Jazzy swing from the archives. Thanks to Andrew on Piano and Lucy on keyboard trombone. Heavenly FUN Footwear!!! This is my take on light hearted gospel y'all. Works equally well on a Sunday or a humpday just for grins.

So Far, So Good

Cloud Shoes

Traditional / original mix, theme, music, and words. Dueling strings, buck dancing tune. Poppy & daughter duet.

"Bout To Drown In My Own Twang

'possum up a 'simmon tree

Family of friendlies invitation song, performed by the big bunch Generation Bridge Band: This song works anytime, but, it seems to us,  does especially at the times of year when families gather! In this community of family like friends we all, including you just finding up , are in this band!  We all are invited. Sing along when you catch up to our drift!
Lyrics:Come On In (Invitation Song - Circle Farm Family Anthem) 
Intro:	Come on in my sister, We got a place set for you
Come on in my brother, We’re puttin’ on a pot’a stew. 
1.	Come on in to the world we share, Welcome to the family
Come on in to the circle of friends, If you’re lookin’ for some company
Come on in to a place where you, Can make yourself right at home
We got plenty, if you need any, That you won’t find on your own.
Come on in my sister, We got a place for you
Come on in my brother, We got room for you too
Got a fire in the stove, Got a place to flop
Gonna love ya ‘til you holler, Y’all please don’t stop!
So, come on in, now and again, We’re puttin’ on a pot’a stew.
2.	Come on in to the common grounds, Welcome to the land that’s ours
Come on in to the legion of love, We need your super powers
Come on in where you belong, ‘Cause we got work to do
We got plenty, if you want any, And we been waiting on you. 
Come on in my sister, We got a place for you
Come on in my brother, We got room for you too
Got a fire in the stove, Got a place to flop
Gonna love ya ‘til you holler, Y’all please don’t stop!
So, come on in, now and again, We’re puttin’ on a pot’a stew. 

Tag:	Come on in my sister, We got a place for you
Come on in my brother, We’re puttin’ on a pot’a stew 
Come on in my sister, We got a place for you
Come on in my brother, We’re puttin’ on a pot’a stew.
Come on in my sister, Ooo Yeah… Yeah/Yeah 
Come on in my brother, We’ve been waiting on you!

Up 2 Know Good

Come On In -Master 9-26-18

In the 70s we opened sets, playing as the Far Enough Farm Band, with the instrumental I posted last week. We followed that tune up with one with words, one that speaks to Winter in Vermont and how it can be over when you decide the time has come. Both of these songs were remade at Southside Tracks by the Generation Bridge Band (Studio Unit) 2012 - 2014. It's a bit of a different take down south, but it still works! Special thanks to Howard Williams (harp) and Lucy Kilpatrick (keys) for joining in! Photo note: Somebody flipped the negative and made me left handed! I guess that makes for a positive turn of events, right?

The North Country Winter Lyrics:

The north country winter, Sometimes overstays
The welcome we give her, when she first comes to call
That’s all, That’s all…
And when the late snows fall, she lingers on 
Past her time to be gone
It’s not in anger, No it’s not despair
When we see that she’s still there, And long for April rain
You know its all the same…  
And when you find, that Springtime’s come into your mind
You know you’ll find, The real thing… can’t be far behind
Solo:
The north country winter, Sometimes overstays
The welcome we give her, when she first comes to call
That’s all, That’s all…

Outta Whack Master 7-14

The North Country Winter 7-10-14

I've been posting tunes from my music archives for your listening pleasure for quite some time now. I don't know if you have noticed or not, but I write a lot of songs about the glory of the female persuasion and about the soul food dishes I love. I cannot claim total credit for this one. It grew out of a writing exercise conducted at A Soul Kitchen Songwriters gathering several years ago and began as a commercial jingle for flavored popcorn. Later on I reworked the lyrics to make them be about the iconic southern restaurants called Meat & Threes, and the words spell out typical menu offerings. Makes me hungry just to think about it. Shirts and shoes are requited...pants too. Enjoy!

Meat 'n' Three Lyrics:
1.	When you wake up with a man size appetite
Ain’t had nothin’ to eat all night
Better get on down to the meat and three
When you’re hungry that’s the place to be
Get yourself a plate of sausage, eggs and grits
Big flapjack to go with it and some syrup on it
Make your tongue wanna slap your brains out
Make your teeth wanna chew and chew
Make your taste buds wanna jump and shout
Meat and three got a deal for you.

2.	When you find yourself wanting you some food
And you’re in a real meal time mood
Better get on down to the meat and three
When you’re hungry it’s the place to be
Order you up a country fried steak
Ear of sweet corn and a pound of pound cake
Make your tongue wanna slap your brains out
Make your teeth wanna chew and chew
Make your taste buds wanna jump and shout
Meat and three got a deal for you.
Bridge:	They got, fried green tomatoes, And hash brown potatoes
		And skin on french fries too
They got, collard greens, And greasy green beans
And some free sweet tea for you.
3.	When you got a hunger just won’t quit
And you know that you got to feed it
Better get on down to the meat and three
When you’re hungry that’s the place to be
You can get a big slab of smoke house ham
Cold slaw, fried okra, and some candied yams
Make your tongue wanna slap your brains out
Make your teeth wanna chew and chew
Make your taste buds wanna jump and shout
Meat and three got a deal for you.

Meat 'n' Three vol.1

Meat 'n' Three 10-16-17

This song was sung, played, and minimally recorded analog in a laundry room, 1979 in Bremen, Georgia. It is me doing a a song I wrote for friends mentioned in the words. I am not in the habit of showcasing my inadequacies, but the purpose is to show the real me and give evidence to support the reasoning behind my being a dedicated co or team writer. I want you to know that guy, and I haven't come out of hiding before now. It is why I think of myself as primarily a lyricist and why I am grateful to have found the friends I have, folks with total buy in and steady readiness when it comes to being in this thing together!

Lyrics:Calling Cards - Thin Line Medley
It was not the astrologers, and not a band of angels
It was just a few good old friends, who had chanced to happen by
When they told me how their lives had turned
And told me of the things they’d learned
They told me that I’m welcome in the sky.

With the world as my teacher, I have learned to recognize
A brother by the calling cards, he leaves me with his eyes
 Or a sister, who with words so clear
Assures me that I’m drawing near
To all the things I’m searching for, and more.

There’s a thin line, between trying and relying
On your God to pull you through
And it seems I never cross that line
Unless I think I’m out of time
Or when it seems there’s nothing else to do
But that’s not true
There’s more in store for you.

There’s a thin line, between trying and relying
On your God to pull you through
And every time I hear that line, it serves not only to remind
It helps me know, the things I know are true
It leads me back to you,
Leads me back to you.

It was not the magician, or the players in disguise 
It was just a few familiar faces
And as it turns out, they didn’t even try
When they showed me how it works so well
Much better than their words could tell
They told me that I’m welcome in the sky.

Calling Cards Thinline Medley

I had to get old to fully understand the lesson my grandmother started teaching me, by word and example, when I was about nine or ten. One helped me come to be comfortable when talking about my own mortality and the passing of time. The song we are sharing here speaks to her advice that time keeps on keeping on until it doesn't, and as she would say, "...use every day up doing good and being kind and don't be worrying about what is in other hands!" The older I get, the better her lesson sinks in. For me her lesson has been a guide and a gift! I'm not sure she would have picked the music, but that was in our hands. This is not a sad song. If there's wisdom, it is hers!
Lyrics:
(2023) In The Blink Of An Eye (Captain Spin)

My days run by lightning, Week to week like a bullet train
Months spin so fast it’s frightening, years blow by like a hurricane
What happened to my yesterday, 
It’s gone before I know
Seems like I’m racing rain, and coming up drenched 
But I don’t want to miss the show!
 
