Orbit of Wonder is an evocative folk ballad honoring the extraordinary journey of NASA astronaut Megan McArthur. Inspired by her 213 days in space, her pioneering role as the first woman to pilot a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, and her profound perspective on Earth's fragility, this song weaves a tapestry of cosmic wonder and human achievement. With heartfelt lyrics and a soaring melody, it captures McArthur's legacy-from her work on the Hubble Space Telescope to her scientific contributions aboard the International Space Station. Perfect for stargazers, dreamers, and advocates of exploration, this track is a tribute to a trailblazer who touched the stars and brought their light back to Earth.

Megan McArthur's Orbit of Wonder

"Druid's Oak" is a hauntingly beautiful ballad inspired by the ancient, 800-year-old tree standing resilient in Buckinghamshire’s woodlands. This song weaves a tapestry of reverence for nature’s enduring strength, blending ethereal melodies with evocative lyrics that honor the tree’s legacy as a haven for wildlife and a monument to time. Rooted in the mysticism of ancient druids and informed by modern conservation efforts, the track captures the spirit of the oak’s timeless endurance through storms, droughts, and centuries. Perfect for fans of folk traditions and nature-inspired music, "Druid's Oak" is a heartfelt ode to the living legends that shape our landscapes and our stories.

Druid's Oak

"Massachusetts Rising" is an anthem celebrating the Commonwealth's 2025 redesign of its state seal, flag, and motto. Blending folk and indie vibes, it honors unity and change with imagery of whales, chickadees, and golden stars. This heartfelt track captures Massachusetts' pride and resilience, inviting listeners to join a shared vision of hope.

Massachusetts Rising

Mount Holyoke, Hear Us! is a powerful anthem born from the courage of nearly 200 Mount Holyoke College workers—dining staff, housekeepers, and facilities workers—who took to the picket lines on September 2, 2025, demanding fair wages and respect. Led by a stirring female vocal, backed by a soaring mixed choir, and enriched with emotive violin and driving guitar, this song captures the heart of their struggle and the solidarity of students chanting “pay your workers.” From Rhonda’s resolve to Jorge’s dreams for his family, each verse weaves their stories into a call for justice, echoing the legacy of labor icon Frances Perkins, a Mount Holyoke alumna. This folk-inspired protest anthem is both a tribute to the workers’ unbreakable spirit and a rallying cry for dignity and change. All proceeds support the striking workers of SEIU Local 32BJ and UAW Local 2322. Join us in amplifying their voices—Mount Holyoke, hear us!

Mount Holyoke, Hear Us!

(Verse 1)
We rise at dawn, with hearts so strong,
The backbone of this place we've been all along.
From dining halls to dorms we sweep,
Grounds we tend, and promises we keep.
But the wages low, they break our soul,
No living wage, it takes its toll.
We're cooks, we're cleaners, we're the core,
Mount Holyoke, hear us, we'll take no more!

(Chorus)
Stand up, stand tall, we're answering the call!
For justice, for fairness, we're fighting for all.
With courage and pride, we're striking today,
Mount Holyoke workers, we're paving the way!

(Verse 2)
Rhonda's voice, it rings out clear,
Seven years of toil, she's still right here.
Jorge dreams for his children three,
A better life, through unity.
Bonnie's served for nineteen years,
Ann's first strike, she's faced her fears.
Rich invokes Frances Perkins' name,
Her legacy fuels this righteous flame.

(Chorus)
Stand up, stand tall, we're answering the call!
For justice, for fairness, we're fighting for all.
With courage and pride, we're striking today,
Mount Holyoke workers, we're paving the way!

(Bridge)
Students chant, their voices soar,
“Pay your workers!” they implore.
Purple stickers, yellow too,
Solidarity shines in all we do.
The college speaks of deals to make,
But empty words won't heal the ache.
A living wage, respect, and care,
That's the future we demand to share!

