Mostly instrumental, tho' it's Christopher's voice that's the instrument in many places. It's meant to orchestrate a Viking's death on the battlefield and subsequent passage to Valhalla, with visions of the Valkyrie arriving to take him there. There's the fight to stay alive, the life review, and finally: a hand held up to go with the Valkyrie as his body drops on the battlefield. And....curtain.

Valkyrie - Blond Weasel

LYRICS:

Staring at the darkness
Across the skylight
Anybody else might fear the moonlight
You can’t deny it
The city’s quiet

I’m porcelain now
My veins are hollow
Got to tell myself I shouldn’t follow
Made up my mind now
Leave you behind

Running from the daylight
Keeping out of sight
Hiding from the past I left behind
Chasing after midnight
Dancing through the night
Searching all the corners of my mind

Calling after midnight
Calling after midnight
Calling after midnight
Calling after midnight

Staring at the darkness
Across the skylight
Anybody else might fear the moonlight
You can’t deny it
The city’s quiet

Running from the daylight
Keeping out of sight
Hiding from the past I left behind
Chasing after midnight
Dancing through the night
Searching all the corners of my mind

Calling after midnight
Calling after midnight
Calling after midnight
Calling after midnight

Calling after midnight
Calling after midnight
Calling after midnight
Calling after midnight

LXXX

Calling After Midnight - Blond Weasel

I have a fascination with Near Death Experiences.  I've done much research in this area, both through established writings and personal interviews.  Most of us have heard of the Bright Light, and the tunnel, and the dead relatives of which people who have died and then been revived sometimes speak.  Less common is the subject about which this song was written.  Specifically, some people who had a peek into the afterlife claim they encountered an experience of absolute darkness.  It wasn't a terrifying experience.  In fact, they state that the Darkness was very soothing and seemed to possess a consciousness and gentle wisdom.  They felt very safe there.  I find that image very appealing, and I'm looking forward to a good, long rest after my body finally stops twitching for good.

In Darkness - Moon to Monk

LYRICS:

Watchin' the sun go down down down
Watchin' the sun go down down down
Watchin' the sun go down down down
Sound goin' down
 
Night music oh ho woh
Night music
 
Memories of a day
Faded out and passed away
Stars are out
And here to stay
 
In the shadows I sway
And in the alleys where I pray
See me slipping away
 
Night music oh ho woh
(It's the magic that I hear at night
It's the madness that I fear at night)
Night music oh ho woh woh
(It's the magic that I hear at night
It's the madness that I fear at night)
Night music (ooh la la, ooh la la)
Night music (aaaahhh)
 
You won't see me by day
But when the moon rolls out to play
See me spinning away
 
Night music oh ho woh
Night music oh ho woh woh
Night music (ooh la la, ooh la la)
Night music (aaaahhh)

Night Music - Blond Weasel

Ambient, dream-like soundscape, instrumental with some "ooh/aah" vocals.

The Freaky Temple Trip

Spirits on the Lake

Spirits on the Water (feat. Justin Johnson)

Collaboration with Welterwill.  Vocal samples courtesy of Nitika (a.k.a. Mortemrose).

Lyrics:

SUBSERVED HOPE

I am under the sea....

I am underwater
I am under skies and sea
Sometimes sun or thunder
Calls from where the air will be

Is it there?
I hope that it's there
I swim
Is it there?
I rise, and it's there

Now I break the surface
Blue eyes search for something more
Destiny, desire
Shadows of a distant shore

Is it there?
I hope that it's there
I swim
Is it there?
I look, and it's there

I have touched the shoreline
Now I shiver on dry land
Build myself a fire
Ring of stones upon the sand

In faithlessness I find my faith
In hopelessness I hope
To be at peace without the comfort
Of a sacred microscope

Dancing in the fire
With my clothes and hair ablaze
Running for the water
Diving thru' the smoky haze

Is it here?
I hope that it's here
I swim 
Is it here?
My home, yes, it's here

In faithlessness I find my faith
In hopelessness I hope
To be at peace without the comfort
Of a sacred microscope

Subserved Hope - Welterwill - Moon to Monk - Nitika

LYRICS:

Look all around
Another town
Bloodstains on the ground
It’s getting cold
They’ve gotten bold
A train without a sound 

