Beautiful songs for the Christmas season from our SoundCloud community of artists.

Christmas Spirit

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Danniels & Durgy

Various SoundCloud contributions to the joys of Christmas

Home For Christmas

Although this song was written by me about one of my most loved places in the world, I heard Nat sing it when we were figuring out how to present it, and I just had to have her stick with the lead vocals as she sings it so beautifully, even though she has never set foot in the great Mountain State (now she wants to!). So we just changed "she" to "he" and it all fell into place. It tells the story of someone who has watched a lover leave and seeks solace in the Wonderful and Wild of West Virginia. The state became a bit of a passion for me since I first visited our friends in Keyser when I was still a boy. And it still represents a place of reflection and spirit to me. A place where one can find themselves and answer the deeper questions perhaps. And that's what happens in this song. It celebrates the wonders of this beautiful place even while it describes the complicated challenges of this world. This is dedicated to the entire Campbell family, without whom I'd not know the beauty I've tried to capture in this simple song. I especially want to recognize Margaret & Richard as the head of that Campbell clan, bless them both in heaven. As long as there are mountains and rivers in West Virginia, their memory will live large.
(lyrics below)

Copyright Daniels & Durgy 2021
Gentle Rain Records.
Produced, Written & Performed by Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy
Pedal Steel - Dakota Holden  
https://www.fiverr.com/dakotaholden/play-pedal-steel-on-your-song
Craig Durgy: Vocals, Guitar & Mandolin
Nat Daniels: Vocals, bass and production
Dakota Holden: Pedal Steel
See Our video! :  https://youtu.be/-FVLtkalVlA

Lyrics;
Hey, West Virginia, I’m crossing your state line
It’s me again, hello old friend, it’s been a long, long time
Four windows open, to feel your mountain air
To breathe you in, rememberin’, the child in me out there
You see I need your wisdom, your reassuring smile
I just want to listen, to the wonderful and wild
I know he’s leaving, I just came to tell you so
These backroads lead me back to me
To watch your Greenbrier flow
Yeah, he’s moving on now, you knew long ago
It’s what I do, so much like you, 
They come, they love, they go
You see I need your wisdom, your reassuring smile
I just want to listen, to the wonderful and wild
He loved my stories, and sunshine, wind and rain 
But like before, he’s found the door, and here I am again
Hey West Virginia, the tall grass crickets call 
The stars appear, much closer here
You catch ‘em when they fall
You always catch me when, I fall
You always catch me when,
You always catch me when, I fall

Back To West Virginia

West Virginia

The Grand Narrative

No More Surprises

From the Album: "Friends, They're Gonna Get Your Story Wrong" (2021)
Lyrics:
You could tell my heart just wasn't in it
When I walked through the door
You could tell my heart just wasn't in it
When I washed up on your shore
On the surface
It seems calm
But underneath
There's a raging sea
Pulling me
Down
Let me swim out to the breakwater, I'll be fine
Every ounce of energy that I conserve
I just flail and I give it away
I just flail
And give it away

I've never met a woman like you before
I'm swimming for my life
(and you know it)
I just keep on writing these sad, sad songs
There just C and D and E
They're like taking buried treasure from the sea
Let me swim out to the breakwater
I'll be fine
Every ounce of energy that  I conserve
I just flail and I give it away

My heart just wasn't in it
As you could see
When I washed up from the sea
Swim out to the breakwater
I'll be fine
I've never met a woman like you before
I'm swimming for my life
And you know it
Let me swim out out the breakwater
Breakwater
I'll be fine
Let me swim out to the breakwater of my heart

The Breakwater

Limitless vistas of miserable failure

This terrific song is the work of our friend Steve Low who granted us permission to attempt a cover. As much as we love Steve's original, we saw no point in trying to do it the same as he so wonderfully did, so we thought it would be fun to go country, perhaps a bit bluegrass and we're very excited to share it here. The song has some terrific lyrics that describe the longing one experiences when the one they love is gone. We thank Steve for allowing us the privilege and we also are pleased to again feature the amazing banjo work of Hamilton Belk.

