A swinging, happy-ending Christmas tune with angelic backing vocals by Cristina Cocchi and heavenly keys by Bill Kelm.

How's Santa Gonna Get You Down The Chimney

A sunshine-pop song written and sung in Italian. (Lyrics by Carlo Cocchi, my father-in-law, Background vocals by his daughter and my wife, Cristina Cocchi)

California Mia

3-part harmony, inspired by 8 Miles High by The Byrds.
(Photo by Unsplash from Freerange Stock)

Can't Look Back

A descending musical motif that reflects the feeling of decline.
(Photo by Ivan_L from Freerange Stock)

Circling the Drain

Upbeat, joyous song about the kinship of all living things. Written for Out On A Limb Dance Theatre's Doctor Dolittle performance. 
(Keyboards by Bill Kelm, Background vocals by Cristina Cocchi / Photo by comfreak from Freerange Stock)

Connectivity

A fun but serious song dedicated to the first victims of Covid: pangolins & other wildlife. Melody came from a dream. 
(Keyboards by Bill Kelm, background vocals by Cristina Cocchi / Photo by comfreak from Freerange Stock)

Cue the Seraphims

A song that came in a dream about the refugees of Ukraine.
Please donate to help Ukrainian refugees and get a download of this song by going here: https://www.playitforward.com/projects/637
(Keyboards by Bill Kelm, background vocals by Patrick Olberding)

Everything You've Ever Loved

Do we really need another silly Christmas song? Probably not, but this goofy title (which was also my constant childhood curiosity) came to me, so... 
((Keyboards by Bill Kelm, Background vocals by Cristina Cocchi)

How's Santa Gonna Get You Down the Chimney?

A look at high school kids just trying to get past puberty dealing with being pressured to decide what they are going to do for the rest of their lives. 
(Keyboards by Bill Kelm, Boy's vocal by Eilif Dregni, Background vocals by Cristina Cocchi / Photo by Jack Moreh from Freerange Stock)

Lyrics:
Verse1 (Student): 				
I don't know what I want to...
I just hear what I have to do
Stay in school—get a good job
It's just the rest of my life you're obsessing about

Verse 2 (Parent):
But you've gotta just do it 
Pick your path and stick to it
Like your mom and your dad 
How for all of our lives that we've both done without

(Refrain) Student:				
Why don't you let me just figure it out?
These worries I can do without
It's nothing to shout about 
'Cuz I can't delete your doubts!

Verse 3 (student) 
You always say that you made me 
And there’s no way you’d trade me 
But my life’s in my hands even though you had plans 
You can’t sway me like before

Verse 4 (parent) 
Now we know we can’t steer you
Won’t you let us get near you? 
You’re not a kid anymore, please don’t run 'n slam the door 
We don't know you no more
	
Chorus (Student): 				
Can't you try for just one day
To put your doubts and fears away?  
And give me time to fade away—for awhile 

Chorus (Parent):
But tomorrow's coming fast
You just can't hang out with the past
You've gotta grab something that'll last—for awhile

Finale (all) 					
But for  the rest of my life?	(What are you going to do?) 
But it's the rest of my life	(Where are you going to?)
It's just the rest of my life	(When are you gonna choose?)
For the rest of my life?	        (We just want what's best for you)

It's Just the Rest of My Life!

For a high-school musical, meant to be a dialogue between two friends: a slacker and his ambitious, altruistic friend.
(Photo by Jack Moreh from Freerange Stock)

Lyrics:
S1 (Hi-flyer): Where do ya think you'll end up – watcha wanna be?
S2 (Slacker): Oh man, you know I got no plans – why ya asking me?  
S1: 	Can't just live for today – don't you think about your future?   
S2: 	Haha the future! Only thing I'm sure of, is that I'm unsure!

S1: 	But it's our tomorrow, we'll make a difference!
	I see our years ahead they look so bright

S1: 	Don't you have a passion – somethings that moves your soul?
S2: 	There's nothing that really grooves me – 'cept hockey, that's my kinda goal
S1: 	Yeah, but we've all got a gift – something we can add
S2: 	The thing is, this gift hasn't found me  – and my wrist shot's pretty bad 

S1: 	It's our tomorrow, we'll make a difference!
	If we take a stance nothing can stop our might
	We'll stand for beauty, and love and tolerance
	Just take my hand, I'll lead, just hold me tight		

S2: 	But what have I got to give, I'm still working on being a kid
	You've got it all worked out   
	But I'm not you – I ain't got a clue! 

S1:	But it's our tomorrow, we'll make a difference!
	We'll fly so high amazed to reach such height
	We'll clean this big mess, our parents ignorance (alt: these years of)
	Gen Z will be the one to get things right!		
			
S2: 	It all comes to you with ease, you've even learned Japanese
	But when this year is through 
	Don't know what I'll do – waiting for my cue.

