Demo produced and performed by Frank Michels; vocal by Debra Gordon.

Lyrics:

I put up with you for years.
You only took, you never gave.
I put up with you for years.
You only took, you never gave.
Now that I'm gone,
keep your flowers off my grave.

Even here from underground
I know the outline of you.
You've come to show you care
'cos you like when people think you do.
I put up with you for years.
You always took, you never gave.
Now that I'm gone,
keep your flowers off my grave.

You never paid me respect
when I was alive.
And now you've gotta make it quick
'cos the cemetery closes at five.
I put up with you for years.
You always took, you never gave.
Now that I'm gone,
keep your flowers off my grave.

© 2013 Dean Friscic and Michael S. McIntyre

Keep Your Flowers Off My Grave

Demo produced by Galen Breen; vocal by Dusty Drake
Lyrics:

Near the end of my route in an uneven line
Sit eight mailboxes side by side
Relentless prairie wind has sandblasted them
Past the point of any pride
From my tray to each box I deliver the mail
In the fading gray winter light
And no one would know what was diff'rent
'Bout the third mailbox from the right

It was May and the grass was impossibly green
The day I met her at their door
The mem'ry hasn't dimmed, through long years it's been
Kept within my very core
She commuted to school to get her degree
And on many a moonlit night
I basked in the glow after seeing that girl
Past the third mailbox from the right

But our plans came undone in a blink of an eye
When loose gravel caused her car to slide
Neither snow nor rain nor heat has interrupted my rounds
Not once since the day she died
My retirement looms, soon another will drive
I doubt they'll ever pause, but they might
When they come to this old weathered mailbox
Yeah, the third mailbox from the right

Copyright © 2022 by Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic

Third Mailbox From The Right

Demo produced by Galen Breen; vocal by Dusty Drake.

Lyrics:

Who’s been tearin’ up my slippers?
Chewin’ on the corners of books?
All the puppies I have owned
gave me those “Not me” looks.

Now who’s been gettin’ in the garbage?
Draggin’ trash outta the bin?
Ev’ry younger dog I’ve had
looked to me as guilty as sin.

But there’s no dog like an old dog
for sleeping late with you in bed.
There’s no dog like an old dog
though you know what lies ahead.
It’s the season when the leaves fall
and it’s my fav’rite age of all.
There’s no dog like an old dog.

Though their muzzles are grayer
and their eyes are cloudy and dim,
all the older dogs I know
live life full to the brim.

So next time you’re at a shelter
and lookin’ for a new best friend,
walk past the younger dogs and puppies,
pick an older dog on the end.

'Cause there’s no dog like an old dog
for sleeping with you late in bed.
No there’s no dog like an old dog
though you know what lies ahead.
It’s the season when the leaves fall
and it’s my fav’rite age of all.
There’s no dog like an old dog.

There’s no dog like an old dog.

© 2013 Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic

There's No Dog Like An Old Dog

Song written by Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic. Demo by Gugubruce Njobela.

Lyrics:

She likes wine with her meal,
a peasant blouse with some reveal,
a veranda in the soft moonlight
Everything about her feels right

Table talk so sublime
we lose all track of time
And I'm hopin' I can hold her tight
Everything about her feels right

Everything about her feels right
She's a blend of things I can't explain
Everything about her feels right
I wonder if she feels the same

Then we pause at her door
She leans in with a few words more:
"We don't have to call it a night"
Everything about her feels right
Everything about her feels right

Everything About Her Feels Right

For Meesha
Demo produced by Frank Michels; vocal by Debra Gordon
Lyrics:

Momma was prone to seizure
She passed when I was seven
Daddy raised me on mac an’ cheese
and stories he told about heaven
It’s thirty years on, I’ve got kids of my own,
and a husband who drinks too much
I show a brave face but I’m feelin’ lost
Even mothers need a mother’s touch

I keep the things she gave me –
ev’ry letter and photograph
But somehow I need to hear the sound
of momma’s – momma’s voice

Daddy’s health is failing
So I’m putting his things in order
A pile to keep and a pile to toss
and then I find an old recorder
It’s a reel-to-reel, there’s a box of tapes –
my life won’t be the same
‘Cos there inside with a faded label
is a tape with my mother’s name

I keep the things she gave me –
ev’ry letter and photograph
But somehow I need to hear the sound
of momma’s – momma’s voice

