Assorted Flavors - The stories Behind the Songs
1. Hurricane’s Eye
Living in Fairfield, IA can be like living in the eye of a hurricane. It’s an oasis of calm in a chaotic world. Much like that place of calm that’s deep within each of us.
Can you hear the wind? Howlin’ outside.
It’s like a tornado. And there’s nowhere to hide.
But there’s peace in the heart of this little town.
Let’s break it wide open and spread it around.
We can hear the thunder, see the lightning in the sky
Living here in the hurricane’s eye
So many people are livin’ in pain
They’re caught in the storm, out in the rain.
We need a change in the weather, a break in the clouds
How ‘bout some sunshine? Shout it out loud.
Out on the horizon, we can find it if we try
A ray of hope in the hurricane’s eye.
I don’t have to tell you what you know is true
There’s not enough time. We’ve got too much to do.
We’re so scared of losin’, we don’t know how to win
The only way out…is to go deep within.
If your world is stormy and you feel like you could cry
Find your way to the hurricane’s eye.
…to the hurricane’s eye.
Find your way
Find your own way
Find your way
…to the hurricane’s eye.
It’s like a tornado. And there’s nowhere to hide.
But there’s peace in the heart of this little town.
Let’s break it wide open and spread it around.
We can hear the thunder, see the lightning in the sky
Living here in the hurricane’s eye
So many people are livin’ in pain
They’re caught in the storm, out in the rain.
We need a change in the weather, a break in the clouds
How ‘bout some sunshine? Shout it out loud.
Out on the horizon, we can find it if we try
A ray of hope in the hurricane’s eye.
I don’t have to tell you what you know is true
There’s not enough time. We’ve got too much to do.
We’re so scared of losin’, we don’t know how to win
The only way out…is to go deep within.
If your world is stormy and you feel like you could cry
Find your way to the hurricane’s eye.
…to the hurricane’s eye.
Find your way
Find your own way
Find your way
…to the hurricane’s eye.
2. Pullin’ Up Fences
On a hot humid day I was attempting to remove an old fence from part of our farm. My neighbor Duane, a real farmer, took pity on me and with the front loader on his tractor made the impossible possible. Amazing what friendship and hydraulics can do. It can even inspire a song.
Temperature’s close to a hundred.
Humidity’s at 90 percent.
I’ve been cursin’ the heat all mornin’,
Tryin’ to pull up this stubborn old fence
I called up my neighbor to help me
And he came out to lend me a hand
With a chain and his John Deere tractor
We pulled out those fences and freed up the land
CHORUS:
And I’m pullin’ up fences,
Tearin’ down the walls,
Comin’ to my senses,
Answering the call (that’s all)
“Good fences make good neighbors.”
I’m not so sure that’s true.
When we opened up those fields again,
It gave us a new point of view
Some fences are planted in pastures.
Some walls are built between friends.
The day is long and the sun is high,
But here’s where the hard work begins.
CHORUS
In my life I’ve put in some fences
That I regret today.
It feels good to be pulling ‘em out,
‘Cause they just seem to get in the way.
Everywhere I go I see fences
Standing between us two.
If we just let down our defenses,
You could see me and I could see you.
CHORUS:
And we’d be pullin’ up fences,
We’d be tearin’ down the walls
Comin’ to our senses,
Answerin’ the call (that’s all).
Pullin’ up fences,
Tearin’ down the walls,
Answerin’ the call.
Humidity’s at 90 percent.
I’ve been cursin’ the heat all mornin’,
Tryin’ to pull up this stubborn old fence
I called up my neighbor to help me
And he came out to lend me a hand
With a chain and his John Deere tractor
We pulled out those fences and freed up the land
CHORUS:
And I’m pullin’ up fences,
Tearin’ down the walls,
Comin’ to my senses,
Answering the call (that’s all)
“Good fences make good neighbors.”
I’m not so sure that’s true.
When we opened up those fields again,
It gave us a new point of view
Some fences are planted in pastures.
Some walls are built between friends.
The day is long and the sun is high,
But here’s where the hard work begins.
CHORUS
In my life I’ve put in some fences
That I regret today.
It feels good to be pulling ‘em out,
‘Cause they just seem to get in the way.
