He wore number 12 on a Friday night field
Small-town lights, chasing dreams that felt real
She sang in cafés with a notebook and charm
Lyrics like lightning, a voice like a balm
He caught her set after practice one fall
Stood in the back, didn’t say much at all
But her words hit harder than tackles and scars
He was engulfed in the curiosity of who you are
You were melody, mystery, fire and grace
He was bruises and glory and hometown praise
Two worlds apart, but the stars aligned
In the hush of your song, he crossed the line
Now he’s chasing more than a touchdown star
Engulfed in the curiosity of who you are
She wrote about heartbreak, about leaving and loss
He knew the weight of a game-winning toss
But love’s not a playbook, it’s messy and wild
She saw the boy behind the gridiron smile
They danced in the kitchen, they fought in the rain
She’d vanish to Nashville, then come back again
He learned her rhythms, her fears, her scars
Still engulfed in the curiosity of who you are
You were melody, mystery, fire and grace
He was bruises and glory and hometown praise
Two worlds apart, but the stars aligned
In the hush of your song, he crossed the line
Now he’s chasing more than a touchdown star
Engulfed in the curiosity of who you are
She wrote him into verses, soft and true
He wore her lyrics like a jersey he never outgrew
And when the spotlight came, they stood side by side
Not just a love story, but a legacy ride
You were melody, mystery, fire and grace
He was bruises and glory and hometown praise
Two worlds apart, but the stars aligned
In the hush of your song, he crossed the line
Now he’s chasing more than a touchdown star
Engulfed in the curiosity of who you are

All rights held by the songwriter Edwin H. Balder

Link to more of our Singer/songwriter style hits you can cover into fame because of your take!

https://soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/best-new-folk-americana?si=04e0155163644977b37cf8c0a04f3c53&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Engulfed in the Curiosity of Who You Are

Paul Anka requested takes of this hit and Tina said yes...

Put Your Head On My Shoulder As Requested by Paul

baby, 
I saw your name light up in grayscale tone
Right there between my coffee and my phone
You typed “yo”—I blinked, then hit postpone
Now I’m pacing rooms I used to own
I’m not tryna beg, but I’m losing grip
Every buzz feels like a fingertip
You vanish fast, then you reappear
Still I check my screen like hope lives here
Text text me baby, baby baby please
Just test me baby, I’m down on my knees
I’m not crazy, just caught in the tease
So text me baby, (baby)  baby pleeease 
baby, (baby)  baby
Your last post hit like a sideways glance
Caption said “chill,” but it felt like chance
I liked, I paused, then I missed the dance
Now I’m stuck in scrolls that feel like trance
I’m not tryna chase, but I’m caught in spin
Every dot-dot-dot feels like a win
You read, you wait, then you fade again
Still I whisper “maybe” now and then
Text text me baby, baby baby please
Just test me baby, I’m down on my knees
I’m not crazy, just caught in the tease
So text me baby, (baby) baby pleeease
Maybe I’m just digits in your cloud
But I swear this silence feels too loud
If you tap back once, I’ll write it proud
A song we’ll scream above the crowd
Text text me baby, baby baby please
Just test me baby, I’m down on my knees
I’m not crazy, just caught in the tease
So text me baby, (baby) baby pleeease
baby, (baby)  baby, ...(baby)  ...baby......pleeease.....pleeease

Text Me Baby by  American K-Pop Boys

I hit every note like a prayer in the dark
Got a voice that could echo through Central Park
But they scroll past me, eyes glazed and numb
'Cause I don’t flash thighs or chew bubblegum
Dropped a countdown, poured out my soul
Posted the teaser, watched it take no toll
No vinyl orders, no CD spins
Just “you’d chart if you showed more skin”
They say “girl, you need a brand, not a ballad”
“Get a stylist, not a stanza—make it valid”
But I’m not here to pose, I’m here to bleed
And I won’t trade truth for a viral feed
I sing like heaven, but I sell like hell
Got truth in my tone, but no thirst to compel
They want a backbend, not a backstory
I’m a diamond in a world that rewards purgatory
I sing like heaven, but I sell like hell
She’s got the angles, the gloss, the glare
I’ve got the scars, the grit, the prayer
But they stream cleavage, not confession
She’s trending in flesh, I’m stuck in expression
I saw her cover—just hips and haze
No liner notes, no soul, just praise
They called it “iconic,” they called it “hot”
But not once did they mention the song she forgot
I sing like heaven, but I sell like hell
Got truth in my tone, but no thirst to compel
They want a waistline, not a lifeline
I’m a diamond in a world that wants rhinestones to shine
I sing like heaven, but I sell like hell
[intense musical solo]
They quote her tweets, not her lyrics
They stream her looks, not her spirit
She’s got the fame, the filters, the flair
But I’ve got the ache, the art, the air
I read the books, she read the room
I wrote the verses, she posed in perfume
They gave her Grammys, gave me “next time”
But I’d rather be timeless than trend on a dime
Maybe one day they’ll hear the ache
In every breath I didn’t fake
But until then, I’ll write my name
In melodies they can’t reclaim
 I sing like heaven, but I sell like hell
Got stories to tell, and I sing them well
They want a body, I bring a soul
But I’ll keep singing till I’m whole
I sing like heaven… even if I sell like hell
"They buy what they see first—skin before sound.
But I’m not some dessert to dress up and serve.
I’m the meal you crave when you’re starving for truth.
I never lie, I never pose.
Still, I wish my chest was fuller, my hips more round—
So maybe then, you’d finally hear my sound.

