Notendop (remix from "In een Notendop" 2020)

Composition, lyrics, leadvocals: Hans Berkhout (Birchwood)
Background vocals, Mixing/Mastering: Anne-Marie Bovenkamp
English translation of lyrics are below Dutch lyrics

Lyrics (Dutch)
Notendop
(c) HWBerkhout, 2020/ mrt 2022 rev.

Ik was nooit alleen, genoot van mijn dromen
Het echte leven moest nog komen
Ik zou dit moeten zien, want er was zeker iets
Maar waar ik ook zocht, ik vond niets
Daarom maakte ik mijn eigen wereld
Voor wachten had ik geen geduld

Refrein
Ik reed dan op mijn paard langs ravijnen en zee
Al mijn dromen reden met me mee
De wind door mijn haar en ik in galop
Dit was ik, in een notendop

Ik speelde graag alleen, was dit zo gewend
Veel aandacht heb ik nooit gekend
Het waren avonturenboeken die ik graag las
En ik fantaseerde dat ik daar bij was

Refrein
Ik reed dan op mijn paard langs ravijnen en zee
Al mijn dromen reden met me mee
De wind door mijn haar en ik in galop
Dit was ik, in een notendop

=solo=

Ik werd ouder, verloor veel dromen
Want het echte leven was ook echt gekomen
Maar van avonturenboeken ben ik nog steeds een fan
En ik fantaseer dan dat ik daar bij ben

Refrein 2
Ik rij dan op mijn paard langs ravijnen en zee
Mijn paar dromen neem ik met me mee
De wind door mijn haar en ik in galop
Dat ben ik, in een notendop

Ja, ik rij op mijn paard naar die 'eeuwige bron'
Waar het leven eindigt en ook begon
De wind door mijn haar en ik in galop
Dat was ik in een notendop,  
in een notendop, 
notendop...
=================================================
Nutshell (translation)
Verse
I was never alone, enjoyed my dreams
Real life had to begin soon
And I should notice when, because surely there must be something
But, wherever I looked, there was nothing to find
That's why I created my own world
No patience for waiting...

Chorus
I rode my horse along ravines and sea
All my dreams rode along
The wind through my hair and me gallop
That was me, in a nutshell

Verse
I liked to play alone, was used to this
I've never had much attention
I liked to read adventure books
And I fantasized that I was there

Chorus
 
Solo
Verse
I got older, lost a lot of dreams
Because real life had really come
But I'm still a fan of adventure books
And I fantasize that I'm there

Chorus
I ride my horse along ravines and sea
My few dreams I take with me
The wind through my hair and I gallop
That's me, in a nutshell

Chorus
Yes, I ride my horse to that 'eternal well'
Where life ends and also began
The wind through my hair and I gallop
That was me in a nutshell,
in a nutshell,
nutshell...

Notendop

A remix of my song from 2016
Changes in the lyrics and more changes in the band 

Lyrics:
Questions
(C) HWBerkhout (Birchwood) 2016 / 2022

I wanna know where we will go
when our time is done?
Is there a place we meet again
Or are we just gone?

These kind of questions,
I'm wondering who knows

Hey priest, can you tell
is earth like heaven?
or more like hell?

Hey Imam, can you explain
why you won't treat women
and men the same?

Hey tyrant, pathetic little man, 
is destroying freedom 
part of your GREAT masterplan?

How can it be we always want more
even though we have all we need?
Do we really like to ignore
that we boost poverty and greed?

These kind of questions,
I wonder if you know

Hey girl, once lovers before
I called you my friend
So why did it end?

Hey old friend, we had good times
but why lost sight?
We never said goodbye

Hey dad, after you had gone
I was wondering
Why we'd never really spoke before?

But (Yes) hey me, why should I care?
I have my own life
And maybe there's another one
2x
I only had some questions...

Questions v2

A song about loss and hope

Scorched Earth
(c) HWBerkhout, july 2022

I visited my hometown today
For too long I was away
There is only rubble everywhere
Deep craters I see there

My parental home I can not find
All is destroyed, crossed my mind
A pungent odor I became aware
The smell of death hung in the air

Chorus
I only see scorched earth
Where children once had fun
Now there is nothing
Bombs made them all gone

My home, my country all a ruin
I don't understand what we're doing
Even the cemetries exist nomore
Now my tears I can't ignore

Chorus
I only see scorched earth
Where lovers once kissed their dreams
Now there is nothing
Rockets made them scream

Bridge

Chorus
I only see scorched earth
Where people once had hope and faith
It came from out of nowhere
Now wiped out by grenades

I only see scorched earth
And now there is nothing -2x-
I only see scorched earth
But there, a green sprout out of nothing...

