The Road Through the Forest

Song lyrics by Nik Bear Brown https://soundcloud.com/nik-bear-brown


she walks (& the yellow brick) road
breaking beneath her steps—stumbling, yet steady—
the path (uneven), holes where she steps aside,
where he falls without mind to the ground,
(no care at all)

they walk where yellow bricks break,
rough, uneven, each step they take.
Scarecrow stumbles, but he doesn’t mind,
with Dorothy there, they leave troubles behind.

she laughs, picks him up, dusts him off,
fields grow (gray) in lonesome tones,
fewer trees, stones, just sky & empty earth—
they walk alone, where Toto jumps, she swerves,
but he falls—twisting, curved.

“no hunger here,” he says,
“straw in my head—nothing to lose,”
(painted mouth, a blue eye)
“if i had a mouth to chew,
my thoughts would spill, i’d come undone.”

they walk on, shadows bend in the sun,
the trees close in, thick & slow,
sky disappears, (a darkened glow).

the land grows lonesome, no fences to be found,
the farther they go, the grayer the ground.
she offers him bread, but he shakes his head,
“no hunger, just straw instead.”
she talks of Kansas, gray & dry,
“why leave Oz, beneath its vibrant sky?”

her hands clutch this empty dream,
as night folds around them
a cottage stands, hidden in green.

they walk where yellow bricks break,
rough & uneven, each step they take.
Scarecrow stumbles, yet doesn’t mind,
with Dorothy, they leave troubles behind.

they move (onward) through the night,
where steps break, trees close, shadows flow.
the trees grow thick, light fades low,
darkness wraps the path they know.

“i see a cottage,” Scarecrow says,
“a bed of leaves to rest your head.”
she lies down, finds her sleep,
as he stands guard, his watch to keep.

so they move through night
where yellow bricks break
rough and uneven, each step they take.
Scarecrow stumbles, yet he doesn’t mind,
with Dorothy there, they leave troubles behind.

& still they move,
with dreams in her hands,
while he stands with painted eyes,
the straw beneath, the shadows flow,
through trees thick and paths unknown.

Take Five -- The Road Through The Forest

Winter's Chill

Mother Goose lyrics extended by Nik Bear Brown
https://soundcloud.com/nik-bear-brown

Cold and raw the north wind blows,
Stirring up the deep, deep snows.
Through the hills and fields it sweeps,
In every crack, the frost it creeps.

In windows thick with icy lace,
The morning breathes a chill embrace.
Whiskers form on every tree,
The world as still as it can be.

Jack Frost is out with brush in hand,
Painting silver across the land.
He whispers tales of winter's cheer,
That only come when nights are clear.

The brook has stilled, its ripples froze,
While daylight's weak and pale light glows.
Birds huddle close, the deer draw near,
As all prepare for winter here.

Children gaze with shining eyes,
Watching snowflakes twist and fly.
Each one dances, a tiny sprite,
Draping hills in winter white.

Snow coats roofs and dusts the ground,
Each footstep makes a crisp, sharp sound.
In woolen wraps, the world holds tight,
Safe in winter's gentle bite.

Though chill may bite and winds may moan,
Winter’s beauty is its own.
Snowflakes flutter, light and fair,
Winter's wonder fills the air.

Main Characters
Jack Frost, the Snowflakes, and Children

Summary
This poem describes the magical arrival of winter, where Jack Frost transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. He paints trees, blankets the ground in snow, and creates a quiet beauty. The creatures and children experience the season’s magic, watching nature adapt to the frost. The poem captures the essence of winter's beauty and peaceful chill.

Nik Bear Brown – A contemporary poet and lyricist, Nik Bear Brown is known for storytelling that fuses traditional folk themes with modern insights, particularly in ballads and narrative songs.