(Verse 3)
We're the heart that keeps this campus alive,
Through every season, we help it thrive.
From convocation to the halls we roam,
We're the ones who make this place a home.
No more silence, no more delay,
We're standing firm, we're here to stay.
With unions strong, we'll break the chain,
Together we'll rise, through struggle and pain.

(Chorus)
Stand up, stand tall, we're answering the call!
For justice, for fairness, we're fighting for all.
With courage and pride, we're striking today,
Mount Holyoke workers, we're paving the way!

(Outro)
Honk your horns on College Street,
Feel the pulse of our heartbeat.
From South Hadley to the world we'll sing,
Workers' rights are everything!
Mount Holyoke, hear our cry,
For dignity, we'll fight, we'll rise!
Solidarity forever, we'll never sway,
Mount Holyoke workers, we lead the way!

Mount Holyoke, Hear Us!

“Light of Lucentia” is a gentle choral hymn celebrating the inner light within all beings and our connection to the natural world. Sung by a choir of mixed voices and accompanied by acoustic guitar, mandolin, and violin, the song evokes quiet mornings, rustling leaves, and the subtle radiance that exists in everyday life.
More than music, it is an invitation: to notice the light, to carry it softly, and to honor the Earth and each living being with presence and gratitude. There are no leaders, no hierarchies, no demands—only the shared glow of being, the humility of tending the small, sacred moments, and the joy of communal connection.


Light of Lucentia

I received this message about one of my songs on bandcamp: Subject: Rematriation of land in Belchertown Adam.... you new song about the North Quabbin got me thinking that you might write a song about the proposal by a local group to rematriate (land back) 430 in Belchertown to the Nipmuc people.  For details see: https://www.lampsonbrook-landback.org/  Thanks for the song you wrote about Jeffrey Amherst based on my Amherst Indy article! --- John Gerber Write the lyrics to the song John recommends and give it the following title "Nipmuc Rematriated" 

Verse 1

In the heart of Belchertown, where the rivers meet the sky,

Lies a patch of earth where our ancestors lie.

Through the forests and the fields, their spirits still remain,

Calling us to honor them, to heal the land again.



Chorus

Return the soil, return the seed,

To the hands that once did lead.

Nipmuc hearts, strong and true,

Rematriate what was taken from you.



Verse 2

The farm stands silent, waiting for the day,

When the Nipmuc return to show the way.

With agri-hoods and kitchens shared,

A future built on love and care.



Chorus

Return the soil, return the seed,

To the hands that once did lead.

Nipmuc hearts, strong and true,

Rematriate what was taken from you.



Bridge

Through legislation and community voice,

The land returns, we make the choice.

To honor those who came before,

And open wide the healing door.



Chorus

Return the soil, return the seed,

To the hands that once did lead.

Nipmuc hearts, strong and true,

Rematriate what was taken from you.



Outro

So here's to the land, to the people, to the dream,

A future where we all redeem.

Nipmuc Rematriated, the circle now complete,

Together we rise, together we meet.

Buy The Album

Nipmuc Rematriated

Hey there, pickers and dreamers! We're thrilled to share "Your Brain's Alive," a bluegrass barnburner inspired by a groundbreaking neuroscience study that mapped a mouse's brain at single-cell resolution. This song's got the high-lonesome twang of mandolin, violin, and guitar, weaving a tale of neurons firing and decisions sparking across the mind's vast frontier. With foot-stomping rhythms and soaring harmonies, it celebrates the wonder of choice and the global quest to unlock the brain's secrets. Crank it up, let the strings sing, and feel your own brain light up! Recorded with love for fans of bluegrass, Americana, and the mysteries of the mind.

Your Brain's Alive

Today while walking across the Windsor Dam at the Quabbin Reservoir, I met a group of friendly DCR staff who spend their days caring for our parks, forests, and waters. Our conversation about music and the land inspired this song. “DCR is Walking With the Land” is meant to be sung together - simple, steady, and uplifting, like footsteps on a trail. May it carry the spirit of community, nature, and stewardship wherever it's sung.