Everywhere I go I see fences
Standing between us two.
If we just let down our defenses,
You could see me and I could see you.
CHORUS:
And we’d be pullin’ up fences,
We’d be tearin’ down the walls
Comin’ to our senses,
Answerin’ the call (that’s all).
Pullin’ up fences,
Tearin’ down the walls,
Answerin’ the call.
3. This Can’t Be A Country Song
Do you need to be depressed to write a county song? Here’s the story of someone who just can’t generate enough pathos to do it.
This just can't be a country song
Not enough in my life is going wrong
I'd tell you I was happy, I'd tell you I was strong,
But then it couldn't be a country song.
My wife hasn't left me, my truck still works fine
I'm goin' to a job I like, I don't drink all the time
I know this all will go away, it just can't last for long
Then maybe it can be a country song
No, this can't be a country song
Not enough in my life seems to be going wrong
I don't think that I'll join that club, I don't think I'd belong
And that's why this can't be a country song.
I don't spend my time in honky tonks. I haven't lost the farm.
I'm not cryin' my eyes out 'cause some woman done me harm.
If sadness was my goal in life I've missed it by a mile.
Now stand back while I break out in a smile.
No, this can't be a country song
Not enough in my life seems to be going wrong
I don't have the time to make a short story long
So this just can't be a country song.
No sad love letters, no painful memories.
The IRS ain't callin' and my cat doesn't have fleas.
I think I'll saddle up my horse and go out for a ride
Just because he's feelin' good inside.
So you see, this can't be a country song
Not enough in my life seems to be going wrong
I can't find a way to sing "two rights make a wrong,"
So this will never be a country song.
Oh it ain't real country 'til someone dies
It ain't real country if no one lies
It ain't real country unless you’re feelin’ blue
I'm tryin', but I haven't got a clue.
No, this can't be a country song
Not enough in my life seems to be going wrong
I'd tell you I was happy, I'd tell you I was strong,
But then it couldn't be a country song
No, then it couldn’t be a country song
Not enough in my life is going wrong
I'd tell you I was happy, I'd tell you I was strong,
But then it couldn't be a country song.
My wife hasn't left me, my truck still works fine
I'm goin' to a job I like, I don't drink all the time
I know this all will go away, it just can't last for long
Then maybe it can be a country song
No, this can't be a country song
Not enough in my life seems to be going wrong
I don't think that I'll join that club, I don't think I'd belong
And that's why this can't be a country song.
I don't spend my time in honky tonks. I haven't lost the farm.
I'm not cryin' my eyes out 'cause some woman done me harm.
If sadness was my goal in life I've missed it by a mile.
Now stand back while I break out in a smile.
No, this can't be a country song
Not enough in my life seems to be going wrong
I don't have the time to make a short story long
So this just can't be a country song.
No sad love letters, no painful memories.
The IRS ain't callin' and my cat doesn't have fleas.
I think I'll saddle up my horse and go out for a ride
Just because he's feelin' good inside.
So you see, this can't be a country song
Not enough in my life seems to be going wrong
I can't find a way to sing "two rights make a wrong,"
So this will never be a country song.
Oh it ain't real country 'til someone dies
It ain't real country if no one lies
It ain't real country unless you’re feelin’ blue
I'm tryin', but I haven't got a clue.
No, this can't be a country song
Not enough in my life seems to be going wrong
I'd tell you I was happy, I'd tell you I was strong,
But then it couldn't be a country song
No, then it couldn’t be a country song
4. New York Times
My bittersweet memories of Grenwich Village in the late 60’s-early 70’s.
This recording captures part of a live performance at Fairfield’s Café Paradiso. Ben Kieffer, the host of Java Blend brought his radio crew to our town to capture the sounds of Fairfield’s rich tribe of musicians.
This recording captures part of a live performance at Fairfield’s Café Paradiso. Ben Kieffer, the host of Java Blend brought his radio crew to our town to capture the sounds of Fairfield’s rich tribe of musicians.
Goin’ down Macdougall to Washington Square
35 years ago you and I were there.
We took the city’s verses and tried to make ‘em rhyme
I never will forget those New York times.
You were a poet, and I was a boy with a song.
We didn’t know it, but this dream wouldn’t last for long.
