This song was inspired by an unbelievable run in the middle of summer where I spaced out and left my body on auto pilot.  Without even noticing where I was going, I came to and found myself running down the very street I grew up on.  The CCR song Ramble Tamble was in my headphones and came to its epic climax the moment I reached my old front door...
Artwork courtesy of the Evan James Collection.

LYRICS:
 
Middle of the road
Still going I am thirty years old and I still don't have a clue
Ask my advice
I'll tell you sorry I just got here I still don't know what to do
Days flying by as I desperately try to hold onto what's already gone
We must learn to get by without worrying why
One hundred years doesn't seem very long

It got me runnin, got me runnin
Got me runnin back to my home
It got me runnin, got me runnin
Got me runnin back to my home

Let my feet do the talkin
Walkin along Dallas road and it's endless glory
When I am walking 
Where I wander, every step tells a different story
Days as a child in these streets running wild
We've got pasts too large to ignore
And though I had no say, my feet took me this way
And brought me back to my old front door

It got me runnin, got me runnin
Got me runnin back to my home
It got me runnin, got me runnin
Got me runnin back to my home
It got me runnin, got me runnin
Got me runnin back to my home
It got me runnin, got me runnin
Got me runnin back to my home

It got me runnin, it got me runnin, it got me runnin, it got me runnin...

It got me runnin, got me runnin
Got me runnin back to my home
It got me runnin, got me runnin
Got me runnin back to my home
It got me runnin, got me runnin
Got me runnin back to my home
It got me runnin, got me runnin
Got me runnin back to my home

It got me runnin, it got me runnin, it got me runnin, it got me runnin...


Middle Of The Road

I hope this song doesn't come across as a pity party.  It wasn't written with that intent...this is merely observational commentary.  Actually this song is not even completely autobiographical, though I can identify.  This song is about a world full of artists with something to say but not enough ears to hear them or hearts to feel their message...

LYRICS

Well I don't want to be the same and I refuse to play their game
So I just sit and curse the rest as I wrestle with this weight upon my chest
And I could say it isn't fair that I'm not going anywhere
But its on me to start the show
The people can't love what they don't know

Cause I'm a bit eccentric
And I'm not that egocentric
So I will never make it
No I will never make it here
Cause I don't look the part
And cause I got off to a late start
Its becoming oh so crystal clear
That I will never make it here
I'll be waiting in the wings, I'll be waiting in the wings
I'll be waiting in the wings while another hits the charts
One of a million broken hearts
I'm just another broken soul
Trying to put together broken dreams 
Trying to be part of another broken social scene

Well I've been up for 30 hours
Thinking that Ive got some hidden powers
But nothing ever seems to come to light
Ive pissed away another day and night
Now all of these days and nights go by
So I'm gonna give it another try
But everything is coming out the same
I end up going back the way I came

I'm a bit eccentric
And I'm not that egocentric
So I will never make it
No I will never make it here
Cause I don't look the part
And cause I got off to a late start
Its becoming oh so crystal clear
That I will never make it here
I'll be waiting in the wings, I'll be waiting in the wings
I'll be waiting in the wings while another hits the charts
One of a million broken hearts
I'm just another broken soul
Trying to put together broken dreams 
Trying to be part of another broken social scene
Just another struggling artist 
Just another number in the line
Just another one to watch in wonder while we're waiting for our time
To shine...

Cause I'm a bit eccentric
And I'm not that egocentric
So I will never make it
No I will never make it here

I'll be waiting in the wings, I'll be waiting in the wings
I'll be waiting in the wings while another hits the charts
One of a million broken hearts
I'm just another broken soul
Trying to put together broken dreams 
Trying to be part of another broken social scene
Just another struggling artist 
Just another number in the line
Just another one to watch in wonder while we're waiting for our time
To shine...


Waiting In The Wings

This is an old song of mine that has been played in many different styles with most of the groups I've played with.  I also recorded this years back though I prefer this straight forward arrangement.  I once had a PR man who took this song very literally and didn't think any rivers would take you out west.  I didn't even bother that guy any more!  In any event this song is to be taken metaphorically...

