Like so many others out there, I'm a huge fan of Tom Waits for his songwriting and performances. And this song is one of his earlier beauties, simple and direct. Such a story teller, a scene painter and the master of the story within the story, the acceptance and resignation. The lover of pretty things in a shadowy world. I recorded this quick and dirty on my iPhone, no mic, just the basic song...because I love singling it.

I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You (Tom Waits cover) Live

This is another “folk" approach to a cover song, in this case an all-time Motown favorite originally popularized by a 1968 collaboration of the Supremes and the Temptations (written by Gamble & Huff and Jerry Ross). Hard to match the vocal excellence of those two awesome groups but I just put a spin on it to channel the awesome emotive nature of the song. Got a little out of my comfort zone but for a base file done on my iPhone and with some grand help from my partner in music, Nat Daniels (piano & bass & production), I like the outcome.

I’m Gonna Make You Love Me (Motown cover)

I decided to let loose with this crazy idea of stringing a bunch of very crude home recordings together, complete with all sorts of background noises and family banter. They were all recorded on my iPhone next to my kitchen where my wife and daughter sound like they must have been building a house! I also quickly added some rough harmonies to create some depth on the original recordings. These are some of my favorite country and country/folk songs of all time and I hope someone will enjoy taking this 16-minute journey with me, just sitting around the kitchen sharing some classic tunes. Each song covered is just a brief snippet of the original, usually no more than a minute each, and i took some liberties in how I sampled each one....

Country Kitchen Medley

I wrote this song as a tribute to love that endures beyond this world as we know it. My best friend lost his battle with cancer several years ago, but as I often think of him I have envisioned his parting moments with his dear wife by his side. This is just my thoughts on it, I won’t pretend to represent the actual intimacies that would possibly have transpired, but I do have a good idea of how much they cared for each other, and still do.

Craig Durgy (vocals & guitar)
Nat Daniels (piano, bass and production)

Lyrics:   Summer Rain by Craig Durgy

Time slowed down to greet me, to carry out my light
You caressed me sweetly, always there right by my side

And as my eyes conceded, that leaving you I must
Despite your tears that pleaded, I just rose out into dust

I became an angel, you held to my sleeve 
Now the summer rain will
Let you know I’ll never leave

Yes, I became an angel, the moment that we kissed
Through all the years of loving you
That brought me here like this

Now the dust has settled, life and love go on
Raindrops on a petal, and you know that I’m not gone

In this life we’re flowers, but it’s only life’s cocoon
As fresh as summer showers, forever love can bloom

And, I became an angel, you held to my sleeve 
Now the summer rain will
Let you know I’ll never leave

Summer Rain

This is an acoustic cover of the Moody Blues' 1967 song which was featured on their 1968 album Days of Future Passed. Like most of their music, it was kind of unique I always thought, and I got the urge to try my hand at my usual stripped down version. Written by band member Justin Hayward.

Nights in White Satin (cover)

This is my simple cover of the 1968 Dion song written by Dick Holler and well known for its socio-political message. Thanks again to my dear friend Nat Daniels for kindly adding her standup bass and tasteful production to my rough iPhone recording. The memories and message live on and we hope the lessons will guide future generations forever.

Abraham, Martin & John (cover)

Martin (@martin-hirsch-656665916) provided this original, inspirational, classic rock ballad instrumental track along with a song title and invited me to craft lyrics, melody and vocals to create a team effort. I was thrilled to do so and, with much appreciated production help from my eternal musical partner Nat Daniels (@natdaniels) this track was the happy outcome. Thanks to Martin and Nat for making this a very fulfilling project! May we all be dreamers....

Dreamer

Dreamer (collaboration w/Martin Hirsch)

Perhaps best known by Roberta Flack’s beautiful recording, this song was written by Irishman Ewan MacColl back in the 50’s. I recorded this on my iPhone VoiceMemos and simply added a harmony later. It’s a straight forward, simple acoustic interpretation of these lovely lyrics of love.

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Ewan MacColl cover)

Sometimes our hearts look to someone who is not so easy a fit, someone who is not physically near or isn’t embraced by friends and family, or some such tabu. We wrestle with what doesn’t come easy yet seems so right and natural. In the end the heart should always win. This original song is another one of my raw “live” iPhone recordings with an added vocal harmony. Bare bones, just like the sentiment.