We lived on dollars, when we only had dimes
It was just not enough to pay for New York times.
Three room apartment, three floors up from the crowd.
Our love was quiet, but the arguments were loud.
Our dreams were fading when we thought they would shine
We were up, we were down, we were out of New York times.
The city’s hot, but it feels cold.
You grow up fast and you grow old
But the city always plays it fair. Make it here, you can make it anywhere.
I walk those streets today and taste the memories
Of when the doors were locked and no one had the keys
All the love that’s fit to print was written on the signs.
We never stopped to read the New York times
But this is now and that was then.
We can’t relive those days again
We played the game while we were young
Some say we lost, I say we won.
Goin’ down Macdougall to Washington Square
35 years ago you and I were there.
We took the city’s verses and tried to make ‘em rhyme
I never will forget our New York times.
35 years ago you and I were there.
We took the city’s verses and tried to make ‘em rhyme
I never will forget those New York times.
You were a poet, and I was a boy with a song.
We didn’t know it, but this dream wouldn’t last for long.
We lived on dollars, when we only had dimes
It was just not enough to pay for New York times.
Three room apartment, three floors up from the crowd.
Our love was quiet, but the arguments were loud.
Our dreams were fading when we thought they would shine
We were up, we were down, we were out of New York times.
The city’s hot, but it feels cold.
You grow up fast and you grow old
But the city always plays it fair. Make it here, you can make it anywhere.
I walk those streets today and taste the memories
Of when the doors were locked and no one had the keys
All the love that’s fit to print was written on the signs.
We never stopped to read the New York times
But this is now and that was then.
We can’t relive those days again
We played the game while we were young
Some say we lost, I say we won.
Goin’ down Macdougall to Washington Square
35 years ago you and I were there.
We took the city’s verses and tried to make ‘em rhyme
I never will forget our New York times.
5. Miracle Man
As a kid, I loved Superman. It was one of the “can’t miss” shows on TV. As an adult, I’m still taken with the story and the feats of superheroes. It’s almost as amazing as falling in love.
I’d be faster than a speeding bullet
Leap tall buildings in a single bound
Or change the course of mighty rivers
If I could turn your heart around
But I don’t have that X-ray vision
So I can’t see through you tonight
Falling for you was an easy decision
You affect me like Kryptonite
I’m just playin’ a part
My super powers come from your heart
Don’t you understand?
You make me feel like a miracle man
If I could do magic like Houdini
We’d escape to the nearest star
Just one look from you would free me
But I’ve locked my keys inside my car.
I can’t multiply loaves and fishes
I can’t change water into wine
But I’m willing to do the dishes
To try to melt your heart into mine
I’m just playin’ a part
My super powers come from your heart
Don’t you understand?
You make me feel like a miracle man
Bridge:
While you’re waiting for someone
To swoop down from the sky
And change your life forever
Why not give me a try?
I could be your superhero
I’d bring the sun and stop the rain
Let me introduce myself
I’m Clark Kent lookin’ for my Lois Lane.
I’m just playin’ a part
My super powers come from your heart
Don’t you understand?
You make me feel like a miracle man
You make me feel like a miracle man
You make me feel…like a miracle man
Leap tall buildings in a single bound
Or change the course of mighty rivers
If I could turn your heart around
But I don’t have that X-ray vision
So I can’t see through you tonight
Falling for you was an easy decision
You affect me like Kryptonite
I’m just playin’ a part
My super powers come from your heart
Don’t you understand?
You make me feel like a miracle man
If I could do magic like Houdini
We’d escape to the nearest star
Just one look from you would free me
But I’ve locked my keys inside my car.
I can’t multiply loaves and fishes
I can’t change water into wine
But I’m willing to do the dishes
To try to melt your heart into mine
I’m just playin’ a part
My super powers come from your heart
Don’t you understand?
You make me feel like a miracle man
Bridge:
While you’re waiting for someone
To swoop down from the sky
And change your life forever
Why not give me a try?
I could be your superhero
I’d bring the sun and stop the rain
Let me introduce myself
I’m Clark Kent lookin’ for my Lois Lane.
I’m just playin’ a part
My super powers come from your heart
Don’t you understand?