Chorus:
In the blink of an eye, like a tick of the clock
Sudden changes in the weather, whether we like it or not
In the blink on and eye, like a wink from Captain Spin
Time gets here when it gets here once again.

There’s times I feel a little lonely, a crowd of my friends have passed
My kid’s got half grown kids of her own, and man they’re growing fast
I’ll catch up in my mind tomorrow
And watch the young ones grow
Seems like I’m chasing time, and running behind 
But I don’t want to miss the show!

Repeat Chorus:
Solo:
Bridge:
Well I’m hanging in and hanging on, watching it come and go
I’ve made it through the intermission, and most of my highs and lows
I’m bound to make it to the final act, to the exit time for me
And find me a window on the other side, to see what I can see.

Chorus:
 In the blink of an eye, like a tick of the clock
Sudden changes in the weather, whether we like it or not
In the blink on and eye, like a wink from Captain Spin
Time gets here when it gets here once again.

Tag:
In the blink on and eye, like a wink from Captain Spin!

In The Blink Of An Eye

The words to this song date back to the late ‘60s, written while I was living in Sparta / Hancock County which qualifies in my thinking as upper South GA. Since writing and performing it solo and with bands, I have been asked if it was a drug song by many folks who went there with the words. Simple answer is for me…No! That is not what it means to me. In my way of thinking the metaphor of the elevator and it’s operator speak more to who is driving the bus that I find myself a passenger on in our journey through life and to my belief that we can choose to change seats, step off in a place that is right for us, or get back on if need be. I will not, however, testify as to the condition my condition was in at the time of such writing. It goes deeper than substance for me and goes to the process of getting to some of the comforting beliefs that now hold me, but I am already breaking my own rules in discussing what a song means and not leaving you a clean slate to listen with and decide what it means for you. A while back I played the song for my good buddy Bryan Carter, who then took the simple Country / Rock melody and altered it in a kind of rule breaking Lowell George / Little Feat fashion and proceeded to sing the song duet with me, word for word style, never missing a beat. This was the resulting recording.
Lyrics:
1968: Operator Elevator 

Operator, elevator, operate on me
Take me to the cellar level, I’ll get off on three
Going up, we’re going sideways
Now my stomach’s on the ground
Watch your step or step it upside-down.

Upper, lower, ground floor 
Next stop penthouse mezzanine
Metal walls, please hold the handrail
Carpeted in green 
Lighted buttons
Crimson arrows
Reflections shining brightly
From the spinning silver fan
Uniformed attendant lever in her hand.

Emergency stop
Creaking cables pop
Screechin’ sirens blow
Look out below.

Face to face embracing
Holding on for life
Shouts and cries cut through the silence
Like a knife
Bottomless pit, the never ending shaft
And upon my departure
I thought I heard her laugh.

I got off on three
Operator, elevator, operate on me.
I got off on three
Operator, elevator, operate on me.

Operator Elevator Wav

This picture captures the mood and lightness of everyone involved in doing this tune up on the day we recorded it at Southside Tracks. The smile on on my young "Soul Kitchen" Sis Emily Musolino's face, a day accented by her and others' giggles and grins, and her putting the cap on her time in the booth with heartfelt laughter defines why we call it "playing" music. I can't listen to this tune without being transported back to the fun we had that day, we being me singing the words I wrote, Emily doing background magic, Bryan Carter playing multiple things with strings with the excellence he always brings, Mark Lyle at the controls, making us feel  home, and putting the feed on, Howard Williams with his always tasty harmonica spice, and John Lebo who brought out his jaw harp and stirred that special seasoning into the mix. You are invited to go there with us, listen in, and join in with us with the words provided where this link leads!
Lyrics:
I’m Sho Gonna Lay Em Down: (Revised)
1.	I got a bucket list as long as
A quarter mile race track
I been checking some things off of that sucker
But I keep adding to the stack 
Livin’ has a way of taking over
And takin’ us for a ride
In the driver’s seat, so you won’t see me
Over on the shotgun side.
Chorus:
When it feels like nothin’s happenin’, I’m not crazy ‘bout how that feels
I ain’t puttin’ it in reverse, or wastin’ it spinnin’ wheels
I swear I’m gonna get me a little rest one day, when they lay me in the ground
But for now it’s feets you pick ‘em up, and I’m sho’ gonna lay ‘em down
2.	It ain’t about pedal to the metal, or giving it a lot more gas
Nothing’s wrong with being at the back of the pack, not looking for a way to pass
It’s not about getting’ that checkered flag, or crossing that line alone
I think I’ll just keep on moving, while I keep on keeping on
Chorus:(Same as above)

Bridge:
I’d like to think the days won’t run out
But you know, one day they will
We always steady spendin’
Even when we’re sittin’ still
Chorus:
When it feels like nothin’s happenin’, I’m not crazy ‘bout how that feels
So I ain’t puttin’ it in reverse, or wastin’ it spinnin’ wheels
I swear I’m gonna get me a little rest one day, when they lay me in the ground
But for now it’s feets you pick ‘em up, and I’m sho’ gonna lay ‘em down
Tag last line…

I'm Sho Gonna Lay Em Down Wav

We posted this song on the Friday before Christmas, which in retrospect was not a wise thing to do. I forgot all about the fact that  fans and friendlies were off shopping, traveling, and being together celebrating the Holiday. As a first Wednesday (hump day) treat in 2024, intended especially for all of you who may have missed hearing it earlier. The 4 man writing team of Mark Lyle, Bryan Carter, Rob Ervin, and I combined talents and energies to bring this song forward from 1960, when I wrote it in my high school years to what you will hear if you listen to the recorded at Southside Tracks at the end of November of last year. Special thanks to Christina DeMaioribus for being our so uh Lady in the vamp at the end of the tune. We hope you enjoy our clowning as much as we did doing this track! If you missed before or want to hear it another time or two, here it is again.
Lyrics:
1960: So Buddy, Could You Spare Me A Dime?  11-28-23
1.	It’s not so easy to conceive, and even harder to believe
Near impossible to tell you, of the spell you
Cast about.
But I don’t buy impossibles, they wind up being empty hulls
The monuments to some forgotten dreams, or schemes 
We cast out.
Chorus: 	
I should just come out and tell you, but I’m not sure I have words
And I’d rather not be using, some that you’ve already heard
The ever loving truth is, the guy in the next booth is
Saying it the way I wish I could, but not the way I would.
2.	It’s not so easy to express, and not spill over in excess
Concerned that I might mumble, or stumble, On some line
But I’m not one to worry, or run off in a hurry 
The words I want to say, won’t go away, This time.
Chorus: 	
 Bridge:
The time has come to call you, I’m believing that I should
Wishing, that you would wish I would
Even if I stumbled, and even if I stalled, you’d want this call!
If I told you what I’m thinking, I might make lines roll and rhyme,
So… uh Buddy …, could you spare me a dime?

