"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!

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

Brian Roemmele @BrianRoemmele on Twitter/X
Wrote the following:
May these views never become routine.
May we always sweetly gaze out the window of our grand ships of space and remember our crib of humanity.
May we smile upon all the trials and tribulations we had and in the balance know it was good—and know…
WE
ROSE
ABOVE IT.

I wanted to set it to music, to take his lyrics, and use them as he wrote them, but to incorporate some new lyrics in addition to them so it all works together.  Here's what I came up with, I call it "Rise Above"  The style is an acappella folk walking song, steady rhythm like footsteps, simple and uplifting melody, easy to sing in unison, Style like a Shaker hymn or traditional camp song

So I wrote this: Verse 1
From the cradle of the Earth we grew,
Dreams of stars in the morning dew.
With hearts alight, we carved our way,
Through endless nights to a brighter day.

Chorus
May these views never become routine,
May we always sweetly gaze out the window of our grand ships of space
And remember our crib of humanity.
May we smile upon all the trials and tribulations we had
And in the balance know it was good-and know…
WE ROSE ABOVE IT.

Verse 2
On wings of steel, we broke the chains,
Left behind the scars and pains.
The cosmos calls, our souls take flight,
Guided by the eternal light.

Chorus
May these views never become routine,
May we always sweetly gaze out the window of our grand ships of space
And remember our crib of humanity.
May we smile upon all the trials and tribulations we had
And in the balance know it was good-and know…
WE ROSE ABOVE IT.

Bridge
Every step, a story told,
Of courage fierce and spirits bold.
From dust to stars, we found our place,
A boundless dream in endless space.

Verse 3
Now we soar where the heavens sing,
Carrying hope on a fragile wing.
The past below, a fading spark,
Yet it lives within our heart.

Chorus
May these views never become routine,
May we always sweetly gaze out the window of our grand ships of space
And remember our crib of humanity.
May we smile upon all the trials and tribulations we had
And in the balance know it was good-and know…
WE ROSE ABOVE IT.

Outro
And as we drift through the cosmic sea,
We hold the truth of what could be.
From Earth's embrace to the stars' expanse,
We rise, we soar, in the universe's dance.

Rise Above

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

This song is an AI-assisted creation, born from my deep love for the music that shaped me. While no human hands held a guitar or sat at a drum kit to record it, every note, lyric, and arrangement was guided by the echoes of the bands that defined my past. Think of it as a digital homage—a way of keeping alive the energy, emotion, and craft of the artists who once filled arenas and soundtracked my memories. This track isn’t trying to replace them; it’s a love letter to their legacy, reimagined through the tools of today. What you hear is the past and the future colliding, paying respect to the timeless spirit of rock that still refuses to fade.

Runaway Heart

A raw, unapologetic alt-rock gut-punch, No Shame, No Game channels the fiery spirit of mid-90s grunge anthems. This track is a seething outburst of frustration, with jagged guitar riffs and pounding drums backing lyrics that cut deep with personal betrayal. The vocals shift from simmering rage to full-throated defiance, capturing the sting of being wronged while still paying the price. Perfect for anyone who's ever been pushed too far, this song is a cathartic middle finger to deadbeats and deceivers.

Note: This one's personal, raw, and real-written from a place of real anger. It's a standalone release, not tied to any album, just pure emotion laid bare.

Verse 1
You're squattin' in my house, no shame, no game,
Nine months, no rent, but you're fannin' the flame.
Twenty-two grand, you owe, it's a slap in my face,
While I'm payin' taxes, you're takin' up space.

Chorus
You oughta know, you're livin' rent-free,
Dodgin' my calls, stealin' from me.
Insurance, utilities, I'm bleedin' dry,
Get out or pay up, don't even try!

Verse 2
I'm footin' your bills, while you're livin' so bold,
My wallet's on fire, your heart's ice-cold.
You think you're slick, but the truth's gonna sting,
This ain't your home, stop pullin' my strings.

Chorus
You oughta know, you're livin' rent-free,
Dodgin' my calls, stealin' from me.
Insurance, utilities, I'm bleedin' dry,
Get out or pay up, don't even try!

Bridge
Twenty-two K, it's a knife in my back,
You're livin' like a king, while my funds are sacked.
No more excuses, no more delay,
Pay what you owe, or get out today!

Chorus
You oughta know, you're livin' rent-free,
Dodgin' my calls, stealin' from me.
Insurance, utilities, I'm bleedin' dry,
Get out or pay up, don't even try!

Outro
You oughta know, this ain't your throne,
Pack up your lies, leave my home alone!

