Paid my Dues is just what the name implies. The experiences we all encounter through life makes us all the wiser. 

Paid My Dues.mp3

Hail Storm is about that one girl all of us guys have known at some point. 'Nuff said. 

Hail Storm.mp3

Midnight Blues is a good-natured take on being in a bad funk.

Midnight Blues.mp3

Born to Be as One is a song written about meeting the love of my life, and how she stuck with me through a bad time on my life. The guitar riffs and lyric were inspired by Jimi Hendrix.

Born to Be as One.mp3

The Funk is Mine is a whimsical take on life as a musician, and encourages people to "pick up a guitar and try your hand".
 (Just write your own song, don't take what's mine!)

Funk is Mine.mp3

Heard from the Gypsy is chock full of romantic imagery, just begging to become a couple's personal song. It is a full-production track that includes Spanish-gypsy style acoustic guitars, dreamy harmonized vocals, heavy dual electric guitars, an octaved bass-line, and a little synth to round it all out.

Heard From the Gypsy.mp3

Port Arthur is based on the early life of Janice Joplin, the tragic 60's blues-rock pioneer. Although the song never mentions her by name, the lyric describes her life growing up in the Texas town; being bullied and called names. She was hated by many, simply because she didn't "fit in". Well, she rose to stardom, playing the famous festival in 1969 we all know as Woodstock.
Check out the slide-show/music video at:

https://youtu.be/-eDcNHzo8D4

Port Arthur.mp3

   The album's title song, RiffRaff, on it's surface, appears to be about spending too much time around friends from "the wrong side of the tracks". In actuality, the lyric has an underlying dark theme, delving into the evils buried deep in our closets. Not to ignore the double-entendres each verse slyly slides by!
   (If you listen closely, the.    RiffRaff can be heard whispering sweet nothings into your subconcience.)

RiffRaff.mp3

C. M. Penley is an independent artist who's played music since the early 70's. His influences include southern rock, Texas blues, classic rock, jazz, R&B, and other styles. 