Scorched Earth

Not this way (update dec. 2022)
Some changes have been made to the song.
The solo guitar is now played by Dave Bell, from Blue Attitude
The lyrics were adjusted with the help of Ray Cochrane and Vic Arnold
Thanks to their contribution, the song has become even better!

Not this way
(c) HwBerkhout 08-21-18/ 11-30-22 

I used to sing my favourite song
About beer, women and so on
I fell in love more than intended
Many broken hearts to be mended

I was the villain, that's how they saw me
Their feelings flew out of my chimney
I didn't want it, I'm not that bad
but that nagging each morning made me sad

Then you came in, sending me cold chills
We kissed, I felt the thrills
Racing up and down my spine
But this morning you drew the line

No, it can't be over, not this way
Tell me what song you want me to play?
We can be happy, don't you see?
If you still have feelings for me

=Solo=

Life will give us roses, I promise you that
Not the thorns I mostly had
They hurt me like you did
But we can change all of it

Oh, tell me why you left today
How can I change it to your way?
I don't want it, not like this
That villain no longer exists

No, it can't be over, not this way
Tell me what song you want me to play?
We can be happy, don't you see?
Please come back, to me

=Solo=

No, it can't be over, not this way
I'll sing any song you say
I promise you paradise
So don't let our feelings turn to ice

Not This way

Remake from the original song (2018)

It's gonna be lonely
(c) 071122, Birchwood / HwBerkhout

Oh, lonely me

You found out this evening 
what happened 
between our silky sheets
I had filthy feet

You don't have to ask me
how I know
Your eyes have that piercing, scary light
Aah, it's better have a lonely night

Chorus
I am facing a lonely night
A lonely day too
But it's gonna be lonely
Also for you

What to do now?
Who's got to go?
Our hands are free
But it ain't me

It's so cold now
It starts raining
And I was kicked outside
Aah, looks like I lost that fight

chorus
I am facing a lonely night
and lonely day too
But it's gonna be lonely
Also for you

=solo=

Can't we talk it over 
and start again?
Maybe in your heart some love will hide
Aah, I hate those lonely nights

Chorus (2x)
I don't want no lonely nights
Or lonely days /too
They are so lonely
Please stay / for me and for you

Solo: Oh, it's gonna be lonely
          between you and me

================

Gonna Be Lonely -R-

A song about our time

Troubled Times
(c) HWBerkhout, dec 18, 2022/ 2023, nov29
*(People who value freedom most, are most often deprived of it,
Ales Bialiatski, Belarus)

I see dark clouds on the horizon, growing darker every day
Still we act indifferently while they are approaching
Is this how we battle global warming, with more words than deeds?
When every forty seconds someone dies because of this?  

Chorus
Troubled times engulf the world
And solutions seem complex
We have to change our lives, but still I hear:
"Not me! I change nothing"

People who value freedom most are most often deprived of it*
It's where tyrants rule in rogue states, and they laugh in our faces
Do you see democracy dying, while extremism thrives?
This will destroy societies before our very eyes

Chorus
Troubled times engulf the world
And solutions seem complex
We have to change our lives, but still I hear:
"Not me! I change nothing"

=solo=

bridge:
Conspiracy theories are the new truth, but they will never save this world
and in front of my mirror I wonder: does that apply to me too?

Chorus 2x
Troubled times engulf the world
And solutions seem complex
We have to change our lives, but still I hear:
"(Not me!) I change nothing"

Outro /Solo chorus
Troubled thoughts engulf my head
And solutions seem too complex
I know I have to change my life
But I hear the whispers:
"I do nothing, nothing, nothing"

Troubled times engulf the world
We have to change our lives      (2x)
but still I hear: I change nothing

Troubled Times

A remake of my song from april 2019
Tempo: 75 bpm
Lyrics changed

Forlorn
(c) HWBerkhout, april 2019 / feb. 2023
v
Can I find words to make you feel at ease?
Is there a place that gives you peace?
I hear you whisper, so fragile and weak
And I tenderly kiss you on your cheek
v
Is there a song you love to hear?
And will it take away your fear?
I see you sobbing for what you foresee
Life has no mercy, you'll soon leave me
c
How come I have lost my faith?
Why couldn't Life make time wait?
Are we just tourists? We never stay
Only memories, that's what you always say...
v
Is there a time we will meet again?
I hope you smile if you see me then
Now I can't see you moving nor hear your voice
I know it's all over, Life made it's choice
c
How come I have lost my faith?
Why couldn't Life make time wait?
Are we just tourists? We never stay
Only memories, that's what you always say...

