The difference between The Blues and having the blues.  That's Dave Bell of Blue Attitude on guitar.  I played bass and sang.

The vid:  https://youtu.be/EwTY2b7KpZQ

Blue Monger

Everyone in town had their faces on the ground.
A once contagious cat had brought them blues.
They called at once for help with no reply.

The sheriff seemed annoyed, but the mayor was overjoyed.
He 911ed a friend about the news.
The assassin came at once to purify.

The Blue Monger came to town to spread the truth.
He said, "The way you're all feeling down is not The Blues.  (They're more like this.)  SOLO

The whole town came around with the Blue Monger's sound.
They bounced right back to life and all was good.
The mayor made sure to raise himself in praise while
the Blue Monger tipped his hat to the old town cat, and said
"When you're feeling blue, it's not The Blues."

Blue Monger

A song about the rules of communiction.

The vid:  https://youtu.be/4bwt4-ROd9Q

Every Conversation

Every conversation that I hear in my commute
seems to say we've all gone mad.
Seems that no one wants to listen.  They're careless with the truth.
There's no surprise they look so sad.

Everybody's saying there's no way to avoid
the chaos that's about to come.
They're all stubbornly insisting they'd rather all's destroyed.
Their hearts it seems have all gone numb.  

Every conversation has got to have two sides.
Some give and take from both applies.
To have communication the meaning never hides.
Or else you'll walk away with lies.

Solomon was clever when they asked him to be judge.
He wisely took the baby's side.
So then what we need is wisdom to give both sides a nudge.
Then we'll close our vast divide.

We're seeking out advice from someone who is wise 
--a voice to lift this Babel cloud.
One without clear ties, removing all the lies.  
A quiet voice that's heard so loud.
TAG:  And then the conversation dies.

Every Conversation

Thats Janice Merritt helping me out with the vocals.  

The vid:  https://youtu.be/LF3v86qBuaU

Once I Had A Life

Once I had a life, and then I got a wife, and I was never alone.
She came and brought me joy.  We had a little boy.  
We made our house our home.

Our little man grew strong, and soon he was all gone.  
The "we" became undone.
My wife she didn't care.  She wasn't really there.  
My life, it had no fun.

I know we once had a life. My son & I would thrive.  
But he'd came home things just changed.
He'd get himself a drink, then threw up in the sink.  
He never knew our son by name.

As the time ticked by, I looked her in the eye and asked, 
"Do you know who I am?'
She said she didn't know, and told me I should go.  
I turned away and ran.

Once I had a wife but then got back my life 
in this house that once was home.
I like to sit and think, and mix myself a drink --enjoy my time alone.  Now my life's my own.

LAST VERSE (other melody):  I was his wife, I had no life.  He was just drunk all of he time.  Now my life's my own.

Once I Had A Life

The vid:  https://youtu.be/rhOjqE3bVdc

I Know It's Wrong

I know it's wrong but it feels so right.  You can't be seen with me.
We don't belong together in this light.  We can't let others see.
You know it's dangerous.  I know it's wrong.  
We know attraction could be so strong.

I know it's wrong but you look so good.  But looks will never last.
I know we shouldn't, but you know we could.  
And life can change so fast.
You know we're strangers.  I know it's wrong.  
I'd seek forgiveness, but she'd be long gone.

Where would I be if she would say goodbye 
and I lose the love we made?  
How could I ever look her in the eye 
and confess the sin that I have strayed?

Some say it's wrong --these old fashion ways.  
Most think I should give in.
But don't prolong your teaseing phase, and in the end I'll win.
You must keep moving.  I must go home 
where I won't be alone.

I Know It's Wrong

A song about the one who got away in The Case Of The Mystery Vibes.
The vid:  https://youtu.be/K-NiwkAgRrw
Mystery Vibes

Something in her smile sends a mystery vibe 
that makes me feel alive, and I want more.
She turns and looks my way.  Her smile melts my heart.   
Then suddenly she starts for the door.
When I arise to follow she slowly glances back.   
But how should I react to mystery vibes?