DCR is Walking With The Land

Blood Moon Rising is a celestial journey woven through the innovative lens of cybernetic fusion-a bold blend of ancient ancestral echoes and cutting-edge electronic soundscapes. Inspired by the vivid imagery of the March 2025 total lunar eclipse, this track captures the haunting beauty of a crimson moon as it rises over Asia, Africa, and beyond. Drawing from the spirit of ancient Celtic and Mediterranean traditions, the song features evocative lyre-like plucks and droning harp tones, reminiscent of long-lost rituals, seamlessly fused with pulsating modern beats and ambient synth pads. The result is a hypnotic sound that feels both timeless and futuristic, pulling listeners into the cosmic dance of Earth, moon, and stars. Perfect for stargazers, dreamers, and those who feel the pull of the universe's mysteries.  

Blood Moon Rising

(Verse 1)
Under the stars, where the night unfolds,
A crimson glow in the sky takes hold.
From Asia's plains to Africa's shore,
The moon turns red, like tales of lore.

The sun and Earth in a cosmic dance,
Cast a shadow, a fleeting trance.
At seventeen-thirty, the world holds its breath,
A blood moon rises, defying death.

(Chorus)
Blood moon rising, painting the night,
A scarlet dream in the soft starlight.
No glasses needed, just lift your gaze,
The heavens burn in a mystic blaze.
Blood moon rising, oh, can't you see?
The sky's alive with eternity.

(Verse 2)
In Canberra's glow or Colombia's skies,
The moon turns red as the evening flies.
Europe catches a glimpse at dawn's first light,
While the Americas sleep through the night.

Scattered rays through the atmosphere bend,
Red waves linger where blue ones end.
A fleeting moment, yet ancient and grand,
The moon's bold hue grips the heart of the land.

(Chorus)
Blood moon rising, painting the night,
A scarlet dream in the soft starlight.
No glasses needed, just lift your gaze,
The heavens burn in a mystic blaze.
Blood moon rising, oh, can't you see?
The sky's alive with eternity.

(Bridge)
Milligan chases the sun's embrace,
Through eclipses, he's run the race.
But this blood moon calls, a prelude to more,
To August's shadow in twenty-six's core.

From Spain to Iceland, the skies will align,
A total eclipse, a moment divine.
Yet tonight we stand, beneath the red glow,
Where dreams and cosmos forever flow.

(Chorus)
Blood moon rising, painting the night,
A scarlet dream in the soft starlight.
No glasses needed, just lift your gaze,
The heavens burn in a mystic blaze.
Blood moon rising, oh, can't you see?
The sky's alive with eternity.

(Outro)
So look to the heavens, let wonder take flight,
The blood moon rises this Sunday night.
A fleeting marvel, a cosmic art,
It stains the sky and it stirs the heart.

Blood Moon Rising

Swing high with the "UMass Ropes Course Song," a vibrant American folk anthem celebrating the new Leadership Challenge Course at UMass Amherst. With acoustic guitar, violin, and mandolin weaving through heartfelt male vocals and soaring female harmonies, this track captures the thrill of teamwork and personal growth in Orchard Hill's treetops. Part of a collection of UMass-inspired songs, it echoes the campus's spirit of adventure and community, inviting listeners to climb, connect, and soar.

(Verse 1)
Up in the trees where the sky meets the ground,
Orchard Hill's callin', hear the adventurous sound.
A zip line's a-soarin', platforms touchin' the stars,
UMass is risin' to new heights, no bars!

Eight hundred grand for a challenge so bold,
Teamwork and trust in the stories we're told.
From students to locals, we'll climb and we'll grow,
In the heart of Amherst, let the leadership flow!

(Chorus)
Swing high, reach far, on the ropes we'll climb,
Sky park's callin', it's our time to shine.
Buildin' our courage, together we'll soar,
UMass Leadership Course, we're openin' the door!

(Verse 2)
Alpine Towers buildin', October's the day,
Soft launch in spring, when we'll all come to play.
High ropes, low ropes, we'll conquer our fears,
Problem-solvin' skills that'll last through the years.

