It's so easy to get caught up in the pain of things that have happened. We spend so much time in survival mode that we can miss when happier times arrive. Yes, the song is a metaphor but if you enjoy it in a more literal way, that's great too!

Lyrics
Hello Bluebird!
Are you ready to sing?
You made it through winter.
Can't you see that it's spring?
You were left behind.
Hungry and cold.
You survived rain storms,
That turned into snow.
Hello Bluebird
Don't you give up now.
In the darkness you were scared.
You felt that no one saw or cared.
Marked with scars that tell your tale.
But you’re beautiful, my little bird.
Oh, my gentle one,
The joy you bring.
Your warmth never left you.
Though the frost left its sting.
You are so brave.
You did so well.
You fought off the serpents.
I know you went through hell.
You’re safe my darling.
You can let your hope swell.
In the darkness you were scared.
You knew that no one saw or cared.
Marked with scars that tell your tale.
Oh, but you’re beautiful my little bird.
Hello my bluebird.
Get ready to sing!
The world needs your heart song.
Now go and take wing.

Hello Bluebird

Dedicated to my husband and all of the walking wounded. You are seen. You are loved. There is always hope. 
To those who are still waiting. It is ok to grieve the loss of the living. There is more loss in war than just death. Keep loving them.

Sitting quiet, how time flies.
There was once a time I held your eyes.
You went away, though you came home.
I wish I'd known I'd still be alone.

(Chorus)
6093 miles
That's what's keeping you away from me.
6093 miles
Is where that war took you from me.

Your silent cries I hear at night.
On your face I see your fight.
No rest for those who lost for peace.
I fear your battle may never cease.

(Chorus)

I'm still here
Still waiting for you
Hoping someday you'll return
What else would I do?
I still love you!

(Chorus)

I pray that God will set you free!

6093 Miles

A funny take on a sorta true story.  I hope it gives you a smile and helps you concur whatever you are running through today! A BIG thanks to John Lobello for his performance of this song! Isn't he amazing!?!

We went for a run on a back country road.
Singing a cadence. Trying not to moan.
We’re huffin’ and we’re puffin’. We ‘round another bend.
I’m sucking wind and thinkin’, “When’s it gonna end?”

(Chorus)
I need a beat, a song I can run to all day!
I need a beat! Something that will carry me away!
Give me a beat! Nothin’ that’s too tired or cliche!
I need a beat!

I look to my left through the TN fog.
I see a civil war drummer sittin’ on a log.
He gave me a salute. Not sure what to do,
I asked him politely, “What happened to you?”

He said “I’m not sure. No light was revealed.
I’ve been here all alone on this old battlefield.
No one left to play for.” He looked at his old drum.
I smile and ask, “Hey, you up for a run?”
 
(Chorus)

Rodriguez looks behind him. Jones pretends he doesn’t see.
My buddies think I’ve lost my mind. I’ve finally gone crazy!
But Logan sees me smiling up a dadgum hill.
He says “You must be nuts but man, I need your skill!”

(Chorus)
My squad starts getting rowdy to the tune of the unseen.
Jokin’ cutting up, ‘cause wow, The beat is mean!
Then Sergeant calls my name, my heart sinks to my feet.
I ask him, “Yes Sir Sergeant, what is it that you need?”

He raises one eyebrow. Says, “I hear you way back there.
Laughing, having fun, running, not a care.”
Teach me that song, so I can sing it too.
Then my whole unit will be running like you!”

(Chorus)

I Need a Beat

Imperfect song but I know many here understand what this feels like.

Lyrics
Another blank sheet
Staring back at me.
Afraid to sing,
Afraid to get it wrong.
I just can’t take, 
The hate they bring.
“Go home darlin’,
You don’t belong.”

But I don’t buy it,
And I hear a voice say,
“Write it anyway!
No need to worry what the critics think.
‘Cause their words are crippling!
Your song can’t fly when you’re on the brink!
So write like no one’s listening.”

A dozen views,
One thumbs up.
Guess Aunt June
Is just catching up.
Not sure why
I sing into the void.
The world’s already
Full of too much noise!

