Good one, good production, good vocal and execution. This would be good live.

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

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.

Love Is Not A Prize

Jim Boyd 1

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