LYRICS:

Riding down this river lord
Must I keep on fighting
Riding down this river lord
Taking me out west
Gonna find my freedom
Gonna find salvation
Find somewhere to lay my head you know
Find somewhere to rest

Need somewhere to call my own 
Til then I'm riding on the breeze
Lord help me to find my way
Have mercy on me please

Day and night I keep on goin
Ragin Rapid River Rollin

Enemy's not far behind
Sleep with one eye open
To leave the enemy far behind
This is what I'm hopin
Without a home for way too long
This world's tough but it made me strong
Strong enough to sing my song and sleep with one eye open

Need somewhere to call my own 
Til then I'm riding on the breeze
Lord help me to find my way
Have mercy on me please

Day and night I keep on goin
Ragin Rapid River Rollin

INSTRUMENTAL

Day and night I keep on goin
Ragin Rapid River Rollin
Day and night I keep on goin
Ragin Rapid River Rollin
Day and night I keep on goin
Ragin Rapid River Rollin
Roll on...

Ragin Rapid River

Song 11 of 101! This song's chill feel can be deceiving.  It is really a shot at all those hippocrates who feel they have a right to judge you and tell you how to live your life and expresses my desire to get away from all of the ego...Artwork courtesy of The Evan James Collection.    

LYRICS:

Not making any sense
You speak of the past in the present tense
And plead innocence
Living life without consequence
Live in a fantasy but fantasy lives only in your head
Now you're trying to change me
Make me memorize every single word you've said

Telling me how I should be
What works for you works for you
But it doesn't work for me
They say that pride comes before a fall
You think it's working but baby it ain't working at all

You openly oppose bud booze and blow
Look down your nose
Holding your cigarette and your double espresso
You believe you're right
Never underestimate the power of denial
So you'll pick a fight so you can smell sweet victory for a while

Telling me how I should be
What works for you works for you
But it doesn't work for me
They say that pride comes before a fall
You think it's working but baby it ain't working at all

I get the urge
I only want to live by myself
No one telling me what to do
I'll disappear like I'm Dick Proenneke's child
And head into the wild

Taking action
Don't you know that actions speak louder than words
It's a chain reaction
Insight takes flight like a flock of birds
 
Telling me how I should be
What works for you works for you
But it doesn't work for me
They say that pride comes before a fall
You think it's working but baby it ain't working at all
They say that pride comes before a fall
You think it's working but baby it ain't working at all
They say that pride comes before a fall
You think it's working but baby it ain't working
No it aint working....no it aint working at all



What Works For You

Song 12 is a track that I have played with many groups, most recently a rockin version of this song with my band Dryspell.  I feel that there is a natural rhythm floating all around us and that Nirvana is achieved when we can sync our lives and thoughts with this rhythm.  I think most of us can get in sync at certain times in our life but it is ever fleeting and hard to hold onto....

LYRICS:

This beat's been blown by the wind
This beat beats down on my window
Like a cat that wants to get in
This beat goes wherever we go

The daily grind
Hypnotic rhythm always on my mind
I'm preoccupied
My life and the rhytm never coincide
But I'm haunted by this rhythm day and night
Though its not anything to fight I know
And it's never too late to let the rhythm dictate which way it is that I should go

This beat's been blown by the wind
This beat beats down on my window
Like a cat that wants to get in
This beat goes wherever we go

It's getting late
My life is starting to accelerate each year
I start to stall as the image appearing in my crystal ball is unclear
And it's really hard to think when my thoughts are not in sync
With the rhythm blowing through the air
Cause this rhythm in my mind is so badly out of time
It's never gonna get me anywhere


This beat's been blown by the wind
This beat beats down on my window
Like a cat that wants to get in
This beat goes wherever we go
This beat's been blown by the wind
This beat beats down on my window
Like a cat that wants to get in
This beat goes wherever we go

This time when the rhythm is out on the street
I've just gotta move to the beat
This time when the rhythm is stuck on repeat
I just gotta move to the beat

This beat's been blown by the wind
This beat beats down on my window
Like a cat that wants to get in
This beat goes wherever we go........



The Rhythm

Day 34, Song 34 - I am very proud of this song.  This is a go to in almost any occasion.  I was inspired to write this song after working with a child with a condition called Fragile X who was incredibly sensitive to stimulus.  I noticed that when he went into the bathroom, he turned the lights off and plugged his ears to relax himself.  I started trying this from time to time and found it incredibly soothing and reflective.  It is something I do to this day if I am feeling overwhelmed with the world.  I am amazed at the depth of darkness and the wisdom of the void...
Artwork courtesy of the Evan James Collection

LYRICS:

Times have changed 
I was feeling so much better before
What a shame 
I'm always finding myself needing more
Somethings changed but I can't put my finger on it now
Whats to blame
I'll get to the bottom of it somehow
Somehow...

