The Crows of West Georgia Street

Dots of coal on the horizon
Gliding in the morning sun     
In the fountains and blossom trees
The crows of West Georgia Street
   
Rain or shine they’ve always been there
From the brickyard, they’ve come to share
Happy to see me, but they just don’t care
Those crows on West Georgia Street

Sleek and beautiful, rainbow black
Too smart for a cage, they always come back
They ease my pain by showing me
The point of life is just to be…..just to be

A tight knit murder; this family Crowe
Knowing well who’s friend or who's foe
Together forever like you and me
The crows on West Georgia Street

Sleek and beautiful, rainbow black
Too smart for a cage, they always come back
They ease my pain by showing me
The point of life is just to be…..just to be

Cover Art: Time, Space and Terrorism, Todd J McLean

All rights reserved

The Crows of West Georgia Street

The Crows Of West Georgia Street

They Won't Go When I Go (Stevie Wonder/Yvonne Wright)

No more lying friends
Wanting tragic ends
Though they do pretend
They won't go when I go

All those bleeding hearts
With sorrows to impart
Right here from the start
They won't go when I go

And I'll go, where I've longed,
To go, so long
Away from tears

Gone from painful cries
Away from saddened eyes
Along with him I'll bide
And they won't go when I go

Big men feeling small
Weak ones standing tall
And I will watch them fall
They won't go when I go

And I'll go, where I've longed
To go, so long
Away from tears

Unclean minds mislead the pure
The innocent will leave for sure
For them there is a resting place
People sinning just for fun
They will never see the sun
For they can never show their faces
There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Who will take more than he will give
He will give, he will give
He ain't hardly gonna give, whoa yeah

The greed of man will be
Far away from me
My soul will be free
They won't go when I go-a-whoa

Since my soul conceived
All that I believe
The kingdom I will see
They won't go when I go
When I go, where I've longed 
No one can keep me from my destiny

Cover Art: Parson's Arrival, Todd McLean

All rights reserved

They Won't Go When I Go

They Won't Go When I Go (Stevie Wonder - Cover)

For a time, my family owned a small farm near a buffalo jump in Southern Alberta, Canada. As children, we use to play there. As an adult, I recognize that what was a cool place for white kids to play was actually a critical tool used for millennia as the lifeline for the peoples of the Blackfoot Nations. I dedicate this song to them.

Once grass and ground-covered, the photo image shows the shorn sandstone cliffs from thousands of years of use.

Jump the Buffalo

Blue sky all around, tall grass smells so sweet
Rock face cliff above, we climb to make retreat
Bison gave them life and this sandstone colosseum
Used, to jump them off; so they could live another season

In the shadow of the Rocky Mountains where the warm winds eat the snow
I played in a place that’s holy that most will never know
The Blackfoot in this coulee would hunt the buffalo
Yah, the Blackfoot in this coulee would jump the buffalo

Bison thick like waves all across the prairie
Nations trail the herds with all that they could carry
Cliff of sacrifice - done with signing of seven
A reservation for the warriors and buffalo near extinction

In the shadow of the Rocky Mountains where warm the winds eat the snow
I played in a place that’s holy that most will never know
The Blackfoot in this coulee would hunt the buffalo
Yah, the Blackfoot in this coulee would jump the buffalo

Cover Art, Old Woman's Buffalo Jump

All rights reserved

Jump the Buffalo

Jump The Buffalo

I wrote this song for my daughter. 

Heaven Blessed

A confident woman for all to see
Taking on life, so easily
She’s the kind of person, I’d like to be
Thoughtful and kind, a little wild and free

Now, rumour has it, she was born this way
Came to the game, ready to play
And she’s winning hearts, along the way
This raven-haired beauty, does what she may

Can you see who she really is?
Love’s her target and she can’t miss
Puts God and dogs at the top of her list  
The kind of girl who’s heaven blessed

Tough as nails, but as soft as love
She doesn’t suffer fools no, g’head pack your stuff
A beautiful soul who’s pure and true
A better friend, I never knew

Can you see who she really is?
Love’s her target and she can’t miss
Puts God and dogs at the top of her list      
The kind of girl who’s heaven blessed

	Like a wild horse that you can’t tame
	To break her spirit would be a shame
	Let her be her that’s why she came
	A divine gift I can’t explain