But I can’t stay quiet.
And I hear my heart say,
“It’s like no one’s listening.
So no need to worry ‘bout the next big thing,
‘Cause that race is crippling
And it will drive you to the brink!
Just write like no one’s listening.”

Beautifully imperfect.
A rhyme or two is out of place.
The world may not “get it”. 
Well they can turn away!
I’m not giving up today!

I’ll keep writing anyway!
No need to worry ‘bout what they think,
‘Cause this world is crippling!
And I will fly! Oh, I’m on the brink!
So I’ll write like no one’s listening.
Write like no one’s listening!

But if you can hear me,
You’re a gift!
Thanks for listening!

Music and lyrics by: Catherine Wood

Like No One's Listening

I tried something new and different for me.

Lyrics
Was it innocent?
Was it harmless?
Can it be nothing,
when it leaves such a mess?

(Chorus)
It was all a game 
just a cat with a string.
Didn't think I'd win,
'cause who would want me anyway?
You saw the best in me,
I was the worst for you.
The more you pursued,
the more I withdrew.
I should have known,
I was playing with fire.
Instead I fed the flames
of your desire- because...

I knew that love was
screaming and crying,
lying, conniving.
Broken and dirty,
a bad horror movie.
It was hurting, averting,
forgiveness, reverting.
Why would I want that,
when there was, flirting?

(Chorus)

I thought that love was
insane, cutting chain,
all the same, it's all pain!
I was young, I was blind.
What I did wasn't kind.
And I know that you're fine,
and I don't mean to whine,
but it weighs on my mind.
Oh, it's there all the time!
And I know I should feel that
Because I hurt you.

I'm sorry,
for toying with your heart that way.
I'm so ashamed. 
You deserve so much better than me.

It was all a game 
just a cat with a string.
Never thought I'd win
'cause who would want this broken thing?
You were the best for me,
I was the worst for you.
If I'd let you in,
boy, I'd been through!
I should have known,
I was playing with fire.
Instead I fed the flames
of your desire.

It wasn't innocent.
It wasn't harmless.
It can't be nothing,
when it leaves such a mess.

By: Catherine Woods

Cat with a String

A 48 hr write, record, release. Still a work in progress. 
Lyrics
I made you sunshine
and my world in one.
Every thought led back to you and
all others I shunned.
But you filled life with lies
and you the webs you spun.
Illusion gave way to the truth 
and I knew we were done.
(Chorus)
Am I now worthless?
Unlovable?
I tied my worth back to your love 
that went dark and cold.

My shattered heart
I foolishly gave to you.
Was a broken girl and I 
thought you were my glue.

(Chorus)

I won't build a life with a man made of tin.
Won't cling to a love that will change with the wind.
Better alone than play a game I can't win.

'Cause I'm not worthless
or unlovable.
Won't tie my worth to a love
that can go dark and cold.
I'm more than you know.
I'm more than you know.
I'm more than I know.
Now I will grow.
I will grow.
I will grow.

Worthless

To my one and only Glass Soul. I love you Baby! ❤️
Lyrics 
A baggy shirt and worn out jeans.
That sick and tired look is more than what it seems.
A bristled walk with thick skin.
Your cool demeanor has everyone convinced.
I see through it. It's plain to me.
It's crafted armor to keep from being seen.
I'll keep your secret. I'll never tell.
But in this moment I know you so well.

(Chorus)
Clear and vulnerable.
Smooth and breakable.
Shine a light, oh how you glow!
You're a glass soul!
I know you're fragile.
I'll be careful.
Never hurt you, oh no!
You're a glass soul.

You've been wounded, torn apart.
They left marks and scared your heart.
But wounds can heal. Walls come down.
Fill life with love, that's what it's all about!

(Chorus)

I see my reflection in you.
Take a look and maybe baby, you can see it too.
Oh you see it too!

(Chorus)

Vulnerable
Breakable
But how you glow!
You're a glass soul!

Glass Soul

A somewhat poetic take on depression and finding hope despite what is happening in life. Originally written many years ago while still a freshman in high school. I find it still rings just as true now.  **If you would prefer to listen without the rain in the background, I posted a version without it on my YouTube channel.❤️**

 https://youtu.be/vVePQ7Gc5bY

Lyrics
Rain falling on the window pane,
Like tears rolling down my face.
Longing for a better day.
When will sunshine come and fill my eyes?
Bring light to these cloudy skies,
And peace instead of sleepless nights.

