The album series titled SEXAGENARIAN features songs I've written since turning 60 in late 2015. Volume III contains songs mostly written in 2022.

Sexagenarian Volume III

The album series titled SEXAGENARIAN features songs I've written since turning 60 in late 2015. Volume IV contains songs composed in 2023.

Sexagenarian Volume IV

Sexagenarian Volume I

UNDER CONSTRUCTION! - 2024 SONG DEMOS

Sexagenarian Volume V

MIXED: Jack Holston

LYRIC
Sometime ago
A year or so
You told me not to care
Said it’s just fun
And when we’re done
There’d be nothing more for you to share

Tell me your secret
I’ll never repeat it
When did you lose your heart?
Tell me your secret
I promise to keep it
Now that we’re far apart

I try and fail
I fall and flail
The bruises heal so slow
But you stay strong
Through right and wrong
There has to be something I don’t know

Tell me your secret
I’ll never repeat it
Is your heart lost for good
Tell me your secret
I promise to keep it
Would you bring it back if you could?

Sometime ago
A year or so
I tried and failed to not care…

Tell Me Your Secret

MIXED/MASTERED by WOODS STUDIO

THE LIAR KING

Once I met a king
Crown and everything
Very regal
I’d stay regal
Not sure where he reigned
But I can’t complain
Never asked him
Didn’t ask him
He said if i had a need
I would not have to plead
Servants standing by provide
It’s guaranteed

Well my mind went blank
But I knew to thank
The king so gracious
Very gracious
One day on the town
The king was looking down
Asked his highness
His royal highness
Told me he was without
His wallet when he went out
Could I maybe cover him
I said, sure, no doubt
The liar king!

I was not fooled
But I still played along
It’s all so harmless
How could things go wrong?

Now don’t jump ahead
Wait me out instead
I’ll get to it
Right down to it
The king stayed for a while
Made me crack a smile
Almost daily
nearly daily

When the joke got too stale
And I wouldn’t cover his bail
The king and his crown jumped the town
With no farewell

Why tell the story of how I got burned
Well i want to share what I learned

Liar kings abound
yeah they’re all around
And there’s queens too
Always queens too
tossing their BS
Leave behind a mess
Good riddance
the best riddance
But life can get kind of dull
When bored out of your skull
You might find it fun to run with a colorful liar king

Senso

The Liar King

UPDATED VERSION as of Nov 28 2022
MIX/MASTER - WOODS STUDIO

Master of dumb and expert at stupid
I took the boy’s bow and put an arrow in Cupid
Now who’d ever be my valentine?
We had a good run then both decided to pack it in
I’ve been thinking about unpacking us again

Yeah if it’s a bad idea
A silly or even sad idea
A psychic might know but I am not a seer
If I have had another bad idea

Well yes I have blundered once or twice
And that is probably putting it nice
Think flower memorials along the road to love
Should you drive by one of the places where once we'd meet
Would you pull over if you saw me on the street? 

So if it’s ok with you
Maybe we start anew
I can’t always be ruled by my greatest fear
That I have had another bad idea

Who’s keeping score?
‘cuz I’ve got more

Knowing my luck I'll get myself stuck in life's quicksand
Could you wade in and give a guy a hand?

Even if it’s a bad idea
The worst that I’ve had idea
I’ll pick up anytime that you might call
It wont be a bad idea after all

Make me glad
Say it's not a bad idea

Sexagenarian Vol III

Bad Idea

MIX-MASTER - WOODS STUDIO
BACKUP VOCALS - FOG CITY FOGEY


At a time and a place
So ill defined
I get lost inside my own foggy mind

Dusky doubt, cloudy thoughts
A blanket of gray
The sun is exhausted
It goes home for the day/gives up for today
But then there’s that bright smile….

Who better, who better
Than you to come clear the air
Who better, who better
Than the one close at hand and yet beyond compare

Former friends, an ex or two
Might gather someday
I’ll make myself scarce
They’ll have plenty to say

On a bridge, down below
The water flows
It takes the past with it
I don’t care where it goes
From here I’ll need a guide 

Who better? Who better?
Any destination will do
Who better, who better
I only ask that I end up there with you
(All I ask is I end up there with you)

Be here with me
Through the days to come
I know you’ll be
My better half and then some

Empty suits 
Airless room
I’m bored with the board
My mind drifts away
And I may well have snored
Could a hero broke me free

Who better? Who better?
With or without a cape
Who better? Who better?
To plan and lead our escape

Any destination will do
if I’m with you

Who Better

MIX/MASTER - WOODS STUDIO

You’ve got that look in your eyes
And I can hear in your sighs
You tried hard to suppress
The urge to confess 