"So Far" by Craig Durgy

So many years before you found me
And yet there’s nowhere here to stay
Reaching beyond most every boundary
Close never felt so far away

Shouldn’t I shout like Christmas morning
So the whole wide world would know
That my heart is finally soaring
Like it never has before

But what have we done, 
What have we gained 
Why does the song just fade away in a refrain
Gone are the leaves, we are the trees 
And naked to the world I freeze  
Love is such a cold disease, but you
You are like a gentle summer rain

But as I shout, so many doubt me
They want the fettered man they knew
They’d have to face themselves without me
They’d rather look for faults in you

And for a moment I was hopeless 
Thinking that love could never be
But in your smile I finally focused 
On believing you love me

But what have we done, 
What have we gained 
Why does the song just fade away in a refrain
Gone are the leaves, we are the trees 
And naked to the world I freeze  
Love is such a cold disease, but you
You are like a gentle summer rain

So Far

This song came about in a rather odd way, in pieces at first. Somewhere this phrase came out and I went with it as an expression of the often heartless way of corporate business life. Trying to get ahead but losing track of yourself and your real values along the way. My humble attempt to pay tribute to Pete Seeger or Phil Ochs perhaps😁. Special thanks to Hamilton Belk for his beautiful dobro playing on this recording, and to Nat Daniels for her wonderful work in remixing and producing the final outcome, vastly improving on the original version I did some years ago.

All music and lyrics written by Craig Durgy
Craig Durgy: vocals, guitar, mandolin, harmonica
Hamilton Belk: dobro
Produced by Nat Daniels of Gentle Rain Records
Copyright 2023
Gentle Rain Records

Lyrics: The Cuttin’ Way by Craig Durgy

Found my way, beyond this cuttin’ way
This hustlin’, bustlin’ way of life
That’s cut me like a knife

Starts today, leaving that cuttin’ way
That blood for nothin’ way of life
I’m cuttin’ out of sight

Ohhh, where did I go
Why did I follow, didn’t I know?
Ohh, hear the wind blow
Lay down your burden and let…the rope go

I saw daylight through windows and doors
Working my way up through so many floors
Never arriving, no slowing down
Leaving my soul at the floor, on the ground

Found my way, beyond this cuttin’ way
This hustlin’, bustlin’ way of life
That’s cut me like a knife

Starts today, leaving that cuttin’ way
That blood for nothin’ way of life
I’m cuttin’ out of sight

Never arriving, no slowing down
Leaving my soul at the floor, on the ground

The Cuttin’ Way

The Cuttin' Way

This was perhaps an over-ambitious project to screw with one very iconic pop-folk song of the 60’s, one that is emblazoned in my elementary school head and heart. As with most cover song attempts, I wanted to interpret the song differently from the amazing original recording (of which there were actually several) so I tried to pick up the pace a bit and I modified the chord structure here and there. I was struggling to feel content with it until Nat Daniels came in to contribute mightily to the overall production. I’m now glad for the endeavor though I expect many may disagree...

Music & lyrics by Paul Simon w/musical adaptations by Craig Durgy
Craig Durgy: guitar, harmonica & vocals
Nat Daniels: all production, tambourine & heavenly chorus background vocals
Cover art taken from work by Enrique (ELG21)
Gentle Rain Records

The Sound Of Silence (Paul Simon cover)

This song tells the tale of a young man that grew up without his father. Raised by his mother in the vicinity of the Rock Mountains, the father abandoned his wife to become a mountain man. But nobody ever knew for certain what became of him. The son is driven to seek him out now that he's come of age, much to his mother's distress.

All music and lyrics written by Craig Durgy
Craig Durgy: lead & harmony vocals, guitar & mandolin
Nat Daniels: bass & background vocals
Produced by Nat Daniels of Gentle Rain Records
Copyright 2024
Gentle Rain Records

Lyrics:      Avery by Craig Durgy

Twenty years ago in June, you're daddy went away
And with a baby coming soon, I begged for him to stay
He said he needed time alone, away from folks and telephones
He promised to return a better man
But as he grabbed his rifle, his backpack and a knife, well
I could see he had his freedom in his hand  
 
Avery oh Avery, stubborn as a man can be
Avery, those Rocky Mountains set your daddy free.
Oh Avery, following the footsteps of your dad
Will leave me sad, in misery

The days grew long that he had gone and then the baby came
All the other folks in town just said it was a shame
And as the baby grew the father that it never knew
Would never even send a letter in the mail
Perhaps the Rockies swallowed him and all the fears that followed him
Perhaps he made his life out on the trail   