I'm taken by her smile and those mystery vibes.  
The thrill of her resides in my desire.
She left with such allure.  I saw she left a note.  
I quickly grabbed my coat.  My heart on fire.
Her chauffered car was waiting, the back door opened wide.  
But nothing sat inside but mystery vibes.

I went back every night, but she never did return.  
Yet still the fire burns and not subsides.
She lingers in the air there, yet everyone derides.  
She left me all alone with mystery vibes.

Mystery Vibes

A song about helpfulness.
That's Dave Bell of Blue Attitude on guitar.

The vid:  https://youtu.be/iQO_QLgVHKY

Give Me Something

Give me something I can hold on to.  Give me something for my hope.
My life is losing ground, and I'm drowning in the tears 
that are sliding down this slippery slope.
But this feeling in my heart tells me I can get back up 
if you stretch out a helping hand.
Give a brother something to help him live a life.  
Help a brother up to stand. 

Give me something.  Help me.  Give me anything.  
You have so much more to give.
Give me what you can.  I hope you understand.  
I just need your help to live.

Give me lovin'.  I could use good lovin'.  Lovin' seems to make me whole.
You know I need a lift, and your lovin' brings new life 
as it reaches to my very soul.
Bring that feeling to my heart.  Tell me I can get back up 
when you stretch out your loving hand.
You can change my life now.  Please chase away the clouds.  
I just want to understand.

Give me something.  Help me.  Give me anything.  You have so much love to give.
Give me what you got.  I know you got a lot.  I just need some love to live.

Bad days.  Out all night.  Sleeping underneath the bitter cold.
Someone said it's nice, but that can't be right.  
The food I eat is mostly made of mold.
I'm running out of line while I'm slowing down the pace.  
Bring me back into the fold.

Give Me Something

The vid:  https://youtu.be/aXFoKO9FfSw

She Could Walk With Me

She could walk with me, and every step we'd take will set us free.
If we go nowhere, we'll just shug it off without a care.
We'll know where to go, and what to do, and I won't need you.

You can walk away without another nasty word to say.
We will be both fine now we know you never will be mine.
We'll look back one day, and then we'll see 
that we are better free.

She could walk with me close by my side, 
and never care where we go.
She stays in step, stride for stride.  
She strolls to take it slow. 

As you used to say before you'd turn your nose and walk away,
that your time's your own, and you rather you were left alone.
You were gone so quick, didn't turn around.  You left without a sound.

She could walk with me, 
and every step we take there's more to see.
We'll go from here to there.  All the joys of life we both will share.
You can walk your way, or run, or stay, 
and she could walk with me,
You can walk your way, or run, or stay, 
and she could walk with me,

She Could Walk With Me

This song is a reply to someone who asked me why I always have a smile on my face like George Burns and Joe Riillo.

The vid:  https://youtu.be/AvbzQUWyV8k

She's The One

You maybe wonder why all the time I wear this big smile on my face.
Well, I'm such a happy guy becasue she's the one in my embrace.
She's the one who'll be there when the going gets tough.  
We'll face our fate when it comes.
Whenever I need a boost of support, you know she's the one.

You know that she's my soul.  
She's the one who takes all my breath away.
She's the one who makes me whole and I'm forever going to say,
She's the one who'll stay with me through thick and thin, 
the one who makes life more fun.
If ever you can see a light in my life, you know she's the one
who turns me on.

Maybe someday soon you will find for yourself 
a special one to bring out your smile.
Then let go all else, leave behind all your wealth, 
and live out your life down Love's aisle.

Eliminating strife from your world you need to seek some selfless soul
to make a better life where you can let your smile take control.
She's the one who does it for me every time.  
She shines more brightly than the Sun.
If ever you can see a light in my life, you know she's the one...
Oh, she's the one.

