Pretend

Down The Road

[Verse 1]
You’ve been ridin’ my back like a broke-down mule
Talkin’ that talk like you’re layin’ down rules
Every damn night, same worn-out line
Well I’m done bein’ patient, I’m drawin’ that line

[Pre-Chorus]
You ain’t my mama, ain’t my boss, ain’t my judge
You’re just a loud mouth pushin’ your luck

[Chorus]
So take your ass and get off mine
Find somebody else to waste their time
I got a cold beer waitin’, a jukebox playin’
A free man’s heart that ain’t for takin’

If you think I’ll beg, well honey, you’re blind
Take your ass and get off mine

[Verse 2]
You tell all your friends how you tried so hard
But you ain’t foolin’ no one with your poison heart
I’ll tip my hat as you hit that door
And don’t you come knockin’ ‘round here no more

[Pre-Chorus]
Yeah I’m done with your drama, your petty old games
I’m keepin’ my pride and you keep your name

[Chorus]
So take your ass and get off mine
Find somebody else to waste their time
I got a cold beer waitin’, a jukebox playin’
A free man’s heart that ain’t for takin’
If you think I’ll beg, well honey, you’re blind
Take your ass and get off mine


[Bridge]
This old bar stool’s got more love to give
Than all your sweet talk and your two-faced tricks
So don’t let that screen door hit you twice
On your way out of my good life

[Chorus]
Take your ass and get off mine
Find somebody else to waste their time
I got a cold beer waitin’, a jukebox playin’
A free man’s heart that ain’t for takin’
If you think I’ll beg, well honey, you’re blind
Take your ass and get off mine

[Outro]
Yeah, you heard me right the first damn time
Take your ass and get off mine

Take Your Ass and Get Off Mine

Still Here, Still Trying is a record about what it really feels like to carry the weight.
Leadership, fatherhood, marriage — showing up, holding it together, keeping your people safe.
The responsibility to stay strong, even when you feel anything but.

This album is about that quiet fight.
The pressure of being the one who’s supposed to keep moving forward, even on the days when the ground feels shaky beneath you.
It’s about doubt. About failing forward. About learning that strength doesn’t always look like confidence — sometimes it looks like exhaustion and still choosing to stay.

These songs live in the space between love and pressure. Between exhaustion and hope. Between being who you want to be and fearing you’ll never quite measure up.
They speak to the weight of holding a family together while trying to hold yourself together too.
But more than anything, they’re about staying.
Choosing home. Choosing love.
Choosing to keep trying.

The bonus track at the end — “I See You (Even When You Don’t)” — is from her side of the story.
It’s a reminder that the people who love us see through the armor, through the weight, through the bullshit.
They know how hard we’re trying.
They love us for it anyway.

Still here. Still fighting. Still trying.

Home at the End of the Day

Little Things

A Little Birdie

Makin’ a livin’ outta livin’—
Yeah, that’s my claim to fame.
Every sunrise writes my story,
Every breeze calls out my name.
There’s gold out in the risin’ sun,
Silver runnin’ through my hair…
Name a beach I haven’t seen—
I’ll pack my bag and meet you there.
Makin’ a livin’ outta livin’—
Man, I’ve chased the sun.
From Jimmy’s One Particular Harbor
To Band on the Run.
Got a little jingle in my pocket,
But I never needed much—
Just a beat-up six-string and a stage
And a breeze I know by touch.
Wouldn’t trade a mile I’ve roamed—
Far as I can tell,
Wind in the pines and rain on tin—
That’s the sound that makes me well.
Incoming tides, deep sapphire skies,
Salt air runnin’ through my soul…
I’m lovin’ and livin’ the life I’ve been given—
And I thank God I found it at all.
Makin’ a livin’ outta livin’—
Wish I’d found it long ago.
But I’m here now, feet up, wide-eyed
Just watchin’ this good life grow.
Ain’t got much saved for later,
But I got memories I can spend.
And a voice that still sings true
With every song I send.
Wouldn’t change a single thing—
Not one detour or delay.
The drift, the dance, the second chance—
All led me here today.
Drivin’ blind with windows down,
Laughin’ ‘til I cried…
I’m wild, I’m alive, I’m free—
And it’s one hell of a ride.
Some folks chase a dollar…
I just chased the view.
Built a home inside the moment—
That’s the best I ever knew.
Makin’ a livin’ outta livin’—
That’s the life I lead.
Sunburned maps and ocean naps—
Are all the wealth I need.
Some folks pray for someday dreams—
But I just let mine be.
Makin’ a livin’ outta livin’—
Yeah, I’m lucky…
I’m wild, I’m alive…
I’m free.

Making a Livin’ outta Livin’

Laura

A man ponders what it means to die as a "good man"

Dying a Good Man III

"Empowering country anthem,'I Choose!' is a heartfelt declaration of freedom and self-empowerment. With its uplifting melody and bold lyrics, this track inspires listeners to break free from past burdens and embrace a life of happiness, love, and authenticity. Perfect for anyone seeking motivation to take control of their journey and choose their own path."



Written by Anonymous Direction and created using AI

Gone.wav

Mike Baker: Artist, Optimist, Connector

Mike Baker is more than just a musician; he's a storyteller, a pioneer in the fusion of art and technology, and a beacon of hope in a world that often seems shadowed by doubt and despair. With a career that spans the intersection of music, writing, and digital artistry through AI, Mike has carved a unique path in the creative world, one that seeks to connect, inspire, and uplift.

At the heart of Mike's life and work is his role as a devoted husband, father, and community leader. These facets of his life not only define him but also deeply influence his music, infusing his songs with a profound sense of empathy, love, and responsibility. Mike's journey through the complexities of life, experiencing its highs and lows, its shadows and its light, has imbued him with a rich perspective that he passionately shares through his art.

"Shadows of Hope," Mike's first album, is a culmination of his experiences and his vision. This 20-track masterpiece is a testament to his journey, showcasing his ability to delve into the depths of human emotion and emerge with messages of resilience and optimism. Through his innovative use of AI, Mike explores new dimensions of expression, creating an album that resonates with the collective experiences of struggle, discovery, and joy.

Mike's goal has always been to use his talents to bring people together, to create a space where hope can flourish and joy can be shared. He believes in the power of music as a universal language, one that can heal, unite, and inspire individuals to choose hope over despair. His work is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found, and that together, we can emerge stronger.

As a community leader, Mike is committed to making a difference, whether through his music, his actions, or his words. He has seen the darkness from both sides and has chosen to be a force for positivity, encouraging others to do the same. Mike hopes that his music not only connects people from all walks of life but also brings a sense of joy and understanding to anyone who listens.

In a world that often feels divided, Mike Baker stands out as a unifying force, an artist whose work transcends the boundaries of genre and medium to touch the hearts of listeners everywhere. Through "Shadows of Hope" and beyond, Mike continues to share his energy with the world, a reminder that in the midst of life's challenges, hope is always within reach.