I come from a land of misery
the youngest boy out three 
a house of anger and cruelty 
dreamt one day that we could leave 
now nobody is left but me

nobody to call when you need to talk to
your brother to help you, help you get through
they just left me to figure out everything
and nobody is left but me

lucky just to make it out alive 
one made it to thirty-five 
and the other didn’t even say goodbye 
now I can’t even ask him why
nobody is left but me

nobody to call when you need to talk to
your brother to help you, help you get through
they just left me to figure out everything
and nobody is left but me

I thought that they would always be 
right here next to me 
but nobody’s left but me 
yeah nobody’s left but me

Nobody Left But Me

"Everybody Farts" (#425, 201220)

 * co-written with Pete & Pat Luboff * 

You can do it in a church or an elevator
You can do it if you’re a cow or an alligator
You can try to hold it back but it will come out later
Everybody farts

You can be the Queen of England or a newborn babe
You can blame it on the dog and say, Me? No way!
But the truth is you’re gonna do it night and day
Everybody farts

Everybody farts everybody farts
Bless our smelly hearts everybody farts
All the way from Fresno to Sleepy Hollow
Farting is such sweet sorrow
Sing it with me now everybody farts

Who smelt it dealt it who thunk it stunk it
Who spoke it broke it who sniffed it biffed it
Whoever's poking fun is the smoking gun
Everybody farts

	Who declared it blared it who introduced it produced it
	Who spoke it broke it who observed it served it
	Whoever sang the song did the pong
	Everybody farts

Everybody farts everybody farts
Bless our smelly hearts everybody farts
Hold your breath and pull my finger
Wipe away a tear 'cause the best ones linger
The truth will set you free everybody farts

For some folks in South America it’s how they say hello
In China you can get a job as a fart smelling pro
You even do it for a while after you die that’s how it goes

Everybody farts everybody farts
Bless our smelly hearts everybody farts
Anybody hear that barking spider
I stepped on a duck and he was full of fiber
Quick someone get me a lighter everybody farts

Week 52b - Everybody Farts (201220)

"Look 0ut World" (#426, 201220)

L o o k out world I'm gonna' try
See this new determination in my eyes
I know my steps have wandered far
But here and now I've gotta' make a brand new start

L o o k out world I'm gonna' jump
And find out all the things I can become
No giving up now no turning back
Just these two soles that make their way along the tracks

L o o k out world I'm fallin' down
I did my best but I can't handle it right now
The lights are blinding there's all this noise
Nobody's listenin' to this little tiny voice

L o o k out world I'm standin' up
I got these boot straps that I'm pullin' from the mud
There's no more weakness or things to prove
And there ain't nothin' in this world that I can't do

Week 52c - Look 0ut World (201220)

"Protest Song" (#427, 201227)

You deserve better than what you been gettin'
Oh and it's long overdue
Respect and understanding patience and grace
Everyone who knows you knows it's true

She needs compassion and he needs the same
Both wonder where to find a friend
Maybe we'd feel different if we'd act like everybody
Is doin' the best they can

I have no right to protest my thoughts are uninformed
My voice has no authority to claim
But I cannot stand idly by when human hearts are hurting
So still I stand in protest just the same

We teach each other how to treat each other
And sometimes we get it wrong
There's no need to panic we're in this thing together
Just tryin' to walk each other home

Tonight we need no army to fight for what is right
Only what we carry in our hands
A candle to shine mercy on the ones who need it most
Might it help us understand

Week 53 - Protest Song (201227)

NIKKI DEAN

WHERE ARE YOU?

They Sang Alleluia
by Erin Wolf (ft. the Meta Wolf Singers), Laurie & David Easterling © 12/31/2020 Little Chute, WI and Oak Ridge, TN

In true Easterling fashion, video: https://youtu.be/Ll_W3b1FgHc

Rose made her last trip to carry water from the river
The day before the well was installed
The people gathered round, waiting for the sound
Water gushed up and rained down on them all (They sang)

Alleluia
Allelu
Alleluia
Allelu

Mara tried not to be lonely and brought a meal to a friend
Gave a hug and went back out the door
Stopped by the cemetery on a cold day in February
And sat a while with those who’ve gone before (She sang)

Alleluia
Allelu
Alleluia
Allelu

They stood anxiously with toes on the painted borderline
And watched for a face they recognized
They heard a familiar song, rising above the throng
Reunited, tears of joy filled their eyes (They sang)

