Fearless Songwriter Challenge for April 2022
7 Songs in 7 Days - New prompt each day

April 2022 Fearless Songwriter Challenge

Copyright Dan Tanz & Erin Wolf 2021

Pedal Steel: Dan Tanz
Guitar, Vocals, Lyrics: Erin Wolf
Arrangment: Dan Tanz & Erin Wolf

**Thank you to Dan Tanz (aka Songwriter Circle) for adding pedal steel to the track and taking it to the next level! He's an insanely talented singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, and y'all need more of his music in your life. Links below.**

Dan Tanz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSYqTzE61DyhHUQaR5dI7ZA
Dan Tanz Virtual Tip Jar:
PayPal - paypal.me/dantanzmusic
Venmo - @DanTanz

Erin Wolf solo version: https://youtu.be/My65U4DPIXs

Week 14 Prompt: Inside there's a fire

you say your heart
is frozen and cold
ain't nothing left
so i might as well go

but i know you better
i know it ain't true
deep down you're hurtin'
you don't know what to do

oh i know
inside there's a fire
it just needs some space to breathe
so it doesn't expire

a little love
and some tender care
oh trust me, dear
you got a fire in there

i know you're scared
to love again
easier to be alone
than 'nother turn 'round the bend

but i know you better
this i know is true
deep down you're hopin'
that this love is true

oh i know
inside there's a fire
it just needs some space to breathe
so it doesn't expire

a little love
and some tender care
oh trust me, dear
you got a fire in there

a little love
and some tender care
oh trust me, dear
you got a fire in there

You Got A Fire In There (feat. Dan Tanz)

Copyright Erin Wolf 2021
Video: https://youtu.be/0tcOenfQbRc

Week 15 Prompt: Front Porch

ooh ooh ooh ooh

tell me the stories of the mountains
tell me the stories of the hills
tell me of the places where you crossed over foot
as you sought new thrills
as you sought new thrills

tell me the stories of the waters
tell me the stories of the seas
tell me of the waves and the blue you sailed
to see what you might see
to see what you might see

ooh ooh ooh ooh

tell me how you followed the night sky
the moon and the stars in their light
did they point you on to glory
or were you stuck in your flight
or were you stuck in your flight

tell me after all this time how is
the front porch treating you now
you haven't darkened this doorstep in years
how long should i keep waiting here
how long should i keep waiting here

ooh ooh ooh ooh
ooh ooh ooh ooh

Tell Me The Stories

Copyright Erin Wolf 2021

Week 36 Prompt: Meet Me Where I Am

*This song touches the surface of some of my memories from 9.11.2001 and the reflections that come with the 20th anniversary today, Saturday, 9.11.2021. Some of the lyrics may trigger a strong emotional response - please listen with care. Thank you.*

i remember sitting in my chair
a booming voice on the intercom over the air
turn on the screen in time to see 
destruction fly before our eyes
we didn't know, didn't understand
didn't realize

smoke and dust, glass, debris 
burned the lungs
people screaming, "meet me where i am"
calling for their loved ones
but phone lines were jammed
no one could see or get through all the mayhem
get through all the mayhem

oooh

20 years have now come and gone
we've buried our dead
tended our wounded
and thanked the strong heroes 
who rushed back in trying to find even
just one more person

as we look back on 20 years
still feeling pain and wiping tears
still at a loss to explain it all
so much has changed
a generation
and still we sing our same requiem
we sing our requiem

oooh
oh

20 Years On

Everybody Cries
by Erin Wolf, Laurie and David Easterling, © 9/21/2021, Little Chute/Hatley, WI and Oak Ridge, TN

Recorded at Waypost Camp, Hatley, WI
Week 38 Prompt: Juniper
 
Beneath a tall juniper tree
Branches crunched under her feet
Grace picked up a lone pinecone
To hold this memory 
 
As Grandma Pearl lay dying 
A thousand miles away
Grace looked up at the blue sky            	
And sat down to pray			

CHORUS:
It’s okay to cry, Grandma would always say
To break down and question why 
Let go of the pain, allow it to wash away
Everybody cries ….
Everybody cries ….
Everybody cries…. Sometimes   	

Her baby was born early
Grace feared the worst
Your daughter’s just perfect
Said the smiling nurse / Reassured the nurse

Grace called up her mother
We’ve got a sweet baby girl
Happy tears when we named her
For my Grandma Pearl
 
CHORUS:
It’s okay to cry, Grandma would always say
To break down and question why 
Let go of the pain, allow it to wash away
Everybody cries ….
Everybody cries ….
Everybody cries…. Sometimes   	

