Yup- Joy Orbs

Running That Looks Easy- Joy Orbs

Don't Need The Fast Highway Line Because Slow Is Fine

"River's Edge Redemption" is the latest soulful blues anthem from The Swamp Tones. With gritty slide guitar, haunting harmonica, and gravelly vocals, this track takes you on a journey of pain, renewal, and redemption. Feel the raw emotion as the river becomes a symbol of cleansing and freedom, carrying away sorrow and regret. This Mississippi Delta blues piece is steeped in authenticity and Southern spirit—perfect for fans of deep, evocative music that stirs the soul.

🎧 Stream now and share your thoughts in the comments! Follow The Swamp Tones for more raw and powerful blues tracks, and don’t forget to hit the ❤️ and repost!

River's Edge Redemption

you give me more

"Under Your Wing" is a harmonious and heartfelt reflection on love, faith, and connection. The lyrics celebrate strength found in family, nature, and shared stories, while expressing gratitude for life's simple joys and the beauty of grace. It emphasizes the importance of unity, mutual care, and spiritual support, portraying life as a journey to find peace, purpose, and divine connectio

Under Your Wing

Dharma Moon

"Dharma Moon" is a bluesy pop-folk song inspired by a tale from the Lotus Sutra. It tells the story of a man who spent eighty years in selfless giving, only to discover that true enlightenment comes from embracing the wisdom of the Dharma. With soulful vocals, acoustic guitar, and a touch of harmonica, this song explores themes of generosity, spiritual awakening, and the transformative power of the Lotus Sutra.

Lyrics: 
(Verse 1)
Woke up this mornin’, blues got me down
Eighty years of givin’, ain’t earned no crown
Fed the hungry, clothed the poor, helped ‘em find their way
But the Buddha said, “Son, there’s a brighter way to play.”

(Chorus)
Sacred Lotus, oh Mystic Law, you opened up my eyes
Showed me the truth, hidin’ in plain disguise
One phrase of wisdom, a spark in the night
Burns brighter than years of doin’ what I thought was right.

(Verse 2)
A treasure chest unopened, locked inside my soul
The Sutra’s golden key turns, now the wisdom makes me whole
Chased after riches, thought they held the key
Now I see the real wealth’s in words that set us free.

(Chorus)
Sacred Lotus, oh Mystic Law, you opened up my eyes
Showed me the truth, hidin’ in plain disguise
One phrase of wisdom, it sets my heart alight
Burns brighter than years of doin’ what I thought was right.

(Bridge)
The light within us all, it flickers and it fades
But when we find the Dharma, it burns and it stays
My friends come to me, with troubles on their mind
The Lotus whispers softly, brings peace they hope to find.

(Chorus)
Sacred Lotus, oh Mystic Law, you’ve turned my night to day
Shined a light on the path, cleared the doubts away
A single phrase of wisdom, now I finally see
The Sacred Lotus blooms in you and blooms in me.

(Outro)
Woke up this mornin’, blues turned to gold
Eighty years of searchin’, found the truth untold
Now I’m singin’ a new song, beneath the Dharma moon
The Timeless Truths changed my life’s tune.

Dharma Moon

the sad

For the eighth instalment of Pet Projects, we welcome Dan and Emjay to the show. 

Dan Lever is a musician and wordsmith with a passion for communication. Losing his music teaching role during Covid and having lost his appetite for playing, he turned to another of his longstanding passions – writing. He now runs his own business, Magnify Copy, which provides copywriting and digital services to people and organisations whether local to his base in Hest Bank, near Morecambe, or further afield. He has also, happily, picked up his guitar again and performs for the love of it with family, friends and strangers. 

Two musical contributions from Dan feature in the episode (plus a ‘hidden duet’ you’ll discover on listening!): ‘West Snide Story’ by Islands Lost at Sea (46:39) and ‘Three Line Whip’ by the Two Hats Blues Band (50:25). ‘A Christmas Cat’, a poem by June Newall, and read by Dan’s friend Richard, appears at 24:25. 

Other topics covered in our relaxed, in-person chat range from cleaning up Emjay’s poo to the ‘enshittification’ of the Internet and much in-between – including why cats prefer Kate Bush to dub, novel-planning options, and who rules the roost on Morecambe seafront (clue: it’s not the seagulls).   