Alleluia
Allelu
Alleluia
Allelu

They Sang Alleluia

Copyright Erin Wolf 2019-2020

*This track was originally released in 2019 featuring GarageBand hip-hop loops (link below). The acoustic version happened after stumbling upon the hand-written lyrical notes on New Year's Eve 2020. What better way to end a weird year than to create weird acoustic covers of one's own music?*

www.soundcloud.com/erinwolf/are-you-there

are you
are you 
are you still with me
are you 
are you there

stop
hands are shaking
nerves are quaking
heart is racing
thinking of you

and oh
the crescendo building
almost breaking
fear is rising
but i can't back down

why
clock still running
moments ticking
keep it moving
are we almost there

oh 'cuz you know
can't stop pacing
won't stop pushing
keep on fighting

this urge to flee
keep on fighting
this urge to flee

are you 
are you
are you still with me
are you
are you there

stop
silence ringing
ever growing
heart is aching
waiting on you

and oh
are you listening
hearing me
wanting me anymore

'cuz all your
power grabbing
passion crashing
trust is breaking
where did you go

oh there's no
recognizing
understanding
comprehending
what just happened here
what just happened here

are you
are you
are you still with me
are you
are you there

Are You There (Acoustic)

Copyright Erin Wolf 2021
*Song A Week 2020 - Week 53 Bonus Prompt: Protest Songs*
Trigger Warning: Conversation & lyrics surrounding the #MeToo movement re: sexual assault & sexual abuse. 

National Sexual Assault Hotline (U.S.A.)
online.rainn.org | 800.656.4673
Línea de Ayuda Nacional de Asalto Sexual (EE.UU.)
rainn.org/es | 800.656.4673

Image credit: https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/identities/2019/10/4/20852639/me-too-movement-sexual-harassment-law-2019

The #MeToo movement was originally started by Tarana Burke (pictured) in the early '00s as a way of letting victims and survivors of sexual abuse know they were not alone, that they were seen, and that they were believed. Her advocacy work continues today. The story shared in the lyrics is part of my own and does not reflect the experiences of all survivors.

For more resources, visit www.rainn.org or www.metoomvmt.org

---

Let me take a moment to introduce myself
No my story ain’t one for putting on the shelf
I used to be known by the name “1 in 4”
But Lord knows it’s probably more

To be hurt by those who said they loved me
And knowing I told, but they still walk freely
I don’t speak these words with vanity or pride
It’s time to stop making us run and hide

Me, too
I (we) don’t say it for your pity
Me, too
I (we) don’t say it to be witty
Me, too
Speak the truth for the others
Me, too
My (our) siblings, sisters, brothers, too
Me, too

They took what they wanted in their fire
In their power lust, not desire
Breaking you in all the ways only they can know
Leaving you feeling helpless despite your “NO”

Then when the truth comes out as it seems to do
It’s hard to know who will stand by you
So few believed, so little justice served
Yet somehow we keep on fighting through, undeterred

#MeToo

From the demo reels: I Need More

Copyright Renegade Faith 2021

First of the Song a Week 2021 challenges - Not on topic

A nice simple bluesy rocker

Hot Damn

I almost have enough songs about the homeless for an EP!

Since I’m still commuting to work, I’m still noticing stuff, and here’s a story I couldn’t pass up.  Plus it’s a nice balance to some of the more serious songs I have.

While walking on 42nd Street (Dec 30, probably 9:40pm or so), I observed a young woman who was either new to New York or perhaps a tourist.  She appeared to be giving a lactose intolerant homeless man a coffee with milk.

Wish I had a little more time for guitar rehearsal before recording this track, but hey, I couldn't play at this tempo a year ago, so it's progress.  I'm looking forward to creating some more upbeat songs this year.  Very happy to be a part of SAW again!!


I Can’t Drink Latte Today

All her life she dreamed of Times Square
Broadway and all the money she’d make there
But she never left the suburbs
And she probably never will
But at least tonight she can board a flight
Big Apple, here I come

She saw him digging for a bite to eat
Tattered clothes and old shoes on his feet
Down the block was a Starbucks
A cup will help him out tonight
It’s cold on the street, have a nice warm treat
Please take this, here you go

Thank you, how kind of you
But wait!  Does this have milk?
My stomach will ache, it will make me ill
So excuse me as I say
I can’t drink latte today

Oh no, I’m so sorry, she said
That’s okay, I’m used to this, he said
What people throw away
Will surely blow your mind
But tonight I’m stuck, can you spare a buck
Some coins or change will help

He reminded her of a friend she knew back home
Made her laugh and even wrote a poem
But standing on the corner
Was not the point of this trip
She gave him a buck and wished him luck
It’s late now, I must go

Thank you, how kind of you
But wait!  Does this have milk?
My stomach will ache, it will make me ill
So excuse me as I say
I can’t drink latte today

I Can't Drink Latte Today - 1:8:21, 7.20 PM

Nashville songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Godin Guitars Official Artist and Founder of www.songaweek.org.

His catalog of 500+ titles includes collaborations with hit writers Mark Narmore, Elliott Park, Steve Dean, and Pete & Pat Luboff, among others internationally from England to Australia.

Redding's music has landed cuts by numerous recording artists including Dan Whitehouse, Emma Gale, and David Easterling.

Week 53 - Protest Song (201227)

James Tristan Redding