Everybody cries ….
Everybody cries ….
Everybody cries…. Sometimes

Everybody Cries (with Laurie & David Easterling)

Copyright 2021 Erin Wolf

Week 41 Prompt: Running with Scissors
Artwork: Jonah (age 6)

*Note: Inspired by creepy art & photos from the "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" books by author Alvin Schwarz and illustrator Stephen Gammell. Super short on time this week, so a draft version will hold for now. May or may not "finish" the song down the line. Shall see.*

see the monster crawling over
hill and dale and valley
in the moonlight tonight

feel the air is thickening now
as i hear its breathing growing
stronger somehow tonight

mama always said
don't run with scissors
but i don't know that she ever had
these monsters

mama said 
no running with scissors
but did she have the monsters

i had hoped it was a dream
but then i see those eyes and how they gleam
gazing back at me

like a scary moment frozen
in this time i'm frozen in my stead
oh cuz i know this ain't in my head

and mama said 
don't run with scissors
but did she have 
these monsters

oh mama said
don't be running with scissors
but did she have 
these monsters

oh coming down
i will come back around this time
pass on by and everything
will be just fine

i'll swear on any grave you ask me to
oh monster, demon, whatever the hell you are - 
pass on through

oh i'm standing here with nothing
but my shears to guard me
and i know i can feel its presence
closing in on me

and i know mama said
don't run with scissors
but it ain't in my head
no it ain't 

oh i don't know what i'll do
but if i don't run soon
i'll probably wind up dead

These Monsters (Draft)

Overworked, Underpaid
Co-write with Tamora Wilson (New York, New York) & Erin Wolf (Little Chute, WI) © November 28, 2021

traded my office for 
my dining room table 
four new co-workers 
in virtual school 
wouldn’t be so bad if 
we could work in quiet 
but between 5 different calls 
I’m a mess 

this ain’t what we signed up for
in our interview
what are our strengths & weaknesses
your goals, what motivates you
each day is as strange as the last
guess we’ll keep trucking along
‘til today has passed

still got my truck
but now it’s overloaded
too many boxes
and not enough time
wouldn’t be so bad if 
they stopped impulse buying
between 50 different deliveries
I’m a mess 

this ain’t what we signed up for
in our interview
what are our strengths & weaknesses
your goals, what motivates you
each day is as strange as the last
guess we’ll keep trucking along
‘til today has passed

overworked
underpaid
boundaries out the window
when will this
madness end 
return to what we know

if I had known
would I still do this
not the way I thought it’d be
but I’m still working
wouldn’t be so bad if
they let us take a break
it’s tough ‘cuz I need this job and
I’m a mess

this ain’t what we signed up for
in our interview
what are our strengths & weaknesses
your goals, what motivates you
each day is as strange as the last
guess we’ll keep trucking along
‘til today has passed

Overworked, Underpaid (with Tamora Wilson)

Copyright Erin Wolf 2021
feat. Baby (guitar) & Mando (mandolin)

Dedicated to the illustrious poet, Liezel Graham of Scotland - thank you for everything, lovely friend.

--

if you only knew how 
your words have poured
healing into my heart
flooding my soul

if you only knew how
your words have seen me
and told me i'm
not alone

if you only knew how 
your words have opened up
my heart - torn down
barricades

if you only knew
if you only knew
liezel

if you only knew how
your words have lowered
my guard and let others
see me here

if you only knew how
your words have been salve
to this wounded soul
a gentle wind

if you only knew how
your words have found me
on the kitchen floor and
lifted me up again

if you only knew
if you only knew 
liezel

if you only knew how
your words have brought 
the breath of spring to 
my winter

if you only knew how
your words have been
the light at the end of the 
tunnel

if you only knew how
your words have brought
me back to myself
nurtured the person inside

if you only knew how 
your words have poured
healing into my heart
flooding my soul

if you only knew
if you only knew
liezel

Liezel

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022

Week 1 Prompt - Something New

*Note about the song: I was so frustrated trying to write anything for this prompt that I just started recording and playing. Rougher recording, but it's true to the rawness of the last few weeks.*

it's a new year and i know
i'm supposed to feel something different
truth be told i just
feel the same
the weight of the loss of the
last few weeks is heavy tonight
tears coming down like rain
but it's snowing outside

somewhere someone said at the 
stroke of midnight it would change
but i've found that really 
just isn't true
sometimes we've gotta face what's
staring right at us and oh
leave the magic for another day

but go ahead, new year,
show me something new
help me see the magic 
in the tragedy
help me remember the love & 
the gratitude in the grieving
go ahead, new year, dazzle me
show me something new
something new

i know that i'm lucky to have
loved those i lost
i know that i'm lucky and blessed
in so many other ways
truth be told this stings
in a whole new way
just a moment of reprieve
along the way

so go ahead, new year, 
show me something new
go ahead and show me the 
magic in the tragedy
show me the love and gratitude
in the loss
go ahead, new year, dazzle me
show me something new 
something new