It's Our Tomorrow

The whole song and lyrical theme came in a fever dream while I was lying sleepless in bed with pain. I envisioned Sirs Ringo & Paul singing it, helping to bring peace to our violent times. 
(Keyboards by Bill Kelm, Background vocals Cristina Cocchi and Patrick Olberding)

Love Conquers Hate

A melody that came to me in a dream, in this case, the verse. I was thinking about all the close calls of getting seriously injured or in trouble that my friends and I had, especially in our youth. Wondering how we all survived! Inspired by the jangle-rock sound of The Records.
(Photo by George_Becker from Freerange Stock)

Playing with Matches

Wishing you could go back to your dreams!
(Synth and cowbell by Mike Freppert, Background vocals by Cristina Cocchi / Photo by Unsplash from Freerange Stock)

Seconds After Waking

A song about the pandemic. It felt like everyday there was some wicked turn or drastic dip or dark tunnel to get thru, which made us hang on to whatever we could grab onto to keep us on the strangest ride of our lifetimes. The song ends with the relief of finally slowing down and getting off the nasty thing. However, when I wrote it, we still didn't know when that end would come. 
(Keyboards by Bill Kelm)

Thrill Ride

A verse-melody that came in a dream, complete with the vocal harmony. These dream songs are fantastic catalysts for new tunes but the challenging part is always to come up with the lyrics, intro, chorus, bridge, etc to go along well with the melody. This is about spending all of our love as a currency that we can't take with us.
(Bill Kelm on keyboards, Background vocals by Patrick Olberding / Photo by Jack Moreh from Freerange Stock)

We're Only Human Once

An Everly Brothers inspired song about sticking with your old friends despite heading out in different directions.
(Keyboards by Bill Kelm, Harmony vocals by Eilif Dregni & Cristina Cocchi / Photo by SteveBuissinne from Freerange Stock)

Lyrics:
Wherever we go – I know we'll come back together
Whatever we'll be – I know we'll be friends forever
Wherever we're bound – I know we'll be bound and tethered
You and me
These are the promises – we will keep
You've got our word on this!

Whatever you'll do – there's a little of us inside you
However you'll feel – please know that we're right beside you
Whenever you're hurt – there's love that we will provide you
You will see
These are the promises – we will keep
I know that we've got this!

All the faces we've known
All the smiles we have grown
All the laughs and the pains
All our close calls and glories remain!

The stupid things that we've done – we'll forever laugh about them
Everything that went wrong – together we've learned some lessons
Everyone that we've loved – we'll keep as our heart's possessions
All the fun and sadness
All the joy and madness
All this love will last us – wherever we go.

Wherever We Go

I offered to write a custom piece for the dance theater, Out On A Limb's theme about a young princess who wanted to do something else with her life. Her queen mother, who ditched a promising career as a hockey player (we're from Minnesota ya know!), wanted to support the princess's decision, despite protests from the rest of the royal court. 
The song is sung entirely by my wife, Cristina Cocchi, however, there are supposed to be two singers...the first half is to be the queen's voice, whereas the bridge and second half is by the princess. 
(Photo by SteveBuissinne from Freerange Stock)

Lyrics:
MOTHER:
1)	You'll never know who you are 
	Till you find something that calls to you
	You'll never know all that you'll accomplish
	Until you take a different path
	To make a mark that always lasts

2) 	You'll never know all that you can do
	Till you move mountains and pave your own way
	You'll never wonder what could've been
	With no regrets in which to drown
	Just cut the ropes that hold you down

Chorus (Mom)  So there you go, all on your own, we'll miss you too, but you should grow 
	And find yourself, and a place where you belong (oh, oh)
	We wish you well, won't hold you back, won't let you stop, when you're off track
	Till you are proud, of the choices you have made.   (oh, oh) 

DAUGHTER:
OMG! I'm so unsure! 
What am I gonna do with my life? 
There's so many choices!
There's so much pressure! 
I know there's more than this! 
But how do I know what's right? 
I can't do what everybody wants me to! 
I'm sure there's a better way! 
And if I take a chance?
Will things turn out OK? 
What if I'm not good enough? 
But I'm sure I am! I know I can! 
Here I go! Just watch me!!

Chorus  (Child)  So here I am, I'm not alone, I miss you all, but now I know
	  That I've found myself, in the place where I belong (oh, oh)
	  I wish you well, no looking back, I'll never stop, now I'm on track
	  To make you proud, of the chance you've given me. (oh, oh) 
	
3) 	You'll never know who you really are 
	Till you find something that calls to you
	You'll never wonder what could've been
	With no regrets in which to drown
	Just cut the ropes that hold you down	
	See who I am—Be who I am—Who I am!

You'll Never Know Who You Are

A song for a rock-opera musical in which several students unsure about their future react to the counselor.

Lyrics
(H=Hatch, S=Student, SS=Students)

Hatch: So what are you gonna do, school or work for you?
S1:	All’s I can see
There’s too many choices
And none of those voices are calling to me

Hatch: So what do you wanna be, ya want your autonomy?
S2: 	It’s insanity!
What’s the point of college for overpriced knowledge
We pay for eternity!