Can you see who she really is?
Love’s her target and she can’t miss
Puts “must love dogs” at the top of her list       
The kind of girl who’s heaven blessed (repeat)

Cover Art: Wolf, Todd J McLean

All rights reserved

Heaven Blessed

I Don't Wannabe (Your 51st State) - Dance Version

Mr. President, a moment if you please
Let me say to USA as nicely as I can
To leave it along and let us just be friends
Talkin' 'bout my country, my true North, Strong & Free
And like the song says, baby, We Stand On Guard for Thee

I don't wannabe your 51st state, no
I stand on guard for thee, that's my fate now
I don't wannabe, your 51st state, no

Friends like us gotta find a way
To make things right for the USA
Friends and family across the border
It's elbows up when we get in the corner
Where we live is happy home
Reaching for something that ain't your own
We understand you want to grow
Our advice, just leave it alone

Mr. President, a moment if you please
We used to be like brothers now you're coming after me
Mm-hmm we fought together, died together too
And I can't believe this nightmare is all because of you
So let me say to USA as nicely as I can
To leave it along and let us just be friends
Talkin' 'bout my country, my true North, Strong & Free
And like the song says, baby, We Stand On Guard for Thee

I don't wannabe your 51st state, no
I stand on guard for thee, that's my fate now
I don't wannabe your 51st state, no

C'mon, I don't wannabe
Never wannabe
I really don't wanna be
I like you very much but I don't wanna be your 51st state

I don't wannabe your 51st state, no
I stand on guard for thee, that's my fate now
I don't wannabe your 51st state, no

Cover Art: Young King Henry, Todd J McLean

All rights reserved

I Don't Wannabe (Your 51st State) [Dance]

I Don't Wannabe (Your 51st State) - Pop/Rock Version

Mr. President, a moment if you please
We used to be like brothers now you're coming after me
Mm-hmm we fought together, died together too
And I can't believe this nightmare is all because of you
So let me say to USA as nicely as I can
To leave it along and let us just be friends
Talkin' 'bout my home, my true North, Strong & Free
And like the song says, baby, We Stand On Guard for Thee

I don't
I don't wanna
Don't wannabe
I don't wannabe your 51st state, no
I don't
I don't wanna
Don't wannabe
Don't wannabe your 51st state now

Friends like us gotta find a way
To make things right for the USA
Friends and family across the border
It's elbows up when we get in the corner
Where we live is happy home
Reaching for something that ain't your own
We understand you want to grow
Our advice, just leave it alone

I don't
I don't wanna
Don't wannabe
I don't wannabe your 51st state, no
I don't
I don't wanna
Don't wanna
Don't wannabe your 51st state now

Cover Art: Cheetah Girl

All rights reserved

I Don't Wannabe (Your 51st State) [Pop/Rock]

I Don't Wannabe (Your 51st State) - Pop/Rock REMIX

WATER TO WINE
 
Words & Music: Goff Johnson
Vocals: Todd J McLean
Keyboards & Rhythm Guitar: Goff Johnson
Drums and Hammond Organ: Kat Hendrix
Lead Guitar: Tim Porter
 
Mixed and Mastered by Kat Hendrix at Absolute Time Studios, Vancouver, May 2025
 
About the Song

"Water to Wine" is a song about the appeal of perfection we often see online, contrasted with the seemingly unremarkable and ordinary lives that most of us lead. It’s a reflection on the emotional toll that comes from chasing validation through likes and follower counts— and the emptiness that can follow when the spotlight fades.

Our value, though, goes far deeper than what shows up on a screen and authenticity holds more power than appearances. Take a deep breath and if we look up from the scroll and take a brave look at the world — and each other — we might find something much more real!

Behind the Song (from Goff Johnson)

Ironically, while the message of the track talks about isolation and the cost of surface-level connection, the making of Water to Wine was the exact opposite of that! It came to life through collaboration with the incredibly talented Todd J McLean, who, in addition to his awesome vocals, and red-hot music connections, also created the cover art (Woman in Yellow Chair) for the track! The overall result is something far richer than either of us could have created alone.

Working together brought depth, direction, and new energy to the song — proof that the best things happen when we connect for real. No filters, just music, shared purpose, and mutual trust!