So when your eyes meet mine
Who am I to decline
What that look implies 
There’ll be no more lies tonight
Well ok
All right
Ok 
Tonight we’ll let that look suffice

I saw that look once before
It wasn’t me it was for
I found that I can
Be a patient man

Taking a page from your book
I gave you back the same look
Because that’s only fair 
If we’re going there tonight
Well ok all right
The time is right
Although it took us both awhile 
To share that smile…and look

i saw that look once before 
and now its me that it’s for
now it’s me

Well all right
Ok
Tonight 
We’ll play
That look gave us both away…

It took
That look

That Look

MIX/MASTER: Woods Studio

Dreams are pretty things
What pretty things are dreams
Hide them from the sun
Admire in moonbeams
And watch them waft away
On the slightest breeze
They do as they please
Each pretty as it comes
Pretty as it leaves

Wishes unfulfilled
Hopes that failed to soar
Blood unfairly spilled
You need then all the more
Dreams
Pretty to the eye
Dreams
Not true and not a lie
yes dreams
They’re a private joy
Like the busted toy
To which a child clings
Dreams are pretty things

If it’s plain as can be 
That reality
knocks you all about
Tuck yourself in
And let your dreams out

Working toward a goal
Other people set
Telling heart and soul
It’s not your time yet
With your eyes on the clock
Till the work day ends
When the night descends
You won’t be alone
Dreams will be your friends 

Yes dreams
Know what you desire
Dreams
Provide what you require
The freedom that flight brings
Wings if you need wings

Where skies are always blue
Your loved one loves you
And the whole world sings
DREAMS ARE PRETTY THINGS!

Dreams Are Pretty Things

Mix/Master: Woods Studio
https://soundcloud.com/woods_studio

Thoughts on overthinking
And I’ve done my share
A ton of overthinking
Often too much to bear
I wrestle away but never come out on top
Body exhausted but brain won’t stop

Looking back
As I’m wont to do
I can track
All this to you
Been trying to understand what went wrong
For so long

Overthinking rules me
I can’t break free
It’s myself that fools me
Into thinking I see
A line of thought that’ll lead me out
Of a mess of regrets, around a wall of doubt
There’s plan A
All the way to Zed
Bouncing round
Inside my head
I grab one and it splits into three

If I could see a future nearing
One with you appearing
That’s what I have sought
And without another thought I’d volunteer/ would decide
So please appear/To take that ride

And when I’m at the point of collapse
About to burn out my last synapse
To restore my mental state
Just once more I contemplate
A simple life lived simply by your side
It’s the one option I haven’t tried
It sure would be fun - not having lots
Of overthinking thoughts

Thoughts On Overthinking

MIX/MASTER: WOODS STUDIO

Here again
How long’s it been
Since I was down this way
It’s gone upscale now
Yet somehow
I liked it more in our day

The diner’s gone
Cleaners moved on
Burnt coffee's sold on every block
I had a spare key
But now I can’t see
On which door I would knock

Oo oo oo oo oo
That was our rendezvous
A studio in an older building
Barely room for two
In our rendezvous

Home from work
Quick change of shirt
Heard your message on my machine
I could shower there
You didn’t seem to care
It was no sentimental scene

Oo oo oo oo oo
There at our rendezvous
The world wouldn't know we’d gone missing
For an hour or two
In our rendezvous

That last day
Little to say
I returned the spare key
Thought I’d never be back here
But I would learn there’s
No escape from memory
For me

Oo oo oo oo oo
Leaving our rendezvous
I wonder if you ever walked this street
Trying to bring in view
Our rendezvous

Our Rendezvous

MIX/MASTER: Woods Studio

NOTE: In 2023 San Diego (I'm in north county) endured the coldest (coolest?) winter since 1935, according to the news. In that context I think it is understandable why I was inspired to write this song! 

LYRIC

Throw off this gray cloud cover
It’s the wrong kind of chill
Would I trade this day for another?
If it’s warmer, you know I will
Maybe a song would scatter
The low skies hovering still

Sun shower
Spray your rays on me
You already leave us every 12 hours
And we need your light to see
Sun shower
Spray your rays on me

Giant that charged creation
Thank you for that life spark
The green earth in rotation 
Not always a walk in the park
That giant will burn out one day
Leaving us in the dark

Sun shower
Shoot your rays my way
All year long I want summer hours
Even on the longest day
Sun shower
Scatter the haze
Splatter your glaze 
Shoot your rays my way

I’m out here on the chaise lounge
Greased and ready to tan

Sun shower 
Rain down razzmatazz
I know you have it in your power
You colossal ball of gas
Oh Sun shower 
Come on buttercup
I'm all buttered up
Sun shower!
Sun shower!