SS:	They put the pressure on 
We gotta get our acts together
If we get it wrong
You (pointing to Hatch) can’t wait to show us the door! 
H:Education! SS: So what?! 
H: Preparation! SS: So what?! 
H :Graduation! SS:So what?!   

S1: 	So what am I gonna find?
S2:	We’re gonna lose our minds!
SS:	We’re not feeling free
Deciding our future, where we’re so unsure
Oh the futility!  

Hatch: So what is it gonna take?
S:	Would you give us a break!
Nothing’s left for Gen Z
S2: 	We’re so sick of the fuss, it makes our brains mush
Just give it a rest now, please!

SS: So now the pressure’s on
It’s time to get our acts together
If we get it wrong
They can’t wait to show us the door! 
H: Motivation! SS: So what?! 
H: Expectation! SS: So what?! 
H: Occupation! SS: So what?!

So we’ll be moving on
But when and where they have to know
Before the year’s all gone
Everyone wants to know what we’re looking for  
H: Such frustration! SS: So what?! 
H: Aggravation! SS: So what?! 
H: Resignation! SS: So what?!
S1: So what?!

So What?!

A fanciful song about going off to live somewhere, anywhere else.

Lyrics:
Away, to nowhere particular,
Where the bands play
Every night in the square

Somewhere, I'm not just a visitor
And the girls sway
To the sounds in the air

Now I can go where I want
Make any place my new haunt
Walk through the town 
Where I might meet someone I should know

No, there is no one who knows
How and where this plan goes
But I won't wait until
I'm too over the hill to find out. 

Away, to nowhere particular – I'll be
Where the bands play
Every night in the square

I'll find my place, so spectacular – you'll see
And the girls sway
To the sounds in the air –  my somewhere.

Nowhere Particular

Students tell the guidance counselor that all his stats are bogus. 
(Photo by StuartMiles from FreeRange Stock.)

Lyrics:
(SS) 
They say, they say, but who the hell are they?
We work, they play, they play the boss all day
They think, their way, is the only way.
Anyway, we don't care what they say
Just like Groundhog Day
Same things happen everyday

This way, that way, be careful, do not stray
It's all a game, just come along and play
Maybe, someday you can be the they
Who make the grade, 
And get overpaid
For what you really made
All this for those who obeyed 

(Counselor)
Now you listen here
Contrary to the rumor
As far as we're concerned 
We're here to guide your future

(SS)
They say, they say, but who the hell are they?
They say, they say, but who the hell are they?
They say, they say, but who the hell are they?
Anyway, we don't care what they say
Just like Groundhog Day
Same things happen everyday

(Counselor)
You kids listen here
Don’t waste your time away
If you wanna get ahead in life
Better listen to what they say

(Fades under to “blah, blah, blah, you know what they say, blah blah blah, here's what they say, blah blah blah…” and student singing to himself
“Where is the answer, to stop our angst and anger?”)

They say, they say, but who the hell are they?
They say, they say, but who the hell are they?
They say, they say, but who the hell are they?
Anyway?!

They Say

A confrontation between an indecisive senior high schooler and his or her parent(s) about making a life altering decision.
(Image by Stuart Miles, Freerange Stock)

Lyrics:
(Parent or Counselor)
When you gonna work things out?  
When you gonna figure it out?
When you gonna go get out, 
And get it together. 		
(Alec’s retort: Get what together? I don’t even know)

I can remember the boy
Who would hear what I’d say (Alec: Yeah, back when things were fun)
I never had so much joy in my life	

But when you gonna work things out? (Alec: Why is it always about work?!)
When you gonna figure it out?	 	
When you gonna go get out, 			
And get it together. (I still don’t know what you mean by that)

(Alec)
Well dad, you have your ways
And I’ve always had mine  (Dad: Yeah but your ways aren’t leading anywhere!)
Oh yeah, well I’m thinking about it, all of the time!	 			
There’s nothing promised to us anymore (We didn’t have promises)
Who knows the future with these stupid wars!

(Parent or Counselor)
When you gonna work things out?
When you gonna figure it out?
When you gonna go get out, 
And get it together? (Alec: I really don’t know what you’re talking about!)

(Alec)
The world has so much to see
I just don’t know why 	 		
You’d wanna stay here all of your lives (Dad: What? This is our home, our community!)
I know you love me but not sure you know 	
I’m feeling trapped here and I wanna go!	
I wanna run but I’m not gonna hide (You gotta get serious)
I wanna see life on the other side!

(Parent or Counselor)
When you gonna work things out? (Alec: You’re obsessed with work!)
When you gonna figure it out?	(I’m not good with figures)
When you gonna go get out  (I am going!)
And get it together. (There’s that expression again…I still don’t know what that means!)

When You Gonna Work Things Out

A song about your first love. 
(Keyboards by Bill Kelm)

Sunshower

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