Show Me Something New

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
Week 3 Prompt - Standing In the Doorway

Note about the song: First song written with covid. Bit of a ramble on this, hit record and just ran with it. It was a challenge to try to focus on something a bit more structured. I'm honestly just glad to have been able to get this out. Be well, friends. 

mmm, mmm, mmm

the fog is closing in on my mind
the virus spreading through
having one hell of a time
my joints are aching and
my body's feeling low
but i know i gotta keep my 
head held high for
those else in tow

mmm, mmm, mmm

i see my daughter as she
doesn't say a word
just keeps her focus high
and she sings like a bird
i know i gotta meet that 
perch up in the air
and i know i give my blessings
for every 'nother new day here

mmm, mmm, mmm
oh woah oh, oh woah oh, oh woah oh

i know that this will turn out
the way it's meant to be
but let me tell ya something honestly
i'm surprised that i'm not 
feeling lower than hell
i'm glad for everything 
i been through 
leading up to this spell

mmm, mmm, mmm

so i'll let the fog have a minute
then i'll come back, too
and i'll just pray that
i find another day with you
and maybe at the end of it all
there'll be a knock and I'll see you
standing in the doorway
just welcoming me through

mmm, mmm, mmm
oh woah oh, oh woah oh, oh woah oh

'til then i'll just sit here
in this small room
and thank my lucky stars that 
i'm probably not facing my doom
i'll just sit here patiently
and keep on keeping on
and i hope that i'll have 
another day to write another song

mmm, mmm, mmm
oh woah oh, oh woah oh, oh woah oh

oh woah oh, oh woah oh, oh woah oh

Another Day of Covid Haze

Cover of "When I'm Gone" by Phil Ochs
Originally released in April 1966
Original version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB-BBVQLnxI

Photo credit: Boston Herald article, "Phil Ochs: 'Gone' but not forgotten
https://www.bostonherald.com/2011/03/11/phil-ochs-gone-not-forgotten/

I was introduced to this song by John McCutcheon in July 2021 and again in January 2022. Within an hour of hearing it a second time, I took a listen to Phil's version (linked above), and then set to learn a very basic picking cover. Here's my first attempt.

When I'm Gone (Phil Ochs Cover)

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
feat. Aoife

Week 5 Prompt: Used To Think It Was

it's not my fault you left
i used to think it was
those nights i couldn't sleep
worried at what we'd done

as the days grew cold
with winter creeping in 
my hope faded fast
like a fire turned to ash

but i didn't know what i didn't know
that spring would come again
and i didn't see what i couldn't see
that my fire wasn't dead

in those first uncertain days
couldn't seem to find my way
but like the root, like the root underground
stumbled through anyhow

and i didn't know what i didn't know
that spring would come again
and i didn't see what i couldn't see
that my fire wasn't dead

oh i didn't know what i didn't know
that spring would come again
and i didn't see what i couldn't see
that my fire wasn't dead

yeah i didn't know what i didn't know
that spring would come again
and i didn't see what i couldn't see
that my fire wasn't dead

i didn't know what i didn't know
that spring would come again
and i didn't see what i couldn't see
that my fire wasn't dead

My Fire Wasn't Dead

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022

Week 7 Prompt: Kaleidoscopic Dreams
Recorded at All Saints Episcopal Church, Appleton, WI - featuring clanks and noises from the boiler system

Note: Trigger Warning - Contains mature themes and allusions to domestic violence. Based on true stories of people I've known who've struggled to escape and survive their own circumstances. 

*U.S.: If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. For anonymous, confidential help, 24/7, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or  1-800-787-3224 (TTY).