Sun Shower

MIX/MASTER: Woods Studio

NOTE: I had the start of the tune when a group I sometimes joined announced a "game" of writing a song to a certain title. I started a lyric for "Safe Space" and then discovered the contest title name was actually "Sacred Space"! 🥴 Anyway I wasn't able to join the "game" so I just decided to stick with my original inspiration. 

LYRIC
It takes nerve
To face a world so scary
We deserve 
A break every now and then 
Cancel all plans and then -  stay in
We reserve
The right to have a safe space

Yes safe and sound
It’s our place
We searched and found
A safe space
Our home ground

When you’re beat
Too tired to take the world on
Well my sweet
No need for subterfuge
Even a small refuge - looms huge
We retreat
To shelter in our safe space

A safety zone
A safe space
Address unknown
We lay low
And mute the phone
We’ll manage on our own
In a safe space alone

Let me say
It’s not total seclusion 
We foray
When the pantry’s running bare
For wine and cheese we will dare - out there
So we pay 
Then rush back to our safe space

A cool cocoon
We embrace
Like a honeymoon
Our safe space
None too soon

A safe space
As it was before
A safe space
And forever more
A safe space

Sexagenarian Vol. IV

Safe Space

MIX/MASTER: Woods Studio

NOTE: The key line - "One butterfly can fill the sky" - just sort of came out of my mouth while singing to a new tune I'd come up with. I view my lyric as my way of trying to understand myself exactly what that means!

LYRIC
Child in a garden
Mother isn’t far
One hand holds a net 
One, an insect jar
A flash of color flying
The softest flap of wings
The net will capture
The jar will trap there
Beautiful things

One butterfly can fill the entire sky
When seen by a child’s eye
Don’t ask how
Don’t ask why
One butterfly can fill the sky

We too had a garden
Thought of it as home
But we broke the house rules
Kicked out, we had to roam
We tried to recreate it
With every skill that’s ours
We still need wild things
Buzzing and dancing in the flowers

One butterfly can fill the entire sky
Just look with a child’s eye
You’ll know how
You’ll see why
One butterfly 
Wonder and awe
Filling us all…. and the sky

Child back in garden
Gives the lid a pull
The creature sent free
The jar now empty
The child’s heart full

One butterfly will fill the entire sky
We look with a child’s eye 
And know how
And see why
One butterfly will fill the sky

One Butterfly

MIX/MASTER: Woods Studio

NOTE: This tune came to me three days after the news of Burt Bacharach's passing. I dedicate the song to the great man's memory. 

LYRIC
Why watch the clock 
Count hours by the minute
I may be wrong but for right now
We have to live in the present
Let’s let the sky show us how

It has the signposts giving us guidance
And even if at times they hide  
We know they’re there inside or out

Good morning, good night
And that’s not to slight
A good afternoon
Twenty four hours of
Shining upon our love 
Are the sun and moon

Sometimes the times are some of the best
And sometimes they’re best forgotten
Who knows what this the day has got in store
  
Good evening, good day 
And may I just say
We work hard at fun
Climb in and out of bed
While always overhead
The moon and sun

Awake, asleep and so in love
Our besties hang above
Reality it seems  
Is a galaxy of dreams

All day and night
As gravity pulls us
Toward the core of [our] existence
What’s the use trying to fight it
That wouldn’t make any sense at all

Good morrow my dear
At last it’s here
Not a minute too soon
And not a minute late
For us to celebrate
With the sun and moon

Good morning, good night
la di da da
Hang loose, sleep tight
la di da da
Just stay in sight
Day and night, endlessly  
For me you’ll always be the sun…and moon

The Sun And Moon

MIX/MASTER: Woods Studio

NOTE: I came up with this song, music and lyric, a few days after a cat of ours, over 10 years old, went out for his evening look around, and never came home. I consider that relevant to the lyric, but maybe only I would...just trying to deal with the realities of existence...