Chorus:
I should just come out and tell you, but I’m not sure I have words
And I’d rather not be using, some that you’ve already heard
The ever loving truth is, the guy in the next booth is
Saying it the way I wish I could, but not the way I would.
Bridge:
The time has come to call you, I’m believing that I should
Wishing, that you would wish I would
Even if I stumbled, and even if I stalled, you’d love this call!
If I told you what I’m thinking, I might make lines roll and rhyme,
So… uh Buddy …, could you spare me a dime?
Tag: Vamp
Buddy:  Uh, I got two nickels.
Me:  Naw Man!  Nickels won’t do, I need a case dime for this fancy new phone
Buddy:  I bet She got money!
Jim: Uh, Lady?
Lady: Yeah, Yea.  Hold y’all’s horses.  He don’t know about my money.  Let me look in my purse.
Me:  I appreciate that!
Lady:  Uh oh!  All I got is quarters for the laundry mat.
Me:  Oh, me!  Don’t anybody have a dime?  I’ll give you a dollar for one!  I got to call that girl!
Buddy:  You could call her collect!
Me:  Man, you crazy!

So...Uh, Buddy WAV

This time of the year my thoughts turn to new year's resolutions and how that relates to the concept of love, what it is and what it isn't, to generosity, and to caring. My personal resolution for 2024 is to understand and put into practice in my living and giving to others the ideas expressed in the lyrics for 'Love Is Not A Prize". I wrote the lyric and Mark Lyle did the melody. I was honored to pass the lead vocal along to my generous friend Mark (with me in this picture) and to sing with him in the background harmony part for the track. Much of what you are invited to listen to he lives and sets an example for, and I have learned much from him. We both wish you all a New Year filled with love!
Lyrics:
2023: Love Is Not A Prize 
1.	Love is not a prize, Reserved for the deserving
But a blanket to be spread, Across a world in need
Compassion’s not a benefit, Of being the entitled ones
But a lending with no debt to pay, A hunger we can feed.
Chorus:	Love is not a prize, Not one to win or lose
		Love is not a prize, But an act we get to choose
		Loving’s not a contest. No one’s keeping score
Love is not a prize, Love’s a key to Heaven’s door.
2.	Giving is a gift, For the cared for and the giver
Not a thing to place our pride in, Not in a boastful way
It springs from generosity, And spreads it’s wings of plenty
Rising from a tiny seed, It grows more day by day.
Bridge:	Love’s an offering, Love’s a warming in the cold
		Love is light against the darkness, Bright and bold.
Chorus: (as above)
3.	Caring is a practice, A way we learn to follow
Not a badge to wear, Not beyond the call
Love is not a prize, To reserve for the deserving
Love’s our biggest gift, To give to one and all.
Chorus: (as above)
Tag: Love is not a prize, Love’s a key to Heaven’s door!

Love Is Not A Prize

Happy 2024 Friendlies! Hope it’s off to a fine start! Changes, circumstances, and listening to this song recently edited and remixed/mastered reminded me of my dear friend Fiddlin' Faye, the very person this song was written for. She is always in my heart if not in my wore out brain. Those "C" words I started with, if applied to my own life have resulted in it having been too long since I’ve seen her or had contact. This song, which I wrote and dedicate to her is my way of saying Happy New Year, I miss you, and we need to catch up! The words tell a story that I imagined but could be just as real as the picture shows. Faye recorded it with us at Southside Tracks with Mark Lyle, and Bryan Carter doing what they do with excellence, as did she! We spent a day in the studio and Fiddlin Faye played on a bunch of songs before we were done. We did some duet singing on another song or two as well. Hold on to the close of this tune if you will. She leaves us with a word of approval at the very end! Yeah!                                 
Lyrics:
When Fiddlin’ Faye Came To Town
V1	We had a bring a dish dinner, with a side ‘a live music  
Out at the old fair grounds
	All the local groups came, they brought their game
And some outta towners came on down
There was Honeysuckle Honey,
For Love Or Money,
Big Red and Birmingham Slim
It started out fun, from the time it begun
We were fillin’ it to the brim.
V2	We rattled the cage, on that outdoor stage
	Shufflin’ and getting’ down
When just about dark,she stopped to park
 Drawn there by the sound
With a fiddle case, and a smile on her face
Like she never knew how to frown
She hollered out “Hey”!, I’m Fiddlin’ Faye
Y’all look’a here what I found.
C	She began to sway / When she started to play
	And she danced all over the place
	Put a bow to string / Made that fiddle sing
Had a big smile on her face
By the light of the moon / She sang a Gypsy tune
And she passed some leads around
It’s a real good bet / We won’t soon forget
When Fiddlin Faye came to town.
B 	From the time we saw her grin / Everybody jumped on in…
V3	We played ‘til the mornin’ sun spilled over, the foothills to our East
	Played songs a’plenty, and we didn’t leave any
	Leftovers at that music feast
Some got saved, and everybody waved
When she left and to go get some rest
All said and done, to the very last one
We’d all just played our best.
C	She began to sway / When she started to play
	And she danced all over the place
	Put a bow to string / Made that fiddle sing
Had a big smile on her face
By the light of the moon / She sang a Gypsy tune
And passed some leads around
It’s a real good bet/ We won’t soon forget
When Fiddlin Faye came to town.

When Fiddlin' Faye Came To Town, Reprise

I remember him most clearly when I’m listening to the music he loved, cranked up on the stereo loud enough it in the shower, singing along. Sounds good in there! Mark “Daddy’O” Agababian was one of a kind, an original. The lyrics of this song, that I wrote in his memory, tell the story of our times together, in the band named for him. It is dedicated to him, his family, and the guys who stood on stages with him, made music with him, in our neighborhood. Through the magic of technology there is a section in this song where we were able to capture him, mid noodle, riffing on an instrumental he came up with and we learned. That song was posted on Wednesday as a hump day prelude to this being shared. The lyrics and music tell our story. I’ll include the words. So here goes “DaddyO Is Back In Town”! Enjoy! Dance! He’s listening and looking down!
Lyrics:
DaddyO Is Back In Town
1.	 I didn’t know his name / When I first heard him play
 Makin’ magic with the music / Having it his own sweet way
 Twistin’ knobs and stompin’ pedals / ‘Til he got it sounding fine
 Singin’ him some Robert Johnson, Got somr ramblin’ on my mind.
2.	Told myself that very night / I’d sing with him one day
So I asked him on a break / Who he was and where’d he stay?
We made a strong connection / And we started spending time
Talkin’ us some down the road a ways / And wouldn’t it be fine!
3.	I could find ‘em, He could fix ‘em / We made up a perfect pair
So we started us a bidness / In a spot we found out there
We never made much money / Gave away more than we sold
But we had ourselves a some fun / And good times, truth be told.
4.	Before too long some boys showed up / We was jammin’ in the store
And that place that we called DaddyO’s / Turned into something more
We picked some tunes and practiced / Kept the same name for the band
And played ‘em out in juke joints / In our corner of this land.
Chorus: 	Shake the rafters , Raise the roof / Blow the windows out their frames
Pour me some blues, a hundred proof / ‘Til it all feels just the same
He’s up here on this bandstand / You  can’t mistake that sound
He’s come down to lend the band a hand /  DaddyO is back in town!
 
Bridge: 	Mark, he was the noodle king / He brought  some tasty spice
You know the boy he never played / The same song, samr way twice
Then he wrote an instrumental / That gave him room to shine
So his fingers did the talkin’ / And they said “Hey, this one’s mine!”
(Now listen!)
Chorus:
 

5.	   Now one of us is gone / And Yeah! we’re feeling sad
   But we’ve still got all our memories / Of good times that we had
   We’ve got him on this stage / In a place he loved to stand
   The one and only Daddy’O’s / Still playing in this band.