Solo

Bridge
When you are buried 
down by that river
My dreams, my soul, so torn
Oh, I stood there, all forlorn...
c
How come I have lost my faith?
Why couldn't Life make time wait?
Are we just tourists? We never stay
Only memories, that's what you always say...

Only memories...
You always say

Forlorn v2

A waltz with different tempos.

That Night
(c) HwBerkhout, may 2017/ april, 2023

Sitting with my photo book on my lap 
I felt a bit sad
Browsing through the pages filled with history
I fell out of my bed

The nurse had to help me up
and handed me the book too
But somehow it was difficult for me
to look at all the faces I once knew

I thought:
All that matters will fly away
Yes, all that matters, 
will be gone one day

Chorus:
But still I see that night, that night
Oh, so impressed I was
By the moon and the stars 
in the sky so bright 

In that night we all danced 
Yes, life then began
We were young, had it all
Oh, this was fun...

-solo-

Sitting in my tiny jailish room 
Nothing much to hold on
I wonder why I'm still here,
while my life is already gone

Time stood still with that album on my lap 
but soaked with tears now 
I saw my trembling hands
and tried to stand up, but fell again

I thought:
All that matters, 
will fly away
Yes, all that matters, 
will be gone one day

Chorus till end:
But still I feel that night, that night
Oh, so impressed I was
By the moon and the stars 
in the sky so bright

Yes, it was that night, we found love
We were young, 
and had all
we dreamed of...

That night, that night
Oh, so impressed I was
By the moon, the stars and you
in that light...

Comes a night, a night
I will fly to you
The moon and the stars will be there too
That night, our night, is a beautiful sight

That Night

Merry-go-Round is about living ordinary lives like in a Merry-go-round

Merry-go-round
(c) HwB, orig: 2017/ remix 09032023
v
I am always on the move,
living my live amongst my friends  
It seemed that this was more than enough
to make me feel alive
v
How I wanna live this life forever?
That doesn't matter
I'm facing every day, have a will to live
That is my drive

Sub chorus
A long, long time I lived my days
Let no one in my space
But all this changed when suddenly
you just stepped in!

Chorus
And it is alright,
enjoying my life
and my heart shares yours
Ohh yes it's so nice with you at my side
We're on a lovely course
v
Oh, and we are always on the move,
living our lives together  
It seemed that this was more than enough
to make us feel alive

Sub chorus
Chorus
-Solo-

v
Oh, how we're gonna live this life forever?
That doesn't matter
We bought a house, raised our kids
That is our drive

Chorus
v
Oh, that's we, always on the move
Living our lives together
It looks like this is more than enough
to make us feel alive

Chorus 2
And it is alright,
enjoying our life
and real love we've found
Ohh yes it's so nice with you at my side
In our own merry-go-round

Merry Go Round

Remix 14/06/23 in F and tempo raised a bit 92 ->95 bpm
Some changings, 9th of july 2023

Stranger in my house
(c) HWBerkhout, mei 2019 (Ray Cochrane helped me with the lyrics back then)/ june 2023

There is a stranger in my life
I didn't notice he arrived
He's meddling in my space
But not the way I could embrace

All I know
I have a stranger that won't go
He doesn't smile, looks so hurt
and never says a word

I saw a stranger in my clothes
I wonder if he knows
He is more than skinny
and so pale as can be

He shares his life with me
That happened suddenly
In the bathroom I first met him
He's always there when I come in

All I know
I have a stranger that won't go
He doesn't smile, looks so hurt
and never says a word

I cannot believe
That he doesn't leave
In the mirror I can clearly see his face
But when I turn he leaves no trace

=Solo Fiddle=

Why is that stranger in my house?
He looks familiar; a bit like me
but I'm sure that cannot be

All I know
I have a stranger that won't go
He doesn't smile, looks so hurt
and never says a word