LYRIC
Hey my friend potato bug
Crawling from a hole I dug
if you thought me a threat at all
You’d roll yourself into a ball

I’m happy for you
Go do what you do 
And I’ll just smile
Go on, do what you do
No need to be
Happy for me

Tiny bird with a hungry maw
Potato bug never saw
You swoop down to snag a meal
Well that’s life, we know the deal

I’m happy for you
A bit jealous too
Great things, those wings
Yeah do what you do
No need to be
Happy for me

My lost love that never was
I think of you, as one does
A bitter man might scorn and scoff
But I assume you’re better off
So why be blue
I’m happy for you

Old black dog with the gray muzzle
Sidle over here and let’s nuzzle
Your best days may lay behind
but the sun is out so pay no mind

I’m happy for you
Each day is still new
don’t fail to wag tail
Go on, do what you do
From what I see
You’re happy for me 

Ah,  I’m happy it’s true
Think what we went through
We got lost, muddled along
Got a few things right, others wrong
If you see yourself in this song
I’m happy for you

I'm Happy For You

MIX/MASTER: Woods Studio

NOTE: I don't hold myself to any strict "historical accuracy" in my lyrics. There may be one person in my distant past I had in mind as I wrote this. Or not...

LYRIC

Sir
I called you sir
It was a different time
And that's just how things were

Role
You played your role
And it was quite a fine performance
I was so naive
It’s hard now to believe
I never saw through you, ‘sir’

Gone 
That world is gone
For both the worse and better, maybe
It's moved on

Sir
Did you ever let your guard down
And let the truth slip through
Was there a real ‘you’
Or were just a man I knew as ‘sir’

Now
The world of now
I wonder if it would astound you
Frighten and confound you
But could it be inside
You would feel some pride
At how it could be
If you lived to see 
A world somewhat free for you, sir

MIX/MASTER - Woods Studio
Fog City Fogey - electric guitar, bass, background vocals, production assistance

NOTE: Yup, the C in CW stands for Chris...

LYRIC
The morning mirror can be harsh and cold
You know you’re not young but are you that old?
You need your coffee to really wake up
Maybe that happens around the fifth cup
It’s a new day - brand spanking new
It’ll probably - spank the heck out of you

It’s time to face up to the mess you made
The fools you trusted and the loyal betrayed
You better face up to the mess you made

You tire your brain thinking who to blame
It keeps coming up with the same damn name
There’s so many people who go by Chris
How you supposed to know which one it is
What a puzzle, a conundrum 
Ah come on now, you’re not that dumb

It’s time you own up to the mess you made
The debts accrued and the tax unpaid
It’s time you own up to the mess you made

of things through bad decisions
Sad submissions
Hasty brush offs 
And clumsy overtures
That mess you’re seeing is all yours

Meet a friend at a diner, slide in the booth
It’s time for confession, admit the truth
Eat half her fries, say yeah I’m a wreck
And then you leave her with the check

no one’s thinking you’ll repay a loan
so when you call they mute the phone 
It’ll shock them if you atone

It’s time you face up to the mess you made
You’re no innocent, drop the charade
If your sins had legs it’d be quite the parade
You better face up to the mess you made

Sexagenarian Vol IV

The Mess You Made

MIX/MASTER: Jack Holston

NOTE: There will be a "That's the Dream #2." I wrote two songs almost back to back, in different genres, and somehow the same title seemed to work for both. I wouldn't have let myself do that in the past...I'm calling this "flexibility"! 

LYRIC
Happy campers
Congregate 
Raise your lanterns 
Rush the gate
Climb up and jump free
Get feet flying
Outrun the dogs 
Build a raft
From loose logs
Float off happily

A second childhood 
That’s the dream - the dream
Gonna be twice as good
Run wild and scream
That’s the dream

When you’re it at
Hide and seek
Wait a bit then
Sneak a peek 
Everybody does 
Mom at screen door
Yells ‘supper’s on’
Just an hour more
Soon summer’s gone
Remember how it was?

To be a kid again
That’s the dream - the dream 
The taste of life back then 
Like homemade ice cream 
Sweet and cold

And though we’re told
To grow up and grow old 
gracefully
Well to me
That would hardly seem
To be the dream

Early riser
Late to bed
Midday nap
Rest your head
Tomorrow’s a new day to play

Your life to remake
That’s the dream - the dream
To have and eat your cake
See that smile beam
Leave this world in your wake
As you slip downstream
That’s the dream

That's The Dream #1

UPDATED Aug 25 2023
MIX/MASTER - Woods Studio

NOTE: This melody came to me soon after the tune for "That's the Dream #1" and somehow the same "dummy" lyric idea fit. I was hesitant to use a song title twice but...why not? Who cares? The songs are very different otherwise....

LYRIC
Over the years
And there’ve been quite a few
I’d often think of you
And wonder how
How it would be
If this or that had been
If I had the chance again
I wonder even now

Holding you through the night
That’s the dream
That’s the dream
Seeing you come in sight
In the glow of a lone moonbeam
That’s the dream

No wise old man
I’m still fool enough
To dwell on a lost love
And without fail
With my eyes closed
My arms reach out to you
My heart beats faster too
To no avail

Holding you oh so tight
That’s the dream
That’s the dream
Just as on that last night
The way I remember
To this day I remember
Or is it all just my dream?

