I'm doing the FAWM (February Album Writing Month) challenge, and here are my songs so far! It's a mixed bag. :)

"Midnight Somewhere" was the theme of a 1-hr songwriting challenge I did. I had it written and recorded in 15 min, just FYI. Haha.

FAWM Demos 2024 (ROUGH demos, right after writing!)

Written and recorded February 4, 2023 (please see notes after the lyrics for more information).

The Lark (Aube)

My clandestine love and I
In a fair wood near Béthune
We played all of Tuesday night
In the blue light of the moon
Till the dawn conquered the dark
And too soon we heard the lark 
I said, "My love, we have to go"
And he smiled and said, "Please, no…”

It is not nearly day
My lovely, dear, sweet heart
Let us not entertain
The cruel lies of that lark

Then he drew me in so near
And we cuddled without fear
He kissed me heartily thrice
I kissed him at least twice
His soft caress did not annoy
How we'd have loved to stretch our joy
That night to last at least an age
With no further need to say 

It is not nearly day
My lovely, dear, sweet heart
Let us not entertain
The cruel lies of that lark


This is a new poetic translation of a trouvère song (trouvères were Northern French songwriters and performers in the 12th and 13th centuries). It is uncredited, but believed to have been written by a woman. This particular type of song is called an "aube." Aubes are songs about clandestine love affairs during the night, during which the lovers dread the coming of dawn, when they must part as if nothing has happened.

Some pieces have surviving music - this one does not. My translation is not completely literal - I kept what I could, but I wanted to also follow the rhyme pattern and have a similar (or at least acceptable) number of syllables in each line. I used the original text along with a literal, line-by-line translation to craft my version. I got the text and literal translation from Songs of the Women Trouvères, edited and translated by Eglal Doss-Quinby, Joan Tasker Grimbert, Wendy Pfeffer, and Elizabeth Aubrey. 

Here is the original text (author unknown):

Entre moi et mon amin,
En un boix k'est leis Bethune,
Alainmes juwant mairdi 
Tout la nuit a la lune,
Tant k'il ajornait
Et ke l'alowe chantait
Ke dit: "Amins alons an."
Et il respont doucement:

Il n'est mie jours,
Saverouze au cors gent;
Si m'aït Amors,
L'alowette nos mant.

Adont se trait pres de mi,
Et je ne fu pas anfruine;
Bien trois fois me baixait il,
Ausi fix je lui plus d'une,
K'ainz ne m'anoiait.
Adonc vocexiens nous lai 
Ke celle neut durest sant,
Mais ke plus n'alest dixant:

Il n'est mie jours,
Saverouze au cors gent;
Si m'aït Amors,
L'alowette nos mant.

FAWM Demos 2024

The Lark

I wrote this during the FAWM (February Album Writing Month) challenge.

Lyrics:

Get Up, Lazy Human

My alarm rattles off and my kitty is thrilled
For he has a belly that screams to be filled
He's been so patient while I slept like the dead
So he'll march on my body and sit on my head

If that doesn't work he will poke his wet nose
Into my slumbering face, I suppose
He'll lick my cheek with his scratchy, wet tongue
And cry piteously that his day has begun

And his belly's still empty, oh no
So get up, lazy human, let's go

I try to get cuddles for ten minutes or more
Sometimes that works for five, then he's scratching the door
I try to ignore him, but he sounds so sad
And if I wait too long, pretty soon he'll get mad

He'll fight the injustice with licks on my nose
And bites on my glasses, assaults on my toes
He'll knock over my lamp when he must have results
For the world is not right till his belly is full

And his belly's still empty, oh no
So get up, lazy human, let's go

A more effective alarm clock has never been made
For you can't snooze a cat who wants breakfast today

'Cause his belly's still empty, oh no
So get up, lazy human
Get up, lazy human
Get up, lazy human, let's go

Get Up, Lazy Human (A Kitty Alarm Clock Song)

Midnight Somewhere (a song for my cat)

Written and recorded February 2, 2024

Wrong (An Ode to Three Exes)

We'd had quite the night - I had a story I could tell in old age
That was all I'd planned ‘til you appeared with pen and paper in hand
We weren't quite a fit but I feared you were my only chance
I tried to hold on to our heat, but by midwinter I admitted defeat

Thank you for your interest in me
For far too long I didn't believe
Such things were for me to receive
I was wrong
I loved you because you were there
Plenty reason for me to care
Broke my heart to end the affair
But we were wrong

We met on the range - I had borrowed gear, just arrows and bow
Unasked, you helped me shoot, and you loved my songs so I thought you were cute
I didn't see you for four years, but when we met again, it felt just like fate
But you were filled with so much spite by then, I could not overcome your dark with my light