Winter's Chill (Mother Goose)

Frankenstein, Letter 3, July 7th, 17—

Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus converted to lyrics by Nik Bear Brown
https://soundcloud.com/nik-bear-brown

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0DvPivuUahW7J5cy3agcGd

Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nicholas-brown/1769354154

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BearBrownCo


I write to you, my sister dear,
From lands so far and skies so clear.
The voyage goes well, my spirits high,
As stars and icebergs drift on by.
My men are strong, their hearts are bold,
And none yet tremble from the cold.

We sail beneath the summer's breath,
In latitudes that brush with death.
The sheets of ice, they float and gleam,
A danger close, like some dark dream.
Yet winds blow warm, they push us fast,
And grant us hope the fears will pass.

No storms or tales have I to share,
Just simple gales, a leak laid bare.
The sea unfolds a path of might,
Beneath a sky of day and night.
So forward now, with calm intent,
Across the waves, my heart is bent.

For why should not success be mine,
With guiding stars and fate aligned?
The pathless seas I conquer still,
With heart resolved and iron will.
What could deter the hands of man,
When heart and stars work hand in hand?

So, Margaret, trust my strength and way,
And think of me in distant bay.
I feel the thrill of what’s ahead,
Though fear and doubt in me are dead.
To you, my sister, blessings fall,
As heaven guards us, one and all.

Main Characters

Captain Robert Walton
Margaret Saville (Walton’s sister)
The loyal, fearless crew of Walton’s expedition

Summary of the Story
Captain Walton writes to his sister Margaret, assuring her of his progress and safety on his Arctic journey. As he and his crew sail through treacherous northern waters, Walton describes the floating ice sheets that pose a constant threat. Nevertheless, his men remain courageous and unwavering in their mission. While he acknowledges the dangers, Walton is driven by an unyielding resolve to succeed, supported by the guidance of stars and the warmth of summer winds. His steadfast determination to conquer the unknown reflects his belief in human perseverance and triumph over nature’s formidable obstacles.

Nik Bear Brown – A contemporary poet and lyricist, Nik Bear Brown is known for storytelling that fuses traditional folk themes with modern insights, particularly in ballads and narrative songs.

Frankenstein, Letter 3, July 7th, 17—

Frankenstein, Letter 4, August 5th, 17—

Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus converted to lyrics by Nik Bear Brown
https://soundcloud.com/nik-bear-brown

We sailed through ice, a frozen tomb,
In fog and silence, dense as gloom.
Enclosed in sheets, in peril we lay,
When mist gave way at break of day.
We saw a sledge, drawn northward still,
A towering shape of strength and will.

This giant man sped toward the ice,
A sight of dread, yet strange and nice.
Though lost to distance, far and dim,
We watched him fade, a figure grim.
My men grew pale, their courage thinned,
Yet northward called the chilling wind.

Hours passed, the ice released our way,
The sea unfroze to greet the day.
At dawn, a second sledge appeared,
Its lone rider worn and seared.
His frozen frame, near death’s own door,
He asked of me, “Where do you soar?”

In speech and form, a foreign soul,
With madness etched into his role.
A shadowed past weighed on his mind,
With kindness rare and heart confined.
To seek “one fled” through endless snow,
A stranger now with tales unknown.

A dauntless heart, yet grief’s sharp sting,
We watched his spirit wrest and swing.
One moment kind, the next despair,
A haunted past beyond compare.
The weight he bore upon his chest,
No words could ease, no soul could rest.

I feel his pain; his grief is mine,
As if our fates by stars align.
A brother found on seas so wild,
A spirit fierce, yet meek and mild.
A friend at last, though frail and lost,
Who shares with me the ocean’s cost.

And now he waits, in silence deep,
With eyes that hold no peace, no sleep.
Each night he longs to scan the cold,
For shadows lost on icebergs old.
In wreckage frail, he shines a light,
Through sorrow’s veil and endless night.

