My Great Grandmother, Mary, went to a dance hall one night. A man and his friend showed up shortly after she arrived. As she walked up the steps, the man said to his friend, "That's the woman I'm going to marry."

...and he did. 

I played the Ella Fitzgerald version of this song for her and she remembered the melody and started singing some of the words. She had a look of rememberance while listening and I couldn't help but think of her and her husband, Joe, dancing to it together. And I still can't help but think, if that night never happened, who would I be? Would I even be here? So the night at the dance hall that changed everything for them, also changed everything for me. 

I dedicate "The Man I Love" to my "Ma" and the man she loved, Joe.

The Man I Love - An Ella Fitzgerald Cover

My husband, Corey, has always enjoyed taking in and taking part in musicals. Usually, he's behind the scenes, running sound but he very much enjoys the talent and performance musical theater has to offer. His favorite show is Jekyll & Hyde. "Someone Like You" is a song that I've heard him listen to and I remember it being a challenging piece for the vocalist performing it. I wanted to learn it and perform it for him. Plus, it doesn't hurt that meeting him changed my life and the words reflect that feeling for me. 

The first time through performing this for recording, I was nervous, full of emotion & I cried upon completion. I'm not entirely sure why but I think it was just from accomplishing something I wasn't sure I could do. That's never really happened to me before and once I got through it, wiped my tears, I realized I had it in me all along. I knew I could sing it better so I tried again. I messed up the lyrics half way through due to adrenaline and stopped the recording. I then took a 5 minute break to center myself and it helped having my girl, Rosa, there saying, Babe, you sounded fabulous the first time and I'm feeling the emotion now..do you have another one in you?" and of course I did.

I did it one more time, keeping my emotions and nerves in check and that was this and this was the one. It's okay to have emotion and show it. Music can bring out feelings that you don't even realize are there until they unexpectedly show themselves. 

Thank you to my wonderful husband for the inspiration, for recording & for mixing these songs. Thank you to Rosa, for the flawless makeup, photo session and for the amazing and encouraging support that day. Thank you to her husband, Don, for joining us during the recording and dinner after. Thank you to surprise guests, my in laws, Todd & Joann, who came in clapping for me after my first run through. It was very special to have this experience.

Someone Like You - A Jekyll & Hyde Cover

This was the last EDB recording we ever did and it was for Sunny 102's Big Mike's Christmas CD in 2009. We were given a list of the songs we could cover and this one immediately gave me a jazz feel in my head and I think we executed it beautifully. I'm very proud of the band that we had and so happy that this was our last recording because it's a great way to go out on top!

I wanted to share this in time for Christmas for everyone to enjoy! Download it for free and add it to your Christmas playlist! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Erika DeSocio Hobin - Joy To The World

I wrote this song for my Mom 5 years ago and I thought what a perfect day to share it with the world. Happy Mother's Day to a Mom who chose me above all else. Who, against all odds, came out on top. She is strong and I'm proud to call her my Mom. I love you, Mooma! Thank you for all that you've done. 

The older I get, the smarter I become
I know it was hard having me so young but
I wouldn't give it up for anything
You're more than a Mother, you're my best friend
My favorite picture of us is you holding my hand
Leading me into the water when I was scared up on the sand
If you didn't tell me it would be alright 
I would always give in, I'd never put up a fight
And I wouldn't dream big every day and every night
You gave me my life

I used to try on your heels, always too big for me
But still I wore them around, proud as I could be
And twenty years from now I know even still
They're never gonna fit cause they're just to big to fill
You played your records, enamored I was
The Police saying, "Magic is in every little thing she does"
(Every little thing she does is magic)
Making dance routines in our living room
Cause you knew I wanted anything to do with music
And gave me courage to keep the dream alive
You gave me my life

You let me be myself ever since I can remember
My own self expression was applauded not condemned for
Got matching tattoos cause you got me and I got you
You're siren number one, I'm siren number two
You couldn't have picked a better man, he's one in a million
He doesn't need to share my blood when he adores us two women
He gained the love of a daughter when he asked you to be wife
Now we are all happy every morning and every night
You gave me my life
Yeah

Knowing every little thing's gonna be alright
I love you yesterday, tomorrow and tonight
(Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom-Mom)
You gave me my life
You gave me my life
You gave me my life

Siren (A Song for my Mom)

My vocal cover of Babyfather by Sade. A tribute to my husband who turns 33 and to our unborn baby at 7 months along...love you both!

Lyrics:
We were waiting for the bus
No one much around but us
Then I see this young boy
Caught a look at me

I'm stunned in a daze
He had the whole street set ablaze
It's only love they say
Makes you feel this way

She liked his eyes, she wanted more
The baby gonna have your smile for sure
He saw a lovely girl
Smelling sweet and soapy like fresh air
She saw him looking, acted like she didn't care

That's how we knew
And so love grew a flower
A flower that is you

Your daddy knows you're a flame (4x)

Even to the angels it may sound like a lie
For you, child
He has the troops and extra backup standing by

For you, child
For you, he's the best he can be
For you, child
For you, he's the best he can be

Oh, child don't you know?
Your daddy love come
With a lifetime guarantee

Your daddy knows you're a flame (2x)
Mommy love daddy love you, child
Your daddy knows you're a flame
Oh, your daddy knows you're a flame
Daddy love you, yeah

It's only you he'll say
Made the young boy hungry
For the man he is today
It's only love, love, love, love
Can make you feel this way

Your daddy knows you're a flame, oh
Your daddy knows you're a flame
Yeah, daddy love you child
Mommy love daddy love you, child
Your daddy knows you're a flame
Oh, your daddy knows you're a flame
Oh, child don't you know?
Your daddy love come
With a lifetime guarantee

Your daddy knows you're a flame
Your daddy knows
Your daddy knows you're a flame
Your daddy knows
Your daddy knows
Can I tell you that your daddy love you?