Branches will be shaken
Dry twigs will be taken
She’s all alone
Flint and stone
The first light to be found

The New Fire is on the rise
Desire
Da da da da da

And in the dark
She finds a spark
A silent smolder starts
And in her soul
The darkest toll
Stokes her blackened heart 

No way to contain it
Brushfire up the pain
The coal-black night
Consumed by light
Sparkles into sight 

New Fire is on the rise
Desire
Da da da da da

Zhoopa zhoopa zhoopa zhoopa
Zhoopa zhoop ba ba
Zhoopa zhoopa zhoopa zhoopa
Zhoopa zhoop ba ba

New Fire
Is on the rise
Desire
Hey hey, Fire is on the rise
Desire 
Da da da da da

New Fire - Blond Weasel

My brother Christopher wrote this song.  I helped a little.  He sings, composed the lyrics and melodies, etc.  Special guest appearance by his daughter Maria on backing vox.  I did some backing vox here and there, did the final mix and master.

This song was written about the passing of our Mother not too long ago.  My Dad died a couple years before she did.

LYRICS:

Twilight in her room
Shadows surround her view
Then a sight steps into light
Brings back a flood of memories to her

She stares at his face
As he returns her gaze
He just smiles until he says
“It’s been a while, but I’m
On my way back to you”

“Pardon me if I don’t stand,” she says
“It’s been a rough year
You understand
You’ve been here before
I’d say that not a day goes by
That I don’t sigh
And wonder if I’m on my way”

“Seasons change, so do we all,”
She says
“But you look just
Bright as the day we wed”

“Once,” she says, “I made you wait ’til June”
“It’s May,” he says, holds out his hand
And she’s on her way

“Is it real or just a dream?
What I feel’s somewhere in between
And now, or so it seems
I’m on my way
On my way
Way back to you”

Then she reaches out her hand

Way Back To You (Synth Version) - Blond Weasel

New 2024 EP from Moon to Monk, "Crystalline".  It's a bit more acoustic sounding than previous releases.  All percussion is samples of different types of glass being struck, thus their unusual sound.  As always, I hope you dig this.

Crystalline

I've Forgotten Who I Am

LYRICS
*******
Sun’s up
Summer’s on
Dewdrops on the lawn
True friends to call upon
“All clear!”
The bullies are gone

Bike ride
To anywhere
We’re free
We’re already there

Kick the can
Truth or Dare
Sun sets
And we don’t care

But the past
Doesn’t last

Just another week
Just another day
Just another breath
Nostalgia calling
Nostalgia calling

Just another week
Just another day
Just another breath
Nostalgia calling
Nostalgia calling

Just another week
Just another day
Just another breath
Nostalgia calling
Nostalgia calling

Just another week
Just another day
Just another breath
Nostalgia calling

I miss getting high
I miss living the lie
I miss not making sense
Before the consequences

Forget the burning because
I miss the haze and the fuzz
Before I knew who I was
Black lungs
To pay for the buzz

I’m glad the past
Doesn’t last

Just another week
Just another day
Just another breath
Nostalgia calling
Nostalgia calling

Just another week
Just another day
Just another breath
Nostalgia calling
Nostalgia calling

Just another week
Just another day
Just another breath
Nostalgia calling
Nostalgia calling

Just another week
Just another day
Just another breath
Nostalgia calling

I am here
I am clear

At this time
Without fear
Watch the past disappear

Time to feel
Time to deal

And this moment 
Is all that I have
--That is real

Mmm hmm
Mmm hmm

Nostalgia Calling

LYRICS
*******
Shed the factions
And regimes
Shed my thoughts
And shed the memes

Shed the future
Shed the past
Shed the things
That never last

Shed addictions
Shed my lies
Shed my secrets
And alibis

Shed my hopes
And shed my fears
Shed them all
But shed no tears

New bones
I’m gonna round up
New bones
Startin’ from the ground up

New bones
Yeah, I’m gonna round up
New bones
Startin’ from the ground up

Shed my hair
And shed my skin
Shed my muscles
And we’ll begin

Shed my blood
My brain, my heart
Shed my bones
So I can start

New bones
I’m gonna round up
New bones
Startin’ from the ground up

New bones
Yeah, I’m gonna round up
New bones
Startin’ from the ground up

New Bones

LYRICS
*******
I'm leaving the Earth
It can't take anymore
I'll make no demands
Like I used to before