She's The One

A song about growing up while keeping laughter in your life. 
Here's a YT video of the song in case ya wanna learn the name of the horse he's snoring about at the end.  https://youtu.be/YbKc_Ocyxt8

Someone Said Whiskey

When I was younger I laughed all the time.  
I didn't care for nuthin', and I was just fine.
But they made me grow up, and I had to pay.  
All of the fun stuff was taken away.  But then

CH:  Someone said whiskey and I heard the call.  
They passed me a bottle and I drank it all.
We drank to our troubles till quarter to three.  
Someone said whiskey and whiskey called me. 

Next day I woke up and swam through my room.  
I went to the closet to fetch me a broom.
I cleaned up the worst slipp'ry mess that we made.  
I couldn't see much, so I rasied the shade.  "Close that!"

Someone said whiskey.  We gathered around.  
They passed me the bottle, and I drank it down.
We drank to our troubles and set them all free.  
Someone said whiskey and whiskey saved me. 

[Well, they say with age comes wisdom.  I don't know nuthin' about that.  
But I DO know that all my drinkin' buddies started dying off.  
So I got to thinking, "Maybe I gotta quit this drinkin'."  
You know, get on with some easy llivin'.]

Now that I'm older I laugh all the time.  
I care less for whiskey cuz ice tea's just fine.

Someone said whiskey.  I said what's the point.  
They drank from the bottle while I smoked a joint.
We laughed without troubles.  The day was complete.  
Someone said whiskey but I was asleep –dreaming of my horseshoe, Lucky.

Someone Said Whiskey

Dave Bell of Blue Attitude played guitars.
The vid:  https://youtu.be/qko4e38fjuw

Sultry Sway

I wake alone on my bedroom floor, assess the shape I'm in.
I look around for clues of the crazy night before, 
but the room begins to spin.
I nearly take a dive through the TV screen, but catch myself in reverie. 
The mem'ries flooding back make me think it's just a dream. 
She looked too good to be.
  
Oh, there's something in the way she walks into the room.  
1&2-(It's still there when she walks away.) 
3-(It's still there when she wants to stay.)
1-(She looked back at me just to see if I would see her sexy sultry sway.) 
2-(She'll mess up  my tie when she walks on by, and swings her sultry sway.)
3-(She moved in with me.  It was meant to be.  And now her sultry sway stays with me.) 

The day began and it dawned on me I needed somehow to find out.
Was she really real?  Was she really into me?  
My answers brought me doubt.    
I make my way to where she was seen last night, 
and quickly learn she comes in late.
I've nowhere else to be, and I need to see that sight.  
So I sit down and wait. 

I heard a knock on my bedroom door, and thought it seemed to be a dream. 
I saw the doorknob turn and quickly rise to see her sultry sway extreme.
I move to give her room and she slides right next to me 
and smiles her sultry smile.
She said she caught my vibes and she had to come and see.  
She's gonna stay awhile.

Sultry Sway

Another song that I happy Dave Bell of Blue Attitude played guitar.
The vid:  https://youtu.be/ZZKwCvBsJa0

Lean It On The Dreaming Tree

Once upon no time there was laughter 
lifting up the leaves on the trees.
Now there's just the lull that's after 
the happiness that left with the breeze.  
Now and then we wish how it was 
but wanting only makes what it does.
Until that day we all agree to lean it on the dreaming tree.

We're all just brains with thoughts asunder, 
sharing what we think and feel.  
We share our hopes and often wonder is any of this really real.
How are we to notice beauty when goals we make just block our view?
Guess we'll have to all agree to lean it on the dreaming tree.

In the quiet we remember
the dreams we had when we were young.
The dreaming tree stood tall and slender, 
where all our hopes and wishes hung.
Though time has changed the paths we wander, 
the tree remains our guiding light.
In spite of all the gifts we squander, 
we dream the tree will grow each night.

When the world feels cold and distant, and shadows fall upon our way,
the dreaming tree stands firm, persistent, a beacon through our darkest day.
With every leaf a whispered promise, 
of dreams that still can come to be,
we’ll find our strength and maybe solace 
leaning on the dreaming tree.