I’m told that this too will pass,
But they can’t see through this glass.
All I can see is endless rain.
To long for more would just be pain.

Wind howling through my restless mind.
Stirring worries in my life.
Tearing at my wordless cries.
I stand in a hurricane of endless trails.
A path of thorns that goes on for miles.
Just want to stop and sleep a while.

I’m told that this too shall pass.
I can’t help but smile and laugh.
All I can feel is endless pain,
But still I pray to end the rain.

Faith is believing things you cannot see.
It doesn’t mean they will not be.
So maybe one day I will be set free.
Now, I hear the storm calming down.
I see a light coming ‘round.
I guess that hope can be found.

In the rain

In the Rain

In The Rain

"In the Establishment preaching anti-Establishment! Not politically correct to be honest. But honest--- which is never politically correct." Piece of My Heart by Shirley Lauro

Lyrics

Take a pic. Give a shout out
Your social trail leaves no doubt
You care about that fickle crowd
Slave to what they think about

Fill the hole. Give them control
Striving for an empty goal
Living lies takes a toll
Gain a like but lose your soul

(Chorus)
Strike a pose
You fading rose
Don’t you know you need roots to grow
Strike a pose
You fading rose
More glitter won’t make you gold

You’d look inside but you’re scared
A shallow pool is sitting there
Wondering what you should wear
To hide the hollow cross you bear

Disdain for authenticity
Drank in the toxicity
Embracing the duplicity
Hating what could set you free

 (Chorus)

They subscribe, they share but do they care
That what you need isn’t on a screen
You’re scared. You hide. You’re dead inside
It’s a swan song but they cheer you on
And on but you can’t go on

 (Chorus)
Living lies takes its toll
They gave a like but lose a soul
Glitter won’t make you gold
Faded rose

Fading Rose

Lyrics
At the crossroads of desperation 
And determination
Is the place where you leave fear behind
No room for apprehension
No need to mention
All the ways you failed before

(Chorus)
You've got to trailblaze
Let the world see your fire
Don't let your light fade
You'll shine like the dawn
And climb higher
Hold their gaze
And tread boldly with your flame
Trailblaze

You'll feel the heat and discomfort 
As you press forward
Where no one's been before
Can't return to the life you left
Where you were safe and rested
Cause you know there's so much more

(Chorus)

And no one may dare to follow
They'll say there's an easier road
Your heart knows that there is a view
Your soul needs to behold

(Chorus)

Trailblaze

Trailblaze

A song of pain. A song of faith. A song of hope. There is always hope.

Lyrics
Never was the one to learn my lesson
Always repeating my shame
Sick of walking on and getting nowhere
Slave to the circles I’ve made

How I’ve paid

(Chorus)
A little bit colder
My heart is freezing
A little bit harder
Is it beating?
A little bit longer
Before I’m kneeling
If I go numb
Will I feel it?

I hear my name in this frozen desert
Why would anyone care?
Wind blows stronger but I don’t feel it
Send up just one more prayer

Are you there?

(Chorus)

I feel a hand
I’m not alone
I see your eyes
I am home
You shine a light
Now I know
By your side
There is hope
There is hope

A little bit warmer
My heart can feel it
A little bit harder
It is beating!
A little bit longer
I stay here kneeling
No longer numb
I’m feeling

Little Bit Colder

A dreamy pop-country love song. Innocent young love still deserves a waltz. Little fairy tales happen every day. 

Lyrics

I’ve got on my dress
And my high heeled shoes
I walk out the door
I’ve got nothin’ to lose
I've practiced for weeks
But you didn’t ask me
Yet I hope that tonight
The stars will align

(Chorus)
I don’t stand a chance
But I learned how to dance
I waltzed through the halls
Dreaming of you
Somehow you look my way 
I have somethin' to say
And though I don’t stand a chance
You ask me to dance

I take a big breath
You’re across the room
Surrounded by girls
You smile, they swoon
Eyes well up with tears
But I swallow my fear
‘Cause maybe tonight
I can make the stars align

(Chorus)

You say you have two left feet
But you’ve been practicing
You hold out your hand
And ask me to dance

(Chorus)

I didn’t stand a chance
But you asked me to dance
Thought we didn’t stand a chance
Glad we learned how to dance!