6.	   So this one’s for our brother / his family and his friends
   And his mark is on our music / And for sure he’s sitting in
   With that ol’ amp just’a screaming / Guitar howling at the moon
   We know we’re gonna see him / At the big jam one day soon.

Chorus:	
		Shake the rafters , Raise the roof / Blow the windows out their frames
Pour me some blues a hundred proof / ‘Til it somehow feels the same
He’s up here on this bandstand / You jus’ can’t mistake that sound
He’s come down to lend the band a hand /  DaddyO is back in town!

DaddyO Is Back Edited

A change of pace Humpday offering y'all; Over the weekend I shared what I consider to be the final edit of first the words and then, in stages, the music for a tune that has been with me since 1971, a song called "The Truth Is." It was later in the game that it presented itself as something I would not sing alone, that I needed help. I had a rough melody in my head I could sing it to, and all I had to do was try to know. That's when I started calling it "No Name Yet Duet." The present title, when the edit I have shared rolled out of the song itself. It seems right to me, personal and meaningful to me, and it actually is an account of an event that happened in 1971, a stop at a collection on treasures piled by the side of the road. The words say what I would like to say to others, to pass along. My hope is you will find it as uplifting as I have across all these years.
Lyrics:
The Truth Is
Intro:
Chorus: 	The truth is where you find it / Don’t matter-
		Get yourself behind it / Don’t scatter your light
		The only way to give it / Is to truly truly live it 
                The truth is where you find it / The truth is…
1.	It could be in a book / Or a painting you took
        From a pile by the side of the road
        It could be in a grin / On the face of a friend
        Helps you see how to lighten your load
        Or it could appear / in the music you hear
        It could be in the words of a song
        Or it could be, Yeah, it could be
        Right there in your heart / all along.
Chorus: Repeat…
(Lead break)
2.	It could be in a note / Something that someone wrote
        You read and the meaning comes clear
        It could be in the eyes / of an elder so wise
       Who tells you there’s nothing to fear
       Or it could be there / in the common or rare
       It could be written right on your wall
       Or it could be, Yeah it could be
       Right there in your heart / after all
Chorus: Repeat

The Truth Is, Original Cut

I’m pictured here with my daughter Amelia Faith on stage at a festival one fall, singing in the band. We could have been singing World Too Big. Beats me? Anyway, that’s the song I’m sharing in its recently edited form. The words did not change with the edit. They are included on the SoundCloud post. We have referred to this tune as a kind of Country / Hick Hop kind of thing, and it’s the mood I get in when I mess up and watch the news. I hope you get a kick out of it! We did when we played this song! When you clicked on our pick it took you out where The kudzu grows Have fun finding us!!
Lyrics:
World Too Big 
1.	World too big! World too wide! 
Had my fill of the world outside
Lookin’ for a place where I can hide  
Out where the Kudzu grows
Place too crazy! World too whack!  
Go into them vines, build me a shack
Ain’t no tellin’ if I’m comin’ back 
Don’t nobody need to know!
Chorus:  
Checkin’ out and checkin’ in
Back in the bushes where nobody been
Might be a squatter, but I don’t care
‘Cause ain’t nobody gonna know I’m there
Eat what I find, drink at a spring
Plant a little somethin’ and invent things
Pay no attention to the trespass sign
‘Cause the world ain’t no more yours than mine.

2.	City too big! City too loud! 
People too lazy and some too proud!
Make me ne-ne-ne-nervous to be in that crowd 
Make my get away clean
World too shaky! Gotta get hid!
Back behind the Kudzu curtain 
Where there ain’t no grid
Dig me a hole with a lock down lid 
In a place where I won’t be seen.
Chorus:  	(same as above)
Bridge:	
World too big! World too big!
City too tight! City too tight!
I’d sooner stay! Sooner stay…
Out of sight!...Out of sight... Clean out of sight!
Chorus: (half)	
Eat what I find, drink at a spring
Plant a little somethin’ and invent things
Pay no attention to the trespass sign
‘Cause the world ain’t no more yours than mine.
…(no it ain’t)
3.	(1st half of 1st verse)
World too big! World too wide! 
Had my fill of the world outside
Lookin’ for a place where I can hide 
Out where the Kudzu grow…

World Too Big, Edited

I’m pictured here with Ioan (pronounced Yo-en) Rae at age at 5 or 6 years old. In the picture I am showing him around a Shure 58 microphone between sets at an empty bowls event, giving him a chance to get his blues chops down. He’s 15 now and I can’t tote him around like that anymore! The song I am sharing is “How Was Your Day In School?” He was in preschool then, and the song’s message is aimed at kids, kids of any age. I found that there was something to learn here when the song came to me. It is soft, but certainly not dark in mood. The words (shared below) took us to what you will hear, and on that path, we were visited by both memories and lessons to keep in mind. A lyrics video is in the works. The hope is it will take you on the same path! Enjoy!
Lyrics:
How Was Your Day In School? 

1. How was your day in school
    What took you by surprise
    What fell in place
    What left its trace
    What opened up your eyes.

2. How was your day at school
    What were you pleased to find
    What lit you up
    What filled your cup
    What made you change your mind.

Chorus:
Every day’s a school day
Lessons to be learned
Corners to be turned
Bridges to be built or burned
Every day’s a new day
The chance for another start
To look inside your heart
And find your way.

3. How was your day in school
    What helped you understand
    What struck a spark
    There in the dark
    What turned out like you planned.

Chorus:
Every day’s a school day
With lessons to be learned
Corners to be turned
Bridges to be built or burned
Every day’s a new day
The chance for another start
To look inside your heart
And find your way.

Solo

4. How was your day in school                    
    What did you ask about                            
    What did you make                                      
    What was at stake                                        
    What chased away your doubt.                

5. How was your day in school
    What did you tell or show
    What did you share
    What made you care 
    What made you say, “I know !” 

Tag: How was your day in school?

How Was Your Day In School, Reprise

This is a brand new, in process song, and we are sharing it to invite whatever feedback you might have for us. There is a lyric video as well in the works which we will share when that is accomplished. The words are a personal description of how we feel about our lives and what what we want to say about how they have played out. The words are shared below. It's a "Three Amigos" Production. Looking forward to Friday with you guys, listening to as many of you as I can, and getting and giving feedback like we do. It will be a time to play and learn! 
Lyrics:
My bucket’s Full
Chorus:	My bucket’s full, I don’t need no list
And things don’t get, no better than this
There’s nothing to measure, nothing to miss
My bucket’s full, I don’t need no list.
V1. 	My bucket’s full, and my pocketbook’s deep enough
	I got plenty of groceries, my ‘frigerator ‘bout to bust
	My pantry’s packed, with tasty snacks 
I’m living life, off the cuff
My bucket’s full, and my pocketbook’s deep enough.
Chorus: 	
V2.	My house is full up, with family and family like friends
	Folks that make me light up, no matter which room I’m in
Got room to spare and love to share
Every place, there’s a place to begin
	My house is full up, with family and family like friends.
Chorus:
Bridge:  	All of our kin we’ve got that grin, makes us easy to recognize
		When we meet we know each other, by the light burns in our eyes.	
Life is what it sings us, living is hearing it play
		The biggest gift it brings us, is getting to do it one more day!
Solo:
Chorus:	My bucket’s full, I don’t need no list
And things don’t get, no better than this
There’s nothing to measure, nothing to miss
My bucket’s full, I don’t need no list.
Tag: (vamp)	My bucket’s full y’all, and I don’t need no list!