--

life isn't what i thought it would be
it seems that everything has shattered
and fallen to pieces on the floor

and the dust hasn't settled yet now
all these pieces turn to kaleidoscopic dreams
where everything's jumbled and I can't see 

i can't see where i'm meant to go
and i'll wanted was a family and a home
with you, a life with you

was that really so much to ask
i guess it must've been
because in the end i couldn't win, i couldn't win

and i don't want anyone to know
these dreams have become my home
and i don't want anyone to see
the cracks running underneath
i'm strong enough on my own
on my own

but i couldn't stay where we were
i couldn't stay where i was getting hurt
because with you it would only mean my demise

so i ran away with our children
and i tried to hide but it felt that at every turn
you found me, every turn meant uncertainty

and i wish i had the words to say
for how i used to mourn what 
we thought we'd made

and i wish i could see the way out of this hell i've found
and i hope, i cling to the hope
that someday, we'll make it out alive

and i don't want anyone to know
these dreams have become my home
they've become my home
and i don't want anyone to see
the cracks running underneath
i'm strong enough on my own

and i don't want anyone to know
these dreams have become my home
they've become my home
and i don't want anyone to see
the cracks running underneath
i'm strong enough on my own

oh please, will you see
the cracks breaking me
i'm not strong enough on my own

On My Own

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
Week 8 Prompt: 9 Times

Note about the song: A song for my kiddos, two of whom have birthdays coming up within the next month and change. Also a nod to "I love you 3000" from Avengers: Endgame that we brazenly have taken for our own like a zillion other fans did, probably.

--

and i'll tell you 
9 times, 100 times, 3000 times
yeah, i'll say it
9 times, 100 times, 3000 times
that i love you
and i always will

from the first flutters
i felt deep inside
every restless morning
and sleepless night
didn't know what to do
or how to be
but i knew we'd be okay
you and me

and i'll tell you 
9 times, 100 times, 3000 times
yeah, i'll say it
9 times, 100 times, 3000 times
that i love you
and i always will

i remember that first cry
from the depths of life
you were here at last
you had arrived
my life forever changed
the miracle been made
it was there and then i promised
i'd always say

and i'll tell you 
9 times, 100 times, 3000 times
yeah, i'll say it
9 times, 100 times, 3000 times
that i love you
and i always will

it's strange to see
how much you've grown
in the days, months, and years
that have passed
seems before i know it
you'll somehow be full grown
and even when it's time to go
you'll never be alone

'cuz i'll tell you 
9 times, 100 times, 3000 times
yeah, i'll say it
9 times, 100 times, 3000 times

and i'll tell you 
9 times, 100 times, 3000 times
yeah, i'll say it
9 times, 100 times, 3000 times

and i'll say it
9 times, 100 times, 3000 times
that i love you
and i always will

3000 Times I Always Will

I Can Be Anything
Written by: Donna Piano, Tara Henton, & Eve Horne
Music & Arrangement by: Erin Wolf
Performed by: Erin Wolf

Copyright 2022
All Rights Reserved

Got a fire burning in my eyes
Never give up even if I cry
Aretha said it best with Respect

I am my mother's daughter
Strong 'n fearless, come hell or high water
What I deserve and expect

Say I can't, just watch me

I refuse to tell the same ol' story
Not doing it for honor or glory
These glass ceilings and walls
Time to smash and watch them fall

I can be anything
I can be anything
I can be anything

Damn good ol' boys club
Telling us that we'll never measure up
We're livin' in a man's world

We're all our mothers' daughters
Strong 'n fearless, come hell or high water
Keep on fightin' like a girl

Say we can't, just wait and see

We refuse to tell the same ol' story
Not doing it for honor or glory
These glass ceilings and walls
Time to smash and watch them fall

We can be anything
We can be anything
We can be anything

Oh, we're done begging for seats
Building our own damn table
We'll take on this world
Take a leap
Say we can't, wait and see

We refuse to tell the same damn story
Not doing it for honor or glory
Got a fire burning in our eyes
Never give up even if we cry

I refuse to tell the same ol' story
Not doing it for honor or glory
These glass ceilings and walls
Time to smash and watch them fall

I can be anything
We can be anything
I can be anything
We can be anything
Can be anything

I Can Be Anything (with Donna Piano, Tara Henton, Eve Horne)

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022

Week 9: Wheels In Motion
Photo credit: Shutterstock, all rights reserved, courtesy of user Todorova, https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Todorova

Note: This song was inspired by both the wet and misty weather this weekend and the Ojibwe word, Awanibiisaa, which means, "It is misty/there is a mist". It believed that around this time of year, the Kind Spirit sends the mist to protect the eyes of newborn bear cubs from the glare of the winter sun. 