Somehow I need to hear the sound
of momma’s – momma’s voice – momma’s voice

© 2014 Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic

The Sound Of Momma's Voice

Demo by Galen Breen; vocal by Dusty Drake.
Lyrics:

She used to make drive-by calls
That was just her way
Quick little check-ins
With nothing much to say
"What's new? How's the weather?
That's about all I know
I've gotta run but I love you
We'll talk tomorrow"

My head says she's gone, part of the past
And each year could be my last
But the heart has its way, after all
Hoping for one, one drive-by call

I didn't make drive-by calls
That was not my style
Long conversations
But only once in a while
It took years for me to notice
The friends I didn't hear from
I've gotta change or lose the meaning
Of the time left to come

My head says she's gone, part of the past
And each year could be my last
But the heart has its way, after all
Hoping for one, one drive-by call
Oh I'm hoping for one, one drive-by call


Drive-By Calls

Backing track by Frank Michels; final mix by Galen Breen; vocal by Dusty Drake; written by Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic

Lyrics:

In dreams I played my songs
to crowds of cheering fans
But I was doin' covers
in small-time country bands
Michelle had in mind
a perfect wedding dress
But with our Nashville move
she gladly did with less

CHORUS:
There's a high you get on stage
performing songs you wrote
From playing with the best
and nailing ev'ry note
But I always keep in mind,
when all is said an' done,
the finest thing in life
is my audience of one

Got paid singin' demos,
delivered pizzas for the Hut
I wrote and rewrote songs,
one finally got cut
Michelle gave me strength
I didn't possess
And when we had a son
I redefined success

REPEAT CHORUS

Eight years went by
before my album was released
I toured to promote it,
our bank account increased
Well, fame's a fickle friend,
that album was my last
But in Michelle I have a
treasure unsurpassed

REPEAT CHORUS

Yeah, the finest thing in life
is my audience of one

My Audience Of One

Demo produced by Frank Michels; vocals by Debra Gordon; words and music by Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic.

Lyrics:

Two burly kids outside the feed store
Makin' short work of fifty pound sacks
They'll play on the line in Ames this fall
You know that tracks
Life is full of surprises
But it's clear when something tracks

Young couple moves in to a bigger house
New dependent for their income tax
They traded their Miata for a Wagoneer
You know that tracks
Life is full of surprises
But it's clear when something tracks

The sun beams down
It's glorious here in May
I stroll through town
Nothin' can spoil my day

Life is full of surprises
But it's clear when something tracks

The sun beams down
It's glorious here in May
I stroll through town
Nothin' can spoil my day

Two dogs are playin' in the green grass
One sprawls while the other attacks
A cat looks down with great disdain
You know that tracks
Life is full of surprises
But it's clear when something tracks
It's clear when something tracks

When Something Tracks

Demo produced and performed by Frank Michels.
Lyrics:

Hello sleepyhead
Did you just awake?
Daddy thought he heard
The sound your rattle makes

PRE-CHORUS:
While it’s Mommy’s turn
To be sleeping in
I’ll betcha I can make you grin

CHORUS:
You don’t look like me
You don’t have my nose
And luckily for you
You don’t have my funny toes
No, you don’t look like me
But I’m not feelin’ sad
I may not be your father
But I’ll always be your dad

In our fav’rite chair
With you on my chest
Drinking formula
I like this part the best

PRE-CHORUS:
Now your bottle's gone
And your burping's done
It’s time for us to have some fun

REPEAT CHORUS

Yes, I’ll always be your dad

© 2015 Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic

You Don't Look Like Me

Demo produced and performed by Frank Michels; vocal by Debra Gordon.
Lyrics:

No one ever tells you
When you fin’lly do get sober
How friends slowly desert you one by one
I used to throw big parties
That rocked the neighborhood
I guess the new me just isn’t much fun

Chorus 1:
Well the die’s already cast
Nobody’s comin’ to my door
It’s been one year since my last
The party ain’t stoppin’ here no more

I’ve learned to love the mornings
No more sleepin’ until noon
No more pickin’ up a glass or a dirty dish
It’s a day for makin’ cupcakes
Gonna decorate one with a candle
I’ll light it but I’ve already got my wish

Chorus 2:
‘Cos the die’s already cast
Nobody’s comin’ to my door
It’s been one year since my last
The party ain’t stoppin’ here no more

(Instrumental break)

Bridge:
I gotta respect myself and listen
When my head says time to go 
I’ve found that the most powerful thing
Is to simply say no