Music and lyrics by Steve Low
Performed by Daniels & Durgy
Nat Daniels - piano, percussion, vocals, bass
Craig Durgy - guitar, vocals
Hamilton Belk - banjo

Lyrics (by Steve Low):
You yes you’re living in a cage
You’re bouncing off the bars
But it’s my ribs and tissue that’s inflammed
Yes it’s I who’s watching for your car
My roots are deep here in the west
Invested here I have to stay
But you got gypsy in your blood
Your fiddles playing the sounds of Spain
And so I’m watching yes I’m watching
All the headlights - all the headlights
Oh I’m watching yes I’m watching 
All the headlights - all the headlights
Coming up over the hill - hoping that one of them is you

Though you’ve had a travelling circus life
You been courting stability
And I’ve been prostrate at your feet
I been licking your toes to sleep
And though you bathe in pleasures warm
I sense our wine is running dry
I know as you commute each morn
You’re not the type to say goodbye
And so I’m watching . . . you

This evening’s sky is coal dust cloud
You’re late and I’m a clairvoyant
This house empty of all sound 
This house is empty
This house is empty

All The Headlights

Written by Paul McCartney and released near the end of the band’s existence on the Let It Be album in 1970, something made Craig try it out for our own style. It was a live home recording and we liked it. Nat then took it and added her magic harmonies and piano to pretty it up so nicely. Made it a very much more straight forward country folk sound with the accent on the lovely lyrics.
Gentle Rain Records

Deja Views

Long and Winding Road

Long and Winding Road (live cover)

Copyright Daniels & Durgy 2021
Gentle Rain Records
From Durge and Myself...  THANK YOU for listening to our Songs, and sharing our Truths!  Have a Safe, and Blessed New Year!!  

Seafaring Wanderer 
Produced, Written & Performed by Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy

Starlight star bright 
I wished upon a city light
That the Western Winds will lead me to you
Like a long desert road with no detours or turns one can miss…
Ending in arms wide open
That greets me for certain.. with a kiss.

Oh that sun sets low 
And time waits suspended,
Mesmerising me, like the warmth of your smile
And though I’ve seen it all, the seafaring wanderer
Has found nothing new …
All this time I was searching for meaning
I found it in you.


Starlight star bright 
The bourbon made this night all right..
But the city streets, holds empty and cold
Every neon sign flickers a heart beat the beckons 
“Come on home”..
Every newspaper flutter, is like Angels that Mutter.. 
“Call his phone..” 

Oh this road I’m on has one destination,
Every star I choose just leads me to you…
Yes I’ve seen it all, like a seafaring wanderer
But one thing held true!
All this time I was searching for meaning 
I found it in you..

Seafaring Wanderer

This is a remake of the traditional Christmas Hymn done in a very different folk style, including some of our own lyrics mixed in with the original verse. The melody is quite different but still, we felt, in line with the original feel. As she often does (and so well), Nat has orchestrated some lovely highlights to bring a touch of heaven to this lovely Christmas standard. 
Jesus Christ is born! Merry Christmas to all....

Copyright Daniels & Durgy 2021
Melodic rework, Craig Durgy
Written, Performed and Produced by Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy

Silent Night (Daniels, Durgy & Gruber)

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Silent Revery ..at the sight.
Glory graces from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!...
Christ our Savior is born!
Christ our Savior is born
 
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

Silent Night

Rather than follow the traditional path for this classic Christmas song we decided to change the words just a bit so the story is quicker paced than usual and told in the present tense. The message is eternal and unchanging and we hope our acoustic folk version will express it as well as any other version has for generations. Wishing everyone a very joyful Christmas 2022! 