I Learned How To Dance

This is just a tribute to the albums that changed me.  Got a favorite album? New or old, I'd love to know what it is!

Lyrics
I felt like the dust
On the cover of Let It Be
Was forgotten and lost
12 years old but I felt 43
Then....

(Chorus)
I let the vinyl spin
And in a moment
My spirit's on the wind
Let the vinyl spin
Needle runs over and so
I start it again

Turn the radio on
Flip through the music that just isn't me
I long for a song
Start to hum that simple melody
And it's like....

(Chorus)

Now I try to create the magic
That hangs in the air
But I can't replace what I found
That summer, I'm still there
When....

(Chorus)
I let the vinyl spin
I let the vinyl spin and spin and spin and spin
Start it again
Let the vinyl spin

Let The Vinyl Spin

After yet another friend posted pictures of her bruises I was beyond angry and found myself writing. I wanted to show these women's experiences. The loneliness, the shame and the desperation are common threads to their stories. They made it out, but not all do. Thank you for listening.

Sidewalk pavement after midnight
The only friend left to hear me cry
Black and blue patches show the ugly truth
You were headstone carving when I left you
And your handiwork

(Chorus)
Expertly you pulled the strings
Hide your flaws, then make me bleed
Your sleight of hand looked so grand
But then I saw what comes of your 
Handiwork

Mona Lisa smiled for da Vinci
But you had me cower as you painted me
It’s not safe to be your masterpiece
Draped in your shame that covers me
When I’m your handiwork
I’m a showcase. Take a look

(Chorus)

Train whistle screams on jumpers bridge
“How many times will you fall for it?”
Desperate thoughts pounding in my head
I’d feel more comfort on that river bed
Than be your handiwork

(Chorus)


Church bell calling from across the street
“Child, come and rest. You're set free.”
They say idle hands are the devil’s work
I guess they’ve never seen your
Guess it’s time they see your 
Someone needs to see your
Handiwork

Handiwork

Is she smart? Selfish? Is she really a hero at all? Different people have seen her different ways. I guess it depends who "she" is in your story. No answer is wrong. Hope you enjoy!

She can’t hear you
Too many voices shout her name. They’re all the same
She can’t see you
Turned her eyes to see a future with a clouded view
She is gorgeous 
But it should be obvious that

(Chorus)
She’s her own superhero 
Flying so high her soul turned blue
She’s an epic beauty
Smile so bright it’s blinding you
Oh it’s true
She’s a tragic hero
Fighting her own emptiness
Never forget that
She is beautiful
Never vulnerable

She won’t hold you
She’ll just disappear to save her world again
She won’t love you
If she fell, what would she go through?
She is glorious 
But it should be obvious that

(Chorus)

She’s so strong that she’s breakable
If she bends she shatters
Then she knows she’ll be nothing at all
And that’s all that matters

(Chorus)
She is beautiful but she’ll never be yours
Never be yours

Her Own Superhero

Have you seen and felt the quiet desperation? It’s everywhere and it doesn’t have to be. 

Lyrics:
Walking past a dead end street
See you there and our eyes meet
Hallowed out, I see your defeat
You’ve been running hard chasing wind
Got lost searching ‘round the bend
Now you’re wondering’ how’s it gonna end?

‘Cause life’s a mess
And it feels meaningless

(Chorus)
What if you 
Ran towards the one you love
What if you
Chased the dreams that your made of
What if your
Soul didn’t blow away when
The hurricane came?
Would you still feel the same?
Would you still walk that way?

Round and round and round
To the ground

Reckless passion didn’t win
Blind ambition left you thin
You’re on the brink. Can you start again?
Out of joy. Shy on hope
Cashed them in as a way to cope
You know your debt. Can you pay that note?

Yeah, life’s a mess
But it’s not meaningless

(Chorus)

Round and round and round
Down to the ground
Round and round and round
‘Til the angels sound
Round and round and round
What’s lost can be found
Turn around

Round And Round

Lyrics
A little shoulder shrug
After you pulled the rug
Unconditional love
Was just not enough
I won’t stay blue
Though you want me to
Can’t help but shrug
And take the road above
‘Cause that’s not love

(Chorus)
Feelings they float away on a gentle wave
Felt my heart break but I’m glad you didn’t stay
All my wasted cries, I toss them to the side
In a glass bottle with an ocean view

A little shoulder dance
I never got the chance
To live and groove
You didn’t want me to
Walkin’ bare feet 
To my happy beat
Can’t help but dance 
On this perfect sand
And I know you can’t stand that

(Chorus)

The sun rises on my freedom day
You thought I’d crumble 
But what can I say?
You can’t keep me down

(Chorus)

Glass Bottle With An Ocean View

Just the instrumental because I am in search of a singer with a similar sound to Johnny Cash for this one. Potential lyrics below.

Old native man, weathered hands
Pointed at the sky
He turned to me, said, “The clouds are green”
And fear tore through his eyes
“Best get home. Don’t walk, don’t roam
‘Cause death is at the door
It feels the same as it did that day
I’ve seen this all before”

(Chorus)
I saw a dead man walkin’
Head up in the clouds
Feet tore up the ground
I saw a dead man walkin’
See him turn to you  
Reaper’s gonna get his dues
You're a dead man walkin’
Oh, dead man walkin’

Siren’s screamed. Wind was mean
Pine smell filled the air
Power flashed, windows smashed
Smoke legs standin’ there
Curled on floor, shook to the core
Prepared my life to lose
A moment more, the giant roared
As he ripped off the roof

(Chorus)

Then a minute felt like an hour
Opened my eyes, he found me
World went to black but now he’s back
And the dead man comes for you

(Chorus)

Lightning appeared
Man disappeared
I knew the end was near
I’m a dead man walking

Dead man Walkin'

Lyrics

I’m looking for a time tree
Growing moments ‘stead of green
I’d put ‘em in my pocket now
Save the seconds that I found
I’m searching for more time you see
You never know how much it means
Til what’s lost just can’t be found
Can’t have fun ‘til it abounds
So I’m looking for a time tree

(Chorus)
Tick tock
Ringing in my ears
Tick tock
Echoing my fears
Tick tock
Hear that ghostly clock?
Can’t stop 
Looking for that time tree

There’s a forest by the sea
Can I find my fabled tree?
Can’t pause to see the beauty now
I’d drop more moments on the ground
I’m searching for more time you see
I have to find that treasure tree
Nevermind the hours spent
I’ll pay back the season lent
When I find my time tree

(Chorus)

I never found my time tree
I searched for a century
Should have stopped to feel the breeze
In that instant by the sea
Wasted time, I do believe
Looking for a time tree

Time Tree

It's a new year and can be a fresh start! Even when the fight seems pointless, there is always a way out. Happy New Year to all of you! I pray it brings new beginnings. 
**For those who are interested, Uisge-beatha is the Gaelic word for whiskey. It directly translates into "Water of Life" or "Life Water".

Lyrics
You’re sweet amber calling my name.
 You know I'm weak. I can't turn away.
 I'd left you behind but will decays.
 Can't let you touch my lips, cause then you might stay.

(Chorus)
Uisge-beatha
My poison pill in a crystal case.
You are my worst flaw.
Bring warm relief and then more disgrace.
I want you gone. A clean slate.
But tonight I hate,
You’re life water.

You make me forget that life's a mess
You make me feel young, give me finesse
When your magic fades you’ll possess
Every inch of my world but I'm in your net

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
And tomorrow I know I’ll regret tonight
But I need you to help me escape my mind
And the pain I’ll avoid when I yield to you
But I swear it’s the last time and then we’re through

(Chorus)

Life Water

Life's been throwing some curveballs, but I was finally able to put together a little love song today. Missing all my writer friends. Thinking of ya'll.

Shooting Stars

I'm a songwriter first and foremost. It is my passion. I will never claim to be a singer but I do my best with what I was given. If what I write has given you a moment of joy or introspection, then that is enough.

Catherine Woods

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