I cannot believe
That he doesn't leave
Then suddenly I realized
Why he entered my life
It only took some time to see

Stranger In My Life

Change the Road in Em, 
Partial new lyrics. Remix 10th of june 2023

Change the road
(c) HWBerkhout, 2023, june 10 

(spoken)
Yesterday I saw a group of people at our town hall.
An older woman was telling them a story
It was a tale about the future of us all

If we can't change the way we live, she said,
we soon will face huge tragedy
I've often heard that kind of doom
But her words really touched me

Chorus (singing)
Change the road before tomorrow
You're not alone, we are your friends, she said
Time we cannot borrow
We've spent it all and that's too bad

(spoken)
She told us we were racing the wrong way
Our greed and waste only take us further away
Change all that, she urged,
or life dies out. Don't wait another day

=solo guitar

Chorus (singing)
Change the road before tomorrow
You're not alone, we are your friends, she said
Time we cannot borrow
We've spent it all and that's too bad

=solo piano=

Change the road or there'll be no tomorrow
You're not alone, we are your friends, I now say
Time we cannot borrow
We've spent it all, so find a new way

Change the road, before tomorrow
You're not alone, we are your friends, we all say
She preached these words a million times before
And she was right all the way!

=solo guitar=

Yes, change the road before tomorrow
Time we cannot borrow
We've spent it all, soon face sorrow

Change the road
Or there'll be no tomorrow
We're not alone,
we are with friends this way
Yes, change the road
Or start to pray

Change the Road -remix

Key= A, tempo= 110 bpm, transposition to B
Remix (23/09/23), Orig. 2021 (how the dice fall)
Changed title, song , lyrics and vocals

The dice must roll
(c) HWBerkhout, 

V
I held my heart in my hands
And I stared at that worn out thing
There is still love inside it
Though I let no one in
R
In my dreams I was falling 
Always from a wall 
I never got me answers
about the meaning of it all
V
I held my head in my hands
And I touched that worn out thing
There is still hope inside it
Though I let no one in
R
In my dreams I was falling
Always from a wall 
I never got me answers
about the meaning of it all
=Solo=
V
I held my soul in my hands
And I stared at that worn out thing
I heard a child crying inside it
I didn't know it was still in
R
In my dreams I was falling
Always from a wall 
But I learned living and to understand
Life is how the dice will roll

Still in my dreams I keep falling
Always from that wall
Yes, I learned living and to comprehend
The dice must roll
=bridge=
V
But I had ignored to love
the child in my soul
Weeping on that wall
It was I who decided
how the dice would roll...

The Dice Must Roll

Completely Lost
(c) HWBerkhout, sept 17, 2023

A cheerful song, but in a melancholic way

Lyrics
Completely Lost

Hey girl, I saw you dancing
So excitingly, in that park
Your swirls bring back feelings
I long thought I had lost

Hey girl, you reminded me
of times, now long gone
You act so free, with joy I see
Oh, that really pleases me

Chorus A
No, I don't tell my friends, they won't understand
Today I was completely lost
Now I am part of your life
But I'm sure you will never know...

Hey girl, I saw you dancing,
merrily near to that fountain
You act so free, just like me
in another time

Chorus A

=Solo=

Chorus A

=Bridge=
I have to clear my mind
dump those feelings
the girl ain't you, my love
I just... enjoy the way she dances

Chorus A
Last lines: 'Now that I am part of her life
                 I'll keep waiting, waiting for her
Chorus B
Yes, It's that dancing that charms me
So I wait for her all day
And I'm hoping, wishing
One day I dance with you the same way

==============

Completely Lost

A Funky song about doubts in love

All the Love 
(c) HWBerkhout 2023/10/05, key: Em

Verse
This morning I was running in a park
I try to stay in shape, 
to give my babe that 'spark'
But, she won't notice my efforts
So, I was placed in the dark

Chorus
All the love in my heart
need another start
Or maybe
it can wait another day

Verse
This morning I thought of her a lot
I don't know how to make her laugh, 
smile or let her behave a bit odd
She is only focused on her phone
Her selfies make me feel alone
Verse
This morning I made a decision
I can bring her breakfast in bed, 
or sing her a song, to improve my position
but when she stays in love with that thing,
I won't buy her that diamond ring

Chorus
=solo=
Chorus 2x

Outro
All my love, 
all my love,
will have to wait another day

All The Love

The world and I...

In the middle of the night 
(c) Birchwood 2023
V
In the middle of a night I lay with my eyes wide open
Because of all the tensions that can't wait
They buzzed around me like raging angry birds 
And that night I became afraid

C
I always slept so well, but then the world changed
Problems became so huge
Wars, hatred, and greedy ego's, there are so many
But in the morning I haven't solved any

V
In the middle of the night I have my eyes wide open
Disturbing thoughts that cannot wait
They swirled around me like bloodthirsty bats
And each night I became more afraid

C
I always  slept so well, but when the world changed
Problems became so huge
Wars, hatred, and greedy ego's, there are so many
But in the morning I haven't solved any

V
The middle of the night I fear that time
I tried sleeping in the middle of the day
but friends warned me I must stay awake then
Else I chase them all away

Solo

Bridge
Oh, I wish I could sleep!
Ignore all these thoughts
There must be a solution
To sleep all night

C2
In the middle of a night maybe the world changes
The ego's and their shit disappear
In the middle of a night I find peace of mind
In the middle of a night sleep I'll find

In the middle of a night all problems are solved
In the middle of whatever night
Maybe I'm nomore afraid...

Middle of the night

A song about a failure...

Lost
(c) HWBerkhout, dec 2020/dec, 2023

V
If you had seen me, I was smiling
I had created you!
If you had heard me, I was cheering;
You lived on my earth too
V
My whole heart was beating for you
'cause I loved humanity
Only my commandments you soon forgot
That was really hard to see for a God

Chorus
I thought the earth would be a stunning place
to live a happy life
Where harmony would be in the air
and peace was everywhere

V
Now my heart skipped some beats
Because nothing went so well
All I ever asked is misled
by false preachers of heaven and hell

Chorus
I thought the earth would be a stunning place
to live a happy life
Where harmony would be in the air,
Instead you created despair

V
If you can hear me, you can change it
I hope I can give you some signs
But I see more anger and frustration
Those were no goals of mine
V
If you believe me, you can change it
Still I don't see your signs
I only see more fear and disillusions
Not the goals of mine
V
If you see me, you must change it
But I fear there isn't much time
I see more greed, wars and stupidity
Not the goals of mine

Chorus
I thought the earth would be a stunning place
to live a happy life
Where harmony would be in the air
and peace everywhere

So I think you got it now
I've lost,
I've lost...

Lost

Make a difference
(c) HWBerkhout 2023

A young girl, big dreams in her head
Her mother so proud and smiling
Wrong people entered her life
Now her mom can't stop crying

A boy, with few expectations in life
His father loved to see him smiling
Bad friends changed it all
Now his parents are crying

Chorus
I thought we were more civilized 
But I was wrong
I hoped we were no predators
But I believed in a lie
Do we want to make a difference
or let it be?

A young family, children on their lap
On a picture they were all smiling
Deep silence after he used his gun
Now no one there is crying

Chorus
I thought we were more social
But I was wrong
I hoped we were no predators
But I believed in a lie
Do we want to make a difference
or let it be?

=solo=

People are oppressed everywhere around
Even more dictators are now so proud of what they've done
Our environment in despair gives a lot of stress
So, we take a plane to the sun!

Chorus
I thought we were more human
But I was wrong
I hoped we were no predators
But I believed in a lie
I thought we were more social
But look at me; I cry
Do we want to make a difference, you and me?
or let it be?

Make A Difference

... a guy, a dreamer you may call him, trying to get back on his feet and hopes for someone to join him ...

Swinging acoustics, my vocals and 4 bgv's.
The solo is played by Dave Bell, Blue Attitude
Advice on everything by Marty Straub 
Thanks guys!

The video is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vNDv8T_CnD0 

I am a dreamer
(c) HWBerkhout, jan 2024

I often watch birds reaching for the sun
That's because I am a dreamer
I roughly know how far the sun is away
But I love to see them trying it every day
These nice things color my days
and make me dream of you

Chorus1
After all I am a dreamer
After all I am still alone
If you could see me; forlorn
Who would dare to visit my home?

I often watch the stars in the sky
That's because I am a dreamer
I roughly know how far they are away
But I love to see them waiting for me, every day
These nice things color my days
and make me long for you

Chorus
After all I am a dreamer
After all I am still alone
If you could see me now; reborn!
Would you like to visit my home?