Thank you to James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, creator of "Ojibwe Word of the Day". You can follow his work and learn more at linktr.ee/jamesvukelich

Awanibiisaa video: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cau5W_Jl6hM/

--

the rain falls from the clouds
this grey and misty morn
mama bears in their dens
birthing baby cubs again
the mist shields their eyes
from the bright winter's sun
the season's are a'changing
time's nearly come

the rain washes away
all the snow and ice
the markings of winter
both rude and nice
the grass beneath will
soon start to grow
the seasons are a'changing
time's nearly come

time's nearly come for
the birds to sing again
and the trees will come alive
as buds and blossoms thrive
the air will grow sweeter
and hearts a little warmer
the season's are a'changing
spring's nearly come

the rain falls from the clouds
this grey and misty morn
mama bears in their dens
birthing baby cubs again
the mist shields their eyes
from the bright winter's sun
the season's are a'changing
time's nearly come

the season's are a'changing
time's nearly come

Wheels In Motion (Spring's Nearly Come)

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022

Video: https://youtu.be/6ibX_SFKMU8

Week 10 Prompt - BYO
Photo credit: Shutterstock, all rights reserved, courtesy of user Mr. Sutep Teepsawamg, https://www.shutterstock.com/g/SUTEP

come now to the water's edge
be baptized in the flowing waters here
no matter your piety or your sin
take a leap of faith here at the water's edge

you'll never be alone
i'm here no matter where we go
there's a place for you right next to me
at the water's edge
there's a place for you right next to me
at the water's edge

come now to the fire's side
be bathed in its warmth this holy night
the moon and stars share their light
as we gather here at the fire's side

you'll never be alone
i'm here no matter where we go
there's a place for you right next to me
at the fire's side
there's a place for you right next to me
at the fire's side

oh oh oh
oh oh oh

come now to the plot and grave
where it's quiet for all eternity
and when it's our time to leave
i'll be with you at the plot and grave

you'll never be alone
i'm here no matter where we go
there's a place for you right next to me
at the plot and grave
there's a place for you right next to me 
at the plot and grave

BYO (No Matter Where We Go)

The Sober One at the Bar
Copyright Erin Wolf 2022

Week 11 Prompt: Chocolate Rabbit
*Did not write to the prompt, and this is 100% a rushed song as I had very little time to write this week. Enjoy this perspective from the sober one at the bar.*

watching all these people getting sloppy
at the end of the bar
sipping on their whiskey
and tripping on their boozy feelings

can't tell if they're just looking for a little connection or 
a warm hand to keep them from the cold
but i'm just sitting here sipping my NA
just watching them grow more bold

and the band is hopping and
crooning at the top of their lungs
as the people press on in
closer than before

everybody's singing and oh the place is hopping,
joint is hot tonight
and i'm just sitting here sipping my NA 
and i'm watching and i'm alright

oh woah oh woah
woah ah oh 

oh i feel like we're feeling pretty
dandy tonight, night
oh i feel we're having a good ol'
time, time

and i'm sitting here looking pretty as i'm trying to see what's
going on, what's going on
'cuz i'm so damn short, can't see a damn thing
but i hear with my heart, i hear with my heart

oh i bet we're having a dandy ol' time
tonight, tonight
and oh i see we're feeling
alright, alright

and i'm just taking it all in
you know, you know
i know that everything's gonna be 
just fine, fine

The Sober One At The Bar

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
feat. The Whistler
Art credit: Shutterstock, care of user DODOMO
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/DODOMO

Week 12 Prompt: I Was Wrong

i, i started asking questions
that you, you didn't want to hear
the shame, shame you wanted me to bear
just won't, won't come along again

you, you can't say, "i was wrong"
'cuz then i, oh i would be right for once
this, this cycle we had is breaking
and i, i am finally feeling free

(whistling)

this, this path ain't a straightened arrow
it curves, curves and bends along the way
and i, i walk this road alone
you, you won't even know

i, i have known all along
that you, you don't really care
the shame, shame you want me to bear
is yours, yours and not mine after all

(whistling)

Breaking Chains

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022

Song note: My hometown is in the midst of extreme heartache and grief. Sometimes, there really aren't words, and coherent phrasing is just... gone. Please listen with care, and if you're a praying type, please pray for Oliver, his family, and their community. 

--

sometimes, you just don't have the words
and anything more would just be for the birds
tragedy hits again
you take it in
and maybe, if you're like me, we pray

i bought flowers at the supermarket today
silly, i'm sure, 'cuz i didn't even know your name yesterday
but i know it now
so i'll sing out
it's the only thing that i've got left to say

i'm sorry this is how it ends
sorry it couldn't have been
sorry ... so inadequate ...

ooooh ooooh

Lord, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy
have mercy

Lamentation

Turn It Around
Copyright 2022 Erin Wolf

Week 14 Prompt: Turn It Around

i look to the light i have found
shining through the darkness
i don't know which way to go
but i gotta turn it around

the road ahead's uncertain
the road ahead is scary
i don't know what's 
coming on up ahead of me

but i know i can't stay here
can't stay where i've been
it's time to go
a new adventure's just waiting to begin