Pet Projects is a collaborative project devised by writer and editor Peter Humphreys and artist and filmmaker Ana Rebolledo, who provides the artwork and video content. It is available on Spotify, SoundCloud, iTunes and elsewhere. If you’re enjoying the podcast please like, subscribe and share. As ever, best listened to through ‘phones. 

Links for your purr-usal: 

Dan’s company, Magnify Copy: https://magnifycopy.co.uk 

Islands Lost at Sea, feat. Dan: https://open.spotify.com/album/3tAHTLFXEURPcW3Mx1vTIk?si=7MUVjfluSrmyRdHcenPXlg

Two Hats Blues Band (don't say it fast), feat. Dan: https://open.spotify.com/track/06SAqgrAXjfLpUFBQcrJOm?si=cd1073d72cb941f1

Richard Newall's film accompanying June Newall’s poem, ‘A Christmas Cat’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZvifpQWa7E

Pluralistic, daily posts from Cory Doctorow: https://pluralistic.net/

The ‘enshittification’ of social media platforms:
https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-platforms-cory-doctorow/

Pet Projects - Episode 8 - Dan Lever

Seekers of Truth’s Blues

This bluesy song explores the spiritual journey of a Seeker of Truth, embracing compassion and striving for enlightenment while acknowledging the weight of the world's suffering. Featuring soulful vocals, Dobro guitar, harmonica, and upright bass, it blends the raw emotion of the blues with the uplifting message of Buddhist teachings.

Verse 1
Woke up this morning, blues running deep  
Through a world of sorrow that makes my soul weep  
Pain in every face I see, hear the cries in the air  
Walking Truth's path now, such weight to bear

Chorus
But I keep on walking, steady as the tide  
Carrying the weight of this world inside  
This ain't no easy road, no simple plight  
But I'm bound for enlightenment's guiding light

Verse 2
Left my selfish ways, let go of pride  
Lit compassion's flame, let my ego subside  
Fighting through my demons, facing shadows within  
Reaching out to others, helping them begin

Chorus
But I keep on walking, steady as the tide  
Carrying the weight of this world inside  
This ain't no easy road, no simple plight  
But I'm bound for enlightenment's guiding light

Bridge
They say the Warrior's path brings nothing but strife  
But Divine Love fuels me, gives my spirit life  
Each step I take now makes my soul grow strong  
Planting seeds of kindness where I walk along

Chorus
But I keep on walking, steady as the tide  
Carrying the weight of this world inside  
This ain't no easy road, no simple plight  
But I'm bound for enlightenment's guiding light

Outro
Though the blues may linger, my heart's full of grace  
Walking Truth's path now, bringing light to each space  
Though the blues may linger, my heart's full of grace  
Walking Truth's path now, bringing light to each space

Seeker of Truth's Blues

Welcome to the musical world of The William Altig Choir, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary sound.

Inspired by the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and infused with deep spiritual themes, my music blends the rich traditions of blues and folk with modern elements, creating a unique fusion that resonates with both the heart and soul.

I've been captivated by the Lotus Sutra's messages of compassion, wisdom, and transformation since my youth. It's a journey of self-discovery that has found its voice in my music. Each song is a reflection of my own spiritual awakening and a celebration of universal truths.

My style is characterized by emotive storytelling, powerful lyrics, and a commitment to exploring the depths of human experience. Featuring contemplative blues, acoustic slide guitar, saxophone melodies, and the harmonies of a gospel choir, my music reflects a quest for enlightenment and a better understanding of the self.

Join me on this musical journey. Together, we can explore the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, finding solace, hope, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

#SpiritualMusic  #LotusSutraMusic  #ContemplativeBlues  #BuddhistGospel #AcousticSlideGuitar  #GospelChoir  #Self-Discovery  #SpiritualAwakening  #Hope  #The_William_Altig_Choir

I'm a writer and editor based in Lancaster. Check out my podcasts Pet Projects (in which I interview creative types about their pets - and their projects), First Impressions (a surreal slice of literary cheesecake), and Monkey Scribbling (two older blokes reflect on their youth in the '90s through the letters they exchanged at the time). 

Pet Projects is a collaboration with Ana Rebolledo and Monkey Scribbling with Richard Pye. 

The family band I formed with my brother, Decaying Leather, in 1989 continues to write and record. Our music can also be found on SoundCloud and elsewhere.

All works (c)Per-Anders Edwards, I do not permit use of any content for training AI. Go David Mayer 

US based British guitarist, noodling, collaborating, eclectic tastes and always up for a new genre.

New tracks tagged #harmonica