Avery oh Avery, stubborn as a man can be
Avery, those Rocky Mountains set your daddy free.
Oh Avery, following the footsteps of your dad
Will leave me sad, in misery

Avery, a mother sees, it in her baby’s eyes
That’s the look your father took, when we said our goodbyes
So as you head out of that door, unsure of what you’re looking for
I know that mountain air is calling you
And even if you never find, the ghost of being left behind
I know you’re doing what you have to do   

Avery oh Avery, stubborn as a man can be
Avery, those Rocky Mountains set your daddy free.
Oh Avery, following the footsteps of your dad
Will leave me sad, in misery
Following the footsteps of your dad
Leaves momma sad, in misery…Oh Avery

Forgotten Country

Avery

This song describes a person who has spent his entire life in the same town, enjoying friends and all the comforts of familiar places and people. But as the years advance he becomes more fixated on the increasing number of friends that have passed on, leaving him to contemplate his approaching fate. He determines that he has to leave his home town to escape the unnerving confines and find renewed hope for his future.

All music and lyrics written and performed by Craig Durgy
Copyright 2024 Gentle Rain Records
(thanks to Brett Styles for the cover photo)

Lyrics:     So Long by Craig Durgy

There’s too many gravestones here for me to hang around
I see them grow from row to row
Like weeds up from the ground
They used to be all faceless, a place to calm me down
But the start of each new row 
Was the end of folks I know 
I’ve been too long saying so long in this town

There ain’t much to be said, that ain’t been said a lot before 
And nothing changes anything, it’s either less or more
Less familiar faces, more stones to gather for
If I stay here for too long, then
I will surely be among them
I’ve been too long saying so long in this town

The setting sun’s long shadows come, and slowly form a wall
And I can’t ignore the call to look away
If tomorrow ever comes again it comes again for me, 
It’s gotta be, where I can breathe, 
A brand new day, I cannot stay

If I head down to Allentown and find a fair-haired lass
And settle in till I begin to lose track of the past
We’ll go to malls and carnivals, we’ll ride the coaster fast
It has its ups and downs
But it always comes back round
I’ve been too long saying so long in this town
I’ve been too long saying so long to this town

So Long

Primarily a fun song that takes a bit of humor from the experience of a guy who tried so hard to be a good husband, a good guy, but ultimately loses out. Bemoans all the sacrifices he made, yet he could never please his wife.   

My special thanks to Nat Daniels for stepping in to add some critical new pieces to my old recording, including some great production work!

Craig Durgy: vocals, mandolin & bass
Nat Daniels: organ, background vocals (mixing & production)
©Gentle Rain Records 2024

Thanks to haim_charbit for the banner art!

Lyrics:
You made my mind up, you turned my head around
You said my time was up, it’s time to settle down
You bought your wedding gown

I tried to follow, I thought I loved you so
So much to swallow, you said I had to grow
I tried it even though...

I didn’t think that I was, all that bad a guy but,
I listened to your kissin’ girl
I just killed myself to go on living

Now you want to, pick up with someone new
Now that I blew, my soul away for you
The things you put me through

You got your lawyer, to take my house from me
Last time I saw ya, you had my LTD
You wouldn’t stop for me

I didn’t think that I was, all that bad a guy but,
I listened to your kissin’ girl
I just killed myself to go on living

You got my toaster, you got my bowlin’ night
You weren’t supposed to, just disappear from sight
It just isn’t right

You got my hair changed, you made me chew my food
You made me sleep strange, just cause it felt so good
I gave you all I could

I didn’t think that I was, all that bad a guy but,
I listened to your kissin’ girl
I just killed myself to go on living
Just to go on living, just to go on living, just to go on living
I gave you all I could

(Rap section)
Didn’t think, didn’t think now
Never thought, I never ever thought how
Didn’t think that I could live without you
Everything about me was about you
I can tell I’m living by myself to go on living

I Gave You All I Could

This song opens the emotions from someone in a long-standing relationship that has grown hopeless. Clearly it’s time to let it go. 
My thanks to Nat Daniels of Gentle Rain Records for her remixing and other production work to help revive and improve the quality of my original recording.