'cuz here there's nothing to do but
walk around in circles
there's nothing to do but
to walk around in circles

time to turn it around
time to turn it around

i listen for the sounds i have heard
sounds of freedom singing like a bird
i have heard the call on the horizon waiting
and i know they're waiting just for me for the taking

and there's nothing to do 
but walk around in circles
oh, there's nothing to do here
but walk around in circles

gotta turn it around
gotta turn it around

oh I've been scared to 
take that first step for fear
that i'll be dragged into
the unknown

and i don't know what is coming
but it can't be any worse
than all i've been through
all i've been through

gotta turn it around

i go where my feet are leading me
leading me into the next 
chapter of this journey

and i don't know who i'll come to 
and i don't know who i'll love
and i don't know who i'll fight for
oh could it be from above

but there's nothing to do here
but walk around in circles
no, there's nothing to do but
walk around in circles

gotta turn it around
i gotta turn it around
gotta turn it around

ooohooo, turn it around

Turn It Around

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
7-in-7 Fearless Songwriter Challenge
April 2022
Day 1 Prompt: Six Feet Deep

sometimes on nights like these i wonder
if we have a shallow grave
maybe six feet under ain't enough
for you and me

maybe the dirt just ain't strong enough 
to hold these demons down
and maybe, just maybe that we'll just get on up 
and climb back out of the ground

maybe six feet ain't enough
i don't know, i don't know
maybe six feet ain't enough
i don't know, i don't know
i don't know

well it seems the ghosts of times past
they're coming back around again
and the same worn, weary arguments
they just keep circling

it seems our dog days aren't quite done just yet
my friend
oh and if you can't bury it soon, i'm afraid
that this war will never end

maybe six feet ain't enough
i don't know, i don't know
maybe six feet ain't enough
i don't know, i don't know

maybe six feet ain't enough
i don't know, i don't know
maybe six feet ain't enough
i don't know, i don't know

Maybe 6 Feet Ain’t Enough

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
7-in-7 Fearless Songwriter Challenge
April 2022
Day 2 Prompt: Hiding Words

the snow's falling fast to the ground
on this late april monday morning town
oh the icy demeanor's like my heart
spring's on her way but we're off to a chilly start

and i don't know why i don't have words for you
all i know is i'm stuck and don't know what to do

and i'm hiding my words from you
yes, i'm hiding words from you
ain't no reason why i can't just say what i'm thinking
but i'm hiding words from you
oh from you

do do do do do do do do
do do do do do do do do

there's a spider vein kinda crack in the window
left there last week by the hail that fell below
and i feel like it's that's you lately with all your arrows
slinging stones my way and i don't know what to say

and i don't know what to do
'cuz i can't nothing from you

as you're hiding your words from me
yes, you're hiding your words from me
i don't how we're gonna get anywhere if you won't say a damn thing
as you're hiding your words from me
oh from me

do do do do do do do do
do do do do do do do do

and i know we're both scared to move on
to what lies in store
but if we start talking, it could be so much more
can we find a common ground to stand on

well we're hiding our words from we
yes, we're hiding our words from we
just think what we could do if we could say anything 
but we're hiding our words from we
oh from we

do do do do do do do do
oh from we
do do do do do do do do
oh from we
do do do do do do do do

Hiding Words

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
7-in-7 Fearless Songwriter Challenge
April 2022
Day 3 Challenge: Eyes Behind Your Hair
feat. Oisín the Ukulele

Photo courtesy of 101.7 WSFM in an article from 2021 announcing the death of actor Felix Silla, best known for portraying Counsin Itt in the Addams Family TV show. This diddy is dedicated to the one and only, Cousin Itt.
--

oh Itt, 
it would be so nice to see the eyes
behind your hair that covers you from
head to toe, oh you know

i wonder 
would you let me peak behind the curtain or the veil
to get a glance of your eyes with mine
could we take the chance

oh oh oh oh oh oh oh woah oh

and i wonder 
your eyes, are they blue like the sky and the sea
or are they green
like the grass underneath our feet or the leaves up above in the 

trees
or are they brown like the dirt and the earth underground
are they golden
like honey fresh from the comb and the bees

oh oh oh oh oh oh oh woah oh
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh woah oh

oh, Itt, Itt my dear, 
i know you like that air of myst'ry
would make an exception for your love
just for me

i'd like to see 
see your eyes with mine 
as i tell you the things
that you want to hear

make it extra sweet and lovely 
for you and me
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh woah oh
for you and me
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh woah oh

oh Itt, 
it would be so nice
to see the eyes behind your hair
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh woah oh
the eyes behind your hair
tonight