Thank you for your interest in me
For far too long I didn't believe
Such things were for me to receive
I was wrong
I loved you because you were there
Plenty reason for me to care
Broke my heart to end the affair
But we were wrong

Our first chat lasted hours, late at night
The next day our first date closed down the restaurant
You were nerdy and sweet and you seemed to like me
It felt right but you lied, you lied the whole time

Still, thank you for your interest in me
For far too long I didn't believe
Such things were for me to receive
I was wrong
I loved you because you were there
Plenty reason for me to care
Broke my heart to end the affair
But we were wrong

A little slow, but now I know my worth

Wrong (An Ode to 3 Exes)

Written and recorded on February 1, 2024, in response to a challenge to write a song using primarily F major and A minor chords (I use a G major once, at the end of the bridge.

Portland

Four weeks and six days have passed since he left Madison
Feels like forever and yet yesterday
Four or five months yet till I can visit Portland
Time slips between us with the promise of someday

And it's fine, I will spare the time
There's no other face I'd rather see
This is life, right? But it's no sacrifice 
There's no other place I'd rather be right now
Than Portland

So anxious for summer - I'm so glad I will teach online
I'll spend a month there - another plane ride for my cat
Restaurants and theater - we'll do all of the things we love
Sweetest of all, time alone in his new flat

And it's fine - I will spare the time
There's no other face I'd rather see
This is life, right? But it's no sacrifice 
There's no other place I'd rather be right now
Than Portland

Some folk imply that I’m wasting my time
And they're trying to be kind
But they don’t see
		
That it's fine - I can spare the time
There's no other face I'd rather see
This is my life and mine to sacrifice
There's no other place I'd rather be right now
Than Portland

Sometimes I'm homesick for our weekends in Madison
Idyllic afternoon walks, good food, good love
The city's still beautiful, but no longer feels like home
A place isn't home though, home is who we love

So it's fine - I will spare the time
There's no other face I'd rather see
This is life, right? But it's no sacrifice 
There's no other place I'd rather be right now
Than Portland

Portland

I wrote this in the car and recorded it with my phone, in response to a songwriting prompt (verisimilitude).

Verisimilitude (Red Flags)

How do I know if what seems to be real is real?
If it looks like the truth and it sounds like the truth, is it true?
I'm asking you
Mr. Honesty, Mr. Just-Date-Me
Mr. Oh-My-Ex-Was-So-Mean-to-Me
Such a tragedy to make your friends flee and ignore your D
Oh I see
Maybe you've lied to me

How do I know if how you say that you feel you feel?
Cuz you seem like you're sad or you seem like you're mad but you're fine
All the time
Mr. It's-All-Great, Mr. Clean-Your-Plate
Mr. Let's-Stay-Up-and-Sleep-in-Late
And then you escape, got to work all day, there's no time to play
So you say
I don't appreciate

Your sad story of neglect and defeat
Made it hard to see the red flags
It tugged on my heart, I was hooked from the start
Then it all fell apart 

You only date one person at a time
Even if it's new and not serious
You made me feel ashamed for going out on other dates 
Why did I comply?
I must have been delirious

Your sad story of neglect and defeat
Made it hard to see the red flags
It tugged on my heart, I was hooked from the start
Then it all fell apart 

How do I know if what you tell me is true is true?
If the truth starts to change or it gets rearranged, is it strange?
Or deranged?
Mr. I'm-Confused, Mr. It's-Not-You
Mr. Married-Chick-Met-Before-You
Should have had a clue, but I believed you, you're a coward, too
So we're through
Do you what you gotta do

Verisimilitude (Red Flags) - acapella

Spun
(words & music by Robin Lea Fritche)

The sun was strong that day
And I feared I'd get a burn 
We chatted in the shade
And my thoughts began to churn
Our conversation bloomed
And your smiles quickened my pulse
I felt a power unpresumed 
On your scent just like a wolf

Why is my head spinning?
Have you done something to me?
You're a heady mix of innocence
And danger breaking free
Your sweetness is beguiling
And your instant trust profound
I can't resist your proffered bliss
You've spun my head around

Now I know you well
And your darling, devious mind
You've learned my buttons, I can tell
To make me feel like that first time
You contrive to be my prey
But you're not that tough to catch
You never try to run away
But somehow I am outmatched 

Why is my head spinning?
Have you done something to me?
You're a heady mix of innocence
And danger breaking free
Your sweetness is beguiling
And your instant trust profound
I can't resist your proffered bliss
You've spun my head around

So let me hold you
I know you feel safe in my arms
You've been entirely unexpected
And I am left disarmed

That's why my head's spinning
You have done something to me
You're a heady mix of innocence
And danger breaking free
Your sweetness is beguiling
And your continued trust profound
I can't resist your proffered bliss
You've spun my head around

Spun

Me Through a Prism
Lyrics by Sheila Kaufman, Music by Robin Lea Fritche

Sometimes I feel like a mix of all colors
Blended together to Black,
Clothed head to toe so no one will notice me
Feelings too dark to unpack

I know inside, when all the joy flees from me
It's prob'ly born out of fear,
What if I show myself as I am
And only my critics appear?