Craig Durgy: lead & harmony vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin
Nat Daniels: bass, percussion, chimes, background vocals
Music & lyrics by Craig Durgy copyright 2024
Produced by Nat Daniels of Gentle Rain Records

Lyrics:
Just take it all away, can't listen anymore
What made you choose to stay, when love became a chore
At best I'm in the way, that's all there is to say
You’re just running up the score

Please take it far away, can't hear a single word
No matter what we say, we both sound so absurd
No love, then no obey, I've paid all I can pay
Just take it all away

How long can it rain, before you see the clouds
This weather is insane, we just have to end it now
When everything's gone grey, I never thought I'd say
Just take it all away, 
Ohhhhhhh, just take it all away

Please take it far away, can't hear a single word
No matter what we say, we both sound so absurd
No love, then no obey, I've paid all I can pay
Just take it all away

How long can it rain, before you see the clouds
This weather is insane, we just have to end it now
When everything's gone grey, I never thought I'd say
Just take it all away, 
Ohhhhhhh, just take it all away

Take It All Away

This is an original song that recounts a sort of secret childhood sanctuary that was a simple ravine behind my grandparents’ home on Rowan Street in Danbury Connecticut. It bottomed out in a grove of maple trees that provided a shady canopy for a lazy little brook that ran between Rowan Street homes and the old Wooster Cemetery. The area was dark and cool, the ground all around was a thick mud that my friends and I pretended was life threatening quicksand. Like most favorite play areas for kids in that time, it was nothing spectacular, if not downright uninviting, but it was unforgettable as I look back with this simple song. Another recording taken right off my iPhone with some added harmonies and a touch of harmonica.

All music written and performed by Craig Durgy
©2024 Gentle Rain Records

Lyrics: Padanaram

Padanaram, lazy summer afternoon
Grandma calls me in too soon 
Mud on my britches

Padanaram, such a quiet little brook
But my fancy you just took
Like moonlight wishes
 
When I fell down, that ravine and tumbled to your tiny shore
You just laid there, in those shadows like I’d 
Knocked on Heaven’s door
The shade fell cool around me
Like I’d never felt before. 

Through the maples, in the distance sunlight shone
On a hillside lined with stones 
Wooster, Cemetery

Like a cradle, I could shut my eyes to dream
There within the shaded green
Like a monastery. 

Those were days that, were filled with baseball cards and bikes and toys
When thunder storms, and ice cream trucks were such a joyful noise
And Padanaram, your still water
Was a church for summer boys

Padanaram

This is my very simple take on the old familiar Christmas carol as my offering to the holy and joyful season. Stripped down and a bit different from the standard delivery. My wishes to all for a Happy Christmas!

O’ Little Town of Bethlehem

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

This an odd pseudo-original song. I set out to write something light and fanciful and came up with lyrics but my musical ideas just weren’t exciting me. So I put it aside. Then I noticed some fellow SoundClouders using AI websites to generate songs from their lyrics. The idea initially was troubling but when I heard some of the outcomes on SC I was intrigued. Playing with a bunch of my archived, forgotten lyrics I had to admit I really liked the music track it created for me on this one, so I decided to create my own vocal tracks and this is it. The music is AI generated on SUNO.com using my general directions, the lyrics and vocals are all me. 

This idea of Artificial Intelligence having any part in musical artistry is troubling, disappointing and vexing but I must admit that it has been a fun way to create instant gratification where you want some help to change directions or salvage discarded pieces. This is the only time I’ve actually utilized the AI results for something I’ve posted publicly, and it may be the last, but this result has inspired me to rework and make it entirely my own for Daniels & Durgy at some future time.

Lyrics:
Rosemary Lavender by Craig Durgy

There at the country fair, how you stole that scene
Rosemary hair, sprig of green
As I passed by, eye to I was consumed
By your lavender, sweet perfume

Blueberry, strawberry, rhubarb pie
Rosemary, lavender sky
No matter where, I’ll be there, close behind
And if God wills, love till we die

When summer winds rise, filling with despair
I close my eyes, and see you there
Passing me by, eye to I simply stare
Into rosemary, lavender air

Blueberry, strawberry, rhubarb pie
Rosemary, lavender sky
No matter where, I’ll be there, close behind
And if God wills, love till we die

And the sun, was undone by your sleepy smile
As the raindrops fell softly, one by one
And they danced on your cheeks for a little while
Till your laughter rekindled the sun

There at the country fair, blue ribbon eyes
And not a care, you hypnotize
And like a rose that grows, you unfold
Into warm summer pleasures untold

Blueberry, strawberry, rhubarb pie
Rosemary, lavender sky
No matter where, I’ll be there, close behind
And if God wills, love till we die
If God wills it, love till we die

Rosemary Lavender

The Righteous Brothers were one of the most inspiring music acts to me growing up in the 60’s. I always dreamed of singing like Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield  and this song is one of their numerous classics of the era. Written by Cynthia Well and Barry Mann, I made a raw iPhone recording and simply added some harmony vocals, complete with living room noises and generally lo-fi ambience. But I thought it captured my passion for those times and those dreams of my younger days. Dedicated to the yellow roses...