You make me feel like a miracle man
You make me feel like a miracle man
You make me feel…like a miracle man
6. I Found You
I was lucky enough to marry my best friend. Amazingly, decades later, we’re still friends. Maybe this will remind you of your best friend.
When I was growing up I always dreamed I'd find a friend
Who I could share my secrets with, who'd love me back again
We’d always be connected even when we were apart
Who I could take on journeys to the center of my heart
And I found you
And you found me
And you hold my life in yours so easily
ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
You've shown me life is different than the way I lived before
You usher in the sunlight when I leave an open door
To find the joy in simple things, a gift you have that's rare
The wonders that are waiting, only you can take me there.
And I found you
And you found me
And you hold my life in yours so easily
ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
You say that you will love me in obscurity and fame
I say that I believe you, though I’m timid just the same.
We still have so much to learn and this is just the start
The lessons are much clearer with your hand upon my heart.
We'll travel down a thousand roads until we reach the end.
The journey seems much shorter when you travel with a friend.
For all the celebrations in all the temples of the world
For all the blazing glory of a million flags unfurled
For all the clouds of passion that have flown across the sky
For all the years of silence in the closing of an eye
I thank you...
'Cause you found me
And we hold each others’ lives so easily
ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
I found you.
Who I could share my secrets with, who'd love me back again
We’d always be connected even when we were apart
Who I could take on journeys to the center of my heart
And I found you
And you found me
And you hold my life in yours so easily
ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
You've shown me life is different than the way I lived before
You usher in the sunlight when I leave an open door
To find the joy in simple things, a gift you have that's rare
The wonders that are waiting, only you can take me there.
And I found you
And you found me
And you hold my life in yours so easily
ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
You say that you will love me in obscurity and fame
I say that I believe you, though I’m timid just the same.
We still have so much to learn and this is just the start
The lessons are much clearer with your hand upon my heart.
We'll travel down a thousand roads until we reach the end.
The journey seems much shorter when you travel with a friend.
For all the celebrations in all the temples of the world
For all the blazing glory of a million flags unfurled
For all the clouds of passion that have flown across the sky
For all the years of silence in the closing of an eye
I thank you...
'Cause you found me
And we hold each others’ lives so easily
ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
I found you.
7. Edith
An automotive love story. My first, a $1 purchase from a generous neighbor. I’ll never forget her.
She wasn’t pretty. She wasn’t sexy. She didn’t have a great personality.
She’d been around the block a few times. She was available…and I said “fine.”
Now you may be wonderin’ what I saw in her. This relationship seemed a little odd…
But I couldn’t help fallin’ in love…with that 1952 Dodge.
I named her Edith, I can’t remember why, but the name seemed to fit at the time.
Her dashboard was dusty and her doors were rusty, but to me she seemed sublime.
She was built nice and wide for a comfortable ride. Her upholstery was plastic plaid.
She was tough, she was loyal, she burned too much oil.
She smoked, she was loud…she was bad
Now some of you may not understand a boy’s love for his first car.
But with a tank full of gas and a gallon of oil she made me feel like a star.
Every weekend we’d pile into Edith. She looked like an overstuffed telephone booth.
We’d head into the night just lookin’ for fun, when we coulda been searchin’ for truth
CHORUS:
Edith, where are you now?
Your race is run and the flag is down
I remember how it used to be
Rollin’ down the highway, just you and me
Those wild nights are now old memories
Oh Edith, where are you now?
While I was away in the Army, my Dad wrote me to say,
“Edith just stopped running so we had to tow her away.”
Well that was the end of my love affair. There were no more replacement parts
I always wondered if my leaving her was what finally broke her heart.
CHORUS
Edith have you been recycled? Has your spirit taken new wings?
As toasters and pails and six penny nails, or maybe even these guitar strings.
Although I’ve since replaced her with other cars in my garage
There’ll always be a parking space in my heart for that beat up ‘52 Dodge.
CHORUS
She’d been around the block a few times. She was available…and I said “fine.”
Now you may be wonderin’ what I saw in her. This relationship seemed a little odd…
But I couldn’t help fallin’ in love…with that 1952 Dodge.
I named her Edith, I can’t remember why, but the name seemed to fit at the time.
Her dashboard was dusty and her doors were rusty, but to me she seemed sublime.