Chorus 3:
The die’s already cast
Nobody’s comin’ to my door
It’s been one year since my last
The party ain’t stoppin’ here no more

Coda:
The party ain’t stoppin’ here no more

© 2015 Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic

The Party Ain't Stoppin' Here No More

Demo produced and performed by Frank Michels; vocal by Debra Gordon.
Lyrics:
You and I were always tight,
we had each other’s back
But you took her and I took him
along that marital track
You saw how he neglected me,
now I’ve become your crush
And when I think of your tempting lips
oh, what a rush

But kisses have consequences
You know it’s true
Kisses have consequences
I can’t have you

Don’t think I’m not wanting love,
my feelings for you are strong
But hasn’t she been good to you?
Hurting her just seems wrong
And if I let you kiss me
how could we stop at one?
I’d get tingles down my spine
We’d go on till it’s all been done

But kisses have consequences
You know it’s true
Kisses have consequences
I can’t have you

Maybe on some other world
there’s no guilt and there’s no hurt
They can love just whom they please,
but that’s not how it is on earth

Kisses have consequences
You know it’s true
Kisses have consequences
I can’t have you
I can’t have you

© 2016 Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic

Kisses Have Consequences

Demo produced and performed by Frank Michels; vocal by Dave Ward.
Lyrics:

One a’ these days
I’m gonna quit my drinkin’
I’m gonna change my ways
an’ do some hard thinkin’
‘bout the bev’rages killin’ me
I aim to start havin’ iced tea
One a’ these good ol’ days.

I’m gonna take the twelve steps
I need to be climbin’
And though it’s gonna be tough
I finally decided
I want the demons to disappear
It’s my resolution this year
One a’ these good ol’ days

[BRIDGE:]
Now my friends will laugh and say
he won’t ever put away his glass
But when they see the brand new me
I guarantee I’ll be laughing last

‘Cos I’ll be liftin’ this curse
I’m gonna end this cravin’
shift my gear to reverse
get back to behavin’
No more sittin’ for the last call
I’m gonna stand proud and tall
One a’ these good ol’ days

One a’ these, one a’ these good ol’ days

© 1990, 2016 Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic

One Of These Good Ol' Days

Demo by Frank Michels; vocal by Debra Gordon.
Lyrics:

This early morn
A child is born
This early morn a child is born
In Bethlehem

Come see the boy
Come share the joy
Come see the boy and share the joy
In Bethlehem

There among some shepherds came an angel
Shining with the glory of the Lord
“Do not be afraid
I bring good news
Unto you is born this day a Saviour”

This early morn
The Christ is born
This early morn the Christ is born
In Bethlehem

There among some shepherds came an angel
Shining with the glory of the Lord
“Do not be afraid
I bring good news
Unto you is born this day a Saviour”

This early morn
The Christ is born
This early morn the Christ is born
In Bethlehem

This early morn a child is born
In Bethlehem

© 1988, 2016 Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic

In Bethlehem

Demo by Frank Michels; vocal by Debra Gordon.
Lyrics:

The moon’s been shining so full and bright
over our heads at your summer soiree.
The band is hired to play all night.
But the moon’s on a journey and will not stay.
Although I may be committing – may be committing too soon,
I wanna follow – follow that moon.

You dance so well I have to know
if you’re as good with your intimate moves.
Your kiss is perfectly timed and slow
and it tells me you want me like I want you.
I wanna take you completely – take you completely and soon.
I wanna follow – follow that moon.

The moon is sinking behind the hill
down from the sky to a soft bed of grass.
I know a place that’s a secret still.
We can lie there together while meteors pass.
Before the band plays again – plays another tune,
why don’t we follow – follow that moon?
Why don’t we follow – follow that moon?

© 2016 Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic

Follow That Moon

Demo by Frank Michels; vocal by Debra Gordon.
Lyrics:

When we’re at home we never splurge
But once ev’ry year we get a certain urge
to come to this island,
leavin’ the snow behind
Only takes one day
for us to unwind

I wish that ev’ry night could be like this,
alone with you on the strand
‘Cos we know how to go from just a kiss
to a bed of sand
When I’m with you I never have to guess
about the love that you bring
I know I'm gettin’ nothin’ but the best
of ev’rything

At the hotel our room still waits
with champagne on ice to celebrate
Strawberries and choc’late
are gonna add to the mood
Once we're there I'm thinking
we'll soon start round two

I wish that ev’ry night could be like this,
alone with you on the strand
‘Cos we know how to go from just a kiss
to a bed of sand
When I’m with you I never have to guess
about the love that you bring
I know I'm gettin’ nothin’ but the best
of ev’rything

I'm gettin' nothin' but the best of ev'rything

© 2007, 2017 Dean Friscic and Michael S. McIntyre

The Best of Everything

Lyrics:

The time felt right
to end our fight.
I leaned in close
and so did you –
we kissed the whole night through.
Making up was nothing but sublime,
but that was another time.