Soul & Inspiration (Righteous Brothers cover)

Joni Mitchell was one of the most prolific songwriters (and performers) of her time with songs that will live on for a long, long time after we’re all dancing in the clouds ourselves. This is one of those songs, iconic in its tone and lyrics, its message for the generations. It’s no small undertaking to to do justice to this quietly powerful song but once again, I’ve taken a raw recording made on my iPhone and dressed it up a little with some vocal harmonies and a touch of some guitar riffs. I’m hoping Joni would be open minded to this rendition.
Thanks to Rebecca Humann for free access to the cover art photo and to Lisa Runnels for the banner artwork!

Clouds (Joni Mitchell cover)

I always think of Saint Patrick’s Day here in the US as a celebration of the social graces as they involve drinking. We drink together, we laugh and cry together, and friendships typically grow like flowers from those barroom and “parlor” floors. With the big day just a couple weeks away now I wanted to contribute something that expresses my attachment to the many fast friends I hold dear. I dedicate this one to my closest friend who is departed too soon, Rich. Cheers.

Music written by Craig Durgy ©2025
Guitar & vocals by Craig Durgy
Production by Nat Daniels of Gentle Rain Records (including bass, tin whistle & percussion)

Lyrics:

Let’s drink to the morning, 
That peeks through the windows 
And drink as the night melts away
Let’s drink to the memories 
That yesterday knows
And cheers to the friends that remain

I raise my glass cause it’s 
Lighter than toiling
And is drawn to be tested to yours
I drink to the moment 
That we’ll be recalling
And the path to the day it recurs

And if it seems to me, 
It matters not
The hopes and dreams of two old sots
The lesson of time is 
The beverage that binds us
I drink to your smile and our lot

I can see through the weary
As the sun warms your face
And the suds settle down in your glass
Your eyes are not teary
As we take this last taste
And swallow the tears of the past

I raise my glass cause it’s 
Lighter than toiling
And is drawn to be tested to yours
I drink to the moment 
That we’ll be recalling
And the path to the day it recurs

And if it seems to me, 
It matters not
The hopes and dreams of two old sots
The lesson of time is 
The beverage that binds us
I drink to your smile and our lot
I drink to your smile and our lot

The Beverage That Binds Us

A country tune I wrote back in 1983 which reminisces about college years and love lost. I play all the instruments and add my own background vocals over the dreaded drum machine. Added a few more recent touches to improve the original quality but ultimately I hope to redo this one as a Daniels & Durgy track to do it greater justice.

Lyrics:
Will You Ever (Come Back To Me) by Craig Durgy

One more sunset, one more lonely night
Ain't no way to tell where you might be
I let you leave me darling, ‘cause I saw that it was right
But I live just praying you'll come back to me

All last night I thought of what we might have done
Going places like we used to do
Remember, at the Bidwell Tavern, now honey that was fun
And each night I remember holding you

Will you ever come back to me
You made it seem like all you need was
Time to ease your mind
But will you ever come back to me?

Each time that I have seen you, my heart seems revived
And I want so bad to say what I've been through
But your words are just like shovels, and they're burying me alive
Another man is taking hold of you

The winter seems more bitter than it ever has before
And staring as the snow falls, I can see
That the road is growing longer, that leads up to your door
Just like the hope that you'll come back to me

Will you ever come back to me
You made it seem like all you need was
Time to ease your mind
But will you ever come back to me?