She was built nice and wide for a comfortable ride. Her upholstery was plastic plaid.
She was tough, she was loyal, she burned too much oil.
She smoked, she was loud…she was bad
Now some of you may not understand a boy’s love for his first car.
But with a tank full of gas and a gallon of oil she made me feel like a star.
Every weekend we’d pile into Edith. She looked like an overstuffed telephone booth.
We’d head into the night just lookin’ for fun, when we coulda been searchin’ for truth
CHORUS:
Edith, where are you now?
Your race is run and the flag is down
I remember how it used to be
Rollin’ down the highway, just you and me
Those wild nights are now old memories
Oh Edith, where are you now?
While I was away in the Army, my Dad wrote me to say,
“Edith just stopped running so we had to tow her away.”
Well that was the end of my love affair. There were no more replacement parts
I always wondered if my leaving her was what finally broke her heart.
CHORUS
Edith have you been recycled? Has your spirit taken new wings?
As toasters and pails and six penny nails, or maybe even these guitar strings.
Although I’ve since replaced her with other cars in my garage
There’ll always be a parking space in my heart for that beat up ‘52 Dodge.
CHORUS
8. Radio Cowboy
My Dad worked in a factory from the time he was a teenager until he died - much too early. In his heart he was an entertainer. Played guitar. Sang cowboy songs on the radio. This song is my gift to his memory.
My Dad’s the one in the middle with his mouth open in front of the reversed megaphone.
My Dad’s the one in the middle with his mouth open in front of the reversed megaphone.
Deep inside a factory in 1944, forging bearings out of steel,
A man who wished for more.
A weight was on his shoulders, but his eyes were on a star,
And when the day was over, he'd pick up his guitar.
CHORUS:
Radio Cowboy, sing me a song. Make it simple, so I can sing along
Let your dreams fly above the storm. Radio Cowboy, sing me a song
Out across the airwaves his songs would reach the ears
Of someone who had faith in him, who'd come to share his years.
She was the one he sang to. His voice brought her a smile.
“The man I love is on tonight. Don't you touch that dial.”
CHORUS
Is that the music in your head, or the sound of big machines?
You've been punchin' time clocks since you were seventeen.
And when you go to sleep at night, what about your dreams?
CHORUS
You did the job you chose to do for thirty years or more.
Could you have done much better as a western troubadour?
It was a safe but a rugged road. You knew it from the start.
And at the age of fifty-one It broke your heart.
CHORUS
Years ago he sat me down to teach me all he knew:
How to sing and how to strum a guitar chord or two.
That' s what I remember, his musical legacy
Me and my Dad singin’ in two part harmony.
CHORUS:
Radio Cowboy, sing us a song. Make it simple, so we can sing along
Let our dreams fly above the storm.
Radio Cowboy, sing me a song.
A man who wished for more.
A weight was on his shoulders, but his eyes were on a star,
And when the day was over, he'd pick up his guitar.
CHORUS:
Radio Cowboy, sing me a song. Make it simple, so I can sing along
Let your dreams fly above the storm. Radio Cowboy, sing me a song
Out across the airwaves his songs would reach the ears
Of someone who had faith in him, who'd come to share his years.
She was the one he sang to. His voice brought her a smile.
“The man I love is on tonight. Don't you touch that dial.”
CHORUS
Is that the music in your head, or the sound of big machines?
You've been punchin' time clocks since you were seventeen.
And when you go to sleep at night, what about your dreams?
CHORUS
You did the job you chose to do for thirty years or more.
Could you have done much better as a western troubadour?
It was a safe but a rugged road. You knew it from the start.
And at the age of fifty-one It broke your heart.
CHORUS
Years ago he sat me down to teach me all he knew:
How to sing and how to strum a guitar chord or two.
That' s what I remember, his musical legacy
Me and my Dad singin’ in two part harmony.
CHORUS:
Radio Cowboy, sing us a song. Make it simple, so we can sing along
Let our dreams fly above the storm.
Radio Cowboy, sing me a song.
9. Our Planet Is An Island
Everyday we’re reminded of how much all of us on this planet are connected. Earth Island has some challenges, but there’s hope.
There’s a boy who lives in Jamaica
And a girl with a home in Katmandu
They both know it’s not safe to drink the water
And they ask, “What can we do?”
There is a man who works in New York City
And he wonders why the air is hard to breathe
He’s not looking, looking for our pity
But he wishes he had some relief
CHORUS:
Do you know our planet is an island
And every land surrounded by one sea
The same air is breathed by everybody
The same rain falls on you and me.
Now the family who farms in South Dakota
May not think about the river in Brazil
Or the coral dying in the oceans
But like the rest of us, soon they will
This little island is home to the children
Do we leave them a future in distress?
Or could we each start in our own backyard
And begin to clean up the mess?
CHORUS: We all know…
No one can doubt the regenerating power
Of this ball of mud spinning out in space
But as she heals, we have to ask the question
Will the humans still have a place?
There are people joining with their neighbors
Finding ways to make a better world
Seed by seed their actions grow to harvest
Like the oyster from the sand creates the pearl
CHORUS Just remember…
If I could see beyond my own horizon
And I could feel the changes on the earth
Then I would know that consciousness is risin’
And I would live to see her rebirth
CHORUS We all know…
CHORUS Everybody…
2X The same rain falls on you and me.
And a girl with a home in Katmandu
They both know it’s not safe to drink the water
And they ask, “What can we do?”
There is a man who works in New York City
And he wonders why the air is hard to breathe
He’s not looking, looking for our pity
But he wishes he had some relief
CHORUS:
Do you know our planet is an island
And every land surrounded by one sea
The same air is breathed by everybody
The same rain falls on you and me.
Now the family who farms in South Dakota
May not think about the river in Brazil
Or the coral dying in the oceans
But like the rest of us, soon they will
This little island is home to the children
Do we leave them a future in distress?
Or could we each start in our own backyard
And begin to clean up the mess?
CHORUS: We all know…
No one can doubt the regenerating power
Of this ball of mud spinning out in space
But as she heals, we have to ask the question
Will the humans still have a place?
There are people joining with their neighbors
Finding ways to make a better world
Seed by seed their actions grow to harvest
Like the oyster from the sand creates the pearl
CHORUS Just remember…
If I could see beyond my own horizon
And I could feel the changes on the earth
Then I would know that consciousness is risin’
And I would live to see her rebirth
CHORUS We all know…
CHORUS Everybody…
2X The same rain falls on you and me.
10. Blue Light Special
One of Leadbelly’s most famous songs. Shopping at K-Mart. Is there a connection? Maybe only in this song.
When I walk into K-Mart, you know I'm ready to save.
I hear a voice from the ceiling, with the messages I crave.
"Attention K-Mart Shoppers," (I know he's talkin' to me.)
"There's a sale on toasters, down in aisle number three!"
So let the Blue Light Special, shine her light on me.
Let the Blue Light Special, shine her ever-savin' light on me.
When I wake up in the mornin', you can hear me wail.
I Gotta get down to K-Mart. I know there's somethin' on sale.
Now I may not need it, but I just can't fight.
Let me ask you neighbor, "Have you seen the Light?"
That's the Blue Light Special, shinin' down on me.
Let the Blue Light Special, shine her ever-savin' light on me.
Well I went to the snack bar, just to get some rest.
I had some chili and a corn dog...I took a blood pressure test
But when I heard that Special, I was back on my feet.
There was a matched set of lawn chairs, at a price that can't be beat!
Another Blue Light Special, shinin' down on me.
Let the Blue Light Special, shine her ever-savin' light on me.
Oh, my life has changed now, I'm at K-Mart every day
When they say "We're closing" I say "Please let me stay"
You know I've seen a lot of bargains, but there're so many more.
I've got an 18 wheeler backed up to the door. --
For every Blue Light Special, shinin’ down on me.
Let the Blue Light Special, shine her ever-savin' light on me.
If I ever get to Heaven, I’m at the pearly gates,
St. Peter’s gonna ask me, “Now, let me get this straight,”
“You lived your life at K-Mart?” “And I died in my prime.
Now I’m lookin’ for a bargain.” “Well, you came just in time!” --
“We’ve got a Blue Light Special, shinin' down on you.
It’s heaven’s Blue Light Special, so you can come on through!”
Oh there’s a Blue Light Special from sea to shinin’ sea.
Let the Blue Light Special, shine her ever-savin' light / on / me.
11. My Manatee
In 2006 my friend Melinda from upstate New York had a dream, woke up and wrote a poem about a manatee. Shortly after, a manatee, normally found in tropical waters, was sighted swimming up the Hudson River. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/07/nyregion/07manatee.html
Melinda asked me to put her poem to music. With a few word changes, here it is.
Melinda asked me to put her poem to music. With a few word changes, here it is.
Last night as I lay in my bed
I heard a song within my head
In my dream I went to see
A lovely little Manatee
(she said)
I’m glad you came to visit me
Jump into the turquoise sea
It’s not as clean as it used to be
But you can be the remedy
CHORUS:
The water warm
The water clear
She sang a song
For all to hear
She made me laugh
I want to sing
Our music made
The oceans ring
There once were many more of me
But we lost the harmony
Between the people and the sea
Said my lovely Manatee
(if we could)
Learn to take a little less
Give the ocean beds a rest
Let the earth restore the sea
Sang the wise old manatee
She brought me back to where I live
This was the gift she had to give
I want to share it here, you see
The lesson from my Manatee
From my window way up high
I could still see clear blue sky
No dirty rivers to the sea
For my lovely Manatee
CHORUS
Instrumental
I do not always have to dwell
In harbors dark with clanging bell
I can sing a song with thee
My lovely little Manatee
The choice is here for you and me,
Do we live in garbage and debris?
Or swim in pretty turquoise sea
With a lovely Manatee!
CHORUS:
The water warm
The water clear
She sang a song
For all to hear
We all can laugh
We all can sing
We all can make
The oceans ring
I heard a song within my head
In my dream I went to see
A lovely little Manatee
(she said)
I’m glad you came to visit me
Jump into the turquoise sea
It’s not as clean as it used to be
But you can be the remedy
CHORUS:
The water warm
The water clear
She sang a song
For all to hear
She made me laugh
I want to sing
Our music made
The oceans ring
There once were many more of me
But we lost the harmony
Between the people and the sea
Said my lovely Manatee
(if we could)
Learn to take a little less
Give the ocean beds a rest
Let the earth restore the sea
Sang the wise old manatee
She brought me back to where I live
This was the gift she had to give
I want to share it here, you see
The lesson from my Manatee
From my window way up high
I could still see clear blue sky
No dirty rivers to the sea
For my lovely Manatee
CHORUS
Instrumental
I do not always have to dwell
In harbors dark with clanging bell
I can sing a song with thee
My lovely little Manatee
The choice is here for you and me,
Do we live in garbage and debris?
Or swim in pretty turquoise sea
With a lovely Manatee!
CHORUS:
The water warm
The water clear
She sang a song
For all to hear
We all can laugh
We all can sing
We all can make
The oceans ring
12. The Truth Isn’t Simple
They say that opposites exist to balance each other. That thought set the direction for this song.
The truth isn’t simple. The past isn’t gone
The future begins Today in a song
So live in the present and make love not war
The next hour’s a gamble and then there’ll be more
The facts aren’t all in. They never will be.
So I’ll try to live more intuitively.
The earth is still changing. We all feel the shift.
It’s God rearranging the present - a gift
Let go and remember the child who’s inside,
Climbing aboard this incredible ride.
To sing this is easy. To live it is hard.
So trust Mother Nature, and turn the next card.
Instrumental (verse)
The truth isn’t simple. It’s hidden from sight.
Like the face of the day in the breast of the night.
You’ll find it in silence and know it as bliss.
The truth isn’t simple, or maybe…it is.
The future begins Today in a song
So live in the present and make love not war
The next hour’s a gamble and then there’ll be more
The facts aren’t all in. They never will be.
So I’ll try to live more intuitively.
The earth is still changing. We all feel the shift.
It’s God rearranging the present - a gift
Let go and remember the child who’s inside,
Climbing aboard this incredible ride.
To sing this is easy. To live it is hard.
So trust Mother Nature, and turn the next card.
Instrumental (verse)
The truth isn’t simple. It’s hidden from sight.
Like the face of the day in the breast of the night.
You’ll find it in silence and know it as bliss.
The truth isn’t simple, or maybe…it is.
© Copyright 2011 Hedquist Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.