My Bucket's Full

Continuing with the opening of Porch Music season, my buddy Mark and I wrote this brand new, never been posted, tune that fits the bill for gathering out back and picking. My other buddy Zoltan, who I call Jazz Man, gave it, and other bluesy-grass numbers like it, the Custom Genre tag of Bluesgrass. The tune illustrates how much words and their arrangement, in this case in the title itself, can drive the rhythm of the song. It is upbeat, foot stomping, music that features a fiddle, and Bryan (on things with strings) and Mark ( with background and accent vocals) join me in performing this debut cut. Much fun was had by all involved, we all got caught up in the meaning. Dance or sing along if it moves you. We hope something in it causes you to grin! That's intended.
Lyrics:
Don’t Forget To Not To Clock In
C. Don’t forget to not to clock in
     Don’t forget to take another day off
     Spend a little time with your friends
     Not working has a different kind’a pay off
     The trick is in the knowing 
     While we’re so busy rowing
     Our time is just a blowin’ in the wind, my friend
     So don’t forget to not to clock in.
V1	I got a buddy, works 88 hours a week
	His eyes are all buggy, ‘cause that boy hardly sleeps
	He’s got a two week vacation
	That he’s debating takin’
	And I’m debating calling him out
	What’s that about?
C. (As above)
V2	I got a girl , so busy that she couldn’t see
	She was my world, but she had no time for me
One day she saw me fishin’
And she said I’ve been a wishing
That I had a little time to play
( Got us a baby sitter, to stay home with our litter, and we satisfied some wishes, That next day! Okay! )
C. (As above)
Solo
B.	I know a workaholic when I see one, But y’all you know I never want to be one
	Don’t mind the work, but every now and then
	I’d rather call my boss and say, I’m too well to come in…
C. (As above)  / Tag: Tick tock, It’s all we got!

Don't forget to not to clock in Mp3

This song has been coming together, slowly but surely, over a pretty large span of time. It began with my friend, Tray Pa, writing partner for years, sharing the hook line that the song was built on ("You Drive Me To Drinking"), first with me and then with my amigos. When the idea blossomed to use conversational like spoken lines throughout the track, my daughter Amelia Faith stepped up to become the she in the couple that this song brings to your attention, a kind of unfolding story song. It's bluegrass with a touch of blues, and my buddy Bryan on dobro to bring that touch of blues into the mix. My friend rob completes the list of co-writers, having come up with the bones of this music and by playing standup bass on this brand new, never been posted track. With all the tag like spoken lines, it's a structure that marks a first of a kind to my knowledge. We all hope you like what you hear!
Lyrics:
You Drive Me To Drinking: Amelia (A)& Pop (P) Version
1.	I’d like to curl up with my book book (A)spoken
Let’s watch something on TV (P) spoken
I saw you give that girl a second look (A) spoken
Awww, she don’t mean nothing to me (P) spoken
I don’t feel much like cooking today (A) spoken
I want that roast you got at the store (P) spoken
Sometimes you act like a jerk, baby (A) sung
Good thing I not keeping score. (A) sung
Chorus: (Amelia sings)
If you don’t blame it on me, I won’t claim it’s on you
We make each other crazy, with the crazy little things we do
I don’t understand your way of thinking, but that’s okay
There’s just gonna be days, when you drive me to drinking.
2.	Let’s grab a quick bite at the café (P) spoken
I’m craving some gourmet food (A) spoken
I like the way that guy don’t play (P) spoken
Don’t ya’ think he was a little crude? (A) spoken
Have you heard about Billy and Bobby Joe? (P) spoken
You know, I’d rather not say! (A) spoken
Then I won’t hold it against you, baby (P) sung
Not in a negative way. (P) sung
Chorus: (Pop sings)
Solo: (into bridge)
Bridge: (swap lines and both sing
We’re not always like minded (A) spoken
Or even on the same page! (P) spoken
But being together’s like fine wine (Both Sing)
It just get’s better with age! (Both sing)
Chorus: (Together)
If you won’t blame it on me (A) sung, I won’t claim it’s on you (P) sung
When we make each other crazy, with the crazy little things we do (Both sing) 
No, we don’t understand each other’s way of thinking, but it’s okay! (Both sing)
We’re gonna have days, when you drive me to drinking! (Both sing)
Tag: 	There’s gonna be days, when you drive me to drinking! ( both spoken)

You Drive Me To Drinking WAV

Thanks to my friend George for our favorite picture of us, my sweetie and me down on the farm. The title suits him. The tune is a 2004 Edit of a love song that she figures into too. It's about a couple who discover each other just like we did, in our own way! My daughter, Amelia Faith, did the girl parts and did me proud!
Lyrics:
The Eye of the Beholder (Male - Female Duet) 2004 Edit
1.  Maybe no one would have said, “there goes Prince Charming”!

But just one look, and I was in a fix!

There was something about this boy, that simply was disarming

And I fell for him just like a ton of bricks!

Chorus:   Folks say “beauty’s in the eye of the beholder”

And “handsome is as handsome does”, they say

If I’d’a had the nerve I would’ve told her

And I might have brought him home right then to stay

2.  Maybe no one would have said, “there goes a beauty queen”!

But with one look, I could not get my fill!

There was something about this girl, my eyes had rarely seen

And she knocked me out like I took a knockout pill!

Chorus: (repeat as above)

Bridge:

Maybe not , maybe so / the way things go, you never know

Maybe no, maybe yes / the way it works, it’s your best guess

3.  Maybe no one would have said. “they’re a matched set just like bookends”

But on second glance, someone might have seen

And poked the person next to them and chanced to share

”There goes Mr. Prince Charming, with a knockout beauty queen”!

Chorus:   Folks say “beauty’s in the eye of the beholder”

And “handsome is as handsome does”, they say

If I’d’a had the nerve I would’ve told her

And I might have brought him home right then to stay

 Tag: I got up the nerve, and then I went and told her

        And I took him home with me that day to stay

Eye Of The Beholder Edited

Here’s a tune that Mark, Bryan, and I (a three amigos production) put together to share with you. The picture captures Mark playing guitar and singing background vocals with the band. The song is about the times we are living in, a bit of advice. We are preaching y’all! A lyrics video is in the works.
Lyrics:
A Little Too Little, (2023)

1.	Let’s not let it be said we did / A little too little too late
A  big bunch too much crooked / And a tiny bit going straight
A little too little moving off of the middle / And way too much tempting fate
Let’s not do a little too little / And wind up being too late.
Chorus 1:
A little too little / A little too not enough
A little too much half fast trying / And a little too little hanging tough
A little too little coming in late / Not enough being on time
A little too little give it all we got / And too much running behind.
2.	Let’s not say it’s all about me / And forget it’s all about us
Too much being on the right side / Not enough staying in touch
Gonna take me and you to solve this riddle / Not near enough cooperate
Let’s not be a little too much me / And winding up being too late.
Chorus 2:
A little too much me / A little too not about us
A little too little working together / Too much making a fuss
A little too much choosing sides / Not enough showing we care
Meeting in the middle / Just enough learning to share. 
Bridge:	Side by side / Hand in hand
		I might not be able / But we can!
Chorus I:

