You can buy official merchandise with the artwork from these releases here: https://guitarrevolutionstore.com/collections/cornelis-gerard

One Track Mind

Songs that were not part of bigger projects.

Singles - Volume 1

Not Everyone Sees

My first four singles are collected under the name What Else? 

You can buy official merchandise with What Else? artwork from https://guitarrevolutionstore.com/collections/cornelis-gerard

The artwork is by https://www.instagram.com/izabela_barszcz/ and shows a selection of used guitar strings that I've kept over the years.

What Else?

Mixed and Mastered by Strawport Records

I had an instinct, a drive to express myself
Shared my convictions in ways that were heartfelt
All eyes were drawn to me and I found it hard to breathe
Heavy judgement in the air. So I asked myself how much I care

No shame, burn the ego
No shame, that’s how I let go
Now I’m living free
‘Cause there’s no shame in me

So here’s a question: Where does the spite come from?
Is it a projection of your subjective opinion
Although it’s intense to feel I must remember it isn’t real
Your biased views will be ignored
You can leave your baggage at the door

No shame, burn the ego
No shame, that’s how I let go
Now I’m living free
‘Cause there’s no shame in me

When I look in the mirror
I see the only person I need to please
And all those small time worries fade away
As soon as I start chasing bigger dreams

There’s a weight off my shoulders
And I’m bouncing wide strides down the street
Things are coming together
And I feel like the world’s at my feet
I was seeking permission to
Let my truest beliefs shine through
When everything is done and said
It seems the shame was only in my head

No shame, burn the ego
No shame, that’s how I let go
Now I’m living free
‘Cause there’s no shame in me

No shame, no shame, no shame, no
No shame, no shame, no shame
No shame, no shame, no shame, no
No shame, no shame, no shame

No Shame

Mixed and Mastered by Strawport Studio.

Lyrics:

V1 

You think you are teaching, an important lesson
The views that you are preaching, border on confessions
I see all the signs regrets in your eyes
Want me to abandon my climb
You underestimate me and my tenacity, I’m not like you soon you will see

Chorus

You think that you easily could
Get within my neighbourhood
It’s clear that you’ve misunderstood
Just what it takes to get good
Get good

V2

I do not remember, wanting your opinion
This gang has just one member, I make my own decisions
I have failed more times than you’ve ever tried
So why should I take your advice
You seethe with jealousy and insecurity
You say that I got lucky

Bridge

Here’s something you don’t see
That in order to make it look easy
I put in the time, day and night
With a one track mind and my end goal in sight
I go the extra mile to reach top of the pile

Get Good

Recorded at Strawport Studio in Vilnius, Lithuania, August 2022.

Lyrics:

Verse 1

My friends and I move to a new neighbourhood
There’s a park nearby and the rent is good
Damp windows and a single closet
Creaky bed, and the hall smells of vomit
It may look a little dodgy but it feels pretty safe at night
I tell my mum not to worry, I’ll make sure I eat right

Chorus

I know it’s not so bad, one day I’ll look back and laugh
And though things aren’t always great, one day I’ll celebrate
‘Cause scars remind us who we are
And though getting by is hard
At the very least it will make a good story

Verse 2

The girl next door is a part time escort
Before she hits thirty she wants to be sorted
She says she wants to move to Manchester
Where her money will go further

It’s challenging to claw yourself out of shitty circumstances
What are the chances, without getting dirty
But I’m determined to be one of the lucky few
I mean what else am I gonna do?