There’s someone here
Someone warm and real
Someone who lets me feel
The way I feel

Holding you through the night
That’s the dream
That’s the dream
Keeping you in my sight
As we share a lone moonbeam
That’s the dream

That's The Dream #2

Mix: Jack Holston

NOTES - Maybe this is "TMI" but the recording of this song had a hiatus while I recovered from Covid. It finally got me! Wasn't fun but didn't have to see a doctor. Be careful out there!

LYRIC
At a young age I declared
I liked the world
I wasn’t scared of what it had in store

Now I have to wonder was I lying?
Was I really that brave boy?
I’d say today if you should catch me crying
Don’t be concerned, these are tears of joy

My first love was no great one
We pleased ourselves and then when done
Wandered off without a word
If I spoke would you have heard?

Somehow my silent heart retains so much
It’s a memory time cannot destroy 
My skin warms as I recall your touch 
Across the years to now as I sing
If you see tears, they may well spring from joy

Sadness is a pool of doubt
Dive in and then climb out

There’s so much feeling in a single day
At night our dreams can get no rest 
When it gets too much the heart must find a way
To cry out what is best expressed 
 in tears of joy

Tears Of Joy

MIXED by Jack Holston
https://soundbetter.com/profiles/368799-jack-holston

NOTE: I turned 60 at the end of November 2015. Thus began the "Sexagenarian" era! "My Last Song" is from summer 2019, after I had retired and moved from Los Angeles to north San Diego. Felt a bit at that time like my muse was...busy elsewhere? In a lull. I was not aware that I was about to enjoy a resurgence of my songwriting, leading to the multi-volume Sexagenarian series. Anyway, here is me exploring the world of bubble-gum pop! 

LYRIC
Far away
Long ago
I had the cheapest six string
Learned a few chords
and scribbled some words
Not much voice but I’d sing

Little shared
So few cared
But I continued writing
It was how I kept track as life rolled along
Now this might be
My last song

I’ve lost count
the amount
Never once paused to note it
Any one song can take me back to the time I wrote it
Every place
Every face
Once more appears at my will
And that is how it will be until
My last song

Why look at photos?
What do they show
Some old tune of mine captures the memory
I close my eyes and let it flow

Yesterday
Lost my way
Couldn’t find inspiration
Told myself it’ll be all right but
I might be wrong
Yes this could be
My last song   
Yes it may be
My last song

I’ve got a box full of
Old cassette tapes
A bit of life is stored up inside them
Choose one, hit play and - the past escapes

Long ago
Far away
Or was it just this morning
I added a few words to a new tune 
So here’s fair warning 
This won’t be my last song
No this won’t be - my last song

Sexagenarian 1

My Last Song

MIX: Jack Holston

LYRIC
Turn a blind eye to the world
It won’t be looking back
Find yourself a moment’s peace
Before the next attack

Meet me when tomorrow’s here
Today had to postpone
Yesterday came really near
But never made it home

We’ve got time to dance around the truth
There’s always time to dance around the truth

When the music starts to play
The mice all run outside
They’ll take their chances with the owls
Those mice still have their pride

Make way as we dance around the truth

Dance around, dance around the truth
Dance around,  dance around the truth
How time drags in our eternal youth
Dance around, dance around the truth

Refreshments may be running low
The punch bowl’s down to dregs
But we won’t ever have it said
We’re on our last legs

Excuse us while we dance around the truth

Dance around, dance around the truth
Dance around,  dance around the truth
Hosannah, verily and forsooth
Dance around, dance around the truth

The cemetery’s dark and cool
Perfect for a romp
If we see our own shadows
You know where we’ll stomp

Join in as we dance around the truth

Dance around, dance around the truth
Dance around, dance around the truth
Pour the gin, have a whiff of vermouth
Dance around, dance around the truth

Dance Around

Naming instrumentals can be challenging. In this case, the tune came to me just a couple days before the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday (2023), so...here it is, Early Turkey! Gobble gobble!

Early Turkey

MIX: Jack Holston

I wrote this in April 2019. I believe the 2020 presidential election campaign was already in full swing. Possibly relevant. Possibly not...

LYRIC
In the dim past where no light falls
Trapped inside gated walls
Where’s the key
Who has the key?