We also did a music video with Nat & performing this song: https://youtu.be/Qwd9lq5Wkeo

Written, Performed and Produced by: Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy
Craig Durgy: acoustic guitar and vocals
Nat Daniels: keyboards, vocals and production
Copyright 2022 Daniels & Durgy * Gentle Rain Records

Lyrics:  Noel (adapted from the traditional The First Noel)

On the first Noel 
Shepherds see a great star
That is guiding three wise men 
From countries afar.
And onto the earth 
Shines this glorious light
Over Bethlehem where the 
Newborn King lies

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! 
Born is the King of Israel!

Following the Holy light, 
To a stable they come
And there lies dear Jesus, 
God’s only son
Falling to their knees, 
With a gift they each bare 
Humbly looking upon the Lord’s 
Gift lying there

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! 
Born is the King of Israel!

Come farmers and statesmen, 
Come rich and come poor
Praise the gift of Christ Jesus, 
From our heavenly Lord.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! 
Born is the King of Israel! 
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! 
Born is the King of Israel!

Noel

This song has a special meaning for us.  We sat on Durge's couch and completed the words together, and created a video on the same day.  This is about the true meaning of Christmas, sentiments we so humbly want to share with you all. 
With all the Love in our hearts..    A Very Merry Christmas to you All.  from Nat & Durge xxx
See the VIDEO:  https://youtu.be/xcD1XOEXH0U

Copyright 2022 Daniels 6 Durgy / Gentle Rain Record
Produced, Written and Performed by Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy

Lyrics:
This Holy Christmas Eve.. 

I guess it’s time to set the table
The fairy lights they flicker like fireflies
The smell of wood and coal from the fire
The Laughter of family and peace is found in all

There so much I feel so grateful for
The years have been so sweet
And through the blessings 
And the bitter 
Life is so complete

The TV plays a Christmas Carol,
There’s far too much to do..
Don’t want the time to run a mile,
And yet it slows down lost in the thoughts of you…

Yes the You that is the World today, 
The way we all can be
I’ll give my love with warmth and pleasure 
A hand , a hug,  
We stand together 

But All I am is all I can give
My love is yours.. yes yours
And may the world find peace this evening
As the snow falls on the this Holy Christmas Eve

This Holy Christmas Eve

The season is upon us...Merry Christmas Folks! The Constant reliability through the Ages, has always been our ability to Love, to Hope, and to Dream.  May this song remind you all, that no matter how small an Idea or action may seem, you can never know the ripples it will initiate through time.  May you ALL Be Blessed, Fed, Healthy, and Loved this Christmas..    With All our Love, Nat & Durge.  

With Special thanks to Little Miss Maïa for singing along on this song! She's only 9 years old, but she showed a lot of courage to sing a long with her Mama, and her awesome Uncle Durge.  

Thank you Maïa, for being my Chorus of Angels xxx

Copyright 2023 Gentle Rain Records / Daniels & Durgy
Written, Produced and Performed by:
Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy
and Featuring Maïa T on the Chorus and Choral parts. 

Lyrics: Down Through The Midnight by Nat Daniels

Rolling downward, through the midnight
Bursts a glorious heavenly song
And It’s a chorus of Light and Angels
That pierced the night so long ago

Oh Glory in the highest
On this glorious Christmas Eve
And it’s so crazy oh…to imagine
What a night it must have been
The earth stood still and witnessed Holy peace ..
And felt such peace!
And the wise became so humble,
As the Angels blessed the earth beneath their feet.

Choir:
Glory in the highest.. 

The gentle cry of a child that saved us
Will echo on ‘till all is gone,
But times have made life so confusing
And yet His love lives on in all

Oh Glory in the highest
Christmas Eve so long ago
And It’s so crazy oh.. to imagine
How a child could change the world
The earth stood still in silent reverie
And felt such peace!
And the wise became so humble,
As the Angels blessed the earth beneath their feet.

