Joe Stroffolino Selection

Steven Johnson

Tony's Lyrics

Thomas GT

Colter Valentine

Teenage Dreams

There was a scientist, he invented a time machine
he was looking to go back to those days wen life was not nearly so complex
He got inside, he pushed the button but his calculations were wrong
He ended up in the Juriasic era and was eaten by a T-Rex

Sometimes things don't turn out quite the way you expected
Sometmes you just gotta jump before all the dots are connected

Sometimes the answer's right in front of your snout
Sometimes you just gotta let those bottled feelings come out
Sometimes the truth is there but you just don't want to see it
Sometimes you gotta open up your mind and make a decision to free it

There was a prince who had royal blood and he was destined to become king and he wasn't very interested in taking on that job
One day he just got on his horse and he rode away and he never came back
he assumed a new identity and became a working class slob

Sometimes things don't turn out quite the way you expected
Sometmes you just gotta jump before all the dots are connected

Sometimes the answer's right in front of your snout
Sometimes you just gotta let those bottled feelings come out
Sometimes the truth is there but you just don't want to see it
Sometimes you gotta open up your mind and make a decision to free it

Sometimes you gotta step out of the box and see which way the wind is blowing. Head in the opposite direction and convince yourself to get going
Sometimes you gotta march to a brand new beat. Sometimes you gotta make a U-turn and head down a different street

Sometimes the answer's right in front of your snout
Sometimes you just gotta let those bottled feelings come out
Sometimes the truth is there but you just don't want to see it
Sometimes you gotta open up your mind and make a decision to free it

Snout

Copyright 2025 Joe Stroffolino
Guitar strumming tracks and picking tracks Taylor 114ce: Joe Stroffolino
Vocals & Backup Vocals:  Joe Stroffolino
Drums:  EZ Drummer 3
Bass:  PG music Real track

Hey sugar, hope you’re doing alright. I’ve been thinking about you.
Hey sugar hope you’re doing okay. Wonder what you’ve been up to.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen your face, and you had me under your spell.
We’ve both taken a quite a few trips around the sun. Hope time has treated you well.
As for me, I’m a little worse for wear, I’ve gained some weight and lost some hair
But I try to watch my diet and exercise and take care of myself. 
You’re just a memory, it would probably ruin my fantasy, if we were to meet up one day and try to rekindle that old chemistry.
Cause chemicals have an expiration date and it’s probably too late to put ourselves in
 a test tube and get that reaction going again.
Hey, sugar I’ve been thinking about you.  Do you ever think about me too.
Time passes and my memory fades and you become more beautiful
I feel like a boxer who’s past his prime and I’m looking for one last fight
Sometimes I wake up and I think about you in the dark and lonely night
Time keeps on passing and there’s not much you can do
It’s easy to look back and regret those options you didn’t pursue
You can spend your days waxing nostalgic, you can cling to your fantasy
Or you can jump in that water under the bridge and take a chance on reality
You’re just a memory, it would probably ruin my fantasy, if we were to meet up one day and try to rekindle that old chemistry.  
Cause chemicals have an expiration date and it’s probably too late to put ourselves in
 a test tube and get that reaction going again.
You’re just a memory, it would probably ruin my fantasy, but it sure would be nice to rekindle that chemistry.

Just a Memory

Female vocals by Catalus
Song written for my friend in Kuwait
Music video: https://youtu.be/1uZI2NFnYNE

الحب قادم

(Love is coming)

أعلم أن الحب قادم قريبًا
(I know love is coming soon)

I know you're feeling lonely
I see it in your eyes
You're smiling, acting happy
But I know it's a disguise
Because the pain never lies

Sometimes you're scared you'll never
Find a love that's true
But I know that you will find it
It's what you were born to do
And it's coming to you

أعلم أن الحب قادم قريبًا
أعلم أن الحب قادم قريبًا

(I know love is coming soon)
(I know love is coming soon)

أنا متمسك بالأمل

(I hold onto hope)

أنا متمسك بالأمل

(I hold onto hope)




أعلم أن الحب قادم قريبًا
أعلم أن الحب قادم قريبًا

(I know love is coming soon)
(I know love is coming soon)

Your friends love you completely
And when things getrough
We send our love to you but
I know it's not enough
It's no what you dream of


أعلم أن الحب قادم قريبًا
أعلم أن الحب قادم قريبًا
أعلم أن الحب قادم قريبًا


(I know love is coming soon)
(I know love is coming soon)
(I know love is coming soon)

الحب قادم (Love is coming) - feat. Catalus

“Photography” is a nostalgic song about capturing memories through pictures. The lyrics reflect on frozen moments in time, preserving emotions and stories that might otherwise fade. With a sentimental melody, the song highlights the power of photographs to bring back feelings, reminding us of love, loss, and cherished experiences.

PHOTOGRAPHY

i dont want to be awake

i’d sell it to them if i did

'spiraling'
art: Gems
epiphine casino, pearl export acoustic kit: scotty

Girl, where have ya gone?
& why won't you pick up your phone?
You told me you'd be home.
But I'm standin' all alone. 

Spiraling inside my brain.
Certain thoughts make me insane.
I'm feeling trapped inside your game
of which I've yet to ascertain.

spiraling

Writer : Gerry Goffin \ Composer : Michael Masser
ISWC : T-802.082.764-0 
Publisher : Prince Street Music - Lauren Wesey Music
Universal Music Publishing
Released : August 13 1985
___________________________________________

While waiting for my next cover...
I found this cover from 30 years ago
at the bottom of my drawers...
I had the voice and the breath!...😊
But that was before! 😄
Now you have to lower it at least a tone or even two.
___________________________________________

I love this song (I'm a Whitney Houston fan)
it's thanks to this song that made her famous worldwide.
She had a unique tone, a crystal clear voice.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Arrangement : Phong
Vocal : Anh
Album : 1995
__________________________________________

Saving All My Love For You - Cover (Whitney Houston)

Dead In My Dream

Soul Cruisin'(E.P.Beats&Tot.)
Dope Cool Beat Maker: E.P.Beats https://soundcloud.com/lala-land-361191160
All Stuff :E.P.Beats&Tot.masa
Thank U 4 listening from us both🙏🙏

SOUL CRUISIN'(FEAT. E.P. BEATS)

The song Promises explores themes of broken trust and emotional vulnerability. With heartfelt lyrics and a reflective tone, it tells the story of someone hurt by unkept promises. The music captures the sadness and longing for honesty, making it a relatable and emotional ballad about love, disappointment, and healing.

Promises


YOU COULD BE MY SONG, YOU COULD BE MY SAVIOUR
YOU COULD BE THE ONE THAT DEFINES WHAT BECOMES LATER
OF ME… POOR LONESOME ME

I COULD BE THE SON, I COULD BE THE FATHER
I COULD BE WHATEVER IT TAKES TO PUSH THIS FURTHER
WITH YOU… POOR LONESOME YOU

THIS COULD BE THE END OF THE BEGINNING
THE START OF SOMETHING NEW FOR US TO JOIN IN
A NEW SONG FOR US TO SING ALONG TO
A NEW TUNE … TO DANCE TO

I FEEL IT EXPANDING…   GOING THROUGH IT ALL
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THIS HAPPENING
TO YOU AND ME, TO YOU AND ME

THIS COULD BE THE END OF THE BEGINNING
THE START OF SOMETHING NEW FOR US TO JOIN IN
A NEW SONG FOR US TO SING ALONG TO
A NEW TUNE … TO DANCE TO
A NEW TUNE … FOR US TO DANCE TO
YOU COULD BE MY SONG, YOU COULD BE MY SAVIOUR
YOU COULD BE THE ONE THAT DEFINES WHAT COMES LATER



This Could Be It

I thought it was time for a happier song, so I dug this little 2 minute song out I wrote around 2018-2019 timeframe. Inspired by a wonderful friend oversees, that has always been such a supporter of my music. Maybe one day I will actually get that one way ticket! Life can be crazy!

Back in 2020 my little sister asked that I sing this at her wedding, as she was walking down the aisle which was a great memory. I slowed it down and changed some lyrics up in verse to make it more fitting. I hope ya'll enjoy this live take I did late last night on my old Baldwin piano. Thanks for listening!:) I hope someone is making you smile today!:)

You Make Me Smile

You're in the moonlight
I'm in the sunlight
You're by an ocean
I'm by a river
I'm on the next flight
Crazy but feels right 
Life will be golden 
Cause I'm a believer 

You make me smile
You make me smile
Morning noon and night 
You make me smile 
You make me smile
Nothing's felt so right 

Walking with you now 
God shining down now 
Feels like a movie 
With you by my side
My one way ticket
I'll never forget it
I'll be yours truly 
I've nothing to hide

You make me smile
You make me smile
Morning noon and night 
You make me smile 
You make me smile
Nothing's felt so right 

You make...
You make...
Me smile 

All music written and recorded by 
©Daniel Colter Valentine 
The word "Cause" - Credit to my sweet Mom;)

You Make Me Smile (Original song live)

I always try to make each song unique, and this one is one that has always stood out to me. An upbeat elaborate melody, and I just took a deep breath counted in four and went with it, fighting a stupid stuck key on my 60's Baldwin too lol, but I just kept going! I still love you little stuck key. The joy in all of this...is in those few minutes of a song...I'm gone from it all!

I started writing this song back in 2014-2015 timeframe when I was livin in an old garage apartment in Taylor, TX. Ever met someone where they just made everything in life so easy? I hope you enjoy this live take I did tonight, it was fun! 

The picture is a thowback from 2009 while playing at Fuel Coffee House back home in Llano, Texas.  I miss that ol Kurzweil PC88. 

Thanks for listening!!:) 

Life is Easy

Always those longing eyes
Spark the night like fireflies
Black and white dreams are done
Now we're running in the yellow sun

Ooo I've never met anyone quite like you Ooo Oo
Standing on the edge of a cloud beside you Ooo Oo 
Life is easy with you 
Life is easy with you 
Oh yeah

Nights with you are the best
You really put my past to rest
Morning light loves so fast
I think that this is gonna last

Ooo I've never met anyone quite like you Ooo Oo 
Standing on the edge of a cloud beside you Ooo Oo 
Life is easy with you 
Life is easy with you 
Oh yeah

Instrumental 

Ooo I've never met anyone quite like you Ooo Oo
Standing on the edge of a cloud beside you Ooo Oo 
Life is easy with you 
Life is easy with you 
Oh yeah

Life is easy with you 
Oh yeah

All music written and recorded by 
©Daniel Colter Valentine

Life is Easy (Original song live)

Born Again

Lyrics:

Open your mind
See what you've done
Brand new sun
Clear those eyes

Do not
Stay too tame
Leave thine shame
Harmonise

Now
Plan is set
Won't forget
Phoenix rise!

**************

This song is a personal one about the companionship I feel with my friends when I play music with them. Using the phoenix theme of death and rebirth in the fire. The inspirations for this song include the progressive songwriting of Yes, and the lyrical playing of Mei Semones. I guess you could say I'm blending an old style with a new one. I have been enjoying writing shorter songs recently. Something about the attention span of everyone these days demands quick playback. Hope you enjoy!

Written, recorded, performed and mixed by Matt Norsa/Naïve Composer.

Phoenix Rise!

Indefatigable

I wrote this song 15 years ago for close friend and guitarist Elmer Stone. Elmer and I have collaborated on three songs on Soundcloud but this one is purely a tribute to him and the friendship we have shared for the past thirty-plus years.  It is also a memorial for his wife Bonnie who he lost two years ago. She was a core contributor to his music, life partner, and his best friend.
I am indebted to Mike Fox and Axel Meningen for taking my rough demo of the song and making it a broadcast quality production.  Thank you gentlemen for your time, talents, and belief that the song could be more than I could ever make it on my own.  Hear more of their amazing music @michael-fox-925325997 and @axel-m-501052973  
Good Ol' Boy
Lyrics:
He's a good ol' boy with his good ol' toys,
He likes a beer now and then.
He picks a guitar and dreams of going far,
Don't know the how, or the where, or the when.
The boys in the band play as hard as they can.
And they hitch their wagon to the star,
Of this good ol' boy, this good ol' boy.

He keeps house with his wife, the love of his life,
The kids are all grown and gone.
By the gray in his hair you can tell he still cares
'bout the things that are right and wrong.
And the question comes does it get better than this,
A hard days work and a goodnight kiss,
For this good ol' boy, this good ol' boy.

Bridge:
Well it hasn't been easy, no it's never been easy
But he keeps on keepin' on.
And what hasn't killed him he finds a way
To put into a song, 'bout this good ol' boy
This good ol' boy.

Instrumental break, repeat bridge.

He's a good ol' boy with his share of joys,
And his share of the cares of this world.
When it's all said and done, and his race has been run,
And he rests in the arms of the Lord
Of this good ol' boy, this good ol' boy.
Instrumental to the end.

Good Ol' Boy (Mike, Axel, David)

written by jeff gardiner

There's a Wrinkle  in the Moment 
the Muse is missing in the War Zone
Beauty has a different definition
in the loaming of the elder days

My Alcoholic friend came busting through the treeline
stone cold sober, when the quarter moon was rising
and the surf was crashing
crying like a child

Said he saw the future in a puddle in his driveway
after eating mushrooms from Hawaii-

That's when i started laughing
That's when i started crying
trying and deciding to give it all away-
beginning with Cessation
embracing the rejected
replacing the infected with absolutely nothing but Compassion-

Forgiveness out of order
being highly overrated
since the bad behaviors
are in the very natures of the perpetrators

Recalibration,  however is an option
in the aftermath's Duration
and the possiblity of Passion 
still lingers in the fingers on the fretboards
and the singers sing songs they've written
while smitten with emotion of the joyful
and broken hearted lovers and covers
and collections of recollections of Moments--

Wrinkle in the Moment ( from the Half-Life collection on Bandcamp)

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Vocal
Gary Reeves: Toms
Hans Albers: All other instruments, Arrangement & Production

Photo of Max from The Albers' Archive

What to say about Maximilian?
There are so many things to be told: a lifetime of 24 years, full of special moments, joys, fears, sorrows, worries, hopes, dreams, ups, downs, progress, regress, searching, finding, winning, losing, restlessness, peace...
His life had begun with an extremely difficult birth, almost as if the world didn’t want him. They told us he had a life-threatening infection, there were probably holes in his lungs and he obviously had no kidneys. In total, his chances of surviving were exceedingly slim. However, after endless weeks of both despair and hope, he overcame the infection, the diagnosis of holes in his lungs turned out to be totally wrong and they even discovered a kidney.  Just one maybe but at least it worked perfectly.  His journey into existence had begun.
As he grew, so did the never-ending nightmare of problems, challenges and battles, until we began to wonder what could possibly happen next.  Through it all, Max took every opportunity to accumulate extreme experiences - never hiding, always   seeking.  For that, we loved him even more…and even more it broke our hearts that we couldn’t help him find what he was looking for.
But suddenly, as the Summer of 2011 dawned, his troubles seemed to merely fade away.  Was he just arriving in life, coming of age, finding his place in society?  To be honest, we hadn’t the faintest idea.  But it was abundantly clear that, having always been an underdog, that same unwelcoming world had simply started to like and respect him.  He began to realise his many talents, enjoying his job as never before, finally becoming something he had never been - happy.
Fast forward to the gorgeous Summer evening of June 28th, the eve of a 4-week vacation to which he had been looking forward so very much.  A smile on his face, he said he was in the mood to go jogging, something he loved. Sometimes, he ran and ran for ages.  He’d been gone about 3 hours, quite a long time even for him, so Carina called his phone and he answered, cheerfully telling her not to worry and assuring her he’d be home very soon.  Seconds after the call, out of the blue, he collapsed.  A pulmonary embolism.  They told us he died instantly. 
Max, we have no words for what happened, nor for the eternal gratitude we feel for every single second of your life.  We do know we will never stop loving you.”
(Hans & Carina Albers)

Small chance of survival, words from the first day
Stretching all emotions not a single which way
Asking whys and reasons, a chance to breathe long
Heartbreaking moments, hopes remained strong

Such a short distance, but a life running miles
Bring every sensation, fear to a million smiles
Experience not forgotten, continuous hug of care      
Born with fighting spirit, giving back more to share

24 years of love, no single regret
24 years of love, never to forget

Every challenge building, inner muscles to be felt
Secret ways to be happy, never question hand dealt         
Complication of thinking to find a new sentence 
Pathways to friendships, dreams of acceptance

24 years of love, no single regret
24 years of love, never to forget

A vision full of truth with strength to admire
Finding a hidden talent, past helping to aspire 
No journey of distance could prevent direction
A phone call assurance became last connection

It’s hard to find words, express feelings remaining 
Deep down inside shell, empty, sad, self-complaining 
But we will never forget our boy hero from birth
Brought love and kindness, past and future unblurred

24 years of love, no single regret
24 years of love, will never forget
24 years of love…

MAXIMILIAN - CRIPPLE CLUB  (Please Read Description)

Lyrics:
When you try to explain that the feeling is a precious thing
Don’t just give it away its the start of everything
It will break your heart to see how fast the money goes
Then your climbing a wall under fire and you’re all alone

And we all fall down
In this roadkill town

There's a scar on youre face from the fight that you had at school
There's a primitive smile when the memory returns to you
Your were too locked down to reach out to anyone
Now your friends and foes have come and gone

And we all fall down
In this roadkill town
And we all fall down
In this roadkill town

They say love is drug but I’ve had better memories
All you energy goes in a rush like amphetamines
Play it cool, play it cold, play it dumb and then terminate
Leaving feelings of loss curled around you like a snake

In this roadkill town
In this roadkill town
And its all right now
And its all right now 
In this roadkill town

Roadkill Town

Life Ain’t Easy is a heartfelt song about facing life’s hardships with courage and resilience. It reflects on struggles, setbacks, and the strength needed to keep moving forward. With honest lyrics and a hopeful tone, the song reminds listeners that while life can be tough, perseverance and hope can carry us through.

Life ain’t easy

Hey everyone!
This track, Asteroids (The Original Was Better), started when I heard Beating Edge’s chiptune tune RND and got inspired to write some lyrics about the classic arcade game Asteroids. I added my acoustic guitar and vocals on top and sent it over to the band.
They liked it so much they decided to jump in and make a second part with a more rock vibe using the same musical base. We put both parts together into one track, starting with a fun spoken intro, a little vocal line to bridge the two sections, and finishing off with a hilarious outro.
It was a really cool collab and I’m stoked for you all to hear it!

Music by: Beating Edge
Lyrics by: Tom (Beating Edge) and Joe Stroffolino
Performed by: Beating Edge and Joe Stroffolino
Acoustic guitar (Taylor 114ce) by: Joe Stroffolino
Vocals performed by: Joe Stroffolino and Tom (Beating Edge)
At the moment, this track is exclusively available on SoundCloud.
Released on June 6, 2025.
©2025 Beating Edge and Joe Stroffolino

Lyrics:

[Spoken Intro]
Joe: Wow! This is a really cool Arcade!
Tom: Yeah!
Joe: Hey, check it out! Is that an Asteroids game over there?
Tom: Oh, wow!
Joe: I haven't seen that in like that forever!
Tom: That's definitely Asteroids! Let's play a game!
Mary (with a sore throat 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣): Oh yeah! Let's play Asteroids!

-->Joe

I used to play asteroids in the 1980’s
I liked to blow up rocks in outer space
The flying saucers would attack me
At an ever-increasing pace

I stumbled across an old vintage arcade the other day
I hadn’t played Asteroids in a long time
I popped a quarter into that old machine
And I watched my score start to climb

I watched my score start to climb
I watched my score start to climb
I watched my score start to climb

Time goes by so quickly
and playing that game really took me back
To those days when my future was unwritten
And I hadn’t gone so far down my current track

Pushing those buttons so fast and furiously
Standing in front of that arcade machine
Blowing up all those asteroids
On that black and white video screen

Blowing up all those asteroids
On that video screen
Blowing up all those asteroids
On that video screen

For a couple of minutes, I forgot about the present
I was back floating in outer space
Breaking big rocks into small rocks
I had a a big smile on my face

And then it was time for me to go
Cause I had errands that I needed to run
But that old video game
I sure had a lot of fun

It's not over yet

-->Tom

Just a single screen, all black and white
The whole room's dark except the TV's light
Rotate and thrust, it wasn't much
No one had seen a thing like this before

Now there's a 3D holographic thing
That no one plays, 'cause nobody can afford
With a visor on, your body's gone
It's kinda fun, but the original was better

We used to play all day, late at night
For the high score, it was do or die
No one knew what a quarter was worth
No one knew what the future had in store

Now there's a 3D holographic thing
That no one plays, 'cause nobody can afford
With a visor on, your body's gone
It's kinda fun, but the original was better

The original was better
The original was better
The original was better
The original was better

Now there's a 3D holographic thing
That no one plays, 'cause nobody can afford
With a visor on, your body's gone
It's kinda fun, but the original was better

[Spoken Outro]
Someone who wants to stay anonymous 😂: That was a lot of fun!

Asteroids (The Original Was Better) - Beating Edge & Joe Stroffolino

My second time to try covering my favorite John Denver song.

Country Roads - Cover by Tony

Deleted scenes, momentary gods, dreamless sleep
I don’t believe what’s true 
I don’t know what’s true
I just believe what I hear most often
It’s the storm that clears the noise
It’s the storm that clears the noise
But I’m not the storm 
I am the sky
No, I’m not the storm 
I am the sky
Whispers shape worlds
Whispers shape minds
Whispers shape worlds
As the future unwinds
Lonely nights, weary world, hear the cities symphony, 
The more I walk a path the more visible it becomes
But If I don’t change direction, I may end up where I’m going
It’s the storm that clears the noise
But I’m not the storm 
I am the sky
No, I’m not the storm 
I am the sky
It’s the storm that clears the noise
But I’m not the storm 
I am the sky

It's the Storm that Clears the Noise

I had posted a year ago the row version of this track recorded back in 2015 (https://soundcloud.com/michele-ansani/bosque-redondo)
I thought that, after all these years, it was time to remake it, without altering the melody or the atmosphere.
Regarding the context evoked, see for example here: https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/navajo/long-walk/long-walk.cshtml

Composed by Michele Ansani (2015-2025).
Bansuri is courtesy by Aahro.
Cover photo: Navajo girls at Fort Sumner, Bosque Redondo era, New Mexico, 1864-1868(?). Palace of the Governors Photo Archives, negative number 038208.

RePosted on SoundCloud: 2025, June 16

Bosque Redondo (final version)*

Prince of bullshit

There are people who believe you should love your neighbor as yourself
There are people who believe you should share some of your wealth
There are people who believe that only the fittest should survive
And if you’re poor and you’re weak it’s up to you to stay alive
There are people who believe you should teach a man to fish
Instead of giving him all his food in an already cooked dish
There are people who have an empathy deficit
They see people suffering and they don’t care one bit
They wear religion on their sleeves but if you’re in the wrong denomination.  They look at you like you’re an abomination.
People who treat politics the same as a religion and if presented with a new set of facts they don’t even budge a little smidgeon
Billionaires who have enough money where they could end world hunger in one day
Do they see people starving and think it is okay. We’re stronger together than if we are apart
If we could see ourselves as passengers on the same boat that would be a good start
We all share this this tiny rock as it floats through outer space
This planet is the lifeboat for the entire human race
Billionaires who what to create a colony on Mars. Let’s fix things here on earth before we travel to the stars
The world used to be full of undiscovered places but now humans have put footprints everywhere.
The continents touch the same oceans, and we all breathe the same air We live on one planet that we have to share
We’re stronger together than if we are apart
If we could see ourselves as passengers on the same boat that would be a good start
We all share this this tiny rock as it floats through outer space
This planet is the lifeboat for the entire human race. Billionaires who what to create a colony on Mars.   Let’s fix things here on earth before we travel to the stars

Empathy

Rapture is a new collaboration between the Beating Edge and Joe Stroffolino, following the awesome Asteroids (The Original Was Better). Joe wrote both the lyrics and the original music, while the Beating Edge rearranged and recorded it in a punchy rock style, adding driving guitars, strong rhythm, and dynamic choruses. Vocals feature Tom on lead, with Joe and Mary contributing both backing vocals and lead parts on certain verses and the bridge, creating a layered and energetic vocal texture.
The song explores the absurdity and irony of doomsday prophecies, the obsession with the rapture, and the endless cycle of believers and false prophets. It blends satirical storytelling with a critical eye on human behavior, delivering a mix of humor, intensity, and thought-provoking commentary through energetic rock arrangements. 
Rapture is a track that engages both the mind and the ears, combining narrative, power, and fun in equal measure.
Copyright 2025  Joe Stroffolino & The Beating Edge

Lyrics:

These prophets who say the world's gonna end and they set a specific date
And then when it doesn't happen, their followers still think they're great
The sun rises the next morning and people stumble out of bed
Disappointed that the rapture didn't happen and they're still alive instead of dead

All these people going through the motions, trying to deal with the daily grind
Hoping the rapture comes soon and they're not the ones who are left behind

They claim they have a direct line to God but there was a glitch in the connection
But now they're certain of the expiration date so they issue a correction
The shepherd guides the flock and tries to keep them safe from harm
But how many times can you cry wolf before people ignore your alarm

All these people going through the motions, trying to deal with the daily grind
Hoping the rapture comes soon and they're not the ones who are left behind

Who cares about the environment if you think the world is gonna end
And you're convinced the second coming is right around the bend
So drill baby drill and chop down all the plants and trees
No need to spend money on curing terrible disease

In every generation throughout history, people were certain that the rapture would come
And they had followers willing to believe them as they fed them each a tiny crumb
In baseball you only get three strikes and then the umpire says you're out
But when it comes to doomsday prophecies, the true believers have no doubt

All these people going through the motions, trying to deal with the daily grind
Hoping the rapture comes soon and they're not the ones who are left behind

Rapture

A stripped down version of this song with just me and my guitar
And here’s a link to a more highly produced version https://on.soundcloud.com/ilKgH0ZJjkQdhPEuk7

Copyright 2025

Verse 1
I’ve never seen the Great Wall; I’ve never been to Japan.
I’ve never seen the Eiffel Tower; it’s not part of my bucket list plan.
I don’t need to stand in line for two hours so I can see the Mona Lisa for thirty seconds.
I can see the same thing at home for free on my computer.

Chorus
I’m perfectly content to stay right here,
Living in the same place year after year.
I’m perfectly content to stay right here.

Verse 2
I don’t want to sit in a pressurized cylinder, with only a bag of peanuts to eat,
As I’m elbowed by a stranger who decides he wants to ventilate his feet.
I don’t want to go to a tourist trap and hang out with a bunch of ugly Americans.
If I want to see ugly Americans, all I’ve gotta do is step outside.

Chorus (Repeat)
I’m perfectly content to stay right here,
Living in the same place year after year.
I’m perfectly content to stay right here.

Bridge
I don’t want to be, don’t want to be, don’t want to be, don’t want to be, don’t want to be a rambling man.
I don’t want to be, don’t want to be, don’t want to be, don’t want to be, don’t want to be a rambling man.

Verse 3
Waking up early, rushing to the airport, to get on a crowded flight,
Trying to find space in the overhead bin and not get in a fight.
When you get there, you can’t drink the water, and the alcohol can make you go blind.
That doesn’t sound like the optimal place for a person to unwind.
You have to ration your underwear, or you’ll have to wear it inside out again for a second time.
You have to keep your money in a belt or you could be the victim of a pickpocketing crime.

Bridge (Repeat)
I don’t want to be, don’t want to be, don’t want to be, don’t want to be, don’t want to be a rambling man.
I don’t want to be, don’t want to be, don’t want to be, don’t want to be, don’t want to be a rambling man.

Not a Rambling Man (Acoustic Version)

Songs with a twinge of humor (and some a bit more serious).  
I do not use AI to create my songs. 
https://linktr.ee/joe.stroffolino
Recently I have had the urge to pick up my guitars (Taylor 114ce and Fender Squire) and I have been trying to use more guitar in my songs.  
My go to .vst plug ins are  EZkeys 2, EZ Bass and  EZ drummer 3) and my DAW is Logic Pro 11. 
I welcome your comments and enjoy listening to all the great music on SoundCloud. 
All songs are originals and copyrighted.