Once more I grew
to trust in you,
to stay by my side
through thick and thin –
that’s how it should’ve been.
There were hills but none we couldn’t climb,
but that was another time.

Another time, another space.
Before the future took its place.
Before you took your heart
and set it far apart,
leaving mine to break.

On this final day
as I send you away –
please, when you leave,
don’t slam the door,
and step lightly on the floor.
Just let me hear what’s in my mind:
the echoes of another time.

© 2012 Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic

Another Time

Demo produced by Frank Michels; vocal by Debra Gordon.

Lyrics:

Drivin’ the Sandhills from Alliance
to Broken Bow on Highway 2.
Is there any place else on earth where
the towns are so small and so few?

Whenever the world’s too much,
I’ve learned to get out of touch, and

Look to the wide open spaces
to find what I can’t see.
The wild and windswept places
stir up my sleeping dreams.

Campin’ out to the north of the highway,
I’m gazin’ up at the stars.
Lord, what a brilliant skyway,
without light from the cities and cars.

Whenever the world’s too much,
I’ve learned to get out of touch, and

Look to the wide open spaces
to find what I can’t see.
The wild and windswept places
stir up my sleeping dreams.

They stir up my sleeping dreams.

© 2012 Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic.

Look To The Wide Open Spaces

Demo by Galen Breen; vocal by Dusty Drake.
Lyrics:

It's the night of New Year's Eve and I almost can't believe
I'm rollin' down the road for parts unknown
Like a car that's got bad breaks I've made my share of mistakes
Still I'm lookin' for some place to call my own

Ride along, New Year's moon
Guide me through this cold dark night
Ride along, New Year's moon
Don'cha know I'm countin' on your light?

As the clock strikes twelve tonight and the moon is shinin' bright
I say hello to the bran' new baby year
Though the cold wind makes me frown, I roll my window down
And I shout out for anyone to hear

Ride along, New Year's moon
Guide me through this cold dark night
Ride along, New Year's moon
Don'cha know I'm countin' on your light?

New Year's Moon

Demo vocal by NyaLi; backing track by Robert Ruby.
Lyrics:

Sometimes I forget to be grateful
for a kick in the teeth and the back of your hand
Neither food nor love comes by the plateful
and nothing ever works out like you planned

Beatings began before I can remember
but the names you call me I can never forget
Other dads aren't just nice in December
Other moms don't hide bruises and regret

My soul's been crushed
like a grape at some winery
Still I'm living in your riches,
in all your riches and finery

Sharper than the serpent's tooth,
breaking free of you
My little seeming substance
knows what I must do

Sometimes I forget to be grateful
Sometimes I forget to be grateful
Sometimes I forget to be grateful

Sometimes I Forget to Be Grateful

Demo produced by Frank Michels; vocal by David Ward.

Lyrics:

Her daddy wasn’t one to cry, but he cried,
when he put down his ranch horse, Tim.
He had worked with many a horse
but that one was special to him.

His daughter wasn’t one to cry, but she cried,
when her husband said he needed space.
She went outside to groom her mare.
It accepted her long embrace.

Horses don’t cry, but they show their love
with a lowered head and a gentle shove.
Horses don’t cry, and they don’t get down,
but they always understand you till you come around.

She prayed her daddy wouldn’t die, but he died.
It was time for her to come back home.
There was a cattle ranch to run,
and she had a daughter of her own.

Horses don’t cry, but they show their love
with a lowered head and a gentle shove.
Horses don’t cry, and they don’t get down,
but they always understand you till you come around.

Yeah they always understand you till you come around.

© 2013 Michael S. McIntyre and Dean Friscic

Horses Don't Cry

We're Dean Friscic (Schenectady, New York) and Mike McIntyre, and we write songs together. The photo above is from Patricio Guzmán's great film, Nostalgia for the Light. The inset photo, by Pfly, shows a road in the Nebraska Sandhills, possibly my favorite place on earth.

M. McIntyre & D. Friscic

Popular tracks