Will You Ever (Come Back To Me)

This is a fun little song I wrote that incorporates what I consider to be an iconic beer advertising jingle from the 50s-70s. During that time I was barely old enough to even drink New York’s popular refreshment of the era, Rheingold, but the imagery and television/radio jingle remains so memorable to me, and it was one of the first beers I ever drank. The song, however, is more than an homage to the famous red and white cans, or the revolutionary chug-a-mug. It tells the absurd story of a particularly obsessed fan that may be only vaguely autobiographical. I think I need to do something similar for Schaeffer next, and then maybe Piels, Knickerbocker…

Written and performed by Craig Durgy ©2025
Production (including bass & percussion) by Nat Daniels of Gentle Rain Records

Lyrics:

I had just turned eighteen, when my mother said to me
Son, now that you’ve become a man
It’s time to buckle down, you can’t just hang around, 
Please tell your dear old mom you understand
But instead, I just said…

(chorus)
My beer is Rheingold, the dry beer
Think of Rheingold whenever you buy beer
It’s not bitter, not sweet, it’s the dry flavored treat
Won’t you try extra dry Rheingold beer

I was barely twenty-eight when my boss said, boy you’re late
And called me to his office for a word
Looking very stern he said, don’t you ever learn
I’ve warned you but it’s like you never heard
What could I say, on my last day, but…

(chorus)

Then at 45 years old, by a Marshall I was told
That my wife of twenty years was letting go
He looked me in the eye, like a man about to cry
So, I thought that there was something he should know
It’s okay, just let me say, that…

(chorus)

And now as an old man, there’s nothing left to plan. 
No damn expectations and no stress
I made it to here with the help of God and beer
And Lord knows I’m just a simple man
To this day, I can say…

(chorus)

My beer is Rheingold, the dry beer
Think of Rheingold whenever you buy beer
It’s not bitter, not sweet, it’s the dry flavored treat
Won’t you try extra dry Rheingold beer
When you buy, won’t you try, put a twinkle in your eye
When you buy, you can’t beat my Rheingold beer

My Beer

Here’s another old favorite song of mine, written by Baker Knight in the 50’s and recorded by many folks before and after Elvis’ most famous version, released in 1970. Once again, this is one of my stripped down recordings taken from an i-phone voice memo and transplanted to GarageBand for this final mix I threw together in homage to The King. Interestingly, Baker apparently originally wrote this as a gospel song, about the true King, but I think by now we all just read it as a simple and emotive love song, one of many done so masterfully by Elvis. I hope some folks will enjoy this quick take on it.
🥳This goes out as a special happy birthday wish to my dear friend and partner in all things musical, Nat Daniels. Thanks for all your support and inspiration.🤠

The Wonder of You

The Wonder of You (Elvis cover)

This is an original song I recorded some years ago that describes the transition when seeing your son come of age as you (the parent) has to let go and adjust to a changed role in his life. Some regrets occur, thinking that the time to do certain things with your child has come and gone, perhaps you could/should have done more.
This was recorded back when I wrote it, so my recording techniques were not very advanced and I lost the master, left with just an MP3. I want to thank Nat Daniels and her production skills for helping make the most of improving the sound, although there was only limited opportunity to undo all its flaws. She also added some lovely piano parts to help replace many of my original xylophone parts which had faded considerably. Despite the rough quality, I hope the sentiment conveys. (note: Neddu was a nickname my son was given during his infancy which should help explain the lyrics)

All music written and performed by Craig Durgy
Additional production rework and piano overdubs by Nat Daniels
©2025 Craig Durgy / Gentle Rain Records

Lyrics:  Written by Craig Durgy
You won’t need me as you walk out that door
These eighteen years were what a father’s for
But change is not an ending
You know that I’ll be sending my love

Can’t help but feel regrets, a childhood's gone
Lost chances sometimes hit as you move on
I guess that it’s just me though, 
It was just meant to be, so go
And I’ll watch Neddu grow

I still can see you, coming in this world
Red, blue and green, you cried, your flag unfurled
We played, explored together, 
And Mom how you upset her so
Just watching Neddu grow

That day you ran out in the pouring rain
And dashed head first to surf those flooded drains
The raging storm soon hid you
I wondered Ned where did you go

And still a glimpse of all our backyard games
Now all your friends converge, just not the same
I stand here washing dishes, a man here watching wishes blow
Away as Neddu grows

I still can see you, coming in this world
Red, blue and green, you cried, your flag unfurled
We played, explored together, 
And Mom how you upset her so
Just watching Neddu grow

Watching My Son Grow

This is an original song from another lifetime ago that expresses the frustration of walking away from a terrific relationship because I was still foolishly addicted to a past relationship. My thanks to Nat Daniels for the usual fine production work as I can finally put this out after years of lower budget efforts.