So I turn the lights off 
Sit in the darkness
Stare into the void with those untrained eyes
Takes a minute to adjust to what I'm feeling 
But I'm not blind 
I'm just redefining again

And I'm addicted to pain
Anger always precedes remorse
I explain 
But I always end up using too much force
Now I'm under the gun and I'm not having fun
Not anymore
And everyone says
I was so much more fun before
Before...

So I turn the lights off 
Sit in the darkness
Stare into the void with those untrained eyes
Takes a minute to adjust to what I'm feeling 
But I'm not blind 
I'm just redefining again

Redefining again...

So I turn the lights off 
Sit in the darkness
Stare into the void with those untrained eyes
Takes a minute to adjust to what I'm feeling 
But I'm not blind 
I'm just redefining again...


Untrained Eyes

Day 40 Song 40 - This is one of my favourite songs as it captures a life changing mushrooms trip while camping with my brother.  We were sitting on French Beach, one of our fondest childhood playgrounds when everything seemed to come together for me.  In this moment of divine clarity I foresaw the birth of my children to be; recognized and appreciated the unyielding love of my wife and family.  I had a profound sense of connection to the sea and stars as they all blended together before our very eyes.  What a sensation to realize that you are larger than life yet infinitesimally small at the same time; that size doesn't matter and that you are the life that flows within you and without you...
Artwork courtesy of the Evan James Collection

LYRICS:

Deep in the night the city ligths shine far away
And far from the storm this fire is warm I wish I could stay
My world got smaller as the order got taller
I planted my feet firm on the ground
But like a turbulent ocean 
These waves of emotion have come without warning to toss me around
Hurt beyond doubt hurt beyond reason
Hurt by the one I loved the most
I come to you fallen 
I come to you broken 
I come here to see my ghost

I've got magic on my mind
And I am walking around blind
I hear music in my head
I am listening to the dead

Forever connected 
Forever protected by my brother
We shared the same bed we share the same blood 
Shared the same mother
He cuts the tension brought by apprehension
And always seems to make a stand
But in the heat of the night 
When fear takes my sight
He comes out of the darkness to take my hand
We have taken the potion we go back to the ocean
Back to the place we used to play
So fuck all the liars and fuck all the doubters 
Cause we dont need them anyway

I've got magic on my mind
And I am walking around blind
I hear music in my head
I am listening to the dead

And I know in my heart what Ive come here to do
And I'm hopin that I can fight my way through
And I am so sorry that I couldnt see
That my lover will always believe in me
And I know in my heart what I've come here to do 
And I'm hoping that I can fight my way through 
And I am so sorry that I couldnt see 
That my only lover will always love me

I've got magic on my mind
And I am walking around blind
I hear music in my head
I am listening to the dead

Listening To The Dead

Day 69 Song 69 - This song was the biggest hit in Dayinthelife's arsenal.  Cowritten by Micheal Larocque, this song was featured on local radio and was a crowd favourite that usually closed out the set for the evening.  This is a shot at those who quest for knowledge but lack social and emotional intelligence...
Artwork courtesy of the Evan James Collection

LYRICS:

Remember once you were just a little girl
Without a care in the world
But success made your mess
I think you need a rest
To busy even to smile
Cause business is your style
But is your life worth while

You think you gotta know about everything
Its left you emotionally scarred 
You think you gotta know about everything
You know youre trying too hard
You think you gotta understand everything
You put your soul on the shelf 
You think you gotta know about everything
You dont even know yourself

And I hate to rain on your parade 
But let it rain for a while
Cause its you I'm trying to save
Why dont you look at your situation
What are you trying to do
And wheres your imagination

You think you gotta know about everything
Its left you emotionally scarred 
You think you gotta know about everything
You know youre trying too hard
You think you gotta understand everything
You put your soul on the shelf 
You think you gotta know about everything
You dont even know yourself

And I hate to rain on your parade 
But let it rain for a while
Cause its you I'm trying to save
Why dont you look at your situation
What are you trying to do
And wheres your imagination