Chorus

Middle

Oh I’m doing fine but some friends of mine work day and night just to get by
It’s a race each day to stop falling behind. Will there ever be a finish line?
If I didn’t laugh I’d have to cry

Look Back and Laugh

Look Back and Laugh - Acoustic

Mixed and Mastered by Strawport Records

Guitar: Cornelis Gerard
Percussion: Brant Tilds
Trumpet: Brant Tiles

Lyrics:

Verse 1

There are things you don’t know I keep them from you
‘Cause I’d hate to bring you down with a dark point of view
So I put on a brave face to help me get through
This everyday despair that’s nothing new

Chorus

Broken, I’m Broken
I’m Broken, Broken

Verse 2

I really want to tell you but it’s hard to convey
How all the colours I saw have faded to grey
The joy that filled my heart has all been drained
And everything that I loved now causes me pain

Bridge

Yeah, I’m going in circles and I don’t know how to change
Nothing strikes the right chord that can help me turn the page
And repetitive thoughts are keeping me awake
If I could sleep forever that could be my escape

Verse 3

I take a deep breath and get out of bed
It’s the smallest routine that keeps me out of my head
I might be broken but it won’t be forever
I’ve kept all the pieces and I’ll put them back together

Outro Chorus

Broken, carry that weight
Broken, stronger every day

Broken Bolero

Mixed and Mastered by Strawport Records

Guitar: Cornelis Gerard
Percussion: Brant Tilds
Trumpet: Brant Tiles

Broken Bolero Instrumental

Broken Bolero - Instrumental

Recorded, mixed and mastered at Strawport Records

Lyrics:

Verse 1:

I’ve been told that I’m the odd one out
There’s always one who doesn’t quite fit in
Sometimes I can’t quite connect
I feel detached from everything around me

Chorus:

I never cared to measure up
To a blueprint of someone I should be

I must remember that every part will fall into place
Oh just as soon as I step back and take in the bigger picture
Yes I feel love and now you show me with your smile that I’m enough
Come together to unite like a jigsaw puzzle that fits just right

Verse 2:

I was looking for the right size and shape
With colours that combine and complement each other
I didn’t cut corners to fit a square peg
So when I found you I knew that we would click

Outro:

When I feel incomplete
Like I’m missing a piece
Take a moment to see
I have all that I need

I'm Enough

Music and Lyrics: Cornelis Gerard
Guitars: Cornelis Gerard
Bass: Sean De Souza
Drums and Percussion: Leo Mollon
Keyboard and Synthesiser: Glen Strachan
Recorded, mixed and mastered at Strawport Studios

Lyrics:

Don’t Be Jealous

When did you start, second guessing yourself?
You’re acting the part. What are you trying to to sell?
You envy, your sibling, her perceived popularity
You’re chasing something fleeting
Don’t you know there’s only one person you’re cheating

Don’t be jealous of your sister
Don’t try to trade places with her
So next time you look in the mirror
Remember you’re better than that
You know you’re better

When did you stop expressing yourself?
You used to create now you consume off the shelf
Cocktails, cocaine pose for the validation game
Pretending to have fun when it ends in tears there’s no one else to blame

Don’t be jealous of your sister
Don’t try to trade places with her
So next time you look in the mirror
Remember you’re better than that
You know you’re better

Oh I’m here to remind you of things you already know
Remember how you inspired me to speak my mind let thoughts flow
It’s hard to defy expectations that some people hold
So set aside any hesitation tell them where to go!

Don’t be jealous of your sister
Don’t try to trade places with her
So next time you look in the mirror
Remember you’re better than that
You know you’re better

Don't Be Jealous

Lyrics:

Verse 1

Stumble over my words, try to look you in the eye
You see right through me, watch a part of you die
I was insistent, but not consistent with my story
It started with a small omission, that lead to justified suspicion
I’ve built myself a prison, each brick a small decision
Break free from deceit!

Chorus

I am telling the truth, I’m here to testify
I have seen the proof, oh honesty beats lies
Yeah, there’s one losing move, living with regret
I’ve decided to choose, to stop cheating myself

Verse 2

I walked in on you, I sensed something was wrong
I ignored all the clues, but my gut knew all along
A nauseous feeling, I was reeling, the room was spinning
I thought I knew where I stood, now the shoe is on the other foot
This house has no foundation, distrust, misinformation
Break free from deceit!