From The Notch to this haven, a new path we'll tread,
For students, for teams, where the future is led.
Jeff Smith's got a vision, a name yet to find,
A place for connection, for heart and for mind.

(Chorus)
Swing high, reach far, on the ropes we'll climb,
Sky park's callin', it's our time to shine.
Buildin' our courage, together we'll soar,
UMass Leadership Course, we're openin' the door!

(Bridge)
Orchard Hill Pavilion, with views all around,
Yoga in summer, where peace can be found.
But up in the treetops, we'll challenge the skies,
With teamwork and trust, watch our spirits arise!

(Verse 3)
Community's welcome, from near and from far,
Businesses, students, we'll raise up the bar.
Springtime's grand opening, the campus will hum,
A place for new leaders, where growth will come.

So grab a harness, let's swing through the air,
UMass is ready, adventure we'll share.
From wooden platforms to zip lines so free,
This ropes course is where we were destined to be!

(Chorus)
Swing high, reach far, on the ropes we'll climb,
Sky park's callin', it's our time to shine.
Buildin' our courage, together we'll soar,
UMass Leadership Course, we're openin' the door!

(Outro)
Orchard Hill's callin', the future's in sight,
With ropes and with heart, we'll take on the fight.
UMass, oh UMass, where leaders are born,
In the trees, we'll find strength, from dusk until dawn.

Buy this UMass song!

UMass Ropes

"Whalen's Run" is a song for the underdog, written for Jeromie Whalen, a teacher from western Massachusetts challenging 36-year incumbent Richard Neal in the 2026 Congressional race. It's about standing up for workers, nurses, and everyday folks, pushing for healthcare for all and fairness for the working class. No corporate money, just heart and hustle. This track is for anyone who cheers for the little guy taking on the big shots. Neal's had an easy ride too long-sing along to this call for change in Massachusetts' 1st District.

(Verse 1)
In western Mass where rivers wind,
Jeromie Whalen speaks his mind.
A teacher's heart, with fire so true,
Challenging Neal, gonna break through.
Thirty-six years, same old game,
Jeromie's here to spark a change.

(Chorus)
Whalen's run, for the people's call,
Fighting for justice, he'll stand tall.
No corporate coin, just a true man's hand,
For the heart and soul of this western land.
Sing it out, let the truth be free,
Whalen's run for you and me.

(Verse 2)
Healthcare for all, no profit's gain,
Make the wealthy pay, ease the pain.
System's broke, he's got a plan,
Lift up every woman, every man.
No more lies, no more disguise,
Truth in his heart, fire in his eyes.

(Chorus)
Whalen's run, for the people's call,
Fighting for justice, he'll stand tall.
No corporate coin, just a true man's hand,
For the heart and soul of this western land.
Sing it out, let the truth be free,
Whalen's run for you and me.

(Verse 3)
In Gaza's grief, he speaks out plain,
Calls it wrong, won't play the game.
While Neal takes cash from war's dark hand,
Jeromie fights for a peaceful land.
Green New Deal, jobs to mend,
Hope for all, a world to tend.

(Bridge)
On picket lines, with workers' pride,
Jeromie stands, no need to hide.
From Springfield's streets to hills so wide,
He's the voice for those denied.
No elite, no power to trade,
Just a heart that's unafraid.

(Chorus)
Whalen's run, for the people's call,
Fighting for justice, he'll stand tall.
No corporate coin, just a true man's hand,
For the heart and soul of this western land.
Sing it out, let the truth be free,
Whalen's run for you and me.

(Outro)
From classroom days to Congress' door,
Jeromie fights for something more.
No-name, proud, he stands for all,
Answering the people's call.
Sing it strong, let the truth abide,
Whalen's run turns the tide.

Whalen's Run

I write songs about my community in Western MA, Science, Nature and the Nature of Things

Nipmuc Rematriated

Sweet Songs / Sweet Music