So do you hear it, through the midnight?
Can you hear the Angels’ song?
Oh it’s only heard in your kindness ..
And you will hear their song of old

Down Through The Midnight

A simple message for the fast approaching Christmas Day, taking the time honored classic tune and adding a few other familiar elements to this folky, upbeat rendition. I want to dedicate this Christmas wish to all my SoundCloud friends but most especially my dear friend and awesome partner in musical crime, Nat Daniels. This one is a solo effort but it goes out to Nat. 
Merry Christmas!!!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

This is a cover of the time honored Christmas classic that grew to particular popularity and meaning during WWII for American soldiers fighting far from home. Nat and I both love the song but we wanted to try something a little more lively while maintaining the ultimate melancholy of the words. We send this out with the hope that it reaches all our friends with its longing for home and the eternal loving spirit of Christmas. (Photo: Ralph Morse)

I'll Be Home For Christmas (Cover)

Fifteen musicians from the Materia Collective join forces to sing and play a Christmas carol! Free download above!

Composer: G.F. Handel
Original arranger: Lowell Mason
Lyrics: Isaac Watts

Arranger and Producer: Sauraen (@sauraen)
Performers: Members of (M) Materia Collective

Soprano: Sirenstar
Alto: Katelyn Isaacson
Tenor: Charles Ritz
Baritone: Daniel Romberger

Flute: Thecoolestnerdguy
Oboe: Sauraen
Soprano Sax: Sean Schafianski
Alto Sax: Sean Schafianski
Bassoon: Katelyn Isaacson

Horn: John Robert Matz
Trumpet: John Robert Matz
Trombone: Daniel Romberger
Bass Trombone: Patrick Allred

Violin: IceRequiem
Bouzouki: Ian Martyn
Melodica: Fabian Fabro

Piano: Charles Ritz
Acoustic Guitar: Andrew Filipski
Electric Guitar: Darryl John Hannan
Bass: Fabian Fabro

Timpani: Kyle Hughes
Snare Drum: Kyle Hughes
Cymbals: Kyle Hughes

Icon art: Yuuhiko (yuuhiko.tumblr.com)

Joy to the World - Materia Collective - Free download

The first record I ever bought for myself was The Rolling Stones' 45 with "As Tears Go By" by Mick Jagger ("Gotta Get Away" was the "A" side I believe). Simple but it always impressed me with the strings and melancholy sound. Marianne Faithful did a terrific version of it as have others. No need to rehash the original version which was done so well back in the 60's so I came up with this up tempo, slightly "bluegrassy" interpretation that some Stones fans will find annoying but hopefully others will enjoy.

As Tears Go By (cover)

An original written , composed and presented by Gary McMahon and myself.  We had the help of two great musicians (Josh McAlexander and Lawrence Farr) who brought the lyrics to life with their great voices.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of you guys for a great job.  Gary and his families lost their homes in the Paradise, CA fires recently and having a rough time.  We all keep him in our thoughts and pray.  
Lyrics:
Christmas night is here, and the skies seem so crystal clear
And the star that shown so bright, so long ago still shines tonight
A mother holds her child, wise men bow down a world reconciled
( May the warmth from that star that flows
Set your heart aglow
May that star lead you home)
Loved ones all are near, tinsel and lights hang for good cheer
And atop of that Christmas tree, we place a star for all to see
Love can open your eyes, for one, for all, our Christmas sky
And in our hearts there will be, that star that shines eternally.