Yes it hurt and healing’s slow
But time enough has passed
We want you to know

All’s forgiven
Come back home
In a cruel world
It’s not safe to roam
If you hear us
This we vow
We will leave a light on for you
All’s forgiven now

Who among us has never strayed
Known the right course and still delayed
We understand
We understand

If the worst comes and you can’t cope
We’re not far apart 
There is always hope 

No heart truly turns to stone
Come to us and see
You are not alone

All's Forgiven

MIX - Jack Holston
Mastering - Logic Pro

LYRIC

As it was foretold
As I get more old
Than anyone’s ever been
My childhood world’s the perfect place
To get lost within

This one’s too crowded
And everything’s shouted
An unsupervised playground
You know how kids act
With no grownups  around

If you need someone to help
Please ask me last
Better learn to help yourself
My time has passed

Too many choices
All the raised voices
Trying to catch an ear
A toddler banging on pots and pans
Genius of the year

Let me just regress
I’d rather see less
Than more of what we’ve become
Despite how loud
Still dumber than dumb

If the end is on its way
Please make it fast
I’m not made for the world today
My time has passed
It’s up and gone
So get off my lawn
My time has passed

For good or ill
I’m over the hill
My time has passed

My Time Has Passed

MIX: Jack Holston

LYRIC
Once I stood proudly all on my own
Thought I’d go farther being alone
Then I fell in love

One destination led to the next
A story with no context
Then I fell in love

Although we started slowly
Or maybe because we did
We fell into bliss
With every kiss
No keeping our feelings hid

Now I think back on days before you
How I’d get through
Blocking replies
Trying out lies with hopes that one sounds true
Enough
Then I fell in love

Where others fell I tred lightly
Where others ran I‘d go slow
Thought I was smart
Protecting my heart
There was so much I didn’t know

Well that was then, a long ago then
A lonely time when
I didn’t believe
I couldn’t perceive
Heaven is more than stars that spin 
Above
Then I fell in love

Sexagenarian I

Then I Fell in Love

MARCH 25 - Mixed by Jack Holston, who also contributed some guitar. 

LYRIC* (Check below for a bit of background on this lyric)

You’re headed home
From where who knows
You check the mail
And get clean clothes
Then off again
Don’t leave a note
Who’d come by to read it
And smile at what you wrote?

You’ve seas to sail
And paths to trek
Take out your phone for one last check
Then power down
And stow it well

Do the best that you can do
No one should ask more of you
Than you yourself 
Do the best that you can do
No one should ask more of you
Than you yourself
You yourself alone in a wide world
Narrowing in scope
You are your own best hope

The money men
Femme fatale
Annoying brats
Unworthy pals
The off leash cur
And feral stray
One or another
Comes across your path each day

One day a god
Met with a god
Who knew a god
Who knew a god
A joke was made
All hell broke loose

Do the best that you can do
No one should ask more of you
Than you yourself
Do the best that you can do
No one should ask more of you
Than you yourself

So let’s hear your excuses
Loser that wins
Beggar that chooses
Let’s hear your excuses

One day a god met with a god….

*NOTE
I wrote this song in either late 2017 or late 2018. When writing it, I had no idea where the story aspects came from. In June 2018, the news came that Anthony Bourdain had committed suicide. I had only discovered his programs a couple years before his death, and had become a huge fan. I asked myself - was I somehow thinking of Bourdain when I wrote the lyric? Not that there's any aspect that would speak to his eventual death. But something about his constant travel, the openness to other cultures, the concern for humanity. And both his love of lie and a certain world weariness. Anyway. I have no concrete answer. But I myself have a haunted feeling ever since when it comes to this song. One reason why it's taken so long for em to record it....

You Yourself

Song written during the 2016 election cycle (!!!) and first recorded/released in demo version 2020.
This is the 2024 update
MIX: Jack Holston

LYRIC
Too much talk
Chitter chat
Idle thoughts
Falling flat
New remote 
Loud TV
Is there no one here to help me?

So they shout
And they screech
And they scold
And they preach
To a choir
That sings along
Everybody is free
To choose any old key

Where’s the mute on this thing?
What joy some silence would bring
Out words tumble
While I fumble
Where’s the mute on this thing

That’s not art
Just a stunt
And it’s dull
To be blunt
While they jeer at the past
Because they cannot compete
And they’ll never admit defeat

Where’s the mute on this thing?
The volume isn’t working
There might be some news
That I could maybe use
But
Where’s the mute on this thing

I think I’ve pushed every key
Is there no one to help me?

There you are, looking smug
As you go over and pull the plug

Where's The Mute

DEMO!!! FIRST POSTED FEB 14, UPDATED FEB 17 WITH BRIDGE. INTEND TO RECORD A STUDIO VERSION SOON. WATCH THIS SPACE!


