Song #38: Known

"Known" is a simple little song juxtaposing the desire to be loved with the desire to give love. Because of its atypical form you could maybe say it's more of a short tone poem than a pop song.

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LYRICS:

to be known

to be loved

to be cherished

to be witnessed

to have someone

that knows your soul

knows your weakness

knows your deepness

to be understood

to know you count

to be lost

and then be found

to be held close

to be let go

to be known

to be the one that knows

to be love

and to cherish

and to witness

to have someone

whose mind you blow

despite their weakness

and from your deepness

to understand

to show they count

and when they're lost

search 'till they're found

to know when to hold

when to let go

to be the one that knows

Song #37: Always

I was browsing some work by Chilean poet Pablo Neruda this week and came across his piece "Always." It spoke of acceptance, forgiveness, patience and desire and I found myself blown away by how much depth was communicated in a few simple words. Although it was not my intention to add anything to his poem or write a companion song, I did use it as inspiration and borrowed several of the ideas and images for this week's song.

See Pablo Neruda's "Always" here. 

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LYRICS:

everyone has their story

all the people they carry

on their shoulders, in their hair

scores of lovers and families

children born and dead buried

and the fear you think I care

bring it all to where i'm waiting for you

there's wake of destruction

behind every someone

it's just the way it is

so you can come as you are, dear

wear it proud like a scar, dear

it's just the way it is

bring it all to where i'm waiting for you

and in this holy union

watch the fire burn up all that lied in ruins

and we will stand, alone,

always

Song #36: Bliss (You Take Me There)

Love has the capability of taking us - or rather opening us - further than we could ever hope to go on our own.

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LYRICS:

There's a bliss that most will never know

There's a depth that most will never go

There's a place for which the angels groan

Now I know, I know

You take me there

There's a touch, makes me glad to be alive

There's a path into the heart of God

There's a taste thick like the richest spice

Now I know, I know

You take me there

Going deeper, pure surrender

Going deeper, pure surrender

You take me there

Song #35: Home

“Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration.” [Charles Dickens]

This weekend I had the pleasure of hosting four old friends - Laura, David, Kevin and Lydia - in my home. It was suggested that we write my 'love song' this week as a creative collective - with others  pitching in on the writing and recording of the track. I thought it was a great idea and enjoyed turning over the reigns to see what we may come up with as a group. The process was great fun and resulted in something that is quite different than anything I've done so far in One Love, One Year. Enjoy!

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LYRICS:

Sat upon the window sill, waiting for the morning light

A dream fresh in my mind, waiting for a pretty sight

Still asleep in my bed, your cheeks flushed red

Your tiny hands held a teddy bear

And the sun peaks through the humid air

of a day just begun

I will rise and we will go... home

We travel light with heavy hearts

our hands swing swift and far apart

My suitcase is full of empty things

you cherish like our wedding rings

And the sun peaks through the humid air

of a day carrying on

I will rise and we will go... home

Song #34: Disease

"Of course it don't feel right! What has felt right for you doesn't work! You need to try some wrong, dawg!"  [The 40-Year Old Virgin]

This is a song about tiring of doing good. It's from the perspective of someone who's grown weary of playing by the rules, being spoon-fed other people's expectations and - in keeping with the intent of this project - being in a relationship that is outwardly "right" (in the opinions of others), but inwardly lifeless. After all there are some experiences life holds for those who are adventurous enough to color outside the lines.

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LYRICS: 

I don't want to choose health

I'm living life on my knees

I feel I'm gagging on good

I crave a little dis-ease

Try to wheel me in,

Lock me up in a cell

But I ain't looking for a cure,

I wouldn't pay to be well

I feel a wicked, sly smile

crawling up on my face

There's something sick inside

Way down low like the bass

I feel it pulse within

Like the beat of this song

And if lovin' you is right

Well then I want to be wrong

They all think they know best

Tell me just what I need

And I played along

For forever it seems

But see I've caught a bug

An infectious disease

And now I see you're just too good,

 t-t-too good for me

Does it hurt? Does it hurt when I do this ?

Song #33: Without a String

Inspiration often shows up unexpectedly. Take this week for instance. A new friend of mine happened to share this quote with me during a conversation:

“Love is the ultimate outlaw. It just won't adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is to sign on as its accomplice. Instead of vowing to honor and obey, maybe we should swear to aid and abet. That would mean that security is out of the question. The words 'make' and 'stay' become inappropriate. My love for you has no strings attached. I love you for free.” [Tom Robbins]

I knew instantly I needed to use it for song fodder. Almost every image and idea in this song is extracted directly from this quote, put into a blender and spit out as an acoustic reggae-rock sing-along jam.

PLAY: 

LYRICS:

It can't be chained

No telling where it's been

There aren't bars so strong

to keep this outlaw in

Won't play your stupid games

Won't follow any rules

No way to nail it down

Makes wisdom play the fool

There is no certainty,

No sure security;

All that is vanity;

It's done without a string.

Defies authority,

A statement of liberty,

Will fight until it is free;

It's done without a string.

Goes where it wants; don't try to stop it

The best we can do is to be love's accomplice

Song #32: Time of Day

This week's song is more of a style experiment than anything. I very much enjoy listening to a lot of Oldies and classic R&B and so I thought I'd enjoy writing my own modern spin on those genres. There's nothing profound in the least about these lyrics but that too was keeping in form (most of those old songs are really simple). This one's just for fun.

PLAY:

LYRICS:

You walk by me everyday

walking in your freedom

And I can't help but imagine the day

you give me all your lovin'

I can't help it I'm falling for you

Dream of all the crazy things we would do

But you don't even give me the time of day

You move ways that drive a man wild,

But only give resistance

Tight pants, tight shirt, show off your style,

but keep 'em at a distance

I can't help it I'm falling for you

Give me one shot, you'll want me too

But you don't even give me the time of day

I sure hope you don't get pissed

But it's past time you know I exist

I can't help it I'm falling for you

Dream of all the naughty things we would do

But you don't even give me the time of day

Song #31: Alexandria

"Well behaved women seldom make history." [Laurel Thatcher Ulrich]

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LYRICS:

You blaze ways with a smile on your face

And when we reach downtown you reach for the paint

Alexandria

The street musicians all know your name

And the gamble is certainly worth the game

I'm in love

They don't know where to look

She's straight up off the hook

We all just fall in love with Alexandria

She's irresisistable

She's got this certain pull

She'll burn this city down, Alexandria!

The town winds down, the lights start to fade

But you can't stop now, that's not how you're made

Alexandria

I once asked how she got this way

She just laughed and she walked away

I'm in love