I'll fly up thru' the atmosphere
'Cause I can't breathe down here
I'm leaving today
Floating up and away
I can't wait for my head to clear

I'm leaving these humans
So mindless and cruel
I'll wear the sun like a halo
Like a jewel

Blue and gold above me
Green below, green below
In my protective bubble
Here I go
Here I go
Here I go

I'll fly up thru' the atmosphere
'Cause I feel trapped down here
As night settles in
I'm about to begin
My journey away from the fear

I'm in the Earth's shadow now
Here come the stars
Soon I'll see if there's life
Up on Mars

I start to rise thru' the atmosphere
I've done all I can down here
I'm leaving tonight
In a sphere of white light
You can watch me as I disappear

Atmosphere

This is a licensed cover of an original song by Blondie, written by Chris Stein and Clem Bozewski.

Fade Away And Radiate

A ballad based on my 15 year relationship.  I figured it was time I wrote a love song.  This one is based in reality, without any of that "I can't live without you" crap.  Enjoy!  Here are the lyrics:


Chasing Nightmares
by Moon to Monk

It's an ordinary morning
You're off to work while the cosmos
Are still in my eyes
I stir
I smile
But I don't rise
My thoughts go dark and vaporize
You sleep at midnight, I sleep at sunrise

I'll see you tonight, love
When the sun goes down
Maybe we'll take a long drive into town
You wear your denim
And I'll wear a disguise
We'll be each other's favorite alibis

(chorus)
And I will chase your nightmares
I'll pull you from their clutching hands
I am on the night watch, babe
I'm used to the shadow lands

I will chase your nightmares
I'll pull you from their clutching hands
I'm on the night watch, babe
I come from the shadow lands

I'll see you tonight, love
When the sun goes down
I'll wear my armor
And you wear your crown
We'll tour the streetlights
Follow the moon
Wishing on stars that are bound to fall soon

It's an ordinary evening
You're home from work
And I'm just rising up from my tomb
I kiss your face and watch the roses bloom
When you go to bed I'll stand guard by your room

(repeat chorus)

Chasing Nightmares

Ambient soundscape by Welterwill and Moon to Monk.  Image is detail from a painting by Joshua Counter.

On the Corner Underneath the Light - Welterwill and Moon to Monk

The "Sea of Nectar" (Latin name: "Mare Nectaris"), is a region on the moon.  Usually, if I write the music before the lyrics, I will just kind of sing nonsense syllables while creating the vocal melodies; then I write lyrics to fit the melodies.  This time I skipped the lyrics and just left the gibberish because I want to let others write their own story in their heads.  Also, I like gibberish.  I recently added female vox, also fluent in gibberish.  Anyway, I  hope you find something here to enjoy.

Sea Of Nectar

Sea Of Nectar - Moon to Monk

This is a new collaboration with the talented musician Welterwill.  He created the wicked beats and the heart of the song.  Moon to Monk added some vocals, synths, samples, etc.  It all came together, and it sounds pretty cool.  I hope you like it.  

Check out the original version (called Angelic)and heart of the song from Welterwill here:  https://soundcloud.com/welter-willy-yahyah/welterwill-angelic

A Luminous Flock - Welterwill & Moon to Monk (free download)

A remix by Asura6 of a collaboration between members of Welterwill, moon to monk, and Spirittron.

Everyday Activities - Welterwill/moon to monk/Spirittron (Asura6 remix)

Lyrics (followed by an explanation):

THE SHADOW PEOPLE

Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up!

Wake up, wake up, wake up into a nightmare
Wake up, wake up, wake up (x 2)

The Shadow People are not in my head
The Shadow People are standing by my bed
The Shadow People are not in my head
The Shadow People are smiling by my bed

I can’t breathe
I may be dead
They’re laughing at me while I’m hanging by a thread

Leave the light on
Fire up the moon

Wake up, wake up, wake up 
Welcome to my nightmare
Wake up, wake up, wake up
Beware!

Wake up, wake up, wake up
It’s not a nightmare
Wake up, wake up, wake up
They’re really there!