Bridge

I cannot call myself a victim, when all the damage is self inflicted
I was afraid to question my self-deception
Now I can’t avoid it
The antidote to poison

Chorus

I am telling the truth, I’m here to testify
I have seen the proof, oh honesty beats lies
Yeah, there’s one losing move, living with regret
I’ve decided to choose, to stop cheating myself

Recorded at Strawport Studio in Vilnius, Lithuania

Vocals: Cornelis Gerard
Guitars: Cornelis Gerard
Bass Guitar: Sean De Souza
Drums: Leo Mollon
Engineer, Producer, Mixer: Glen Strachan
http://teatone.net/sp_studio.html

A Dose Of Truth

Lyrics:

Verse 1

You fold your arms and roll your eyes
Imply that I try too hard
I just shrug and smile, don't feel the need to reply
Who will blink first and show their cards

Chorus

Questions all the time
Wonder what's on my mind
Want to find out, what I'm thinking about
The answer is nothing much, just stuff
Nothing no, nothing no

Verse 2

There's a fine line between bravery and bravado and I cross it all the time
I'm not earnest at least I'm honest
I have skin in this game, that is something you can trust

Chorus

Bridge

It’s not a problem
Not looking for help
Thinking things over
Just time for myself

Chorus

Credits:

Recorded in London and Vilnius at Strawport Studio

Music and Lyrics by Cornelis Gerard
Guitars and Vocals by Cornelis Gerard
Bass by Sean De Souza
Drums by Leon Mollon
Recording engineer, mixed and mastered by Glen Strachan at Strawport Studio in Vilnius.

Just Stuff

Lyrics:

Well I ordered a drink and I was waiting for it
When I felt a tap on my shoulder
She said between sighs “Oh I can’t stand all these guys.
Be my five minute boyfriend get rid of these creeps”

And then... she said suggestively
Do you want to come with me
I know a party, it’s down in Hackney
She stood so close, I couldn’t say no
And then she grabbed my hand and said: “Let’s go”

She studies graphic design
And DJs in her spare time
When we arrived at the house
it was full of the coolest kids in town
I should have watched out

She said suggestively
Do you want to come with me
I really like you, there’s so much we could do
She stood so close, I couldn’t say no
And then she grabbed my hand and said: “Let’s go”

I turned my back for a moment
This tall redhead appeared
And I couldn’t help but notice
This girl whispering in her ear
She held her gaze
And stroked her hair
And then they kissed
And I just stared

I saw them both go home
Leaving me all alone
Lucky for some, unlucky for others
Lucky for some, unlucky for others


Song and Lyrics by Cornelis Gerard

Recorded at Strawport Studio in Vilnius, Lithuania

Vocals: Cornelis Gerard
Guitars: Cornelis Gerard
Bass Guitar: Sean De Souza
Drums: Leo Mollon
Engineer, Producer, Mixer: Glen Strachan
teatone.net/sp_studio.html

Lucky For Some

Music and lyrics: Cornelis Gerard
Guitars: Cornelis Gerard
Bass: Sean De Souza
Drums: Leo Mollon
Trumpet: Brant Tilds
Recorded, mixed and mastered at Strawport Studio, Vilnius, Lithuania

Lyrics:

You show me pictures of everything I missed out on
Every day you tell me that next time I should come along
Although it's tempting to drop everything
I'm barely getting by, running on empty

I'm clocking in then zoning out
Same shit different day
Trapped on a roundabout
Oh I have big plans, but you have to understand
Every night when I get home
I sink into the sofa like it's quicksand

Oh I can't sit still, it's time for change
I've had my fill of this backwards place
I could start again where no one knows my name
I can't wait until I turn this page

I can see the future laid out in front of me
There's no escape if I stick to the same routine
When I look around I see the same old crowd
Same stories from their mouths and I know how they all end

