This is a lyrics rewrite of the same title below. It's still a punchy trucking song with a sting in the tail and still uses Aussie slang.  But I reckon it tells the trucker's tale better than before.   And now it's sung, played and recorded by Steve Sparrow of Sparrow Sound Studio, Brisbane.  Heaps better than the early version.

One Brick Short

I wrote this song about a lonely and rather naive woman who’s kidding herself that a man she met briefly, once in her past, is the man of her dreams, & that somehow Fate will bring them together again.  Jazzman Dave Spicer is on piano and the singer is June Lawson.  Extract of the public domain photo by Kees Scherer from www.goodfreephotos.com.

Unknown Album (23/05/2010 12:09:29 PM)

Sooner or Later

An Australian trucking song with a humorous sting in the tail.  An early recording, which is why I sang it myself.  The song would suit many male country singers.  It contains Aussie slang.  Backing and recording by Steve Sparrow of Sparrow Sound Studio, Brisbane.
NOTE:  After an evaluation from the Nashville Songwriters Association International, I rewrote some lyrics and had a new version, under the same name, recorded and sung by Steve Sparrow.  It's also on here.  Have a listen.  I reckon it's much better.

This song arrived almost fully written soon after the heartbreaking suicide of a young man I was close to.  He left no clue as to why, and the ripple effects of his loss were devastating.  My jazz pianist friend Dave Spicer and I recorded this at home in one unrehearsed take (Dave is brilliant at nailing a song first go!).  So it’s pretty rough, and a bit slow, but I’m keen to raise awareness that we all need to notice signs in others’ behaviour that something is wrong, like not coping, being overly happy or quiet, or ceasing loved activities.  Maybe we can help and, to quote my song, avoid “tides of tears.”

A Child is Gone

They say opposites attract.  This life-based song relates a classic case of that.  With a touch of humour and perhaps a dose of self-delusion.  Sung by Melissa Cloake and played by David Spicer.

Different!

This piano piece is one of a set I’m writing inspired by adjectives that describe human behaviour.  Others include “jealous”, “perky” and “peevish”.  I’ve no idea how this project started, but it’s fun.  “Wistful” is the only one recorded, in a very home-made way, played less than perfectly by me.

Wistful

I wrote this song in the pain of a broken relationship, standing in my yard, looking up at the sky one night.  The sentiments are universal.  It’s sung by me and played by pianist Dave Spicer.

Only the Sky

In 2007 a cloudless Brisbane winter sky made me think of friends who run cattle stations in outback Queensland, drought-stricken at that time.  Their view of a cloudless sky would be the opposite of mine.  I wrote the song to highlight their plight, in the voice of a cattleman’s wife.  Pre-recorded backing is by Steve Sparrow, with me on vocals.
(The cover picture is Drought Swimming Hole by Periptus, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Drought_Swimming_Hole.JPG)

Waiting For Rain

A thoughtful song of tentative hope for a new love.  Sung by Melissa Cloake.  Played and recorded by jazz pianist David Spicer.

May It Be

A woman sings a sprightly challenge to everyone, including prospective lovers, to accept her just as she is.  Keyboard Dave Spicer. Vocals Melissa Cloake.

This song arrived one morning, almost fully formed.  It expresses the peace and security one feels on waking beside a much loved, still sleeping partner.  I hope many listeners will relate to it.  It’s a basic demo, so please listen kindly.  Keyboard by Dave Spicer.  Vocals by Melissa Cloake.

Morning Peace

Songwriter (words & music) gifted in many genres: country, music theatre, cabaret, blues, adult contemp, comic, C'mas ++, & piano & choral works. Took own solo music theatre show to 2011 EdFringe.  Want artists to record my songs.

Melissa Cloake

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