Main Characters

Captain Robert Walton
Margaret Saville (Walton’s sister)
The mysterious stranger (Victor Frankenstein)

Summary of the Story
Captain Walton recounts a strange encounter with a weakened traveler found drifting on the ice in a sledge. This stranger, suffering from severe exhaustion and mental anguish, captivates Walton and his crew. When he recovers, the stranger reveals he is on a desperate pursuit, searching for a being who has “fled” from him. Walton is deeply moved by the man’s tragic air and troubled history. A bond forms between Walton and the stranger, as Walton finds in him a kindred spirit on the lonely sea. Despite his past, the stranger’s melancholy captivates the crew, and his unspoken grief becomes an enigma as they sail further into the Arctic expanse.

Nik Bear Brown – A contemporary poet and lyricist, Nik Bear Brown is known for storytelling that fuses traditional folk themes with modern insights, particularly in ballads and narrative songs.

Frankenstein, Letter 4, August 5th, 17—

Cross Patch

Mother Goose lyrics extended by Nik Bear Brown
https://soundcloud.com/nik-bear-brown

Cross Patch, draw the latch,
Settle down, no need to scratch.
Sit by the fire, warm and bright,
And sip your tea through cozy night.

Cross patch, draw the latch,
  Sit by the fire and spin;
Take a cup and drink it up,
  Then call your neighbors in

The kettle hums, the shadows dance,
The teacups wait for their big chance.
So take a sip, let troubles rest,
Invite the ones you like the best.

Neighbors gather, smiles grow wide,
As warmth and laughter fill inside.
Old tales are told, and jokes are spun,
Till frowns are gone, replaced with fun.

Cross patch, draw the latch,
  Sit by the fire and spin;
Take a cup and drink it up,
  Then call your neighbors in

So Cross Patch grins, as Patch does know,
A little kindness makes things glow.
The crackling fire, the clinking cups,
Bring friends together, lifting up.

With yarn and tales, they pass the night,
While outside, stars shine clear and bright.
The latch stays drawn, the door stays wide,
For everyone warm is welcome inside.

Cross patch, draw the latch,
  Sit by the fire and spin;
Take a cup and drink it up,
  Then call your neighbors in
  
So don’t be cross, come take a seat,
With friends and fire, the night’s complete.
A sip, a laugh, a song, a spin—
The perfect way to let joy in.

And when the stars fade, morning nigh,
They share a hug, they say goodbye.
Cross Patch knows this truth quite well:
With friends and warmth, all hearts swell.

Main Characters
Cross Patch, Neighbors, Tea Cups, Fire

Summary
Cross Patch, usually a grumpy figure, draws the latch and welcomes neighbors to gather by the fire for warmth and cheer. As they sip tea, share stories, and laugh, the night transforms into a joyful gathering. The poem celebrates the warmth of friendship and the power of kindness to melt even the grumpiest hearts.

Cross Patch I

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Lyrics adapted by Nik Bear Brown https://soundcloud.com/nik-bear-brown

Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of the Virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Angels sing and nations bow,
Christ the Lord is with us now.
Let the earth in chorus raise
Songs of joy and endless praise.
Heaven’s King in humble birth,
Brings salvation to the earth.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Lord of all, with hearts we sing,
Praise and worship to the King.
Shepherds, wise men, all draw near,
Heaven’s song we long to hear.
Peace and grace forever flow,
Christ has come to heal our woe.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Main Characters
Jesus Christ: The newborn King, Savior of the world, and symbol of divine grace.
The Angels: Heavenly messengers announcing the birth of Christ and spreading peace and joy.
Shepherds: Humble witnesses to the miraculous birth, drawn by the angelic proclamation.
Wise Men: Seekers of truth who honor Christ with gifts and devotion.

Summary
This carol celebrates the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose arrival brings reconciliation, hope, and redemption to the world. From the joyful proclamation of angels to the reverence of shepherds and wise men, the song exalts Christ's divine role in bringing light, life, and salvation to humanity. It reminds all to join in worship and praise for the everlasting grace and glory of the newborn King.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Lullaby and Goodnight

Nik Bear Brown

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0DvPivuUahW7J5cy3agcGd

Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nicholas-brown/1769354154


Lullaby and Goodnight
With roses bedight,
Baby's wee bed,
Lay thee down and rest,
May thy slumber be blessed.

Let the angels beside,
Keep you safe every day,
Bright angels abide,
In the soft moonlight’s ray.

Close your eyes, my dear,
With no fear,
Let the night be sweet,
Dreams ever so neat.

Lullaby and goodnight,
With lilies spread,
Lay thee down to rest,
May thy slumber be blessed.

Soft winds will sing,
Of the magic they bring,
Cradle you close,
From dusk till rose.

Dream of fields and streams,
Under moonlit beams,
Rest your weary mind,
In dreams intertwined.

Sweet dreams tonight,
Under starlight,
Tender lullabies rise,
Singing soft goodbyes.

Stars shimmer above,
With endless love,
Twinkle down below,
In a gentle glow.

Angels smile and stay,
Guide you on your way,
Through the calm night,
Till the morning light.

Lullaby and Goodnight

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night
Lyrics adapted by Nik Bear Brown
https://soundcloud.com/nik-bear-brown

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
an angel of the Lord came down,
and glory shone around.

"Fear not," said he for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind
"glad tidings of great joy I bring
to you and all mankind.

"To you, in David's town, this day
is born of David's line
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord;
and this shall be the sign:

"The heavenly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all simply wrapped in swaddling clothes
and in a manger laid."

Thus spoke the angel. Suddenly
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song:

"All glory be to God on high,
and to the earth be peace;
to those on whom his favor rests
goodwill shall never cease."

The shepherds rose and left their flocks,
to seek the holy child.
Through silent fields and starlit paths,
their hearts with hope beguiled.

They found Him in the humble stall,
just as the angel said.
With Mary near and Joseph kind,
they knelt beside His bed.

With grateful hearts they praised the Lord,
for sending Christ to save.
And spread the news of peace and joy,
to all, the gift He gave.

Main Characters:
Shepherds: Witnesses of the angelic announcement and seekers of the Christ child.
Angel of the Lord: The divine messenger who brings tidings of Christ’s birth.
Jesus Christ: The Savior, born in Bethlehem.
Mary: Mother of Jesus, present at the manger.
Joseph: Guardian of Jesus, present with Mary.
Angelic Choir: A multitude of angels praising God and spreading the message of peace.

Summary of the Story:
The song narrates the biblical story of shepherds who witness an angel's proclamation of Jesus Christ's birth. The angel announces the arrival of the Savior in Bethlehem, providing specific signs to find Him. The shepherds, filled with awe and hope, journey to the manger where they find Jesus with Mary and Joseph. Moved by the experience, they praise God and share the joyous news with others.

Nik Bear Brown
A contemporary poet and lyricist, Nik Bear Brown is known for storytelling that fuses traditional folk themes with modern insights, particularly in ballads and narrative songs.

While Shepherds Watched their Flocks

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Lyrics adapted by Nik Bear Brown
https://soundcloud.com/nik-bear-brown

Nik Bear Brown

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0DvPivuUahW7J5cy3agcGd

Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nicholas-brown/1769354154


O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary;
and, gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wond'ring love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King,
and peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of His heav'n.
No ear may hear His coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive Him still,
the dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin and enter in;
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels,
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel!

O little town of Bethlehem,
your hills and valleys sing,
of shepherds watching through the night,
as heaven greets its King.
The lambs are still, the stars are bright,
a promise whispers clear;
that love has come to dwell with us,
and cast away our fear.

Through centuries your story shines,
a beacon to the lost,
reminding hearts of peace divine,
and love at any cost.
From manger low to heaven’s throne,
a Savior’s path unfolds;
the light of Bethlehem still burns,
a mystery to behold.

O little town, your humble streets,
once bore the Lord of grace,
and now His light through time repeats,
to every time and place.
A silent prayer, a hopeful call,
He hears the faithful plea;
O Bethlehem, your gift of love,
redeems eternity.

Main Characters:
The Christ Child – Born in Bethlehem, a symbol of salvation and divine love.
Mary – Mother of Christ, representing purity and grace.
Angels – Guardians and messengers of wonder and praise.
The Town of Bethlehem – A silent witness to the birth of hope and redemption.
Shepherds – Humble figures who first witness the holy birth.

Story Summary:
The poem recounts the serene beauty of Bethlehem during Christ’s birth. It describes the quiet streets, the enduring light of faith, and the presence of angels proclaiming peace on earth. It reflects on how the town, once the site of this miraculous event, continues to serve as a beacon of divine love, guiding humanity toward hope and redemption through the ages.

Nik Bear Brown – A contemporary poet and lyricist, Nik Bear Brown is known for storytelling that fuses traditional folk themes with modern insights, particularly in ballads and narrative songs.

Little Town Of Bethlehem

The Blooming Within

The Blooming Within is a powerful folk song that takes listeners on a journey of inner awakening and self-discovery. It tells the story of how true wisdom and light are not found through external mastery or intellectual pride but through the quiet unfolding of the heart. Inspired by the timeless imagery of the lotus flower blooming in muddy waters, the song reflects on resilience, faith, and the transformative power of kindness and grace.

With tender acoustic instrumentation and soulful harmonies, the song creates an intimate and reflective atmosphere. The interplay of guitar, fiddle, and harmonica evokes a rich, earthy soundscape, while the heartfelt lyrics offer a universal message about finding peace and meaning through faith and practice.

This song draws deeply from folk music’s storytelling tradition, weaving simplicity and depth into a melody that feels both personal and timeless. It reminds us that the greatest truths are discovered not in conquest or clever schemes, but in the stillness where hearts unfold and the small and vast become one.

The Blooming Within is a call to reconnect with the light within ourselves, letting love and faith guide the way as we navigate life’s unseen streams. This is a song for anyone seeking hope, healing, and the quiet power of transformation.

Verse 1
Beneath the veil where thought takes reign, A voice arises, pure and plain. No map can chart, no reason bind, This sacred song within the mind.

Chorus
Let the lotus bloom, let the light shine in, The journey starts where hearts begin. Not in books or pride, but in streams unseen, Let faith and love reveal the dream.

Verse 2
The hands may reach for ancient lore, Yet find the key but not the door. Wisdom waits where hearts unfold, In gentle acts, not minds grown cold.

Chorus
Let the lotus bloom, let the light shine in, The journey starts where hearts begin. Not in books or pride, but in streams unseen, Let faith and love reveal the dream.

Bridge
Feel the stillness, take the leap, Roots run deep where quiet speaks. In kindness shared, in grace we tread, Life awakens where love is spread.

Verse 3
Oh, seeker chasing mastery’s fire, Pause and feel your heart’s desire. Truths are found, not fought or won, But known when all are joined as one.

Chorus
Let the lotus bloom, let the light shine in, The journey starts where hearts begin. Not in books or pride, but in streams unseen, Let faith and love reveal the dream.

Outro
So let the mind bow to the heart, And watch the fear and doubt depart. In faith and practice, life begins— The lotus blooms, the light within.

The Blooming Within

Wanjiru - Koala.wav

Nik Bear Brown – Known for his unique storytelling style, Nik Bear Brown fuses traditional folk themes with modern insights, especially in ballads and narrative songs.

Nik Bear Brown is a songwriter seamlessly blending the roles of poet, lyricist, and digital artist to craft immersive sonic experiences.  Nik Bear writes new songs and novel arraignment's of public domain classics. With a deep appreciation for the power of words, he weaves intricate narratives and evocative imagery into his lyrics, capturing the essence of human emotions and experiences.

Embracing the digital age, Nik utilizes cutting-edge electronic tools to enhance every facet of his music. From manipulating his vocals with innovative effects to exploring unique arrangements, he creates a rich tapestry of sound that elevates the poetry within his songs. This fusion of traditional poetic elements and modern technology not only amplifies the emotional depth of his work but also invites listeners to engage with his artistry in new and exciting ways.

Frankenstein, Letter 3, July 7th, 17—

Nik Bear Brown

Related tracks