I can face uncertainty and doubt but
What weighs on my mind
Is the fear of missing out
Although it isn't much
I could sell all my stuff
Not sure if it's enough
But it might get me halfway

I can't sit still, it's time for change
I've had my fill of this backwards place
I could start again where no one knows my name
I can't wait until I turn this page

Some friends say they know me
Say I'll be back soon
Tell me that I'm dreaming
That I won't see things through
With friends like these who needs enemies
Don't they want me to succeed
I know it won't be easy
There are no guarantees
I've come to one conclusion
It's harsh but it's true
If I want to move on up
I'll have to cut some people loose
Yeah

I can't sit still, it's time for change
I've had my fill of this backwards place
I could start again where no one knows my name
I can't wait until I turn this page

Yeah
I can't sit still, it's time for change
I've had my fill of this backwards place
I could start again where no one knows my name
I can't wait until I turn this page

Can't Sit Still

Lyrics

Verse 1

Do you remember the time when we were both timid and shy
Now we bring the animals out in each others
 
Chorus
 
Passion is aggression
With positive intention
I turn you on with a question
How do you like that?

Verse 2

You have a certain smile when you come to me
So kiss me and take the lead it’s wonderful to see what confidence breeds
 
Chorus
 
Passion is aggression
With positive intention
I turn you on with a question
How do you like that?
 
Bridge
 
You show me a side not everyone sees
When you whisper softly

Chorus
 
Passion is aggression
With positive intention
I turn you on with a question
How do you like that?

Music and Lyrics by Cornelis Gerard
Guitars by Cornelis Gerard
Bass by Ikechukwu Udeze Onwuagbu 
Drums by Leo Mollon
Spoon and Bowl by Leo Mollon
Synths and additional instrumentation by Glenn Strachan
Recorded, mixed and mastered at Straw Port Studio in Vilnius

Passion is Aggression

Recorded during the my first gig fronting a band.

The Art of Not Giving a Fuck - Live at the Gunners Pub

Lyrics: 

Valentine’s day leaves me cold, I guess it’s February
It’s the same old same old story walking through the rain
Walking through the rain again
Never thought I’d feel this way ‘cause the funny thing is you’re at home waiting for me
Don’t wait for me
 
I said I’m going for a walk slam the door and let it lock
Turn off my phone ‘cause I don’t wanna hear your voice at all
I’m to blame, you’re to blame it doesn’t matter what we say ‘cause no one is listening
No one is listening
 
We did everything right, but now it’s all gone wrong
I guess we both fell short
 
This is the best day ever for lovers and pretenders
It’s the thought that counts but what if it went wandering
I want the world to know that I’m in love yes that is true, just not with you
 
I couldn’t look you in the eye
And when I spoke my voice broke
There’s a card lying on the bed that says
Love is… and then there’s an empty space
If we can stop the lying then we can start the crying
I want that release too
Let’s end this mutually endured malfunction
 
We did everything right, but now it’s all gone wrong
I guess we both fell short
 
This is the best day ever for lovers and pretenders
It’s the thought that counts but what if it went wandering
I want the world to know that I’m in love yes that is true
 
This is the best day ever for lovers and pretenders
It’s the thought that counts but what if it went wandering
I want the world to know that I’m in love yes that is true, just not with you

Music and Lyrics by Cornelis Gerard
Guitars by Cornelis Gerard
Bass by Glen Strachan
Drums by Leo Mollon
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Glen Strachan at Straw Port Studio in Vilnius and Berlin

Best Day Ever

Recorded and Mixed at Orpheus Studio in London 22 - 10 - 16

You can buy official merchandise with #TAONGAF artwork from https://guitarrevolutionstore.com/collections/cornelis-gerard

23/10/2016

The Art Of Not Giving A Fuck

Lyrics:

Is It Real?