A Little Too Little

The words for this tune were  written in 1960 while in high school, and years later my friend Merritt (pictured with me) and I ganged up on bringing it to life musically. Another buddy, Howard, dropped by to play some tasty harp as always. Bryan plays guitar, and Lucy is on keys on this edited track This 2024 edit combines elements from song incarnations over 64 years. This tune tells the story of a young man with s monster crush on his teacher. It is fictional and by no stretch confessional. Turns out he's got a bit of a smart mouth too. Take it with a grain of salt and a sense of humor as well. It's a DaddyO's classic to those of us still around. Enjoy.
Lyrics:
A Thing Or Two Edited
1. You know my teacher tol’ me, back when I was still in school
Your grades been steady slippin’, you been acting like a fool
You never get your lessons, and you won’t apply yourself
Its like you’re just daydreamin’, got your mind on somethin’ else

Bridge: But…But…
	Miss Teacher you’re so fine, and I got my mind on you
	Let’s you and me trade places, and I’ll teach you a thing or two

2.	That teacher had her mind set, and she never cracked a smile
	She handed me my folder, said its all here in your file
	You’re always in detention, or else you’re late to class
	If you never pay attention, how you think you gonna pass?

Bridge: But…But…
	Miss teacher you’re so fine, and I’m payin’ attention to you
	Let’s me and you trade places, and I’ll teach you a thing or two

3.	She knew I wasn’t listenin’, but she gave it one last try
	She got her fine self in my face, and she looked me in the eye
She said you got a good mind, but you sure ain’t thinking straight
And I hope you get the message, before its just too late

    Bridge: But…But…
	Miss teacher you’re so fine, and I sho’ been thinking ‘bout you
Let’s me and you trade places, and I’ll teach you a thing or two

      Repeat 1st Verse and Bridge (double last line of bridge)

A Thing Or Two Edited

Here's some full unit big band blues from me and my late band brother Mark, a mix that incorporates everybody who showed up over time and did their thing on this tune. It's an expanded DaddyO's Band for a fuller sound. It's something for your listening pleasure from today on through the week and weekend. You are invited to listen in, sing along, and hit the dance floor wherever you happen to be. Enjoy y'all!
Lyrics:
She Want Cream in Her Coffee

1. She want’ all the latest styles
    She want’ to drive a big fine car
    She want’ to live up in some high rise
    Up where all the Fat Cats are
    She want’ to eat out every day
    At some high class restaurant
    She want’ to dance the night away
    And she want’ just what she want’
Chorus:
	She want’ cream in her coffee
	She want’ sugar in her tea
	She want’ cream in her coffee
Pure cane sugar in her tea
Tryin’ to get that woman what she want’
‘bout to get the best of me
2. She want’ fancy French perfume
    Shoes come from Italy
    She want’ a full deck of credit cards
    To take out on a shopping spree
    She want’ to drink the finest wine
    She want’ to gamble with my pay
    She want’ everything that’s mine
    And she want’ it all her way
Chorus:
3. She want’ to go off with her friends
    On a long vacation trip
    Get on board and sail away
    On some big cruise liner ship
    She want’ high grade furniture
    For that penthouse where she stay’
    She want’ me to rock her all night long
    After workin’ hard all day
Chorus:

She Want Cream In Her Coffee, Edited

This tune rose out of a blend of influences and my knowing that people will talk and advise. The original recording was done in 2016 in demo format with our friend Emily doing background vocals and Lucy on keys, the full Mixed Bab Band unit. This is our most recent edit and remix. Enjoy!
Lyrics:
Find Out For Myself (2016) Edit
1.	Some folks tol’ me baby you’re an eyeful
And I can see that what they said is true
It’s plain to see baby you’re and eyeful
As you can see I’m looking right at you
My Mama tried to tell me, it’s not polite to stare
But I’m gonna do it anyway, and see where it goes from there
Chorus:	Some say love’s a blessing, some say loves a curse
		I got it for you so bad, it ain’t gonna get no worse
		Some people might say one thing, and some folks something else
		But I think I’d like to find out for myself
2.	Rumor has it baby you’re a handful
But I believe that I could handle you
The rumor’s true Baby you’re a handful
I’m thinking ‘bout what both our hands could do
And pardon me baby if you think I’m being bold
But I don’t think we ought to, wait ‘til we got too old
Chorus: (as above)
Bridge:	I’m not gonna take nobody’s word, Or act on what I only heard
		What somebody told somebody, Who told me
3.	Listen to me girl I got a mindful
A big long list of things that we should do
Listen to this baby here’s an earful
Of things that I’d like to say to you
My Mama and Daddy said, when the right one comes along
You’ll know it when you feel it ‘cause it’s coming on so strong
Chorus: (as above)

Find Out For Myself Edited WAV

I offered up this kind of quick tempo love song in celebration of my youngest daughter Amelia Faith on her birthday weekend. She's the "Twang Queen" on our crew. It is also offered in loving memory of our friend Tommy Dodd who came in to add some of his steel guitar magic when we recorded the tune. He made it so much sweeter. Throw in some Bryan, Mark, and some father/ daughter duet vocals, and this is how it turned out for us. I love singing with family! It's boot scooter if you want to be up on the dance floor. Enjoy!

Lyrics: A Real Good Thing (Duet)

1. 	Ain’t no payback on your mind, When you give yourself so free,
And there’s no doubt, it ain’t about, Boy, what’s in this deal for me
There’s no questions left to ask, Ain’t no need to second guess,
There’s no doubt, it’s all about, Getting good as we can get
You ain’t waiting for a free ride, You ain’t  looking for a fling
We got a real good thing, Yeah girl, we got a real good thing.

Chorus:	We got a real good thing, We got a special deal
		We got a gift so rare, We got a love that’s real
We got beyond our past, We grabbed the golden ring
We won that prize at last,  We got a real good thing.

2. 	There’s no need to worry now, Ain’t no reason for regret,
And there’s no doubt, it ain’t about, Finding cause to fuss and fret
There’s no games you have to play, It’s not something you can fake
There ain’t no doubt,  it’s all about, Learning how to give and take
You ain’t handing me no lines, You don’t put me on a string
We got a real good thing, Yeah boy, we got a real good thing. 

Chorus: 	(same as above)

3. 	There’s no call for jealous thoughts, ‘cause on me you can depend
And there’s no doubt, it’s all about, Hanging out and hanging in
There’s no reason to slow down, Ain’t no need to hold too tight
And there’s no doubt, it’s all about, Doing just what feels so right
We ain’t ashamed to tell the world, And It makes us want to sing 
We got a real good thing, For sure, we got a real good thing.