🌹Thanks to the players from H.C. and Del's studio

All Rights held by songwriter Edwin H. Balder. 

Be sure to visit Tina's playlist here: 
https://soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/tina-talone-may-this-kind-of?si=c962a19838244cafab03c08ba110c75f&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Sing Like Heaven, Sell Like Hell🌹Tina Talone🌹

I gave my all to a love that broke
Built a house of dreams, now it’s filled with smoke
Kept the lights on, waited by the phone
But silence became my second home
I wore the weight like a second skin
Smiled through the ache, let the hurt sink in
But I’m done with the shadows, done with the doubt
Tonight’s the night I’m walking out
Let’s make this toast, let’s celebrate the most
Everybody get a dose, everybody feel real close
Everybody time to boast
Let’s make this toast, make this toast, make this toast
I danced alone in a crowded room
Played our song, but it felt like doom
You said forever, then disappeared
Now I’m raising glass to the wasted years
I cried in colors you’ll never see
Painted pain into melody
But I’m done with the waiting, done with the ache
Tonight’s the night I finally break
 Let’s make this toast, let’s celebrate the most
Everybody get a dose, everybody feel real close
Everybody time to boast
Let’s make this toast, make this toast, make this toast
I kept your secrets, swallowed pride
Held the line while you chose sides
But I’m not your echo, not your ghost
I’m the fire you feared the most
I gave you verses, you gave me blur
Now I’m singing what I deserve
Done with the silence, done with the cost
Tonight’s the night I count the loss
Let’s make this toast, let’s celebrate the most
Everybody get a dose, everybody feel real close
Everybody time to boast
Let’s make this toast, make this toast, make this toast
Here’s to the tears that taught me grace
To the scars that found their place
To the love I gave that never grew
To the strength I never knew
May that shit be over.
May the hurt be gone.
May the truth feel louder
Than the lies we leaned on.
Let’s make this toast, let’s celebrate the most
Everybody get a dose, everybody feel real close
Everybody time to boast
Let’s make this toast, make this toast, make this toast
Raise it high, let it shine
We survived, now it’s our time
No more ghosts, no more pain
Let the love pour like champagne
Let’s make this toast…
Make this toast…
Make this toast…
🌹🥂Thanks to the players from H.C. and Del's studio🥂

All Rights held by songwriter Edwin H. Balder.

Be sure to visit Tina's playlist here:
soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/tina-talone-may-this-kind-of?si=c962a19838244cafab03c08ba110c75f&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=t

Let’s Make This Toast 🥂Tina Talone🥂

We were living in 1969
(believe) in that time (believe)
Bell-bottom hearts and transistor dreams
We lit our lives on gasoline
She wore peace signs on her sleeve
I wore my father’s disbelief
We danced through static on the dial
Found our truth in every mile
Didn’t need no map or plan
Just a borrowed van and a rock ‘n’ roll band
She said “love ain’t just a word”
I said “freedom’s in the unheard”
We kissed beneath a protest sign
And made a vow to cross the line
We weren’t chasing fame or gold
Just a story we could hold
Every night was vinyl spun
Every morning, hope of fun
Even if the world had moved in time
We had fire, we had grace
We had nowhere, but we had space
Living in 1969
With a jukebox soul and a rebel spine
We weren’t right, we weren’t clean
But we were louder than the machine
(believe) 
She wore flowers in her hair
I wore scars from getting there
We made love like it was war
And prayed for peace we couldn’t score
The radio played truths and lies
But we still sang with open eyes
Every chord was something real
Every lyric, how we’d feel
We saw the moon land on a screen
But felt the stars in in-between
We lost some friends to darker days
But kept their names in every phrase
We weren’t born to just survive
We were built to feel alive
And though the years have blurred the line
I still bleed in 1969 (believe)
We were living in 1969
Even if the world had moved in time
We had fire, we had grace
We had nowhere, but we had space
Living in 1969
With a jukebox soul and a rebel spine
We weren’t right, we weren’t clean
But we were louder than the machine
She said “love ain’t just a word”
And I still believe her... believe... (believe)... believe