You think you gotta know about everything...
You put your soul on the shelf...
You dont even know yourself...Remember once you were just a little girl
Without a care in the world
But success made your mess
I think you need a rest
To busy even to smile
Cause business is your style
But is your life worth while

You think you gotta know about everything
Its left you emotionally scarred 
You think you gotta know about everything
You know youre trying too hard
You think you gotta understand everything
You put your soul on the shelf 
You think you gotta know about everything
You dont even know yourself

And I hate to rain on your parade 
But let it rain for a while
Cause its you I'm trying to save
Why dont you look at your situation
What are you trying to do
And wheres your imagination

You think you gotta know about everything
Its left you emotionally scarred 
You think you gotta know about everything
You know youre trying too hard
You think you gotta understand everything
You put your soul on the shelf 
You think you gotta know about everything
You dont even know yourself

And I hate to rain on your parade 
But let it rain for a while
Cause its you I'm trying to save
Why dont you look at your situation
What are you trying to do
And wheres your imagination

You think you gotta know about everything...
You put your soul on the shelf...
You dont even know yourself...

Where's Your Imagination

Day 75 Song 75 - This song was featured on my solo album Will Yesterday Fade Away back in 2008.  It is often misinterpreted but was written about being that rock for your significant other in their time of insecurity and hardship...
Artwork courtesy of the Evan James Collection

LYRICS:

Down and out youre an emotional wreck
You put the nail in your coffin 
You put the noose around your neck
The end of the world when things arent going youre way
But you dont wanna take the blame so if somebody has to pay

You can blame it on me

You dont know why your sky is always grey
But youve gotta get it out to find what its all about
Dont hold it in, come let the healing begin
You can come at me swinging I will take it on the chin

You can blame it on me
If you want to
You can blame it on me if it helps you
You can blame it on me

And in the darkness of my night
I curl up to you to make it right
And in the darkness of your day
You can turn to me I'll show you the way

 You can blame it on me
If you want to
You can blame it on me if it helps you
You can blame it on me....

Blame It On Me

Day 93 Song 93 - This song was recorded last night, May 30/2016 by Noel Anstey in his home studio.  This is the most urgent song I think I have ever written.  It is a call to arms for us to get our heads out of the sand and get beyond what our leaders are telling us to decide the fate of our planet.  I really believe that we are on the cusp of a monumental shift in our earth's history and that we need to hit the ground running.  Some people can organize, some can motivate, but all I can do is write songs about it, so thats what I'll do...
Artwork courtesy of the Evan James Collection

LYRICS:

The music is dying, the song is forgotten
People are trying to taste the forbidden fruit but the core is too rotten
When we should begin the whole worlds tuning in to the latest distraction
Though it may be too late, our fate hangs in the balance
But have we already tipped the scales

Build up to the breakdown
But you'd rather turn your head
Pay no attention, you'd rather play the fool instead
Standing in quicksand but you say youre on solid ground
Your personal power is bound to bring you down 

As we face the inferno the temperatures risin
Counting the dead, more bloodshed, red on the horizon
Caught in the crossfire, caught in the final act of our civilization
But when the curtain is drawn will there be a new dawn 
Or will we finally fade to black

Build up to the breakdown
But you'd rather turn your head
Pay no attention, you'd rather play the fool instead
Standing in quicksand but you say youre on solid ground
Your personal power is bound to bring you down 

Where are the heroes to bring power to the people
Out of the shadows and heard around the world
Surrender the sorrows of the greedy souls of old
You gotta live for tomorrow

The dark clouds are rollin and the thunder is drummin
A single prayer is all thats remainin cause the rains they are comin
These days are so strange we need a change in the guard if theres a change in the weather
We need to lay down our arms, lay down our desires and come together
We need to learn how to swim, how to make fire, how to build shelter
We've been called on to hold the hand of Mother Nature with the hearts who have felt her
But we may be too late, I have a feeling our fates already tied to the pyre
And we all take the blame 
Cause we all feel the flame 
Still we all fuel the fire
We all take the blame 
We all feel the flame 
We all fuel the fire...