Final Notes (from Todd)

This is my first collaboration on SoundCloud. I could not have been more fortunate than to work with Goff Johnson, an immensely talented singer/songwriter/musician. When I first came across Goff, I listened to his entire Stories of Stardust album end-to-end and I was so impressed with this concept and significant body of work. I highly recommend checking it out on Goff’s SoundCloud page. https://soundcloud.com/goff-johnson/sets/stories-of-stardust?si=9db35566a42747b9b63a5780334f67ea&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Although Water to Wine is not part of Goff’s Stardust series, it is nonetheless a beautifully written song and it’s been a privilege for me to sing it. Besides, I love to sing the Blues. Thank you so much, Goff!

We owe a huge shout-out to both Kat Hendrix, a master musician and our producer, and Tim Porter, a virtuoso on guitar. It is a real privilege to work with these West coast legends.

Lyrics: 

Verse 1
Someone wrote a playbook for perfection 
with lives of photo ops, their outtakes seldom seen 
today a star, the next you’re a pariah 
“Be Kind” they say, but that ain’t what they mean 
 
Chorus: 
Well I never watched the water turn to wine, 
and i never took a flower out of the desert, 
but i walked until my feet bled, and I looked until I was blind, 
and I reached out for a hand to hold in mine 
 
Verse 2 
Well there’s nothing quite as quiet as “the silence” 
after fame has passed, so flashbulb fast, away 
and i wonder if it really makes a difference 
cos the next in line wait for their time, to shine but not to stay”

Chorus: 
Well I never watched the water turn to wine, 
and i never took a flower out of the desert, 
but i walked until my feet bled, and I looked until I was blind, 
and I reached out for a hand to hold in mine

Cover Art: Woman in Yellow Chair, Todd J McLean

All rights reserved

Water to Wine

I had the very good fortune to connect with Andy H aka “Noobly” a few months ago over music that we mutually admired and we agreed to find a future opportunity to collaborate. This is the result. Noobly’s beautifully rich track, propelled by his soaring guitar work, felt like a kind of call to prayer to my ear. I tried to echo this somewhat in singing the bridge. Lyrically, just for kicks I used the Socratic Method to construct the verses (persuasion through Q&A) so that this song’s meaning becomes self-evident and hopefully more of a personal experience for each listener. Thanks for checking it out!

Prideful Pride

Do you remember the day when pride took you for its own
When a thief stole something precious in you

Do you remember the day when pride took you for its own
When a thief stole something precious in you
Did it happen when all of your friends cut you out
Was your heart set on winning something, but you lost instead
And when you were maimed did the anger in you surge
Can you mark the moment when you became someone else
Is your truth under layers of scar and combat
Are you the new thief, looting joy from everywhere

Prideful pride keeps piling on, on, on
Building your walls, can’t go wrong, wrong, wrong
Finding it hard to get along, along, along
Your pride is killing you, long before you’re gone, gone, gone

And in the end you’ll be left with nothing
A bright light that’s gone too dim
I have been in a prison of my own before, just like you
Until I let the facade fall
And was set free, free

Are things more difficult now that you are going it alone
And do you leave enough room for both your sadness and your anger
Does that wall keep scary things in, and the invaders out
Are you winning this imaginary war you think you’re fighting

Prideful pride keeps piling on, on, on
Building your walls, ’can’t go wrong, wrong, wrong
Finding it hard to get along, along, along
Your pride is killing you, long before you’re gone, gone, gone


Music/production - Noobly @ https://soundcloud.com/noobly-1
Lyrics/vocals - Todd J McLean
Artwork - Fukushima Greed, 2011 (mixed media) by Todd J McLean

Prideful Pride

Waiting is the second successful collaboration between UK composer, musician and producer, Noobly, and singer/songwriter, Todd J McLean. Waiting offers a glimpse inside the mind of a daily commuter who has developed feelings for a fellow train rider, but he just hasn't got up the nerve to make the first move (yet). Waiting is an unabashedly fun rocker, so enjoy!