LYRIC
I’m a foolish mortal
Standing at the portal
Of a heavenly night with you
You’re the rarest creature
Fine in every feature
Divine - that word would do
In your description
But may I mention
I’m not as dumb as it may seem
I’m a foolish mortal
But I know this is a dream

This mortal fool here
Dropped out of school, dear
The hard knocks came too fast
Now my days I squander
As I roam and wander
trying to escape my past
Wave if you see me
You wouldn’t want to be me
Nor would anyone else
I’m a foolish mortal
I know enough to know myself

I’m a simple guy
With simple tastes
And I don’t expect a lot 
At the end we share similar fates
If you’ve figured out the plot 
We all rot!

I’m a foolish mortal
Good for a chortle
To gods and goddesses
That’s what we’re worth friends
As our earth spins
And what a mess this is
Clowns and jesters
Crocodile wrestlers
Guess we put on a show
But I’m just a foolish mortal
Good for a chortle 
Yeah a foolish mortal 
What do I know?

Foolish Mortal (DEMO)

mix/master: Mariosyjp

LYRIC
Brought together
in bad weather
Our homes a world away
Hours flew by
We both knew why 
We had no right to stay

You waved as I departed
Let’s finish what we started
Finish what we started

I kept the memory
Deep within me
While life took me elsewhere
It started burning
The thought of returning
To when I saw you there

It’s a course I’d never charted
But let’s finish what we started
Finish what we started tonight

Strolling through the passers by
Keep an eye out  for an eye
One that sees the things you see
I saw you
Did you see me?

If this finds you
And reminds you
Of the promise we let die
Just tell me where
And I’ll be there
We have the right to try

And not live broken hearted
Let’s finish what we started
Finish what we started

It won’t be too late
But we can’t wait
And longer than we have
If yours felt what my heart did
Let’s finish what we started

Finish What We Started

2024 remix by Jack Holston

LYRIC
There’s no longer doubt
Time is running out
And it looks it’s in a hurry
Where it’s got to go
I don’t need to know
I’m not even going to worry
Let some future me
Stick around to see
Exactly what was all the fuss
With the mess that is us
yessiree
I’ll just leave it be
For some future me

Don’t ask me to think
I’ve got me a drink
And a hammock hung in the shade
I am now clocked out
My whole day’s blocked out
And I face my present unafraid
Tell some future me
How things ought to be
If I’m still around to hear
I’ll lend you all an ear
Honey bee
No charge, it’s all free
Thank some future me

At one time I’d gladly join you
For the common good
Now I’d only disappoint you
But ask a future me, maybe he would
If he could

Lucky future me
Just might live to see
An end at last to all the fuss
With the mess that is us
Glory be
We have to wait and see
I’m sure he’ll agree
That lucky future me

Future Me

REVISED FROM 2020
mix/master by Mariosyjp

LYRIC
Like the frown face
On a painted clown face
We had to fake it for a while
Give them what they ask for
be glad that they don’t ask more
But that ends the show now
And we’ve got the know how
To go on our way with a smile
Yeah we can have the last laugh
Let's enjoy the last laugh

It’s our time, our turn
We will live and they get to learn
We can do as we please
The last laugh has us slapping both our knees

Yeah we took the joking
Not so gentle poking
At the core of who we are
What they found amusing
Wasn’t of our choosing
Ok so that happened
We will not go back then
But the memory won’t be far
We can recall all that
As we have the last laugh

It’s our joy, our bliss
To end up happy as this
Settle back, take a seat
The last laugh might just knock them off their feet

Leaving all that behind us
Where the past - can’t find us
No need to remind us
We get the last laugh

If we shed a few tears
It’s not like in the past years
We’re joyful as we wipe them off
It’s just so good that we have
Finally got the last laugh

It’s our joy, we’re at ease
To live our lives how we please
Lift your eyes, stand up tall
We’re testing our own power
Getting stronger by the hour
And the last laugh will be ours after all
The last laugh

The Last Laugh

first mix April 19 - Jack Holston

A song for all us unknown, unsigned creators and lovers of songs

LYRIC
Hey, I’m able
Standing around but stable
Not grasping at straws
I don’t wait for applause
If it comes that would be sweet

In the meantime
Fumbling round for a new rhyme
Hope it comes soon
I’ve got a new tune
And it’s almost complete 

Come on and sing along
Won’t you join me in my song
Don’t be scared you’ll get words wrong
Sing along, sing along

Poor Franz Schubert
Imagine how much it hurt
Pouring his heart
Into his art
And only a few friends heard

Come on and sing along
Won’t you join me in my song
Don’t be scared you’ll get words wrong
Sing along, sing along

If you’ve heard me
And concluded
That old fool’s deluded
Can I ask you something else?
Could you keep that to yourself?