Your daddy knows you're a flame
Your daddy knows
Your daddy knows you're a flame
Your daddy knows
Mommy loves daddy loves you, child

Babyfather

Written by Cole Porter, "Everytime We Say Goodbye" is one of my favorite melodies and lyrics. Ella Fitzgerald sang it but I became more familiar with the Robbie Williams version and fell in love with singing harmonies to him growing up, not just here or there, but throughout the whole song, so I thought it was only right to have my second a capella creation be this beautifully written, timeless classic. I am a very passionate person and can relate to these lyrics so much in my everyday life. I really hope you enjoy it!

Lyrics:

Everytime we say goodbye, I die a little,
Everytime we say goodbye, I wonder why a little,
Why the Gods above me, who must be in the know.
Think so little of me, they allow you to go.
When you're near, there's such an air of spring about it,
I can hear a lark somewhere, begin to sing about it,
There's no love song finer, 
But how strange the change, from major to minor,
Everytime we say goodbye.

There's no love song finer, 
But how strange the change, from major to minor,
Everytime we say goodbye.



Photo courtesy of Stu Gallagher
www.facebook.com/StuartGallagherPhotography

Everytime We Say Goodbye

When I heard Rihanna sing this on Saturday Night Live, I absolutely fell in love with it and her voice on it...then she did it again at the Grammy Awards, I fell in love with it even more.

I kept it pretty similar to her version, even using an instrumental of her track. I just wanted to sing it!


Lyrics:

All along it was a fever
A cold sweat, hot-headed believer
I threw my hands in the air and said, "Show me something"
He said, "If you dare, come a little closer"
 
Round and around and around and around we go
Ohhh now tell me now tell me now tell me now you know
 
Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can’t live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay
 
It’s not much of a life you’re living
It’s not just something you take, it’s given
Round and around and around and around we go
Ohhh now tell me now tell me now tell me now you know
 
Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can’t live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay
 
Ohhh the reason I hold on
Ohhh cause I need this hole gone
Funny you're the broken one but I’m the only one who needed saving
Cause when you never see the light, it’s hard to know which one of us is caving
 
Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can’t live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay, stay
I want you to stay, ohhh


Photo courtesy of Stu Gallagher
www.facebook.com/StuartGallagherPhotography

Stay - A Rihanna Cover

This song is so simple and haunting. It is among my top five favorite songs of all time because of it's mystery and beauty. This is an all vocal version, with all the different parts sung by me. 

It definitely sounds best listening through headphones so you can get more of the bass notes. I just listened through my laptop and iphone speakers and it didn't do it justice.

I hope you like my version! Thanks for listening!

Lyrics:

I am colorblind 
Coffee black and egg white 
Pull me out from inside 
I am ready, I am ready, I am ready
I am taffy stuck and tongue tied 
Stutter-shook and uptight 
Pull me out from inside 
I am ready, I am ready, I am ready
I am fine 

I am covered in skin 
No one gets to come in 
Pull me out from inside 
I am folded and unfolded and unfolding 
I am colorblind 
Coffee black and egg white 
Pull me out from inside 
I am ready, I am ready, I am ready
I am fine
I am fine
I am fine

Photo courtesy of Stu Gallagher
www.facebook.com/StuartGallagherPhotography

Colorblind - A Counting Crows Cover

I have one of those hearts that loves a tremendous amount and I can't do anything about it. I've always been that way and my love for people and things is either all or nothing. When I heard the words and melody to this song, I cried because of how much it moved me. There are many souls in my life that I have loved before we even existed and I will continue to love long after we're all gone. I knew I just had to sing this and dedicate it to my wonderful, loving, special husband, Corey. I would dream of his existence when I was younger, that someday I would meet the dark haired, blue eyed man that I just knew I was destined to be with for the rest of my life. And I'm a lucky girl because we found each other. I have loved you, Corey, for a thousand years and I'll love you for a thousand more.

Lyrics:

Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow

One step closer

I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath
Every hour has come to this

One step closer

I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

One step closer
One step closer

I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Heart beats fast

I have died every day waiting for you  

A Thousand Years - A Christina Perri Cover

I was hired to photograph a friend from high school's wedding last May and she also asked if I would sing for their ceremony. I happily accepted and being that my husband is a sound guy, he set up a recording studio in our living room so that he could record my version (with a few altered words to fit their love) and give it to them as a gift. I am so honored to have been such a special part of their day. Thank you to Shannon & Paul for having me sing this for them, thank you to my wonderful husband, Corey, for recording & mixing this for me and thank you to Kris Kilmartin for the photo of me singing this for them during their ceremony. Happy One Year Anniversary to you, Shannon & Paul!

Marry Me - A Train Cover

I wrote and recorded this song back in 2005 for my best friend April. It's her birthday today, so I thought what better time to bring it back than now. I still mean every word of it. She's been an absolutely amazing best friend for most of my life and I couldn't have gotten through moments of my life without her. I was lucky enough to be in the room with her when she gave birth to her son and now she has a beautiful daughter as well. She's an incredible Mother and Fiance and I love her very much. We were born 13 days apart and we are as close to sisters as best friends can get. I love you, April! Happy 29th birthday!  

Erika DeSocio Hobin

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