Chorus 1:
I need to see
Me through a prism,
Each color splashed out on the wall,
The rainbow of colors I know are inside,
The ones that are hard to recall.
I need to see
Me through a prism
The light shining bright to my soul,
Each glittering ray on full display
Whenever the dark takes control.

Some days I know I'm fun and I'm talented,
At least that's what some people say,
How do I hold on to those feelings
When all of my skies have gone grey?

Chorus 2:
I need to see
Me through a prism
Each color splashed out on the wall
The rainbow of colors I know are inside
The ones that are hard to recall.
I need to see
Me through a prism
The light shining bright to my soul
Each glittering ray
On full display,
Working to get there someday.

(February 2024)

Me Through a Prism

I'm Truly Happy
Lyrics by Cindy Prince, Music by Robin Lea Fritche

The pond is like glass
Birds fly up in the morning light
I look out across this old farm
So thankful for the sight
And how it makes me feel

The sky is pale blue
Winter limbs holding on
With hopes of spring
As I too await the warming sun
All that's around me makes me heal

Chorus
Some mornings are total bliss
Country living and my lover's kiss
Don't believe there's anything I miss
I'm truly happy

The cows dot the landscape
As I sit by the window and write
A red squirrel runs with his nut
And two geese take flight
As I sip the hot coffee in my cup

The morning stretches before me
I listen to my friend's songs
I’ll go for a walk later in the day
Sometimes I like to sing along
As I watch the February wind pick up

Repeat chorus

I'm Truly Happy

Dominant
(words & music by Robin Lea Fritche)

There was always something wrong
You couldn't imagine yourself strong
So you smiled and played along
That old song
When you felt safe enough to share
And maybe a bit more self-aware
You were scorned to even dare
That old snare

In our bones we are the same
Even if you refuse to claim
Our affinity is no shame
It's okay
It's okay if you admit
That your role is not a fit
Don't feel that you're wed to it
Don't submit

You left your fantasies in the dark
You didn't know what lit that spark
You were a minnow, not a shark
Just a mark
But those scenes did not excite
Maybe you just couldn't do it right
Or you're too vanilla for delight
To ignite

In our bones we are the same
Even if you refuse to claim
Our affinity is no shame
It's okay
It's okay if you admit
That your role is not a fit
Don't feel that you're wed to it
Don't submit

You were almost self-defined
Before that man rendered you blind
His betrayal was, in truth, kind
Leave it behind
You have a chance now to emerge
To let your disparate selves converge
Be the beast you always were
Just submerged

In our bones we are the same
And it's time for you to claim
Our affinity is no shame
It's okay
It's okay, you can admit
That your role was not a fit
You were never wed to it
Don't submit

Don't submit
Be Dominant

Dominant

The Beginning of a Wonderful Time
Lyrics by Cindy Prince, Music by Robin Lea Fritche

I thought my life full
But I felt such a pull
When I saw your face
I didn't need anything
But you made my heart sing
I shot off into deep space

I didn't know if then
Sipping my tonic and gin
That something good was arriving
I didn't need you
But how marvelous and new
And you were so exciting

Chorus
It was the beginning of a wonderful time
You were sexy, electric, and even sublime
I felt like my life had started all over
I love you so much my sweet lover
It was the beginning of a wonderful time

Bridge
All we have is the present moment
All we have is right now
Come let me show you how much I love you

I never knew love like this before
That let me fly and more
How wonderful it is now
I want to spend every day
Because you take my breath away
I don't question why or how

Repeat chorus

The Beginning of a Wonderful Time

Two Years Gone
Music by Jeff Otto, Lyrics by Robin Lea Fritche

Two years gone - thought I'd mark the day
I still miss you in my own way
Wish you could have stayed

It hurts less now - thought I'd never heal
I don't blame you for all I feel
It's still a bit surreal

I know what I did to transform our fate
My only excuse is I found out too late
I realized too late

Two years gone - I'm forever changed
After losing you my life's felt strange
Rearranged

Wish I could return to the time our fates diverged
If I'd had the worth to give what you deserved
I'd have put you first
If I could've learned how my actions hurt
I'd help you create
Two years gone and it's too late