Build Up 2 the Breakdown

Day 94 Song 94 -  This song was originally recorded with the others at Electric City Studio but I was not happy with the performance, so I just recorded this with Noel Anstey at his recording studio.  This song has had some time in public, usually sung with Hilary Beckett.
Artwork courtesy of the Evan James Collection

LYRICS:

So much to learn we're constantly turning the pages 
And the years go by but that look in your eye never ages
And we're changing our shape as we try to escape our cages
But we're taking it slow as the battle below us rages

The flourescent lights they fill the sky
Burnin bright, blindin my eyes
But where to turn is something I just dont know
But I got a burn in my heart and I know that I gotta go

And so I pick up my feet and I start to run
I'm trying to race my way past everyone
Trying to get my heat from another sun
But to find my place I must finally face
The one who is holding the smokin gun

So much to learn we're constantly turning the pages 
And the years go by but that look in your eye never ages
And we're changing our shape as we try to escape our cages
But we're taking it slow as the battle below us rages

And now I see my enemies start to run
I turn and see my life in the faces of everyone
Now I'm getting my heat from another sun
And I found my place cause I finally faced 
The one who is holding the smokin gun

And theres so much to learn we're constantly turning the pages 
And the years go by but that look in your eye never ages
And we're changing our shape as we try to escape our cages
But we're taking it slow as the battle below us rages
And rolls out of control and i know that I've gotta go
And I know....

Smokin Gun

Day 95 Song 95 - This is the newest song I have written.  It is also the first song that I wrote on the piano, although for comfort sake I am performing this on guitar.  This was recorded on May 30/2016 by Noel Anstey in his home recording studio.  This song was inspired by a trip to Strathcona Park here on Vancouver Island where I had the ever enlightening gaze into the cosmos.  It is in these moments that I realize how unfathomably small we are, yet how unfathomably big our consciences are.  Consolidation of these two concepts I feel is the key to happiness and success in this world...
Artwork courtesy of the Evan James Collection

LYRICS:

There is an edge to each and every dimention
Beyond our comprehension 
Between life and death
Some people think that you should push it to the brink 
You never know when youll be breathin in your last breath
But as we lay here in the middle of nowhere
Looking at the stars as we lie upon the shore
I disappear into the universe
Into anohter verse 
The chorus before us forever more

Tonight we're in this wide open space
The truth staring me right in the face
And I ve got nowhere to run
And while we're lying looking into outer space
The eartrh under us is burning
And we're turning til we're facing the sun

The answer lies hidden in the skies 
Everybody tries to put to words this feeling we're all chasin
Some will hypothesize, try to cut you down to size
I try to tell them I'm not even racin
Now I'm hiding away in the depths of the wild
Like a child with the answer close at hand
But is it just a waste, I'll just get a taste
Cause the answer is something I'll never understand 

But tonight we're in this wide open space
The truth staring me right in the face
And I ve got nowhere to run
And while we're lying looking into outer space
The eartrh under us is burning
And we're turning til we're facing the sun

There is an edge to each and every dimention
Beyond our comprehension 
Between life and death
Some people think that you should push it to the brink 
You never know when youll be breathin in your last breath
But as we lay here in the sand
With the answer close at hand 
The roar of silence crashing on the shore
So I give up trying to articulate a feeling this late in the game
My name is just a name and no more



But tonight we're in this wide open space
The truth staring me right in the face
And I ve got nowhere to run
And while we're lying looking into outer space
The eartrh under us is burning
And we're turning til we're facing the sun

Wide Open Space

Day 96 Song 96 - This is one of two solo acoustic tracks from my 2007 album Will Yesterday Fade Away.  After spending a fair chunk of cash on production, mixing, mastering etc. this was the song that people responded to most.  Goes to show more isn't always better.  This song is not about me, but a couple who have grown apart and are having the sobering realization that their love just wasnt meant to be...
Artwork Courtesy of the Evan James Collection

LYRICS:

I’m Sorry that it’s over 
But our hearts never beat as one 
We thought we were in love 
But we were just two kids having fun 

Yet I’m used to your warm body 
Cuddled up next to mine 
But I must separate love from comfort 
And get over you in time 

Cause I’m sick of your sense of humour 
And you’re tired of my lullabies 
And when we face each other 
I look and see a stranger in your eyes 

I never wanted to hurt you 
And I wish you all the best 
I’m not trying to desert you 
I just got this load that I’ve got to get off of my chest 

Cause you gotta write your own story 
And cause I don’t know who you are 
We gotta go our own direction ..but… 