I woke up from a dream within a dream
I've seen things you would not believe
So comfort me, look me in the eye
Remind me that it's not yet time to die

You can question what it means
There is joy in creating memories
You can wonder, is it real?
I can see it, I can feel it, that's enough for me

When does a program become an instinct?
The need to hold hands with fingers interlinked
What makes us special, unique like a snowflake?
Let's live an experience no one can replicate

You can question what it means
There is joy in creating memories
You can wonder is it real?
I can see it, I can feel it, that's enough for me

Artwork designed by Izabela Barszcz 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/izabela-barszcz-89a47092/

Is It Real?

Lyrics

Verse 1

I stay up late ‘cause I cannot face what’s coming the next day
Watch blue screen light, I’m hypnotised, wake up with red eyes
I’m not a victim, this is self inflicted, I trade my nervous system for pay
I put my shift in as time is ticking away and I wonder, is this a fair ecxhange?

Chorus

Adrenaline, my chest feels tight
Adrenaline, can’t sleep at night
Adrenaline, fuel for the fight
Adrenaline, Adrenaline

Verse 2

Rise and grind, work 9 to 5, Ha! I wish!
I’ll fall behind, if I don’t hustle on the side
I give my heart and soul, work my fingers to the bone
Hope that I make it before I crack
I’m compromising my health ‘cause I keep pushing myself
What keeps me going might give me a heartattack

Chorus

Bridge

Everything has a price, I know I’ll have to change
When things are bleak I look inside
Decide to go all the way

Chorus

Photo in artwork by Dmitry Bayer
https://unsplash.com/@dmitrybayer

Adrenaline Overdose

Lyrics

Verse 1

That’s no way to start a conversation
Subvert my expectations by putting me down
You think you’ve figured me out
Before I’ve even opened my mouth oh
You want a confrontation and use your words to
Give me the runaround

Chorus

I know cynicism has appeal
But tell me how you really, really feel
Sarcasm has no place here
Would it kill you to be sincere?

Verse 2

Now you say that rules are meant for breaking…. But
There’s something to be said for social graces
Your tongue is sharp and you stab it right through my heart oh
It’s just a game... you keep saying, but look around, ‘cause no one wants to play with you
So how come no one wants to play with you

Bridge

I’ve been in your shoes I’ve said things that I regret
When I’m nervous and I’m trying to impress
So let’s start over and pretend that we’ve just met
When we’re honest there’s no need to second guess intentions

Chorus

I know cynicism has appeal
But tell me how you really, really feel
Sarcasm has no place here
Would it kill you to be sincere?

Chorus 2

I know cynicism can be a shield
I’ll tell you how I really, really feel
Sarcasm is so last year
It would not kill you to be sincere

Photo in artwork by Daniel Garcia
https://unsplash.com/@dannyg

It Won't Kill You

Lyrics:

Verse 1

Some people say I’m a miserable bastard
They want to know if I’m having a good time
The thing with me is that I don’t always show it
My disposition is that way inclined
I go to parties and hide in the bathroom
Wonder if coming was a mistake
Don’t get me wrong yeah I’m glad I’m invited
Oh now and then I just need a break

Chorus

That’s why I need some alone time
So I can clear out my mind
Used to think I was faulty inside
Now I know I am alright
Just the quiet type

Verse 2

When I walk down the street people greet me
Saying I should turn that frown upside
‘Cheer up mate it might never happen’
‘Mind your business get out of my way’
‘What’s your problem are you having a bad day?’
‘Look it’s not personal I’m really OK’

Chorus

That’s why I need some alone time
So I can clear out my mind
Used to think I was faulty inside
Now I know I am alright
Just the quiet type

Sometimes it’s cool to be quiet
Sometimes there’s nothing to say
Enjoy the moment in silence
Sometimes that’s my kind of day

Verse 3

It’s not a bug it’s a feature
‘Cause I’m somewhat of a dreamer
And now I do my own thing
And people listen when sing

Chorus

That’s why I need some alone time
So I can clear out my mind
Used to think I was faulty inside
Now I know I am alright
Just the quiet type

Photo in cover art provided by:
https://unsplash.com/@fellowferdi
Ferdinand Stöhr

Quiet Type

She said she’s here to study and take pictures of the city in the summer
I show her around the corners of the city that I think are cool
She buys me a smoothie and teaches me how to say: ‘Hello, how are you?’