Chorus (same as above)

a real good thing, edited

New song alert, kinda. The words came firstThis is the first time that this kind of sleepy, slow to unfold song has been put out there for you to listen and see what we were up to the day we got it to set down. It's a tricky tune if you want to know what it means, because, at least to our way of thinking, it seems to vary and change based on the mood or circumstances a listener is in at the time it finds our ears. It is, we think, a song about writing a song but also more than that. Our best advice is to use your imagination and ignore what you think I might have been thinking when I got the words down. I'm not sure myself!  Enjoy the game, and then, on the other hand... You are invited to let us know what you think.
Lyrics:
2022: On The Other Hand
1.	I think I might have let these lines
Slip too far off what’s real
To say just what I want to say
And stay true to what I feel
So I’ll try to keep it simple
With words we can understand
And steer back from the edge of 
On the other hand.
Chorus:		On the other hand, There’s the promises we made
		On the other hand, There’s the cornerstones we laid
		On the other hand, There’s still bills to be paid 
And we can run away, or stand, On the other hand.
2.	I hope that I have kept the words
That capture my intent
To tell you what I know is true
And say just what I meant
So I’ll try to keep it grounded
To places we can land
And not keep flying off to
On the other hand.
Chorus:		On the other hand, There’s the promises we made
			On the other hand, There’s the cornerstones we laid
			On the other hand, There’s still bills to be paid 
And we can run away, or stand, On the other hand.
Solo:
Bridge:  	There are things that I believe in
		There are still things up my sleeve
		There are still some songs to sing to you
		Before I take my leave, but…
 Chorus:	On the other hand, There’s the promises we made
		On the other hand, There’s the cornerstones we laid
		On the other hand, There’s still bills to be paid 
And we can run away, or stand, On the other hand
Tag:		And still do the things we planned, On the other hand.



On the Other hand wav

Somewhere along my path as a songwriter I decided I was a blues man, so I did that for years. Then one day my daughter, Amelia Faith said, "Dad you are also a country singer, and I'd like to sing some of that with you!" How could I resist? This song is how I tested that proclamation out. I wiggled around until I found something that sounded pure country and also made me grin. Fact is I was influenced by almost every genre there is. and I'm glad I wound up doing blends. See if this one gets a smile of a chuckle to your house too. Our intent is to make that happen. My friend Mark did the background vocal to perfection, and Bryan was responsible for a share of the melody and the mix. Enjoy!
Lyrics:
Thanks but No Thanks 
Chorus a:	Thanks but no thanks / I better run and hide
		“Cause I don’t really wanna go / Where you’re takin’ me for this ride
		Thanks but no thanks / I’ll stay just who I am
		And not go messin’ with perfection / Thank you Ma’am!
1.	You say I need to change my ways / To be part of your plan
Perhaps the one you’re looking for / Could be some other man
When I look in my mirror / It’s just me that I see
The only one that I know, how to be.
Chorus b:	Thanks but no thanks / I’m leavin’ it behind
		“Cause I don’t want to stay here / And I’ve made up my mind
		Thanks but no thanks / I’ll stay just who I am
		And not go messin’ with perfection / Thank you Ma’am!
2.	I tried to memorize some lines / To act out on your stage
But I soon found that you and I / Were on a different page
And when the curtain came up / The spotlight fell on me
The only one that I know, how to be.
Chorus c:	Thanks but no thanks / I’m gonna take my leave
		“Cause I don’t wanna find out / What you’ve got up your sleve
		Thanks but no thanks / I’ll stay just who I am
		And not go messin’ with perfection / Thank you Ma’am!
Tag:	Thanks but no thanks…

Thanks but no thanks, Edited

This is another of those having fun songs where we used what we had on hand and invited friends in. The lyric, which is personal to me, speaks to how I have chosen to live my life. That's right! I said chosen, and I firmly believe that we all have a choice that guides our viewpoints and beliefs. As is our way, we have also  built in a few grins and giggles along the way. We had a fun day recording this tune, and our goal for it is that you will have some listening and cutting a rug if the spirit moves. Thanks for stopping by!
Lyrics:
Livin’ In A Minute 
1.	When I get these earlies outta my eyes, Get some blood rushin’ in my veins
When I get me a couple of cups down, Throw out yesterday’s remains
When I get myself together, And see what the day ordains
When I clear the fog and pet my dog, Cut my losses and count my gains.
Chorus: 	Then I’ll be livin’ in a minute, Going all in
		Not way up yonder, Not where I’ve been.
2.	When I get a good day going,  Get my outlook looking bright
When I get on beyond some problem, To where it can work out right
When I keep my mind in focus, And let love be my light
When the whistle blows, time to go, Smile and say good night.
 
Chorus:  (same as above)
Bridge:	I’ll keep my sights where I plant my feet
		Not lookin’ back down or up the street
		Won’t be getting behind or ahead of me
That’s not where I want to be.
3.	When I sit down on my sofa, Fits my backside to a tee
Let my imagination, Beat the hell outta my TV
When I pick up a good book, Let some music set me free
When it’s time for bed, turn off my head, Let my dreams carry me.
Chorus:  (same as above)
Tag:	Then I’ll be livin’ in a minute / going all in
	No not way up yonder / Sho’ not where I been.

Livin' in a minute, edited

Over my writing years to date, I have written many songs that I would categorize as kids music. The teacher from my working time shows through. Dipping in and bringing back from the archives with this one y'all. Pictured are my grand kids (Opal Grace and Ioan ( spelled ioan / pronounced Yo-en) Rae) who helped me and my daughter Amelia Faith sing this song that I wrote for them to sing and learn from. My base crew Mark and Bryan joined us in the performance and production. The kids are now 13 and 15. Thank you for stopping by! It is actually for kids of all ages! Sing along!!
Lyrics:
Whenever, Wherever-Reprise 
Chorus:	Whenever, Whenever, Wherever, Wherever
		You’ll be there for me, I’ll be there for you
		Whenever, Whenever, Wherever, Wherever
We all know it’s true, That’s what real friends do.
1.	We’re on the same side, We share the same dream
In this game of life, We’re on the same team
We run the same path, Beginning to end
And it leads from me to you, Friend to friend.
Chorus: 	(same as above)
2.	We’re on the same ship, We sail the same seas
We catch the same wind, We ride the same breeze
We’re on the same trip, Beginning to end
And it goes from you to me, Friend to friend.
Chorus: 	(same as above)
Bridge:	You win, I win, I do, you do
		We’re next of kin, We‘re small parts of one big family too
		Me and you.
Chorus: 	(same as above)

Whenever, Wherever-Reprise

This tune never got released. It was buried in the archives, one of several songs written on the theme of one of my favorite pastimes like the title and lyrics say. It's Electric Blues and has a John Lee flavor. My friend Howard Williams ( caught in the act ) is pictured bearing down on his signature harp magic. It's an up tempo dance tune that you could dance to if you feel like dancing. Chances are you never heard it unless you were there to hear it live.
Lyrics:
Watchin’ Women 
1.	When It comes to watching women, I jus’ can’t help myself
	Cause there’s all these lovely figures, Set out here on my shelf
`	When it comes to watchin’ the parade, That passes ‘fore eyes
	When it comes to tryin’ not to, I don’t try.
2.	When it comes to takin’ notice, Of all these beauty queens
	All colors, shapes, and sizes, And them that lies between
When it comes to window shoppin’, And admiring what I see
I’m just lookin’, I’m not buying, That’s jus’ me.
Chorus a:	But I got a woman at my house, Beats everyone I see
And she cook me big fine dinners, That tastes jus’ right to me
She don’t scol’ me for lookin’, She don’t pay it any mind
‘Cause she know who will be sittin’ with me, At the table where I dine.
3.	When it comes to lookin’ over, What’s on the desert tray
	All of those tasty dishes, On the menu for today
When it comes to placing orders, I look but I don’t eat
Cause my baby’s good home cookin’, Can’t be beat.
Chorus b:	Cause I got a woman at my house, And I know she’s the best
		I’m stickin’ with this good thing, I’m not messin’ with the rest
She don’t scol’ me for lookin’, She don’t pay me any mind
Cause she know who will be sittin’ with me, At the table where I dine.