Oh, Itt, It Would Be Nice

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
Fearless Songwriter Challenge
April 2022
Day 4 Prompt: Across the Sea
Water effects courtesy of BandLab.com
Written & recorded at Spencer Lake Camp, Waupaca, WI
--

i know across the sea
they are waiting for me
waiting for me to come home again
it's been ages since i've been there

i hear their names
i hear their cries as they're 
calling out mine in the night
calling out against the wind and gales that push on by

they call me
they're calling me

like the tides against the shore
i am pulled in and pushed out again
and that's why i stay here in my solitude
and i might not ever return again

oh return again
across the sea

Across The Sea

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
Fearless Songwriter Challenge
April 2022
Day 5 Prompt: Let 'Em Laugh

everyone has an opinion these days
all got thoughts on all the things we're pursuing
some will look at us and cheer us on
some of them with envy and be jealous all the day long

when those haters come
let 'em laugh
oh, let 'em laugh
while you're out here chasing your dreams
let 'em laugh

sometimes 
people are scared to cross the line
so instead they look at those who have 
the courage and they point and guff

and those, 
those folks to try to tear you down
don't worry, 
they're just trying to hide their insecurities and doubt

so when those haters come around
let 'em laugh
oh let 'em laugh
sometimes they just need someone to be their person
but let 'em laugh

i guarantee there'll be a time 
when you feel the same
and i hope that when i'm that person
they repay me just the same

and they let me laugh
and they let me laugh
when i'm rude and in my own fear and put it off
oh let me laugh

when i let 'em laugh
when you let 'em laugh
when we let 'em laugh

Let 'Em Laugh

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
Fearless Songwriter Challenge
April 2022
Day 6 Prompt: Tugging on [your] Shirt

oooooh
oooooh

you feel 
trapped and isolated in this house
nothing coming to let you out
feeling so cut away

it seems baby's still screaming in the morning
toddler is tugging at your shirt
and you wonder if through all this sorrow you will ever
feel something else again
feel something else again

it's been 
many days since you have seen
another person
you feel like you're gonna claw out your hair

and you 
want nothing more than to run free
feel the earth beneath your feet
get messy in the dirt and something else
in the dirt and something else

mama, i see you
mama, i've been there
and i know the sticky things seem
all up in there
and i know that it feels like everything
is endlessly in spades

mama, you know that 
just around the bend
a better is coming
and i promise you then
you'll feel that thing that you're 
longing for inside
yes, you'll feel the thing you're 
longing for inside

oooooh
oooooh

Mama I See You

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
Fearless Songwriter Challenge
April 2022
Day 7 Prompt: Dirt in Your Face

your race is won
it's finally done
dirt in your face and
sweat on your brow

people said 
you wouldn't overcome
but you showed them who you are
and what you got inside of you

and i see all the work you're bringing
and i see your determination, baby
your eyes are lighting up like the
fireworks in the night sky

and even though you weren't sure
if you would finish hard
you overcame all the things
all the pain

well done, well done
well done, oh well done

oh child to see, 
my girl, 
i know how hard you've worked
up to this day

when you fell short 
the first time round
you came back with a vengeance
just to prove your name

then you came out on top
despite the seeds of doubt
that some had tried to 
drop into your mind

but you kept on fighting
and you kept on trying
and you came on top 
in the end

well done, oh well done
well done, oh well done

and every day, 
people do what they can 
just to make it through another time

and i see some are thriving
and some are surviving
and then all in-between the lines

i see you
i cheer you
i feel for you tonight
i see you
i feel you tonight

well done, well done
well done, well done
you've won

Well Done

Copyright Ruben Gonzalez (New York City, NY) & Erin Wolf (Little Chute, WI) 2022
All Rights Reserved

Check out Ruben's work at www.rubengonzalezmusic.com

You’ve been screaming to the winds
To the gods and anyone who’ll listen
You’ve been saying for a while now
That you’ll take care of me

You said you’d show me the world
Shower me with deepest pleasures
Wildest thrills, exotic scenes, forbidden fruit unseen
All to take care of me

You say you’ve climbed the mountains
Dived to the depths of the sea
Wandered forty days in the heat of the desert
To show you’ll take care of me

You keep dreaming on 
Don’t need to go too far
I hope you know, I think it shows
I want you as you are 

To take care of me
Bring your truth home 
That is all you need

(interlude)

You’ve been saying for a while now

To Take Care Of Me (Draft)