No Shame, No Game

Cybernetic Fusion™ blends ancestral music with electronic sound to create a future-born tradition. 

[Verse 1]
Everybody's doing it now
(ooh-yeah!)
All the cool kids know how
Show you how

[Prechorus]
Step to the left
Step to the right
Move your body
All through the night

[Chorus]
Robot dance (robot dance)
Yeah
Do the robot dance
Robot dance (robot dance)
Put your hands up
Take a chance

[Verse 2]
I saw you standing over there
With the funny look
The vacant stare
Don't be scared

[Prechorus]
Step to the left
Step to the right
Move your body
All through the night

[Chorus]
Robot dance (robot dance)
Yeah
Do the robot dance
Robot dance (robot dance)
Put your hands up
Take a chance

Robot Dance

Cybernetic Fusion™ blends ancestral African percussion with Irish fiddle and bodhran and electronic sound to create a future-born dance tradition.

Grok Musik

Recently I was asked to write a soft, emotional Chinese pop ballad in the style of Mao Buyi.  Not familiar with the singer myself, I listened to a few of his top songs to get a sense of the structure.  Got some help from my wife who is fluent in Mandarin for the lyrics, and put this together.  Hope you like it.

[Verse 1]
 月光轻轻落在老街的墙
 风吹过熟悉的巷口响
 你的影子像从前一样
 在我心里慢慢晃

[Pre-Chorus]
 我走过每一个熟悉的路口
 思念像雨，落在夜里慢慢流

[Chorus]
 月光下的街，我和你没说的话
 轻轻飘在风里，好像从未离开过
 月光下的街，静静看你笑
 心里的温柔，就这样慢慢找

[Refrain / Hook]
 月光下的街，月光下的街
 我还记得那晚我们并肩走
 月光下的街，月光下的街
 时间都慢了，你的影子长留


月光下的街 (Streets Under Moonlight)

I grew up in Massachusetts, often misnamed "Taxachusetts" by outsiders who don't understand how the state thinks. There are now over 30 Mass colleges that offer "free" tuition, paid for by the taxpayer.   I wrote a song about it.

(Verse 1)
In the heart of old Massachusetts, where the history runs deep,
They call it "Taxachusetts," but the secret that we keep,
Is a dream for every student, from the Berkshires to the sea,
Over thirty colleges now, shouting "tuition free!"

From Harvard's hallowed halls to Worcester State's embrace,
Public schools and private ones, they're joining in the race.
MassGrant Plus is rising, community colleges too,
Opening doors for dreamers, making futures come true.

(Chorus)
Tuition free college, oh, what a sight to see,
In the land of Massachusetts, opportunity runs free.
From the Cape to the mountains, let the knowledge bell ring,
Tuition free college, hear the Bay State sing!

(Verse 2)
Mount Holyoke's Skinner Hall, shining bright in South Hadley,
Offers hope to families, no matter rich or poor, you see.
If your income's under a hundred, or two hundred at the max,
Harvard's got your back with grants, no need to face the tax.

MIT's got dining, books, and housing for the low,
Brandeis cuts your tuition, lets your dreams begin to grow.
Regis and Anna Maria, Pell Grants pave the way,
For New England's brightest minds to shine another day.

(Chorus)
Tuition free college, oh, what a sight to see,
In the land of Massachusetts, opportunity runs free.
From the Cape to the mountains, let the knowledge bell ring,
Tuition free college, hear the Bay State sing!

(Bridge)
But it's not just about the money, there's a bigger fight to win,
Affordability's the challenge, where do we begin?
Books and fees and emergencies, the costs still stack up high,
Massachusetts keeps on pushing, reaching for the sky.

(Verse 3)
Community colleges open wide, for residents a year or more,
Bridgewater, UMass, Salem State, they're unlocking every door.
MassArt and Worcester join the call, for incomes low and tight,
Pell Eligible commuters, your future's burning bright.

The critics call it "Taxachusetts," but we know the heart's sincere,
Investing in our students, building futures far and near.
From FAFSA to the statehouse, the fight's for every soul,
Tuition free's a promise, making broken systems whole.

(Chorus)
Tuition free college, oh, what a sight to see,
In the land of Massachusetts, opportunity runs free.
From the Cape to the mountains, let the knowledge bell ring,
Tuition free college, hear the Bay State sing!

(Outro)
So here's to Massachusetts, where the dreamers find their way,
Thirty colleges and counting, building brighter days.
No more "Taxachusetts," let the truth be understood,
Tuition free college, for the common good.

Tuition Free College

Creator: musician, composer/producer, artist, photographer

No Shame, No Game

Sweet Songs / Sweet Music

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