On the Playlist: Tengo tu love

"BATTEN THE HATCHES!" I screamed as the clouds thundered in. As soon as the horizon darkens, I have to rush to cover the latticework and shut the doors and windows; otherwise, things get uncomfortably soggy very, very fast. Five seconds after I had finished tying down the plastic sheeting on my kitchen wall, four of my students darted out into the street, trying to reach the bus stop and catch a ride home without getting wet. Dream on. They were about a block from the house when the deluge began.

All this to say, sometimes when it's raining and I'd prefer it not be, a sunny song really helps the fantasy along. This one is my number one pick. Puerto Rican artist Sie7e (pronounced "siete," like the number seven in Spanish) sings with simplicity and a smile, and a Bob Marley sweatshirt.

In the song, he lists a bunch of fancy things and then says: I don't have any of these, but I got your love. Mood-wise, think along the lines of the Jason Mraz song "I'm Yours," or his collaboration with Colbie Caillat. Even if the whole hipster-reggae-hippie vibe doesn't appeal, this is the perfect pick-me-up song for when you're standing around in a bad economy wishing your Spanglish were better and suddenly the sky starts dumping water on you.



Here it is again, con palabras for those who'd like to understand more than just the chorus:



[Dear Amanda,
I still think of you every time I listen to this song. Thanks, amiga!
Love, me]