We’ve got a long way 
Cause we got in way too far x 3

Stranger in Your Eyes

Day 97 Song 97 - I wrote this song while playing around with open tuning.  It was recorded a week ago by Noel Anstey at Quadratic Sound Studio in Victoria. 
This song came fast and furious and was done within a few minutes.  It is told through the eyes of someone caught in a web of lies, unable to get out....
Artwork courtesy of the Evan James Collection

LYRICS:

Crushed by an invisible weight I know no one will appreciate
I lie cause I hesitate
Remember my line just a little too late

A piece of your soul is bound to die
With every single little lie
No self control and no aliby
But when my defense has stopped making sense

I deny, I deny
Can't handle the truth so I lie
I deny, I deny 
Right through my teeth I expect your belief in my lies

And in my dreams
I'm haunted by a conscience Ive never seen 
Dont lie my accuser screams
Why dont you tell the good people just where youve been

A piece of your soul is bound to die
With every single little lie
No self control and no aliby
But when my defense has stopped making sense

I deny, I deny
Can't handle the truth so I lie
I deny, I deny 
Right through my teeth I expect your belief in my lies
And I'll try to pull all the strings while I pull the wool under your eyes
And I'll die before anyone knows the big secret behind my disguise

A piece of your soul is bound to die
With every single little lie
No self control and no aliby
But when my defense has stopped making sense

I deny, I deny
Can't handle the truth so I lie
I deny, I deny 
Right through my teeth I expect your belief in my lies
And I'll try to pull all the strings while I pull the wool under your eyes
And I'll die before anyone knows the big secret behind my disguise

I Deny

Day 98 Song 98 - This song is one I am probably the most proud of.  This was a product of a stretch of bad luck that had me questioning my character, my emotional strength and my path in life.  As always, the unconditional love of my wife and the power of music brought me through.  This song was written at an emotional low but brought me right out of the catacombs of my mind and gave me the courage to get back up and face the world once again...
Artwork courtesy of the Evan Jame Collection

LYRICS:

With every stroke this guitar's more electric
24 karat diamond across strings of gold
Every hair on the back of my head jumps to attention
As I thaw my chilled bones from this bitter cold, bitter cold

Absolve my sins I'm here for a confession
I'm sealing my fate and awaiting the trial
But I'll plead my case once this court is in session
And in every face I'll see approval or denial

I'll take the stand on my own for the first time
I'll tell the whole truth and nothing but will it fall on deaf ears
Will the members of the jury find me guilty with conviction
Sentenced to silence for the rest of my years

Absolve my sins I'm here for a confession
I'm sealing my fate and awaiting the trial
But I'll plead my case once this court is in session
And in every face I'll see approval or denial

Walking around closing my eyes
To even it up for the emotionally blind
But its high time I started oepning my eyes 
And leaving it all behind

Going up on this 747 
Upwards ascending into the skies
It keeps going its never ending deep into heaven
My time has come to look God in the eyes

Absolve my sins I'm here for a confession
I'm sealing my fate and awaiting the trial
But I'll plead my case once this court is in session
And in every face I'll see approval or denial
Absolve my sins I'm here for a confession
I'm sealing my fate and awaiting the trial
But I'll plead my case once this court is in session
And in every face I'll see approval or denial....

Approval Or Denial

Day 99 Song 99 - I wrote this song years before Frozen made this title a hit.  Therefor I am not changing the name.  In my eyes this is the song I am happiest with.  It sums up my creative process as well as the ebb and flow of life and our very existence,,,
Artwork Courtesy of The Evan James Collection

LYRICS:

Getting weary looking for that place
Hiding in the corner of my mind
But when I look its gone without a trace
And the more I look the harder it is to find

It slips through my hands
And I dont want to let it go
It slips through my hands 
I know I just gotta let it go

All the water drains out from the beach
Before the tidal wave comes crashing in
Now my water's gone and words are out of reach
But the tides have turned and the wave is coming

But it slips through my hands
And I dont want to let it go
It slips through my hands 
I know I just gotta let it go

But I dont know where you are
Come and whisper in my ear
Oh there you are
I hold my breath my wave is here
I hold my breath my wave is here

Words arrive but come too fast to catch
As my wave hits and tosses me around
But it spits me up without a scratch
And leaves me standing on a higher ground

But it slips through my hands
And I dont want to let it go
It slips through my hands 
I know I just gotta let it go

It slips through my hands
And I dont want to let it go
It slips through my hands 
I know I just gotta let it go...