The Shadow People are not in my head
The Shadow People are standing by my bed
The Shadow People are not in my head
The Shadow People are smiling by my bed

I can’t move
I’m made of lead
They’re reaching for me
And their eyes are glowing red

Leave the light on
Fire up the moon 
Burn the shadows away
*********************************************************************
What the song's about:

There is a strange and terrifying phenomenon known as sleep paralysis.  It affects a number of people, including myself since I was a child.  It occurs when waking suddenly and finding that you're completely paralyzed, unable to even speak.  All you can move are your eyes, which is where it gets even worse.  Often times you'll see one or more malevolent shadowy figures, darker than the darkness, and often with red eyes.  For some people, they say hateful and harrowing things.  I've never actually seen one, but I have sensed their presence.  I always end up lying on my side, facing the wall, and when I wake into paralysis, I get the image in my mind that something dark and sinister is leaning toward me from behind.  I sense it's evil and that it takes great pleasure and amusement from my horror.  At the same time, it feels like I'm going to suffocate if I fall back into sleep.  Inevitably I will gather up all my strength and punch back at the figure behind me, at which point I break the spell and can move again, and the sensed presence is gone.  Leaving a light on in the room seems to prevent this from occurring, at least for me.  I have a moon shaped lamp which I leave on, thus my reference in the song to "fire up the moon".

I've checked into the science of this for my own sanity.  It seems the body paralyses itself when dreaming so we don't get up and act out the dream.  It's supposed to stop when you wake up, but that's clearly not always the case.  Then, for some reason, the brain creates this ghastly figure or figures that are always malevolent and almost always darker than darkness.  Some call them hallucinations, some call them demons.  I just know it scares the hell out of me, and I'm grateful it hasn't happened in awhile.  When it is happening, the hallucination seems very real, but by the light of day it fades.

I did go to a sleep clinic and found some techniques that help with the matter.  I think that's why I haven't had one for a for a couple of years.  Plus I leave the light on.

The Shadow People

I wrote this to help me process the recent death of someone close to me, and it did help.  Maybe it'll help others.

LYRICS:

The wind stole our poems much too soon
And all our paintings are gone
Our singing garden’s been replaced
By silent earth and green lawn
I think of your face
It’s like a punch
Right to the center of my heart
“Nevermore” quoth the raven on the ledge
Falling apart
That’s where I’ll start

	I wasn’t aware that you’d haunt me
	I figured correctly I’d cry
	I’m happy at least
	We were given the chance
	For a brief
	But a lovely goodbye

Your delight in the light of the moon
In the pictures that I’d drawn
Reflects in pure and shining blue
In the dew on clover before dawn
I think of the words we wrote of love
And danger
Life and death and such
Now it all lies hidden under leaves
Where it won’t hurt me as much

		I played the lilies just for you
		A cascading waterfall of song
		Crystalline notes were floating by
		You sang along

	I wasn’t aware that you’d haunt me
	Tho’ I knew that one day you’d die
	I’m happy at least
	We were given the chance
	For a sad
	But a lovely goodbye

A Lovely Goodbye

This song touches on some of the fairy mythology, especially where it pertains to giving away personal power by sharing your true name, and the idea that if you eat something in the realm of the fae, you are trapped there.  Here are the lyrics:

IN THE CIRCLE OF THE NYMPHS

Adrift on the wind, the melody comes thru' to me
Whispers of waking wonder in my reverie
The memory fades, see-through
Transparent as the glass that crashes in my room
You fool!

Neverending, ending never
Neverending, ending never...
Never odd or even, never odd or even

"Follow the song," is what I heard you call to me
The branches scratch and scrape
You scramble out of view
Alone in the glade, confused
The forest takes the glimpse of your shade from the moon

Neverending, ending never
Neverending, ending never...

At last, I find them dancing
And in the circle
I speak my name

I have eaten from your table
Tried to leave, I was unable
Now the passage is unstable
I am trapped inside this fable

Neverending, ending never....

In the Circle of the Nymphs - Blond Weasel

I'm makin' this up as I go along.  Here you will find songs in various states of completion--some of them actually finished!  Most are by "Moon to Monk",  but there are tunes by "Blond Weasel" (a band I'm in with my brother Christopher).  There are several collaborations with talented people.   I hope you find something to dig here. 

PS:  I have several original music videos posted to "youtube", and "facebook".  Please check them out if you like.  Just click the appropriate links below.

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