The Star (Gary McMahon,Josh McAlexander,Lawrence Farr,Chuck Aaron)

Available on Bandcamp: https://danielsdurgy.bandcamp.com/album/the-christmas-wish

Copyright 2019 Daniels & Durgy
Gentle Rain Records
Written, Performed & Produced by: Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy
Tin Whistle: Nat Daniels
Violin: Larry Deming
Art Work (painting): Albert Chevallier Tayler    Licence: Public Domain

LYRICS:
The day arrives with a bright sunrise
And the cold is crisp and calling
What a grand surprise to cast my eyes
On a Christmas snow that’s falling

Lucy stoke the fire, to your heart’s desire
And I will tend to the horses
For this is the day, to celebrate
The Lord’s eternal forces

Blessed Father, joyous children
We’ll gather in his name
We will sing and play, on this Christmas Day
And his glory shall proclaim  

Set the table fine, with ale and wine
And  cider for the younger
Bow our heads in prayer, to thank Him here
For shelter and no hunger

Willie fetch your pipes, when the time is right
And I will play my fiddle
To the Christmas sounds, we will circle round
And dance about the middle

Blessed Father, joyous children
We’ll gather in his name
We will sing and play, on this Christmas Day
And his glory shall proclaim

Christmas Home

Extra points if you get the reference.*

*Points have no monetary value

2020 - Quincy Street
Written/Performed - Nick DaSilva

Alone Together Or

Copyright Daniels & Durgy 2020
Gentle Rain Records
Written, Performed and Produced by Daniels & Durgy

Lyrics:

Unveiling of the night
Leaves a misty moon 
In the morning light
Driving in my car 
I know what’s up ahead
And seeking what’s behind

Floating down I’m lost within this feeling
As your sweet sweet words own all meaning
I’m in trouble....

Chorus
Chances are... you’ll stare at the same moon
Chances are... you’re needing my love too 
I can see your lights are on,
As I’m passing on your line
Chances are... I’ll give in one more time
Chances are......Chances are....

Memories rewind like a broken film
Taking me through time
Wish I had a dime for every time I said
I’m leaving it behind

It’s no use, I’m locked within this feeling
‘Cause your sweet sweet words ...
Owns all meaning ...  I’m in trouble..

Chorus
Chances are...my phone will play a tune
Chances are... you’ll sway me like you do
It’s a game the fates keep playing 
And It’s playing you and I
Chances are... 
the road will lead me to your arms tonight ..  
Chances are...   
Chances are...   
Chances are.

Chances

Chances Are

Available on Bandcamp: https://danielsdurgy.bandcamp.com/album/the-christmas-wish
An original Christmas ballad that appeals to us all to remember the greatest gift we should all aspire to share each and every day. This has a traditional feel and a haunting appeal. Thanks to Dirk for such beautiful guitar contributions!

Copyright Daniels & Durgy 2020 Gentle Rain Records
Nat Daniels: Vocals, keyboard, percussion
Craig Durgy: Vocals, electric guitar
Dirk Taubenheim: Acoustic guitars - Our profound Thanks Dirk for lending us your exquisite talents!

Lyrics:
Christmas Wish by Daniels & Durgy

Can you see the wonder in a falling leaf
The miracle of every day in all the things you see
Look at all the children laugh and play with ease
They paint their lives in colors of love and joy and peace 

Oh can we hold each other can we truly see, 
The love in one another that starts with you and me.. 
And so it comes full circle on this Christmas Eve 
Oh love is still the greatest to give and to receive..

A loving smile can heal you like a warm embrace 
Love is all that matters and all that leads to Grace 
Are we not all destined to be loving souls?
For once we shed this mortal coil we join the same unknown

So it comes full circle and giving thanks I pray
You’ll all love one another beyond this Christmas Day 
All it takes kindness, a truly selfless deed,
To change the world forever and bring us Holy peace
Oh love is all that matters
come take my hand ... it’s up to you and me.

The Christmas Wish

This is "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" from my album, "Pieces Of Christmas:  A Pause For The Clause".  It is played on solo acoustic guitar.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Acoustic Solo 12 - 12 - 20

Two song writers, two kindred spirits... that found each other by pure happenstance and great fortune, to collaborate and create music together.
To see our separate artist pages, please click on the following links:
Nat Daniels   https://soundcloud.com/natdaniels
Craig Durgy  https://soundcloud.com/durge