Watching Women, Edited

Like the last mid-week post, this is another of our songs for kids of all ages tune s, but this one is no lullaby, that's for sure. Like the other, it shows the teacher in me. The message is pretty clear. We think you will recognize the influence that us up and into the power of the  production and melody line foe the song. Special thanks to my good buddy Lebo for being the voice of Munchie when called for in the lyrics. We had a blast doing it and hope you will listening as well! Enjoy!
Lyrics:
What Munchie Wanted 
1.	Munchie was a big ol’ dinosaur, Grew up eating whole trees
And he grew and grew, ‘til they say it’s true, He was a mile from his head to his knees
Munchie had a monster appetite, Ate mountains just like cup cakes
‘til he thought he’d burst, and got a powerful thirst, He drank rivers just like milk shakes.
Chorus:	What Munchie wanted, Munchie took
		And he never gave the mess he made a second look
What Munchie wanted, Munchie got
But he never stopped to think was it good or not.
2.	Munchie never did learn how to share, He said; “I’m keepin’ it all for me”!
Never gave away any, even though he had plenty, ‘til he had stuff far as the eye could see
Munchie piled him up a sky high stack, He said; “I’m saving for a rainy day”!
But then a big earth quake made it start to shake, And it fell on Munchie and he never got away.
Chorus: 	(same as above)
Bridge: Munchie be careful what you wish for, Munchie better stop and think
	    Munchie watch out, it’s all coming down, and you might end up extinct!
Chorus: (same as above)
Tag:	 Munchie was a big ol’ dinosaur, grew up eating whole trees!

what munchie wanted

I thought I had killed my computer last night and was considering making it a boat anchor. Instead I shut it off and went to bed early. Seems like it’s fixed now but I’m getting a late start. I have a birthday coming up in a few days, but I’ve decided I’m done with counting, that “I’m Plenty Old”. This one is still in process. Here it is. I’m taking my time! Enjoy!
Lyrics:
I’m Plenty Old 
1.	I’m plenty old to know the score / But too old to pay it much mind
And I don’t shrink from what folks think
What they lookin’ for is what they find
I’m smart enough to know the letter of the law / And plenty tricky to get by
I’m old enough to know my odds are slim / But you can bet I’m gonna try.
Chorus 1:	I’m plenty old, and plenty bold enough
		To know one thing for sure
Road can be rocky, road might get tough
And getting old’s got no cure
2.	I’m plenty old to figure this out / But I don’t like to do the math
Been here a while, and I got my style / And I’m sticking right to my path
I’m patient enough to watch and wait / But I’m just about to hit my stride
I’m plenty old enough to know better / And way too old to duck and hide
Chorus 2:	I’m plenty old , been plenty cold enough
To set out for the sunny side
The tough get going when the going gets rough
 And I’m looking to hitch a ride
Solo:
Chorus 1:
3.	I’ve seen about all there is to see / And I still don’t believe my eyes
Not what I heard or the printed word / Don’t need no alibies 
I’ve done enough to know what not to do / From time to time I get it right
I’m plenty old to see the end of the tunnel  
And I’m headin’ straight for that  light
Chorus 2:
Outro: (Vocal vamp)

I'm Plenty Old MP3

A tip of my cap to my friend Christina for doing the singing on this brand spanking new tune that the 3 amigos wrote in tandem It has never been recorded or released before. It speaks in general terms about the modern pace  of life. It's an upbeat bluesy song with a pinch of Country flavor. It is called Hurry Up and Slow Down. Dancing where you are listening is recommended ad singing along (once you catch our drift) is advised. Take a few minutes and enjoy!
Lyrics:
Hurry Up and Slow Down
Mark Lyle, Bryan Carter, & Jim Boyd     August 22, 2024

Hurry Up and Slow Down
You ain’t gotta get there right now
Sometimes it’s best to take the long way around
Hurry Up and Slow Down

	There’s people to meet, places to see
	And you’ll miss it if you’re just zippin’ through
	If there’s one thing I’ve learned – from riding this road
	Sometimes it’s best – to keep it on cruise

Hurry Up and Slow Down
You ain’t gotta get there right now
Sometimes it’s best to take the long way around
Hurry Up and Slow Down

Solo x2

	You can take the Highway – or you can take it my way
	Take the time to see what you see
	We’ll take it slow – there’s room for us both
	So climb on in and ride along with me

Hurry Up and Slow Down
You ain’t gotta get there right now
Sometimes it’s best to take the long way around
Hurry Up and Slow Down

Being in the slow lane will still get you there – with time to spare

So Hurry Up and Slow Down
You ain’t gotta get there right now
Sometimes it’s best to take the long way around
Hurry Up and Slow Down

Sometimes it’s best to take the long way around
Hurry Up and Slow Down

Hurry Up And Slow Down

Here’s a tune that my friend Christina and I did together. She won the job as our female duet vocalist with the smile that lit her face when she read the words and heard the melody. You really had to be there. She was busy finding a key that worked for us both and was singing along just minutes after we gathered to discuss doing the song together. Turns out we were a good blend in the key of E, an easy place for us both to operate while delivering the intended grins together. It is upbeat and funny according to plan. Enjoy!
Lyrics:
I’m A Cheaper Date Than That (Boy / Girl Duet)
1.	Boy, who you tryin’ to fool? / I know you drive an old Ford truck
You can’t afford this lobster / Or this imported Peeking Duck!
If you really want to impress me / Let’s get a pizza and a bottle of wine
We can eat at my kitchen table, baby / and I’ll show you a real good time!
CHORUS: 
I’m a cheaper date than that, all I want is to be with you
As long as we’re together, baby, don’t matter what else we do
You don’t have to impress me, spending cash like some fat cat
All I need is your company, I’m a cheaper date than that.

1. Girl, are you trying to bowl me over? / putting on the dog in your double wide
Must’a took most of your paycheck / just to make me feel full and satisfied
If you really want to fill me up / get a meal deal from Captain D’s
I’ll share all my hushpuppies / and some of anything else you need!
CHORUS:	
I’m a cheaper date than that, all I want is to be with you
As long as we’re together, baby, don’t matter what else we do
You don’t have to take me to a premere concert., spending cash like some fat cat!
All I need is your company, I’m a cheaper date than that.

Bridge: 	
I’ll be your sugar daddy, 
I'll be your sugar mama
We can run around the house in our BVD’s
Go to Walmart in our pajamas.
Chorus: 	
I’m a cheaper date than that, all I want is to be with you
As long as we’re together, baby, don’t matter what else we do
You don’t have to feed me fancy foods, spending cash like some fat cat
All I need is your company, I’m a cheaper date than that.

I'm A Cheaper Date Than That Wav

Second Hand Smoke, Reprise

This, as the picture shows, is from our double album called Meat and Three, done three years ago. Warning! Watching this may make you hungry! It was written as a tribute to Little Feet who has been my favorite band since 1971, at my best guess.  It's an upbeat tune with a pinch of humor.

I'd Be Doin' Hard Time mp3

This one’s been in the lock-box since the 70s and has never been posted. Now it’s time to let the cat of the bag!  This is my view of the music business as I see it. It’s personal opinion about the pop music in the time it was written. I claim totally responsibility for this editorial diatribe. I wrote the lyrics that long ago, but the studio crew brought the sound to life musically! 

Jim Boyd 1

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