We bump into each other as we walk down the street

Working part time in that trendy shop
Your boss is always looking at you, tries to feel you up
I missed my last train but I can crash at your place
After clubbing I get hungry so let’s go eat something

I wonder, are there any locals in London?
First they come then they go before I get to know them

Recommending a Russian writer
And the music that you used to cry to when you broke up with your first boyfriend
I like learning all those peculiar phrases
That result from a funny translation that goes on in your mind

I wonder, are there any locals in London?
First they come then they go before I get to know them

I wonder, are there any locals in London?
First they come then they go before I get to know them

Art by: https://www.instagram.com/iza_barszcz/

Locals In London

Lyrics:

Verse 1

I’m on my best behaviour, I’m staying out of trouble
At least nothing too shady, my indiscretions are subtle, but
I’m going crazy, I’m stuck here on my own
Relive the memory last time I had you alone
I can’t keep waiting with poor impulse control
Sooner or later I’ll cave in and reach for my phone

Chorus

Why is it that bad decisions always happen at night
I lose all my inhibitions, no regrets until sunlight
I know that you are out with friends, so call before you go to bed
Perhaps it only makes good sense, because there are no consequences

Verse 2

I left something at your place, I’d like to come around
I’m hoping that it’s not too late, I wonder if you’re down
I feel elation getting in touch with you
Anticipation I know what you’ll put me through
You’re my fixation I won’t accept a substitute
‘Cause on my own there’s only so much I can do.

Middle 8

Oh I admit on some days I feel a little restrained I can’t concentrate I need an escape
So name a time and a place and I will be on my way
I want to let loose I can not be contained
I know that it's no good to let myself be governed by what I should or should not do, because there are no rules 

Chorus

Why is it that bad decisions always happen at night
I lose all my inhibitions, no regrets until sunlight
I know that you are out with friends, so call before you go to bed
Perhaps it only makes good sense, because there are no consequences

Bad Decisions

V1 

I wonder what people chat about
When all the small talk has done the rounds
Why can’t a quiet moment be enjoyed
A situation some are desperate to avoid

Chorus

Comfortable silence is alright with me
Some call it shyness but I disagree
Comfortable silence when both our eyes meet
Quiet alliance that speaks

V2

Some people are impatient, can’t wait their turn
To shift the focus back to, selfish concerns
I think the loudest come across as artificial
How can they move their mouths so much yet say to little

Bridge

I’ll save my breath and skip the chatter
Strike right at the heart of the matter
Always keep more in reserve
When I whisper I am heard

Chorus

Comfortable silence is alright with me
Some call it shyness but I disagree
Comfortable silence when both our eyes meet
Quiet alliance that speaks

Comfortable Silence

Mixed and Mastered by Strawport Records

Lyrics:

There are things you don’t know I keep them from you
‘Cause I’d hate to bring you down with a dark point of view
So I put on a brave face to help me get through
This everyday despair that’s nothing new

Broken, I’m Broken
I’m Broken, Broken

I really want to tell you but it’s hard to convey
How all the colours I saw have faded to grey
The joy that filled my heart has all been drained
And everything that I loved now causes me pain

Yeah, I’m going in circles and I don’t know how to change
Nothing strikes the right chord that can help me turn the page
And repetitive thoughts are keeping me awake
If I could sleep forever that could be my escape

I take a deep breath and get out of bed
It’s the smallest routine that keeps me out of my head
I might be broken but it won’t be forever

Broken, I’m Broken
I’m Broken, Broken

Broken, carry that weight
Broken, stronger every day

Broken

True Stories + Living Music. Based in London, UK.

CornelisGerard

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