Lean It On The Dreaming Tree

Here is the YT vid:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou5V9_SBFK0

Truth Is In The Proof

When you say it like that I cannot detect the truth in what you say.
You're talking out your back and I don't understand.  
Veracity you hide away.
There is something in the satifying way you come across 
that seems rather sus.
Oh, how can we believe you're such a giving soul who's looking out for us.

Well, the Truth is in the proof they say.  We rely on that forsooth.
And all that anybody really knows is belief, but the truth is in the proof.

Everybody seems to think they've got to hide 
the truth in how they really feel.
Afraid of how their words can eas'ly be construed 
to something they'd rather not reveal.
They're all picking up their leads from those who wield abuse,
from those who cloud the way.
Oh, how can they believe there is truth in what they're told?  
In what the selfish say?

You can always tell the truth in lies
when you hear what wasn't said.
When someone tells you lies you can read between the lines 
and know the truth instead.
You just look into their eyes and watch their body writhe.  
The truth you'll find inside.
Oh, how can they believe they will not be understood.  
We'll all know that they lied.  Cuz

[We hear their lies and wish it's the truth.  They can't disguise the proof.]

Truth In The Proof

A song request to deny or at least delay the ultimate breakup.  By the title we'd think there's a tear in his eye, but I believe it is something else.

Here's the YT vid:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ8hpjfJ0X0

There's Something In My Eye

What you came to tell me 
isn't something that I want to hear from your lips.
I can see it's gonna hurt me.  That look in your eyes tells the truth.
Could you hold off saying it if you're gonna say goodbye?   
Can't you see there's something in my eye?

When we had our first fight 
I remember how you said you knew that we would last.
Now you say you know it's over, but what of the love we still share?
Could you hold off a little while and give it once last try.  
Can't you see there's something in my eye?

You asked to meet me 
cuz you said we need to talk about relationships.
But I don't want to hear those words 
I know will flow from your loving lips.

Maybe you will soften 
and the love we have you'll know how strong it can grow.
So let us just try a little while, and soon I know you'll feel as I do.
We can make it all work out if you'll let me show you why.  
Can't you see there's something in my eye?

There's Something In My Eye

This one's about the little ditty that di'n't.  It's charachters are of the tunesmithing variety.

Here's the YT vid:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBRTftOWdoo

Did He Ditty Do

A song about a guy who's dad was a clown and all the kids loved him.  
He wanted to be just like his dad but now all the kids are scared of clowns.
He's thinking maybe he should've been a dollmaker.

Here's a video of the sad clown on YT:  https://youtu.be/WMw1rMk1ejY

   Sad Clown Blues

My daddy was a circus entertainer.  
He loved to make the kiddies laugh.
So when I grew up it was a no-brainer.  I'd carry on on his behalf.
He said, "I'm gonna teach ya son all the tricks in how it's done, 
and you could carry on the cheer.
He didn't quite foresee how the world was gonna be, 
and clowns would one day cause fear.

It's a sad clown that can't be like his daddy, 
although I've paid my dues. (I cannot walk in his big shoes).
I am now bound to drive the people crazy 
just living my sad clown blues.

I wake each day, apply my trademark makeup, 
but paint my smile upside down.
There's no parties to attend since the breakup 
of the circus tents in town.
And when I wander down the street in my oversized big feet 
the kiddies cling to mama's side.
It's so hard feeling proud when they're screaming right out loud no matter how my makeup's applied.

Sad Clown Blues

A song of life –or for life, and how music is a big part of it.  That's Bill Davis (Dr. Buddy Love) on the pedal steel.

The vid:  https://youtu.be/0ERVxLuTKGw

This One's For The Ride

The vid:  https://youtu.be/AakAz5kZ5g4

Go On Teasin'
Right down the hill from Bailey's Farm 
you'll see a path that takes you back
into the scarey woods that surrounds this town.  
Then off the path you'll find a shack.
Knock upon the door, and you'll be glad I'm sure.  
You're bound to smell the savoir faire.
The setting's mighty pleasin,' but that's not the reason you'll be there.