All rights held by the songwriter Edwin H. Balder
Link to more of our Singer/songwriter style hits you can cover into fame because of your take!

https://soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/best-new-folk-americana?si=04e0155163644977b37cf8c0a04f3c53&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Living in 1969

Why can’t there always be harmony
Not just in songs, but in how we breathe
Not just in dreams, but in how we live
Not just in words, but in what we give
I saw a man with a sign in his hand
Said “peace” but no one took a stand
I saw a child with a voice so clear
But the world just turned its ear
We build our walls, we draw our lines
We count our wins, ignore the signs
We talk of love, we post and scroll
But never ask what makes us whole
I’ve heard the speeches, seen the spin
The promises that never begin
I’ve watched the flags wave side to side
While truth gets buried deep inside
We say we want a better way
But fight like it’s the only play
We wait for someone else to lead
While starving what we really need
Why can’t there always be harmony
Why can’t we sing like we’re meant to be
Why can’t we rise without the fight
Why can’t we choose the common light
Why can’t there always be harmony
Not just in dreams or melody
Will we ever evolve to find as one
Or do we wait to be the one who won
I’ve seen the power in a quiet hand
In strangers who don’t understand
But still they show up, still they care
Still they say, “I’ll meet you there”
It’s not about who’s right or loud
It’s who can stand beneath the cloud
And say, “I’ll walk with you today”
Even if we don’t agree on the way
We don’t need perfect, don’t need pure
We just need hearts that still endure
We just need eyes that choose to see
The soul behind the enemy
We just need time, we just need grace
We just need space to share this place
We just need truth that doesn’t bend
And hands that reach, not just defend
Why can’t there always be harmony
Why can’t we sing like we’re meant to be
Why can’t we rise without the fight
Why can’t we choose the common light
Why can’t there always be harmony
Not just in dreams or melody
Will we ever evolve to find as one
Or do we wait to be the one who won
So I’ll start here, with what I’ve got
A voice, a hope, a single thought
If harmony’s a song we crave
Then let it be the way we behave
It’s not about who’s right or loud
It’s who can stand beneath the cloud
And say, “I’ll walk with you today”
Even if we don’t agree on the way “I’ll walk with you today” “I’ll walk with you today” “I’ll walk with you today”

All rights held by the songwriter Edwin H. Balder

Link to more of our Singer/songwriter style hits you can cover into fame because of your take!

https://soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/best-new-folk-americana?si=04e0155163644977b37cf8c0a04f3c53&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing



I'll Walk With You

You gave too much to days that blurred
Spoke your truth but went unheard
Ran on fumes through neon nights
Chased the dream, ignored the lights
Your hands are tired, your voice is thin
You’re not sure where you’ve even been
But the table’s set, the fire’s low
And there’s still one thing you know
Refill that cup
Let it rise
Let it warm your quiet skies
Life will drink you down to dust
But you still have songs to trust
Refill that cup
Let it pour
Let it mean a little more
You gave your best to those who left
Held your breath and second-guessed
Built a bridge from loss to grace
But never found a resting place
You’re not broken, just run dry
You’re not lost, just passing by
 just passing by  just passing by
You’re not lost, just passing by
Refill that cup
Let it rise
Let it warm your quiet skies
Life will drink you down to dust
But you still have songs to trust
Refill that cup
Let it pour
Let it mean a little more
It’s not weakness, it’s not shame
To need a pause inside the flame
It’s not failure, it’s not fear
To want the ones who bring you near
So light the lamp and close the door
Let the world wait one minute more
You’ve earned the right to fill it up
To lift your hands and raise that cup
You’re not broken....You’re ..not ..broken,
 just run dry.... just ..run ..dry
You’re not lost, just passing by
 just passing by  just passing by
You’re not lost,You’re.. not ..lost,...
 just.. passing.. by...
Refill that cup
Let it rise
Let it warm your quiet skies
Life will drink you down to dust
But you still have songs to trust
Refill that cup
Let it pour
Let it mean a little more
Refill that cup
Let it shine
Let it taste like something fine
Refill that cup...Refill that cup...Refill.. that ..cup
[outro: Piano fades to single note
Cello hums a final quote]
Refill that cup
Before you go... Refill ...that... cup
Before you go... Before you go ...Before.. you.. go...Refill ...that... cup

🌹Thanks to the players from H.C. and Del's studio

All Rights held by songwriter Edwin H. Balder. 

Be sure to visit Tina's playlist here: 
https://soundcloud.com/edwin-balder/sets/tina-talone-may-this-kind-of?si=c962a19838244cafab03c08ba110c75f&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing


And Tina's new music video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TZvNm4nfd

That Cup by 🌹Tina Talone🌹

Turn it up, turn it loose
We got nothing left to prove
Lights are low, hearts are high
Let it roll, let it fly
We came to move, not to wait
We came to love, not to hesitate
Every beat’s a second chance
Every look’s a new romance
All night, all right, we’re dancing in the firelight
All night, all right, we’re glowing like the city bright
All night, all right, we’re living like it’s never night
All night, all right, we’re flying past the satellite
All night, all right, we’re laughing till the morning light
oh yeah (oh yeah )
All night, all right, all night, all right
All night, all right, all night, all right
All night, all right, we’re dancing in the firelight
All night, all right, we’re glowing like the city bright
All night, all right, we’re living like it’s never night
All night, all right, we’re flying past the satellite
All night, all right, we’re laughing till the morning light
oh yeah (oh yeah )
All night, all right, all night, all right
All night, all right, all night, all right
All night, all right, all night, all right
We don’t need a reason why
We just need the bass to fly
Every step’s a little wild
Every smile’s a neon child
Let the rhythm take control
Let the heat replace the cold
Let the night rewrite the rules
Let the fools become the cool
Let the stars fall where they may
Let the DJ never stray
Let the love be loud and free
Let the moment dance with me
All night, all right, we’re dancing in the firelight
All night, all right, we’re glowing like the city bright
All night, all right, we’re living like it’s never night
All night, all right, we’re flying past the satellite
All night, all right, all night, all right
All night, all right, all night, all right
All night, all right, all night, all right

always go out dancing if you can..Love Ed

Night Right by songwriter Edwin H. Balder

She left the porch light on
But not the door unlocked
And that’s how I knew
She wasn’t coming back
She packed her bags in the quiet of dawn
Left her perfume on the curtains drawn
No fight, no tears, just a note on the bed
Said “I need more than what’s in your head”
I gave her comfort, I gave her calm
But she wanted thunder, she wanted harm
She wanted fire I couldn’t fake
So she walked away before I’d wake
Why honey why did you say goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye
Why honey why did you say goodbye
Goodbye,
Why honey why did you say goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye
We used to dance in the kitchen light
Laugh at nothing, hold on tight
But something changed, I saw it fade
In the way she smiled like she was afraid
She missed the chaos, missed the chase
Said I was love, but not her place
I held her close, but not enough
She needed rough, I offered love
Why honey why did you say goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye
Why honey why did you say goodbye
Goodbye,
Why honey why did you say goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye
I found her scarf in the backseat dust
Still smells like rain and broken trust
I drive the roads we used to roam
But every turn just leads me home
She wanted more than I could be
And maybe that’s not just on me
I gave her peace, she gave me pain
But I’d still take her back again
Now I sit with coffee cold
Talk to ghosts and stories old
She’s out there chasing something new
While I still dream of her and what to do
I hope she finds what makes her sing
Even if it’s not this ring
I’ll keep the porch light burning low
Just in case she wants to come home
But maybe love ain’t just one face
Maybe hearts can't win every race
I’ll mend the cracks, I’ll learn to bend
And maybe someday let it  end
Or someone’s start
With a softer heart
I’ll walk again
Even if it’s torn apart
Why honey why did you say goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye
Why honey why did you say goodbye
Goodbye,
Why honey why did you say goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye
“Goodbye… goodbye…”
“Why honey why…”
“Goodbye… goodbye…”
“Why honey why…”


Why Honey Why by American K-POP BOYS

In the shadows of Apache Junction, at the foot of the majestic Superstition Mountains, sits a weathered hacienda. This desert oasis is home to an enigmatic figure, a songwriter whose journey reads like a long, dusty road of honky-tonk bars and college cafeterias. He wasn't chasing fame or glitter; instead, he chose the soul-crushing beauty of music for music's sake.

Years spent hunched over sticky barroom tables and scribbling lyrics on napkins earned him a reputation—not in the spotlight but in the back rooms where deals are made. He wrote melodies that found their way into the hearts of stars who had lost their own muse. He sold his creations for cash, with no recognition, but the whisper of his songs carried the weight of his soul.

Finally, he bought this piece of desert paradise—a stable income from his timeless songs allowed him to live comfortably, if anonymously. Here in this hacienda, with his family beside him and the mountains as his backdrop, he found the peace to write hits under his own name. He chuckled at the irony that now, without chasing fame, he could create music that brought him joy.

In the end, it was never about the spotlight. It was about the journey, the stories, and the songs that wrote themselves through his life. As the sun set behind the Superstitions, casting long shadows over the hacienda, he strummed his guitar and sang—content, unknown, and unburdened by the world's gaze.


Copyright 2019 Edwin H. Balder

I may be dead when fame comes but my real glory was always JULIE & The Kids. Thank you for such love

New tracks tagged #pop #indierock #indiepop #topten #retro #country #folk #countrywestern #waltz #storysong #americana #nashville #guitar #playlist #Dance #dancemusic #musicnews # #musicmonday #musicindustry #singersongwriter #singer #songwriter #musician #reco