good as well. Better than the original.  
 peter_james_bond wrote:
"For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it aint no sin to be glad you're alive." - Badlands - Bruce Springsteen
 

Well said, peter_james_bond...  hope you are alive and well these days...  time flies when we're having fun...

everybody in my alien space craft loves this song...  hats off to James Thurber...


 Webfoot wrote:

I just streamed it the other day too. It's a much better movie than the reviews it got.  I love this song.  9

 
Right there with ya webby. 9 > 10
Bill just announced that "Stay Alive" was written for the Mitty soundtrack by Ryan Adams.  Very sweet song.
good song ,one of the best song writers around
Dedicated to #RobinWilliams today...  :(
a clock? really?
 planet_lizard wrote:
8>9

 
Ditto
Makes me want to skateboard down a mountain in Iceland with Walter
This is one of those songs that I enjoy more after repeated listens.  I didn't dislike it on first listen... but the more I've heard it, the more I've liked it! {#Good-vibes}
8>9
 Lakeview wrote:
Rated this high more because of it's lyric impact. It (along with the movie) have hit me at an opportune time. It's keeping me motivated in a tough time.
 

 
The power of music!  Here's to you coming out the other side. {#Cheers}  

I found the movie inspiring too. My wife and I are now in the planning stages to walk the Camino next year.


 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
Just watched the movie for the first time the other day. Loved it. Not perfect but not much is. Still, great. And one of the best parts of the film is the soundtrack. And this, to me, is the jewel in that crown (aside from The Arcade Fire's Wake Up which isn't on the album so I'm not counting it here.)

 
I just streamed it the other day too. It's a much better movie than the reviews it got.  I love this song.  9
Just watched the movie for the first time the other day. Loved it. Not perfect but not much is. Still, great. And one of the best parts of the film is the soundtrack. And this, to me, is the jewel in that crown (aside from The Arcade Fire's Wake Up which isn't on the album so I'm not counting it here.)
CAN'T BEAR this efing "double-voice" he ALWAYS uses... can the man sing?
He's able to end this song singing with "natural" voice, that's such an encouragement!
Clearly gifted in making melodies but... hire a real singer, man!


                 grande  {#Daisy}

Have hit the trifecta - 3 favourite songs in a row - thanks Bill and Bec for brilliant programming
Rated this high more because of it's lyric impact. It (along with the movie) have hit me at an opportune time. It's keeping me motivated in a tough time.
 
7>8, this one is growing on me.
just  lovely.
 
Nice Tune.
Beautiful song.  {#Daisy}
What a beauty!
 ScottFromWyoming wrote:

That must explain why I like it... never been a fan of José but this is a good one.

 
Since I'm a fan of both, this is an easy call.  Gorgeous.
{#Yell} ... this is  "MOST EXCELLENT"   {#Cheers}
most excellent!
Saw this movie last night, and give it a hearty recommendation -- making it the first Ben Stiller movie I do not despise.  You must, of course, suspend belief in reality, but that's Mr. Mitty's forte and an essential element of most movies.  Scenery is extraordinary.
really liking this
7 > 8
Uplifting.  
This is one of the male singers on RP whose voice I really like.
 KevinM wrote:
FYI - This song was written by Ryan Adams

 
That must explain why I like it... never been a fan of José but this is a good one.
Woke up feeling shitty again, then you go and give me inspiration. Nice
 Lazarus wrote:
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all across the holy moly world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners and B.F. Skinner...  we love this splendiferous song...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...

it's good to be alive...  yes, it's good to be alive...

 

"For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it aint no sin to be glad you're alive." - Badlands - Bruce Springsteen
I'll go web fishing for these lyrics. 
FYI - This song was written by Ryan Adams
We be dancing in memory of James Thurber...  love this song...

James Thurber wrote the short story "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" in 1939 for The New Yorker...  Thurber died on November 2, 1961...

here is a poem from the January 6, 2014 issue of The New Yorker


ROADKILL

by Chase Twichell 

I want to see things as they are
without me.  Why, I don't know.
As a kid I always looked
at roadkill close up, and poked
a stick in it.  I want to look at death
with eyes like my own baby eyes,
not yet blinded by knowledge.
I told this to my friend the monk,
and he said, Want,want,want. 
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all across the holy moly world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners and B.F. Skinner...  we love this splendiferous song...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...

it's good to be alive...  yes, it's good to be alive...
Comfortable listening to.
amaising song and voice
 Keef wrote:
Adding Walter Mitty to my IMDB Watchlist based on Bill's recommendation.

 
Moi aussi!  A great little tool for remembering movies that you want to see {#Clap} 

Love José's voice {#Sunny}(Btw Alt 130 = é)!
 johnjconn wrote:
hey, I'm first.

Stay Alive by Queen is a better song

 
Do you mean "Keep Yourself Alive" by Queen?

Thanks for the impromptu movie review, Bill.  Walter Mitty's life has always seemed incredibly similar to my own, and I wondered how Mr. Stiller would treat such sacred material.

edit two minutes later:  I note the album includes music from "and inspired by" the motion picture.  I guess that's music cleared for inclusion in the film that didn't find a spot after the final edit .... ?


Jose is always nice...enjoy his vocals.
Adding Walter Mitty to my IMDB Watchlist based on Bill's recommendation.