Go on inside but take your time.  Make sure to keep an open mind.  
The darkness has a knack to take wits away, 
but through it all you'll find a sign.
Take the scary leap, but never fall asleep.  
You'll dream about her bear, Babu.
If you came to find a reason, she'll likely go on teasin' till you do.

She makes the potions that will bring you to your knees.  
She has a magic knack.
She stirs a tincture with some honey from her bees 
ensuring her you'll be back.

She'll give you reason to stay another season, 
and you'll be thrilled to abide.
You'll be glad you strayed from all the plans you made.  
The shack's a hideaway for you.
When you feel you're losing reason, she'll likely go on teasin' till you do.

Go On Teasin'

The vid:  https://youtu.be/CzeB4mKsZGo

My Old Country

Well, we used to keep our doors unlocked, 
and keys were kept in cars.
The streets were meant for walking nights 
when we could see the stars.
Often we would close some streets to party on the block.
Then quiet nights spent on the porch where we'd just sit and talk.

Well, I love my old country, yeah, the way it used to be.
Neighbors helping neighbors like one big family.

Old party lines on neighbors' phones were used for catching up,
and all the guys at the barber shop played chess and other stuff.
Well, the air outside was crisp and clean 
and clothes hung out to dry.
Sheets back then smelled of nature's charm, 
and dreams could reach the sky.

My Old Country

A song about a guy who's not likely to swim in the deep end of the Love Pool any time soon.  

Dave Bell of Blue Attitude on guitar

The vid:  https://youtu.be/6e8Ks2MS_Eg

Drowning In The Hurt

Ah, just a plea to have fun, and a reminder that boredom is just another transition whichis best cured with others.

Dave Bell of Blue Attitude on guitar

The vid:  https://youtu.be/FnozZkyeBSw

Get Unbored With Me-M11

Seemed like a good one to start the year.  Have a Happy Music Year.  
A song about being there.  It's a corny kumbaya song. It reminds me of something Reverend Tim-Tom would sing on the TV show The Middle.

The Vid:  https://youtu.be/yXUQYmvzcS4

Hold My Hand

Dave Bell of Blue Attitude on his delishly good guitar

Vid:  https://youtu.be/zUcoCHr9HHc

Devil May Find Me

Delicate

Boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy loves girl, girl gets over it.  Feel free to substitute any gender you'd prefer. 

The vi: https://youtu.be/CYBJmfe9UKA

One Night

A song suggesting the relationship is sinking,  But there's still the hope of patching it up.

The vid:  https://youtu.be/HHU67XaGPzw

Down Down Down

Oh, you bet that's Dave Bell of Blue Attitude on guitar.  (https://www.blue-attitude.net/)
The vid: https://youtu.be/nWh7wc2WMRw

Pieces Of Me

A song about our species' prime directive.

The vid:  https://youtu.be/YZ7r17TGFiE

The Nature Of Desire

A link explaining the audience reactions:  https://martystraub.com/BabuMusic/cakewalk/groovy.htm

The vid:  https://youtu.be/zpu4U4fkEXc

Dave Bell: http://www.blue-attitude.net/  
and https://www.youtube.com/@UChXlobF-RQqZ-QIikyBOaaA 
Bill Davis, aka Dr. Buddy Love:  https://www.youtube.com/@dr.buddylove4529

Groove Dat Pie

Everyone needs a Wiggle Room all to themselves.  
The vid:  https://youtu.be/9oeb3QokOqk
That's Dave Bell of Blue Attitude on guitar.  I played bass and sang.  [We each did our part in our own Wiggle Room]

Wiggle Room

Just another nobody who's not here to be somebody.  I write songs because I can't help it, and it helps me.  If I add them here, I'm less likely to keep mixing them.  Creativity is a stream with many tributaries, and sometimes one runs through us.  The stream is more creative when tributaries meet, and I'm grateful for the collaborative efforts of others.

Popular tracks by Marty Straub