Two Years Gone

Lyrics by Liz Price, Music by Robin Lea Fritche 

Verisimilitude

Lila May
Lyrics by Sheila Kaufman, Music by Robin Lea Fritche

Lila May, Lila May
Pretty as a summer day
Smile so bright it lights our way
That's our Lila May

Jumping puddles in the yard
Playin' on her pink guitar
Painted face and sparkling eyes
Spirit nothing can disguise

Sunny walk to the park
Try to get home just at dark
Count in Spanish up to ten
Count the stars then start again

Lila May Lila May
Pretty as a Summer day
Smile so bright it lights our way
That's our Lila May

Stringing sparkly colored beads,
One more purple's all she needs.
But it's playing peekaboo
Hiding in her tiny shoe

Froot Loop necklace, Gogurt snack
Riding Daddy piggy back,
Blowing bubbles in her milk
Careful that it isn't spilt

Lila May Lila May
Pretty as a Summer day
Smile so bright it lights our way
That's our Lila May

Princess Lila Supergirl
Out to take on her whole world
Riding on an Elephant, too
Know's there's nothing she can't do


Lila May Lila May
Pretty as a Summer day
Smile so bright it lights our way
That's our Lila May

Giant teddy lets her climb
On his back most anytime
Snuggled in his nice soft fur
Lila is his favorite girl

Xylophone chorus tingaling
Makes her friends all want to sing
Whenever Lila starts to play
Who gathers round? Team Lila May!

Lila May, Lila May
Pretty as a summer day
Smile so bright it lights our way
That's our Lila -
Lila May, Lila May
Pretty as a summer day
Smile so bright it lights our way
That's our Lila May

Lyrics © Sheila Kaufman 2013
Music © Robin Lea Fritche 2024

Lila May

Soar
Music & Lyrics by Robin Lea Fritche

Lover come to me
Set your burdens all aside
Close your eyes, just breathe
And in me you can confide
Rest your head on my chest
And divulge your desires
The wicked ones are best
Let's see what transpires

You can close your eyes
And let me keep control here
You've nothing to fear
As we soar
You can close your eyes
But you're not dreaming
You've never had such dreams before

I suspect you like
Both my kiss and my sting
You don't know when I'll strike
But that I'll make you sing
You can test your bonds
Both safe and secure
I can't help but to respond
To your allure

(Cho:)

And as you open up
Cautiously
Don't shy away
You are so beautiful
Every blissful noise you make
Begs me to go deeper
'Till you writhe and quake

(Cho: x2)

Oh, you've never had such dreams before

(Music: 1997 😅; Lyrics: 27 Feb 2024)

Soar

Snow White, Remixed
Lyrics by Early Boon, Music by Robin Lea Fritche



Loneliness surrounds me
It fills me til I’m gone
Til I all I hear is
My solitude

Palace or forest
Town or vale
I wear this airtight shield
No one comes near

Center of the court
Center of attention
Forsaken and broken
Desolate, desolate my heart

Forced hermitage,
Solace in the trees,
In creatures of the forest
And in a maybe family


Yet here I am again
Robbed by jealousy
Slain by insane
Hidden rage of insecurity

Center of the court
Center of attention
Forsaken and broken
Desolate, desolate my heart

Will nobody save me
Who will see past the lies
Who is my friend?
Who’s my companion?

Who will save me
Who will take my hand
Please someone save me
Someone please
Please
Take my hand

 February 2024

Snow White, Remixed

Vultured Sky
Lyrics by Simon Wright, Music by Robin Lea Fritche


(Verse 1)
Standing by the castle ruins
Where once arrows rained down
Ghosts of the desecrated wander
Aimless, through this godless ground

(Verse 2)
Looking out on fields of grass
Soil fed by the slain as they fell
Children play, dogs chase their tails
Oblivious to the buried Hell

(Chorus)
Over the brow of the hill
Swords raised, kill or be killed
Breath streaming in the chill
Chests heaving, skulls cleaving
Lives leaving as blood is spilled

(Verse 3)
Now I see beyond the veil
Hear the thunder of horses’ hooves
Smell the sweat, the blood, the fear
War’s a bloody game waged by fools

(Verse 4)
Some merely boys dressed as men
Cannon fodder sent to die
No mum's lullabies that night
As they stare up at a vultured sky

(Chorus)
Over the brow of the hill
Swords raised, kill or be killed
Breath streaming in the chill
Chests heaving, skulls cleaving
Lives leaving as blood is spilled

(Verse 5)
Some merely boys dressed as men
Cannon fodder sent to die
No mum's lullabies that night
As they stare up at a vultured sky
They stared up at a vultured sky ….

(February 2024)

FAWM Demos 2024 (ROUGH demos, right after writing!)

RobinLeaF