Let it Go

Day 100 Song 100 -  
Time time ticking away
A minute and hour 
An hour a day
But here comes the end just a flicker away
But is it the end 
Can mortal man stop the steadfast ticking of the second hand
By merely ceasing to breathe

This poem was written by my uncle Bruce just days before he was tragically killed by a bomb aboard a plane on its way up North.  He was only 19 years old and was heading up for the summer to work.  This poem and the memory of my uncle always brought shivers to my spine, but it wasn't until the 50th anniversary of his death last year that I realized the profound impact he had on me and my family, even though I never got to meet him.  I wrote this song on the day of the 50th anniversary, inspired by my Dad's pilgrimage to the site of the wreck and something my aunt said in a post that day.  The chorus and bridge use the aforementioned poem, which is, I think, some of the most profound and prophetic words I have ever heard...
This song was recorded by Noel Anstey at Quadratic Sound Studio on May 30/2016
Artwork courtesy of the Evan James Collection
   
LYRICS:

We're all along for the ride
But we don't know when this ride is gonna end
And we've got nowhere to hide
And broken hearts are so hard to mend

His whole life flashes before his eyes
A series of landmarks are marking his stay
No matter how hard he tries
He sees his life slowly slipping away

Time, time ticking away
A minute an hour an hour a day
But here comes the end just a flicker away
Time...

Now I mourn every wasted day
Every new moment is like a diamond ring
That I dont want to throw away
I want to savour every single thing

Time, time ticking away
A minute an hour an hour a day
But here comes the end just a flicker away
Time...

But is it the end? 
Can mortalman stop the steadfast ticking of the second hand
By merely ceasing to breathe?

50 years to the day
He's got a plane that he doesnt want to miss
Before the car pulls away
He comes back to give his little sister a kiss
And when the plane went down
Scraps of the wreckage was all they could find
Fast forward 50 years later
Her brother's kiss is still so fresh in her mind

Time, time ticking away
A minute an hour an hour a day
But here comes the end just a flicker away
Time...
Time, time ticking away
A minute an hour an hour a day
But here comes the end just a flicker away
Time...

Time

Day 101 Song 101 - This project concludes with a song recorded in 2007 for my solo album Will Yesterday Fade Away.  This is the only song featuring any accompaniment whatsoever.  I thought about recording this one in a live acoustic format like the rest, but I really couldnt top this version.  Katherine and Hilary Beckett provide beautiful backing vocals and Thomas Kinzel is on the keys.  This is about finding your soul in the face of oblivion...
Artwork courtesy of the Evan James Collection

LYRICS:

Uneasy on this eve of destruction 
Knowin this is the last night alive 
You’re smiling but I see death in your eye 
Cause upon the dawn we’re all gonna die 

So help me figure out 
What is left within 
Help me see the rose 
Help me when the rains set in 
I figured it out 

And all those silly worries 
And all those silly fears 
They don’t mean a thing to me anymore 
Now that I am here 
And in this time of peril 
Heroes will arise 
No one will be watchin 
But faith is in their eyes 

So help me figure out 
What is left within 
Help me see the rose 
Help me when the rains set in 
I figured it out 
 
I’m dyin, I figured it out, I’m dyin, I figured it out, I’m dyin, 
Oh this is what’s been chosen 
I figured it out 
 
So help me figure out 
What is left within 
Help me see the rose 
Help me when the rains set in 
I figured it out

What is Left Within

BONUS TRACK - To conclude this project, I am throwing in a cover of an old Bob Dylan song.  He originally recorded this song back in his late teens when he had a brief stint going to College in Minneapolis.  Dylan was fascinated with recording his voice and did a series of live acoustic takes.  It was these raw acoustic recordings that got through to my bones and inspired me to record my songs in a similar fashion.  In his presong rambling he says "this song is for somebody, if not for me its for somebody" which sums up how I feel about my songs.  It is my hope that people find a song or two of mine that is meant for them...

*COVER* I Was Young When I Left Home

Blake Andison plays heartland rock on the Westcoast of Canada.  He has been writing songs for 13 years and has recorded the majority of them in a raw acoustic format.  Over the next 101 days, he is attempting to release 1 song a day for people to enjoy...

Blake Andison

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks