I am in the process of re-recording just about everything on this page and then some. So, take what you find with a grain of something very salty. I’m leaving this up in the meantime just for yucks (and I mean yucks). I really hope the new page will be better, better produced, better sound and easier to navigate.
Notes on production values: There are none. Everything here has been recorded using a $10 microphone, no mike stand, no studio, no help and Audacity audio freeware. So, if it sucks even more than you expect, you can kiss my musical ass. I’m doing the best I can.
New version of Little Froggy Girl- I’ve left the older version down below. This is better, though (7/16/08).
p-little_froggy_girl-best-so-far
New! No words! I’ve been playing with sounds, that’s all. One of these is more musical than the other. First the noise (includes exclusive vocal by Daisy the Bird):
everything-but-the-kitchen-sink
Then we have an overly long, simple melody that I have driven into the ground. I think it’s sorta pleasant:
Oh! Now I’ve added words and the name is changed to “Shadow in Flight”. I have both reduced and remixed some of the instrumental.
Words:
Shadow in Flight
(playground song)
On a cold winter night the child watches and listens
next to his window in reverie lost
Using his finger he draws his name carefully
etching the letters in crystalline frost
Ch:
The snow softly falls with silent immensity
filling his heart beyond words or thought
So deeply in awe of what cannot be spoken
He cannot imagine what living will cost
Without any time he hears his mom calling
a gentle reminder that dinner is done
He turns from his window and feels his heart aching
but it passes by almost before it’s begun
Our paths travel outward in widening circles;
never the same as the moment before
Ineffable changes, unforseen choices
Sometimes remembered and sometimes ignored
Now at the dining hall table, the one by the window
A man watches out on the bitter cold night
A shadow he feels like some song from his childhood
tugs at his heart but then swiftly takes flight
Life is a mystery,who can explain it?
Coming from nothing, arriving so far
At some time we all sat and stared out that window
and never expected to land where we are
I’ve Needed You to Know Me- written in 1986 as a kind of proposal to my wife, Julie. Recorded tonight, 6/22/08 [Updated 7/9/08, better mix]. Words:
I’ve needed you to know me
When we first met
I was not sure that it was true
afraid to open up my eyes
Now I’ve opened them and I saw that it was you
I’ve been filled with gladness and suprise
CH:
It has been so lonely I’ve needed you to know me
Wanted what You give me for so long
And here you are, now that you have come to hold me
Can we walk this road together from now on
The only time I have is all the time to come
I want to spend that time with you
If you would be with me until the journey’s done
There is nothing I would rather do
CH
The Wind of Heaven- Added 6/20/08, recorded just before going on the radio. I wrote this about 13 years ago. Words:
The Wind of Heaven
These are not ordinary constellations
These stars don’t come together every day
Some things only happen when the wind of heaven blows
May the wind of heaven come here now and
blow these stars away
CH:
I have seen the light that is hidden from the world
I have felt it’s music sweet and low
I believe that I am here to sing that song with you
We’ll have to sing it anyway you know
How can it be so long since I have seen you
I cannot begin to describe where I have been
But if you look into my eyes, you’ll see that I’m in love with you
Darling won’t you please just look
into my eyes again
CH
Each work beneath our hands, every step we take is endless
Each breath goes out just to be followed by another one
The offering, the offerer, the flame that will consume us
All return to love
when the work is done
CH
Right Beside You- I didn’t write it but have always liked it. Original by The Sons of Champlain (circa 1969), my version sounds much different and also sucks way way more. Updated 6/23/08
Sea of Love- a classic 60s rock-n-roll song done very different from the original. One person pointed out that it resembles a cover by Cat Power.
That’s all for today. I’ll try to update as I record more and/ or improve/ re-mix etc.
Addition:
Recorded today, 6/6/08, I’m not happy with the way it sounds so I’ll probably re-mix in the next few weeks.
Red Light Runner- written in November, 1998, approaching my daughter’s birthday a few years after her death. Kind of puts a damper on Thanksgiving.
p-november_song-happy_birthday
Added/ recorded 6/9/08- May you dwell in the heart, my family dinner prayer; a mix of traditional Buddhist prayer with my music and additional words/ counter verse.
