An uptempo, optimistic song about finding my way out of a dark place, having faith that I would. it's played in Open D tuning, for the musically curious.

Find My Way Home

A melancholic tale of a love that shimmered for a while but couldn't stand the test of time.

Forever is a long, long time

This is a demo version of a song I wrote for Keb' Mo' for his birthday a few years back. A song wishing him happiness, gratitude and Grace. I've since changed some pronouns to make it a prayer for all of us.

More Often Than Not

Verse 1
I hear the rasp of your file
and it takes me back a while
to a place where time was nothing
and home was possible
I watch you working from afar
as I caress my guitar
I wish this day would last forever
I wish this day would last forever

Verse 2
You hold the piece between your thighs
and let out one of your sighs
frustration vented
at last contented
dissolving your selfhood
atoned with the wood
You know today will last forever
You know today will last forever

Verse 3
The clouds they pass me by
on their way to another sky
for now I’ll stay behind
and watch the stars unwind
with my arse upon the ground
my head turned upside down
Tonight could bring us together
Tonight could last forever
Tonight could bring us together
Tonight could last forever

In The Saints' Wood

Reverie

first track of the E.P. is here

After The Thaw E.P. will soon follow. 


Alba

After The Thaw

Voici une de mes compos. J'ai crée les accords (au piano), le texte et le chant. Bobby Dirninger m'accompagne et a fait les arrangements.

Fucking christmas

Ten years ago today, one of my very dearest friends was knocked off her bicycle and killed.
It was so out of the blue and ripped a part of me away from myself.
I did many different things to try to come to terms with the shocking loss, one of which was to write a song. I couldn’t finish it at the time, as everything was still too raw.
Jo would have turned 50 last month. Just before her birthday, I awoke very early and was compelled to get up, find where I’d scribbled the lyrics and finally complete the song.
I recorded it in our shiatsu studio, with my son Joe’s patient help and burgeoning expertise.
Dan Ashby added his beautiful electric guitar and production tips, Christianne Braspenning her beautiful flute, Simon Osborne his beautiful bass and Aurore Teuira her beautiful voice, late last night.
I am deeply grateful to you all. Thank you.

This is for Jo’s parents, Margaret and Desmond, and for her sister Anita with love.

Lyrics:

Beautiful Nomad
capo 2

intro - F C D + riff

 G D Bm C  F C D 
You knew the edges is where it all happens
Periphery’s the best place to be - D sus4 
Not one for the spotlight
you still gave me your light
let it shine over me - riff

refrain x 2 Bm C G D x 2
Beautiful nomad
you kept right on walking
Beautiful nomad
even when you ran out of road

You asked for nothing - so hard to help you
Never wanted you to let me be 
I called your name in vain
My soul screamed out in pain
Loved you more than you could see

bridge Fmaj7 C Em G - doucement avec tristesse
None of us around
when the whip came down
you slipped away too ea-si-ly

refrain x 2 Bm C G D x 2
Beautiful nomad
you kept right on walking
Beautiful nomad
even when you ran out of road

 G D Bm C  F C D 
Thought you had all you wanted, living your good life
perhaps I didn’t want to see - riff
Reluctant artist
you had the vision but
you belonged in a gentler century

bridge Fmaj7 C Em G - joyeusement
shooting stars and coloured lights
I dreamed of you every night
you were so alive to me

refrain x 2 Bm C G D x 2
Beautiful nomad
you waited down here too long
Beautiful nomad
can’t believe ten years have gone

 G D Bm C  F C D 

bridge Fmaj7 C Em G - joyeusement
Walk on, walk on, walk on
We know you’re not really gone
keep on, keep on walking dear Jo

solo - 1 verset - riff, pause

 G D Bm C  F C D - lentement
You knew the edges is where it all happens
Periphery’s the best place to be…

Beautiful Nomad

Singer, songwriter, shiatsu practitioner, poet, gardener.

Reverie

Mark Maddrell

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