Music and production by Noobly https://soundcloud.com/noobly-1?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Lyrics and Vocals by Todd J McLean
Cover Art by Todd J McLean (Castle Keep, mixed media)

Waiting

Morning again, you hop on the train
Workday begins, more of the same
Look my way, catch me staring
Flash me a smile, scope what I’m wearing
But I don’t have the courage, to talk to you
Do you have a boyfriend? Wish I knew
Got no game, I’m frozen stiff
Waiting for love - opportunity missed

Do you even see me (I’m here waiting for you)
Standing in the corner (I’m here waiting for you)
Can’t stop dreaming (I’m here waiting for you)
Need to make it happen
Waiting in love with you
Waiting in love with you
Waiting in love with you
Waiting in love with you

That older man who drops you off each day
Prolly your daddy, I like to say
And that tiny handprint on the back of your coat
tells me that maybe me you gotta little kid at home
Outside chance that someone just like you
Is free as bird and might want me too
I wait on this train, day after day
With love in my heart and nothing to say

Repeat Chorus

Waiting


Icy blue the colour of her eyes
Hard to make her even realize
She’s the one who makes me happy, so happy
The type of girl that doesn’t know she’s pretty, so pretty


And when she sends for me, I will run to her
Giver her all the loving that she needs
When she asks for me, I’ll appear to her
Her greatest wish is my command

Genie, I’m your genie
Release me, come on baby


The lamp I’m in throws no shade her way
Cause I bring all the lightness to her darkest hours
Rub me right, I’ll make it go away
Master over me and all my powers


And when she sends for me, I will run to her
Giver her all the loving that she needs
When she asks for me, I’ll appear to her
Her greatest wish is my command

Genie, I’m your genie
Release me, come on baby

Music & Production by Noobly
Lyrics & Vocals by Todd J McLean
Cover art entitled, "Middle Path' (mixed media) by Todd J McLean

Genie

It is such a privilege to partner with Noobly. 'Down' is our fourth track together.

Hand in hand, beneath the piney green
Sunlight and truth, peeking through the trees
Rain-softened earth smells like something is growing
You let go of my hand and you drift away

A blanket of snow covers the city’s sharp edges below us
It’s the kind of day, that makes you think about your life
Northern light shines in your eyes
You drop your head and miss
whoever you’re missing

You’re acting a part and playing pretend
It can’t be sustained, we’re reaching our end
You think I don’t notice, but I see it all
You’re walking a wire, 
I’m waiting to fall, down

We used to care what the other one thought
But I can see now, the store is closed
Making up reasons, not to be around
While my obligations have me
Tethered to this ground

To avoid reality, you busy yourself
You never look me in the eye anymore
Too afraid to cut me loose, 
but I know that’s what you want

You’re acting a part and playing pretend
It can’t be sustained, we’re reaching our end
You think I don’t notice, but I see it all
You’re walking a wire, 
I’m waiting to fall, down 

Music & Production:   Noobly   https://soundcloud.com/noobly-1
Lyrics and Vocals:      Todd J McLean
Cover Art:                   All The KIng's Gopher's (Oil on Wood)

Down

And now for something completely different...I had a lot of fun working on this track with the very talented JIM WEBCAMPRO https://soundcloud.com/jim-webcampro?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

With A Doctor's Note

Those kind men from across the sea
Really care about your family
Sent their bombs to you and me
To blow our town to smithereens

Tech bros to billionaires
Convincing us that they really care
While we’re all living on a partial share
No worries, they’ve got cash to spare

Bomb Baker
Life Taker
Hate Raker
Resort Maker
x2

Hide behind those values you tote
Make the world eat your smoke
Breaching all those laws you wrote
You’re excused, with a Doctor’s note

That nice king from over there
Let’s us know that life ain’t fair
Never to rise above our station
‘Cause we weren’t born in favoured nation

Another bully says might ain’t right
While devising new ways to smite
Media sayin’ all the wrong things
The feckless queue to kiss the ring
Media sayin’ all the wrong things
If there’s a God, he’s got justice to bring

Bomb Baker
Life Taker
Hate Raker
Resort Maker
x2

Hide behind those values you tote
Make the world eat your smoke
Breaching all those laws you wrote
You’re excused, with a Doctor’s note

Music & Production: Jim Webcampro https://soundcloud.com/jim-webcampro?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Lyrics and Vocals:  Todd J McLean
Cover Art: Doctor Pepper (Mixed Media)


With A Doctor's Note

* Please check out new songs "Down" and "With A Doctor's Note".

Thank you for stopping by for a listen! I hope you find something to enjoy and special thanks to my SC friends and collaborators.

All music and images protected by law.

Todd J McLean

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