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
Song A Week - Week 18

*Song note: This song is a very simple take on recent stories I've heard: state-side Ukrainians who have evacuated family in Poland and men ages 18-60  still remaining in Ukraine. 
---

i am 4800 miles from my mother
4800 miles from home
ain't no telling when 
this war will end
but when i'm free
i pray i'll see her again

i am 4800 miles from my brother
4800 miles from home
ain't no telling when 
this war will end
but when i'm free
i pray i'll see him again

i am 4800 miles from my sister
4800 miles from home
ain't no telling when 
this war will end
but when i'm free
i pray i'll see her again

i am 5300 miles from my father
5300 miles from home
ain't no telling when this war will end
but when i'm free
i pray i'll see him again

i am 5300 miles from my lover
5300 miles from home
ain't no telling when 
this war will end
but when i'm free
i pray i'll see you again

ain't no telling when 
this war will end
but when i'm free
i pray i'll see you again

Miles From Home

Copyright Erin Wolf 2022
Song A Week - Week 19
Photo credit: Pamela Padley

Dedicated to Faith & Phil Sealy on the day of their "Bon Voyage" party - thank you for sharing your lives and love with so many of us. 

Song note: This is a revised version of an earlier 2022 song, BYO. The third verse in this version was re-written to specifically pay homage to the lives of a lovely couple who really, truly lived. I was invited to play for family and friends gathered today following their joint funeral service.

--
come now to the water's edge
be baptized in the flowing waters here
no matter your piety or your sin
take a leap of faith here at the water's edge

you'll never be alone
i'm here no matter where we go

there's a place for you right next to me
at the water's edge
there's a place for you right next to me
at the water's edge

come now to the fire's side
be bathed in its warmth this holy night
the moon and stars share their light
as we gather here at the fire's side

you'll never be alone
i'm here no matter where we go

there's a place for you right next to me
at the fire's side
there's a place for you right next to me
at the fire's side

oh oh oh
oh oh oh

take my hand now, my love
a new adventure beckons us to come
no matter where this path will lead
after all these years, it's still just you and me

you'll never be alone
i'm here no matter where we go

No Matter Where We Go

Copyright 2020
All Rights Reserved

Lyrics & Music: Erin Wolf
Guitar & Vocals: Erin Wolf
Sound Mixing: Erin Wolf via GarageBand for iOS | iPad
Photo credit: Erin Wolf 
(photo description: Vase of multicolored roses on wooden table with strung lights against a wall, Wisconsin 2020)

I’m sitting here in the dark
Can’t sleep, can’t breathe
Thoughts are clamoring in my dreams
In my dreams

I’m getting lost inside
The darkest corners of my mind
Oh, of my mind
And you surface back yet again
This I see and feel

As I’m sitting at my kitchen table
Staring at the wall
Wondering yet again
Where did this go wrong
When will it end and 
This all go away

All I know is that I don’t want you to
Take up space now, love
‘Cuz you’ve shown me that
You don’t deserve my thoughts

Yet I’m sitting at my kitchen table now
Staring at the wall
Wondering what to do, what to do
‘Cuz you’re in my mind again
Come again into where you shouldn’t be

I’m sitting at this kitchen table
Staring at the wall, staring at the wall
All I want is for you, want is for you
To disappear, to disappear

Midnight Spiral

Copyright Donna Piano & Erin Wolf 2021
Lyrics: DPiano (@donna-piano)
Music: EWolf (@erinwolf)

*Written in loving memory of Donna's mother*

Virginia on that warm December day
A memory that never fades away
We knew the day would come
When I'd have to be the strong one

A mother, a daughter, and a wife
You didn't always have an easy life
My best friend and a friend to everyone
Living each day as the last setting sun

You taught me meaning of life
And not to be afraid to die 
Told me not to cry
It's okay to say goodbye

I know that you'd be proud 
Of what I'm doing now
You were my biggest fan
And still are somewhere in heaven

When I was twenty two
To help me with school
She cried and apologized for not saving money
I said it's ok, followed by something funny 

I remember you crying, smiling
I remember you through the years
I remember you a heart worth more than gold
I remember, I remember, I remember you

You taught me meaning of life
And not to be afraid to die 
Told me not to cry
It's okay to say goodbye

I know that you'd be proud 
Of what I'm doing now
You were my biggest fan
And still are somewhere in heaven

You were my biggest fan
And still are somewhere in heaven

Somewhere In Heaven (with Donna Piano)

Official account of Erin Wolf for Song A Week 2019-present. • For 2016-2018 Song A Week archives, follow @erniwolf or click the link below.

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