Don Quixote
An arm waving giant in his way
Spurred on his steed
He saw a need
For a hero to save the day
So I say…

Come on and sing along
Won’t you join me in my song
Don’t be scared you’ll get words wrong
Sing along, sing along

Sing out proud, sing out strong
Everyone can belong
Come on and sing along

Sing Along

mix: Jack Holston

Another song by an unknown, unsigned singer-songwriter, for all those other unknown, unsigned singer-songwriters out there...

LYRIC
Hello old friend
Would you care to spend 
Some time in my arms
That’s how to play guitar 
I’ve got a good grip
I won’t let you slip
As I might have once or twice 

We’ll ramble around 
Covering ground
We’ve covered before
So ok, once more
But as I strum
Should a song come 
Well that would be nice 

Yeah here goes nothing
Judging by the past
I get my hopes up but it’s not gonna last 
Yeah here goes nothing
Despite that thought
Each song means a lot to me
That has to be…something 

What are the odds
I’m loved by the gods
Who oversee fate
I’d say, not so great
But if you don’t play
You lose anyway
So yeah, count me in

Oh here goes nothing
Judging by the past
I get my hopes up but it’s not going to last 
Yeah here goes nothing
Despite that thought
It still means a lot to me
Let the world sleep on 
I’m gonna keep on with…nothing

So as I strum
Should a song come
Well I think one just did!

Yeah here goes nothing
Judging by the past
I get my hopes up but it’s not going to last 
Yeah here goes nothing
yeah the song is free
From an unknown artist
And probably always be
Here goes nothing
Unless..unless
Your ears will bless
This song of mine
Then it won’t be nothing this time


Here Goes Nothing

pre-master, mix by Mariosyjp

LYRIC

Tell the story
The old, old story
Of the day that we first met
Yes I know it now by heart
But the moment that you start
It’s as though I haven’t heard it yet

It’s like a new yesterday
Where today falls away
And we’re young somehow
At least younger than now
In a new yesterday again
We feel the joy we felt then

Raise your wine glass
I’ll raise mine as
We toast to a new year
They’re coming at us fast
Building on the past
Tomorrow knows it can always find us here

Inside a new yesterday
When today falls away
And it’s just us two
In the world we knew
We are free there to run and play 
And that’s how we recapture 
The rush and the rapture
We’re swept away
In a new yesterday

What a fine thing
See it shining
Tomorrow knows us
And it 
Tomorrow shows us
It knows to find us here

Inside a new yesterday
Where today falls away
And we are young somehow
At least younger than now
So let it all fall away 
In a new yesterday
Where it’s just us two
In the world we knew
In a new yesterday again 
We feel the joy we felt then


A New Yesterday

BUILDING IT UP, TEARING IT DOWN
CW MULLINS

At first all was darkness and then he created light
The world took all of seven days
Yeah that seems about right

Building it up, tearing it down

A poet gave Ozymandias eternal fame
Did Pharoah Ramses II even know that was his name?

Building it up, tearing it down

How a child cries
When a pet turtle dies
Sobs like they can’t be consoled
Don’t tell the kid lies
As the kid will realize
They’re a pet turtle too
Truth be told

Alexander bored at home got it in his head
To cross the world’s rivers
And make them all run red

Building it up, tearing it down

The city on the plain threw a party none could fault
You take home someone’s wife
Wake with a pillar of salt

Building it up, tearing it down

All the people
Gather 'neath a steeple
To praise someone that they’ve never met
A plate goes around
And the grown ups dig down for some coins
Like they’re placing a bet

Well maybe you’re a winner when your decades add to seven
If eternal sleep is anyone’s idea of heaven

Building it up, tearing it down

Yeah the dinosaurs rules Earth for a couple hundred million years
Will we have ruled that long
When our asteroid appears?

Building it up, tearing it down

Building It Up, Tearing It Down

NOTICE: I DO NOT PAY FOR PROMOTION. EVER.

SPOTLIGHT:  Sexagenarian Volume V is up to two tracks now with the posting of "Here Goes Nothing." "Outside In" has been added to the playlist for demo tracks, UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Meanwhile Sexagenarian Volume reached completion with the addition of the 12th track, "The Last Laugh." Sexagenarian Volumes IV and III follow. Volume II is available somewhere around here as well! 

BIO: I started writing songs in high school (1969-1973!) and I've pretty much never stopped. These are mostly solo recording projects (my brother, Fog City Fogey, contributes sometimes).  I don't do much self-promotion, not a fan of Repost Exchange etc, so all of you who find this page and like a song or two - you are truly appreciated!

CW Mullins

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks