Stem-mastered by Oli Morgan

..........she changed me...
.
Lyrics
.
Big picture windows and bright colored birds, flying in to see her...
Blue glass bowls and plates shaped like fishes...  Wine and brie on crystalline dishes.
Watch the world sparkle from beneath a blue glass table, ah!

Chorus:
And she loved blue skies (3x)
And I could see them in her eyes (3x)

Austin and Bean, behind a curtain of dandelions, Warhols and James Dean lined her walls.
Tippy toe on the couch arm, to feel 10 feet tall!  Late night piano on a big blue ball...

(piano interlude)

Catching in color creatures scurrying to her window.  Curious monkeys and seagulls so fast, while spinning tops glitter brightly on glass...

Chorus:
And she loved blue skies (3x)
And I could see them in her eyes (2x)

Black leather jackets and oversized sweaters. silk and cashmere and three dozen shoes...
The sweetheart of all my songs and love letters,  black shades red lips and pink cheeks with no rouge.

Perfume, incense, Godiva - warm cup of bliss.  roses and candlelight reflect on the water.  If only time could stand still just like this.  Just like this...

Life transitions can be so untidy...  Friends offer support.  Voices speak quietly.  She has shifted the major and minor in me...

Still the way her head cradles into my shoulder, crinkles on her nose when she smiles.  Quiet walks in the woods along our canal.  or on the beach to gather shells for a while.  Ah!

Chorus:
And she loves blue skies (3x)
And I can see them in her eyes (3x)

Evidence of Soul

She Loves Blue Skies

Special thanks to Irina for adding her beautiful vocals.

Stem-mastered by Oli Morgan
.
..........a Homecoming
.
Lyrics:
..
CANDLELIGHT’S SHINING

If I’m lost for words, would you still know my heart?  Before even one breath, I had loved you from the start.
Though you’re out of sight, sunlight still shines upon your face, no longer a child, still cradled in this warm embrace.
 
Time won’t stand still until you’re here again, but skies don’t shine as blue,
So precious these days, each moment I spend with you…

CHORUS:
My candlelight’s shining bright for you, a  beacon in the night.  Whatever life may bring, I’ll see the good in you.
My candlelight’s shining bright for you.   I believe in you.
When life has hurt your pride, I’ll still be on your side.
My candlelight’s shining bright for you.

When you need to be heard, I will lend you my voice.  Though you lose your way, you will always have a choice.
Though you hide your tears, I will still see your pride.  When you’ve lost the will I’ll still be standing by your side.
A broken heart, I’ll always hear you.  I’ve memorized your song.
It’s not coming home; you’ve been here all along

to CHORUS:

Bridge:
There’s no need for any more spending precious time worrying, defending ourselves from doubtful misunderstandings.  Let’s create our own happy endings. (x2)

to CHORUS: (x2), adding bridge

My candlelight's shining bright for you!

Candlelight's Shining

Candlelight's Shining-(featuring Irina - vocals)

Stem-mastered by Oli Morgan

..........it's okay to not have it all


Lyrics:
.
V1.
Little Bear, won't you share just a slice of your blueberry pie.  It would be so nice if I could have a try.  
Don't you see my eyes?  They are staring at the prize you carry between hairy paws.  

C1.
Oh Little Bear, it would be nice if you would share a slice of your blueberry pie..., your blueberry pie..., your blueberry pie.
V1.1
Little Bear, won't you share just a slice of your blueberry pie.  May I try a bite?

V2.
Little Bear, I'm still very enticed by your blueberry pie, I've asked you nicely but there's been nary a reply.
Such a giant sized pie,... would it be wise?  Won't you hurt your belly if you eat it all?

C2.
Oh Little Bear, take my advice.  Don't gobble every slice of your blueberry pie..., your blueberry pie..., your blueberry pie.
V2.1
I don't mean to be contrary, but if your pie is dry, I have dairy!?

V3.
Oh how very beyond all compare was your blueberry pie.  Twice the recipe of blueberries, I think that's why...  
What a big surprise, your blueberry pie's so nice and juicy we don't need milk at all.

C3.
A dozen napkins won't suffice when savoring a slice of your blueberry pie,... your blueberry pie,... your blueberry pie.
V3.1
Little Bear, thank you very, very much for your blueberry pie.  I'm very satisfied!

Little Bear

Stem-mastered by Oli Morgan

..........For our friends.
. 

Lyrics:
.
v1.
When you arrive, time to take a small break from our labors…  To slow down and unwind as much as we’re able, 
An honest kind-hearted friendship never wavered.  You bring the wine.  We’ll set the table.

v2.
At the door, “Glad to see you!  How was your flight?  Of course, you’ll have to stay for more than just one night???”
The girls start in with banter and joking, our words more subtle.,,, quietly spoken, confidence shared, long-kept, unbroken…

Chorus:  
We’ll serve the quiet and you pour the laughter.  No need to clean up, we can handle that after you’ve gone…  
Let’s make the most of this time spent together…. Even though a familiar melancholy song, the afterglow of your smile lingers on…

v3.
Share a good meal and a drink, or maybe two, talking of old times, and old friends we once knew…  
laugh and smile ‘til… bellies and hearts fill, remembering all we knew to be true.

v4.
Behind the meal, and special care, … faintly whispering in the air. 
More than gratitude, peace and good cheer, sacred, unspoken these many years… this reluctant evanescence shared…

Chorus:  
We’ll serve the quiet and you pour the laughter.  No need to clean up, we can handle that when you’ve gone…  
Let’s make the most of this time spent together…. Even though a familiar melancholy song, the afterglow of your smile lingers on…

v5.
Once again, across all these years… How have we come this far???    through love... laughter… loss… tears???   … You break out your guitar,…

(guitar interlude)

Life’s not always been kind, but friends know how to pretend… love is blind…

Chorus:  
A little more music,…  Won’t you read us a chapter?  We've got all night. When will another chance come along?  
Let’s make the most of this time spent together…Even though a familiar melancholy song, the afterglow of your smile lingers on…

Afterglow

Lyrics:

Chorus:
You are like an exploding star
Light and heat emanate
From right where you are…
Blindingly near
something to fear,
But lovely from afar

Verse 1:
Where from 
does your chaos come,...
Tragedy or something inborn,… 
inate or an acquired trait,
leaving us torn 
between hate and love???

Chorus:
You are like an exploding star
Light and heat emanate
From right where you are…
Blindingly near
something to fear

Verse2:
Enemy admirers
infatuation, fires of frustration.
In naïveté a nation kneels.
You employ your power play

Chorus:  
You are like an exploding star
Light and heat emanate
From right where you are…

Interlude

Unfathomed from afar
Blindingly near
something to fear…

Exploding Star

Lyrics

There’s a grace in accepting our past
Shading reality through rose-tinted glass
Reframe dreams, re-envision success,
A lifetime of memories, some good, some a little less.

We’ve had challenges along our way.
Detours that led us here today…
Would never have dreamed to pray for this…
We found in our struggles a share of bliss…

Though deep wilderness we travel through
You make ever after so easy to do…
You make ever after oh so easy to do…

Why choose this man so flawed and moody.
In imperfection you showed him beauty.
Imperfect, yet never settling for less
as you tease playfully at his seriousness…

Now I hold my tongue a little more…
So that for your waves I can be your shore…
To be your comfort as we grow old…
To have the hand you reach out to hold.

Tender impulses somehow grew.
You make ever after so easy to do…
Our years together, how they flew.
You make ever after so easy to do…
You make ever after oh so easy to do

Interlude 

Our years together, how they flew.
You make ever after so easy to do
If we lived 1000 lifetimes through
I'd still do ever after… so happily with you,
I'd still do ever after… so happily with you,

In-Xtric-8

You Make Ever After Easy

Thanks, Bill for the drum parts!

lyrics

V1
Confident and full of  pride,
Honest feelings once denied
With no one in whom to confide.
Acquainted with life’s darker side 

Surviving such a long wild ride
Moments that  he could have died. 
So tough to swim against the tide 
But no denying that he tried 

C1
Just had to learn the hard way…
From willful boy to stubborn man…
Barely surviving day-to-day
Hoping life still had a plan…for him.


V2
Knowing love’s unlucky side
She learned to take these things in stride
Protective of the fire inside,
But unprepared when hearts collide

They met, she sensed his wounded pride
Feelings intense, his tongue was tied
A gaze from which he couldn’t hide 
Walls fell down and tears were cried

C2
Their love grew the hard way…
Messy, yes, but always true
Step-by-step and day-by-day
Both needing to see this through…

C3
They found love the hard way.
Retaught each other how to dance
with grace and gratitude.  They
were one another’s chance... to learn

to love the hard way…

The Hard Way

The Hard Way - featuring Bill Concello (drums)

Thanks to Bill Concello for writing and recording the drum and percussion track!

Lyrics:

How to grieve what had never been?
Written long ago… father, not friend,
without resolution in the end.  Why? 

Perhaps primitive, never eye to eye.  
maybe I to him, an animal, shelterless,
to be taken in, weak and helpless.

But to never grow up, be like Peter Pan
Soul of a boy in the skin of a man.
Irreverent child.  Never worldly or wise,
But no longer willing to wear his disguise
Off to heaven he flies!

brief interlude 

Nervous smile, awkward laugh, outta there!
Pumped ’til the burn was too much to bear.
Felt like flying, the wind in his hair,

Now older, still taken in easily
could ne’er comprehend inhumanity
they say he still lives in a fantasy

…to never grow up, Like Peter Pan
Soul of a boy in the skin of a man.
Irreverent, child.  Never worldly or wise,
But no longer willing to wear their disguise
Off to heaven he flies!
Off to heaven he flies!
to heaven he flies!
..he flies...  flies!
....he flies!
......he flies!
........he flies!

Taken In - Featuring Bill Concello (Drums)

Thanks, Bill for the drum, bass, guitar and percussion parts!

lyrics

V1
Confident and full of  pride,
Honest feelings once denied
With no one in whom to confide.
Acquainted with life’s darker side 

Surviving such a long wild ride
Moments that  he could have died. 
So tough to swim against the tide 
But no denying that he tried 

C1
Just had to learn the hard way…
From willful boy to stubborn man…
Barely surviving day-to-day
Hoping life still had a plan…for him.


V2
Knowing love’s unlucky side
She learned to take these things in stride
Protective of the fire inside,
But unprepared when hearts collide

They met, she sensed his wounded pride
Feelings intense, his tongue was tied
A gaze from which he couldn’t hide 
Walls fell down and tears were cried

C2
Their love grew the hard way…
Messy, yes, but always true
Step-by-step and day-by-day
Both needing to see this through…

C3
They found love the hard way.
Retaught each other how to dance
with grace and gratitude.  They
were one another’s chance... to learn

to love the hard way…

The Hard Way - Instrumental Track Mixed by Bill Concello

Many thanks to Bill Concello for the drum and percussion parts

Lyrics:

Stop!

Occlusion in glass, crack of a smile
Pierces the darkness, deception and guile

Means of attack,… of pushing of buttons 
…push back, with nuclear options

Chorus:
Stepping on a land mine of old injuries
Setting off a cascade of insecurities.

Stop!

How to take care, beneath bulky armor
Shell fragments lodged, pressing in further…

Hard to conceive…. can’t understand.
Digging up grievances best forgotten!

Chorus:
Stepping on a land mine of old injuries
Setting off a cascade of insecurities.

Stop!…

Bridge:  Lets put away swords, don’t utter a word
Through wounded eyes.only silence is heard.

Chorus:
Stepping on a land mine of old injuries
Setting off a cascade of insecurities.

Stop!…

Chorus:
Stepping on a land mine of old injuries
Setting off a cascade of insecurities.

Stop!

Stop!…

Landmine - Featuring Bill Concello drums and percussion

Many thanks to Bill Concello for his drum parts...

Lyrics:

Odd little bird…. seen not heard
Never allowed the final word…
hidden, unknown, feelings never shown 

Struggling… trying so hard to be good.
Ever and always doing as she should.
But what she’d give to just be understood.

Chorus…
Hear her cries riding the wind.
Feel her tears in the falling rain….
If only to be with her again…

Someone to share her heart?
Deep waters so painful to chart
Living together but always apart….

Chorus…
Hear her cries riding the wind
Feel her tears in the falling rain…
If only to be with her again….

To dance her dance and play her tune
Wander the nights, sing to the moon
Breath of hope coming none too soon

Odd little bird…. seen not heard
Never allowed the final word…
hidden, unknown, feelings never shown 

Chorus…
Hear her cries riding the wind
Feel her tears in the falling rain…
If only to be with her again…

If only to be with her…

To Be With Her Again - featuring Bill Concello (drums)

Many thanks to Bill Concello for the drum and percussion parts.


Lyrics:
  
Seven huddle in a one room shed, tattered clothing, no toilet…bed.  
to sleep and keep the children fed, all other options limited.

Chorus:  
Swords to borders, war’s been won.
Give up the fight before it’s begun!
We’ll have thousands, they’ll have none…

Dirt road in a dust bowl town.  Fossilized fingers scratch the ground…
Burying treasures, recently found.  Palms outstretched without a sound. 

Chorus:  
Swords to borders, war’s been won.
Give up the fight before it’s begun!
We’ll have thousands, they’ll have none.

Swords to borders, war’s been won…

Bridge:
Imagination aspiration, revelation inspiration
Innovation adaptation, cooperation orchestration
Reputation vindication, collaboration invitation
Third-world nation transformation. Population celebration!

Hot sands blowing sting their faces,… a journey walked for generations.
A million footsteps leave no traces, but imprinted on their hearts, was patience…

Outro and fade out:  
Nations
Swords to borders, war’s been won.
Patience
Swords to borders, war’s been won.
Nations
Swords to borders, war’s been won.
Patience

Swords to Borders

Swords To Borders - featuring Bill Concello (drums)

Many thanks to Bill Concello for the drum parts...

Lyrics
Haunted by fears, pretending for years
Mentally caged in a funhouse of mirrors

Games that he played.. same mistakes made
Now in a hole deep as an ocean of tears

Chorus:
Not lookin’ any younger or gettin’ any wiser
Life ain’t gettin’ easier, but still nothin’ satisfies her

Smiling, but stressed…. Keep them impressed
Another mark made,..another conquest…

Unearned money spent…none left to invest
Wheels keep turning, sleep with no rest…

Chorus:
Not lookin’ any younger or gettin’ any wiser
Life ain’t gettin’ easier, but still nothin’ satisfies her

Speaks easy lies torn down to size
The crocodile cries, but no smiles reach his eyes

Chorus:
Not lookin’ any younger or gettin’ any wiser
Life ain’t gettin’ easier, but still nothin’ satisfies her

Life ain’t gettin’ easier, but still nothin’ satisfies her
but still nothin’ satisfies her….  but still nothin’ satisfies her…
but still nothin’ satisfies her…

Nothin Satisfies Her

V1
Her door is open…
A lightness in her eyes.
A freedom in her  style
He can see it in her smile…

Her spirit open
Eyes wide in wonder
Voice soft and bright
Easy laughter, joy, delight

Chorus
The rhythm of their love
a pulse strong and steady
Caressing strings in harmony
Hearts beat in symphony
The rhythm of their love

V2
His eyes opened
Seeing for the first time
Words shaped by her lips
The beauty of her fingertips

One more chance to be open
Urgent, but subtle 
A glance to convey.
Desires they dare not say... hey, hey...

Chorus
The rhythm of their love
a pulse strong and steady
Caressing strings in harmony
Hearts beat in symphony
The rhythm of their love

V3
Floodgates open
She makes him feel alive.  
Pulse racing, cords tighten.
Adrenaline rushing, senses heighten.

Chorus
The rhythm of their love
a pulse strong and steady
Caressing strings in harmony
Hearts beat in symphony
The rhythm of their love
The rhythm of their love
The rhythm of their love

Rhythm of Their Love - with Bill Concello, drums

V1
Her door is open…
A lightness in her eyes.
A freedom in her style
He can see it in her smile…

Her spirit open
Eyes wide in wonder
Voice soft and bright
Easy laughter, joy, delight

Chorus
The rhythm of their love
a pulse strong and steady
Caressing strings in harmony
Hearts beat in symphony
The rhythm of their love

V2
His eyes opened
Seeing for the first time
Words shaped by her lips
The beauty of her fingertips

One more chance to be open
Urgent, but subtle
A glance to convey.
Desires they dare not say... hey, hey...

Chorus
The rhythm of their love
a pulse strong and steady
Caressing strings in harmony
Hearts beat in symphony
The rhythm of their love

V3
Floodgates open
She makes him feel alive. 
Pulse racing, cords tighten.
Adrenaline rushing, senses heighten.

Chorus
The rhythm of their love
a pulse strong and steady
Caressing strings in harmony
Hearts beat in symphony
The rhythm of their love
The rhythm of their love
The rhythm of their love

Rhythm of Their Love - with Bill Concello, Drums

Photo by MICHAEL CHIARA on Unsplash
      

Lyrics:

There’s a space within the mind 
where strands of fantasies unwind.  
Imagination so inclined…
From far beyond and far behind.

Joy or sorrow from their tears,
Transformed and silent, all these years.
In crystal pools like sacred mirrors
A fount of closely held ideals

An empty vessel, nothing more
Floating off to some far shore…
An empty vessel, nothing more

A beggar rough and so uncouth
Pours himself a dry vermouth
To hide from errors of his youth
From gravest sin profoundest truth

Head tilts, catches quiet whispers 
In mountain streams, and flowing rivers
Voices silence, concerns disperse.
A message from the universe:

An empty vessel, nothing more
Floating off to some far shore…
An empty vessel, nothing more

You let your intuition flow, 
To hidden dreams and secret woe
You would dare ne’er share nor show
But revelations from there grow…

Not of my own intent creating.  
But in this darkness meditating
Discoveries lie dormant, waiting. 
The silent child anticipating

An empty vessel, nothing more
Floating off to some far shore…
An empty vessel, nothing more

An empty vessel, nothing more

Nothing More

Many thanks to April and Bill!

lyrics:
V1
Confident and full of pride,
Honest feelings once denied
With no one in whom to confide.
Acquainted with life’s darker side

Surviving such a long wild ride
Moments that he could have died.
So tough to swim against the tide
But no denying that he tried

C1
Just had to learn the hard way…
From willful boy to stubborn man…
Barely surviving day-to-day
Hoping life still had a plan…for him.

V2
Knowing love’s unlucky side
She learned to take these things in stride
Protective of the fire inside,
But unprepared when hearts collide

They met, she sensed his wounded pride
Feelings intense, his tongue was tied
A gaze from which he couldn’t hide
Walls fell down and tears were cried

C2
Their love grew the hard way…
Messy, yes, but always true
Step-by-step and day-by-day
Both needing to see this through…

C3
They found love the hard way.
Retaught each other how to dance
with grace and gratitude. They



were one another’s chance... to learn

to love the hard way…

The Hard Way - duet with April Rain, Bill Concello (drums)

Lyrics

Eyes like crescent moons.
or the morning sunrise… over cold misty dunes
As hot as a flame, then sharper than knives 
covert like spies, having heard too many lies.

Your eyes took me by surprise, and before I realized I had to look twice.
Your eyes took me by surprise, and before I realized I had to look twice.

Saw through the glass a meaningful gaze,
Revealing a past that look on your face
Staring into space…some unfocused place
Reliving a memory,.. never erased

Your eyes took me by surprise, and before I realized I had to look twice.
Your eyes took me by surprise, and before I realized I had to look twice.

I recognized, when we locked eyes, I knew 
a kindred spirit having seen that place too…
Curiosity grew,…. Did I catch a glimpse... of yearning?  
Not quite discerning furtive glances,..   Could there be a chance???  
Could this be fate that brought me to you???  
Does this feel great to you ...too???

Your eyes took me by surprise, and before I realized I had to look twice.
Your eyes took me by surprise, and before I realized I had to look twice.
Your eyes took me by surprise, and before I realized I had to look twice.

Had to Look Twice - with Bill Concello (drums)

Lyrics:

Wine in a glass and on the plate
Turning dinner into a date…
Time to relax, appreciate
Work and worries have to wait…

In a rush, turn up the heat,
To sear then braise a cut of meat…
Quick dinner feeling like a treat,
When sharing with your soulmate

Meals… so emotional
Take us home, make us whole.
Deep umami for the soul... la dah bah doo bah doo...

Chicken roast, rotisserie
The wish-bone, grants a wish for me
One, two,… she’s counting three!
The perfect happy memory!

Late night pepperoni n’ mushroom,
Calling all our friends on zoom
Soon you’re gonna need more room
For an addition to our family!

Pizza so emotional!
Takes me home, makes me whole.
Deep dish umami for the soul... la dah bah doo bah doo...

Pork shoulder rubbed with seasoned oils
She’s showing,… Soon her water boils
Still at the stove all day she toils
A dinner service fit for royals.

Cooking… so emotional
Makes a home, keep it whole.
Deep umami for the soul 

Amidst the joy, scattered darkness
Times when life’s becomes a mess
Troubled hearts in distress…
Quiet herbs bring needed rest…

Quiet… so emotional
Deep umami for the soul

Nourishment, emotional,
Makes our home, keeps us whole...

Umami for the Soul - April (vocals), Kohei (trumpet), Bill (drums)

Many thanks to April and Bill!

lyrics:
V1
Confident and full of pride,
Honest feelings once denied
With no one in whom to confide.
Acquainted with life’s darker side

Surviving such a long wild ride
Moments that he could have died.
So tough to swim against the tide
But no denying that he tried

C1
Just had to learn the hard way…
From willful boy to stubborn man…
Barely surviving day-to-day
Hoping life still had a plan…for him.

V2
Knowing love’s unlucky side
She learned to take these things in stride
Protective of the fire inside,
But unprepared when hearts collide

They met, she sensed his wounded pride
Feelings intense, his tongue was tied
A gaze from which he couldn’t hide
Walls fell down and tears were cried

C2
Their love grew the hard way…
Messy, yes, but always true
Step-by-step and day-by-day
Both needing to see this through…

C3
They found love the hard way.
Retaught each other how to dance
with grace and gratitude. They

were one another’s chance... to learn

to love the hard way…

Lyrics:

Seven huddle in a one room shed, tattered clothing, no toilet…bed.
to sleep and keep the children fed, all other options limited.

Chorus:
Swords to borders, war’s been won.
Give up the fight before it’s begun!
We’ll have thousands, they’ll have none…

Dirt road in a dust bowl town. Fossilized fingers scratch the ground…
Burying treasures, recently found. Palms outstretched without a sound.

Chorus:
Swords to borders, war’s been won.
Give up the fight before it’s begun!
We’ll have thousands, they’ll have none.

Swords to borders, war’s been won…

Bridge:
Imagination aspiration, revelation inspiration
Innovation adaptation, cooperation orchestration
Reputation vindication, collaboration invitation
Third-world nation transformation. Population celebration!

Hot sands blowing sting their faces,… a journey walked for generations.
A million footsteps leave no traces, but imprinted on their hearts, was patience…

Outro and fade out:
Nations
Swords to borders, war’s been won.
Patience
Swords to borders, war’s been won.
Nations
Swords to borders, war’s been won.
Patience

Swords to Borders - with Bill Concello, drums

Umami for the Soul

We are a family of musicians collaborating with others in Tokyo, London and the US to create our debut album, "Evidence of Soul," stories of love, friendship, and learning to survive in this world.

In-Xtric-8

Machine Unseen

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