All music written and performed by Craig Durgy
Additional production work by Nat Daniels
©2025 Craig Durgy / Gentle Rain Records

Lyrics: Nora by Craig Durgy
Oh Nora, there’s something coming over me 
Trying to warn ya, how I could lose this energy

Oh oh Nora, even I don't understand this letting down 
Oh Nora, only you were there to pick me off the ground 

Oh Nora why, do I have to say goodbye 
Oh Nora dear, I can't stand to watch your tears
Oh Nora my, Nora can’t you see that I
Just can't give you love 

Oh Nora, I didn't think I'd lose my grip 
Reaching for ya, you touched me and it made me trip 

Oh oh Nora, I wish that I had never let you tempt me girl 
Oh Nora, I guess my heart just wasn't really empty girl

Oh Nora why, do I have to say goodbye 
Oh Nora dear, I can't stand to watch your tears 
Oh Nora my, Nora can't you see that I
Just can't give you love 

Nora my love, Nora my love, just can't give you love

Oh Nora, I never gave you half a chance
I first saw ya, just smiling into my advance

Oh oh Nora, I wish that I could make my heart a home for you
Oh Nora, only time can get rid of this feeling blue

Oh Nora why, do I have to say goodbye 
Oh Nora dear, I can't stand to watch your tears
Oh Nora my, Nora can't you see that I
Just can't give you love

Nora

One of the many unforgettable Motown classics, this recording is a cover of the 1965 hit by The Supremes. Once again I took a live, somewhat flawed iPhone recording and simply added more vocals to better capture the soulful beauty of the song (written by Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Brian Holland). I had conceived this interpretation of the song decades ago but this is the first time I recorded it.

Credit and my thanks go to Haracio30 (Pixabay) for the cover photo.

Stop In The Name Of Love

Stop in the Name of Love

This is a bit of a hybrid that combines mostly acoustic instruments with a pop/rock sort of treatment including a distorted electric guitar break. The song relates the history of young love, college age, still kids, that eventually gives way to growth which ultimately brings the passion to an end. Recalling how they both provided security and understanding at the volatile time when kids evolve into adults, until, for one of them, it was no longer needed.

My thanks again to Nat Daniels of Gentle Rain Records for her wonderful production work to help clean up the old base tracks I had created some years ago.

All music written and performed by Craig Durgy with contributions from Nat Daniels (background vocals, revamping the bass)
Produced by Nat Daniels of Gentle Rain Records
Copyright 2024
Gentle Rain Records

Lyrics:
Those were the stormy days, uncertain, lonely phase
Feeling misunderstood, missed the old neighborhood
Parents that just don’t see, the things we really need
But in one passing glance, love gave us helping hands

I saw you cry and I touched your face
Your tears would dry within my embrace
You and I were just kids, but that’s what loving you did

The moonlight on your breast, my heart leaped through my chest
Lying there by the shore, needing you more and more
But when the dawn came through I saw a brighter you
Much stronger and content, left watching as you went

I saw you cry and I touched your face
Your tears would dry within my embrace
You and I were just kids, but that’s what loving you did

Those were such nascent times, songs of love and easy rhymes
You were fresh and flesh supreme, I was so green
Does that change anything right now, does it solve my heart
Sweat that drips from my brow, passion torn apart

I saw you cry and I touched your face
Your tears would dry within my embrace
You and I were just kids, but that’s what loving you did
We were only kids, but that’s what loving you did
We were only kids, but that’s what loving you did

That’s What Loving You Did

An old favorite that I continue to be a sucker for every time I hear the Righteous Brothers recording from the 60's. I finally caved in to trying my hand with this acoustic interpretation using a very simple guitar accompaniment and harmony vocals. Can't beat what Medley and Hatfield did with it so as I usually do with covers, I gave it my own spin.

You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling (cover)

Just a simple take on one of my old favorite pop-folk songs from the 60's (by Cyrkle). Did a quick iPhone recording and added harmonies and touch of banjo. I always liked the subtle balance between bitter and sweet in this song. He's telling her off but you can tell he's hurt and doing his best to look forward with optimism, which I think he accomplished, in one way or another.

Red Rubber Ball (cover of Cyrkle)

Singer/Songwriter concentrating on traditional country, folk and pop rock. Working as part of the duo Daniels & Durgy; https://soundcloud.com/danielsdurgy

Durge

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