=solo=

Maybe I searched in the wrong spaces,
Maybe I missed your signals, or traces.
Maybe one day you'll appear
Maybe just in my dreams, I fear

Chorus (2x)
After all I am a dreamer
After all I am still alone
If you could see me now; reborn!
Would you like to visit my home?

After all I am a dreamer
After all I am still alone
But if you could see me now; Reborn!
So please, come home!

I Am A Dreamer

You came back
HWBerkhout (c) 020724, Birchwood

Intro/ solo1
It was a lovely sunny day,
so we went shopping in the city mall
I didn’t hear it coming,
but I woke up in a hospital

Vaguely, I could see my hands,
they were bandaged and I think all of me too
Footsteps coming my way
I feared some bad news about you...

Chorus
But when I heard that voice right behind me
Oh I... I was in heaven
To hear this sound is some sensation
The one I love came back

It took some time to recover
But I was happy we both survived
Oh, I missed you
On the days you could not come to visit me

Chorus 
But when I heard that voice right behind me
Oh I... I was in heaven
To hear this sound is some sensation
The one I love came back

Solo2
Chorus
When I hear that voice right behind me
Oh I... I am in heaven
To hear this sound is some sensation
The one I love came back

I came home
more or less the one I was
But my eyes...
healed enough to gaze at you

Chorus 2x
And when I hear that voice right behind me
Oh I... I am in heaven
To hear this sound is some sensation
The one I love came back

When I hear that voice right behind me
Oh I... I know it is you
To hear this sound is some sensation
And now you came back to me

You Came Back

Something wrong 

A song with the help of 'the public'...
March, 09 2024
---------------------------------
Something wrong
(C) HWBerkhout

It's on my mind, every day
I better be lonely this way
People try to convince me 
to forget you

But I don't think they know me
or maybe I don't know myself
Is something wrong
in my head???

Ch
When you say my love for you really matters,
Then why are you ignoring my texts?
And when you say my love for you matters,
Then why don't you answer your phone?

It comes back, every day
And when I look in the mirror
It's not me I see,
but you

I've never been like this before
But I can't ignore it
Is something wrong
in my head???

Solo

It aches in my stomach
and I feel so silly.
Is this what love does?
Driving me crazy?

Ch
When you say my love for you really matters,
Then why are you ignoring my texts?
And when you say my love for you matters,
Then why don't you answer your phone?

If only,  
if only you say my love matters
Then why can't we meet again?
'cause now we are together alone

Something Wrong

Em 04/04/24 (remix from2019)
Nw lyrics, new instr.: Vibes / Fiddle
With Marty Straub on bass guitar

Fat guy
(c) HWBerkhout

I have a problem, I feel so bad
It's my belly, that's far too fat
I have a burnout and I'm hurt
No girl even looks when I try to flirt
Yes, it's my belly, I wish it was thin
But I can't make it to the gym

Chorus
Fat guy, that's my name
I need two chairs and feel ashamed
 I'm so fat, like a heavy stone
That's why no one wants me in their home
I'm being bullied, that's what they do
Not McDonalds or KFC too

I am the joker, that's what they say
I know it's my belly, but it won't shrink this way
I 've tried to change it, doing some sports
But who wants to see me in my shorts?
Oh, it's my belly, I wish it was thin
But I can't make it to the gym

Chorus
Solo

I have a problem going outside
My pants don't fit, they are not that wide
Also my sneakers I cannot use,
I'd look like a waddling goose

Chorus+
Fat guy, that's my name
Yes, fat guy, but I'm no more ashamed
Fat guy, yes I'm fat
McDonalds and KFC helped me with that...

Fat Guy

A Waltz with Rock touches
Duet with Anne-Marie Bovenkamp
She sings with me, but also provides the BG vocals!

Change of times (nw)
(C) HWBerkhout  04/02/2024

When dark clouds gather
The sun fades and the sky turns gray
Then things won't get better
Oh I, hate this day

Chorus
Time flies fast when comes that day
And your future won't be around
The past echoes in your words, they will say
Then you will lose your ground

Your world becomes difficult, challenges don't wait
When aging arrives, its grip is unkind
Expectations falter, ‘cause you're out of date
And you hope it won't take over your mind

Chorus
Time flies fast when comes that day
And your future won't be around
The past echoes in your words, they will say
Then you will lose your ground
Oh yes, you'll lose your ground

=Solo=

Obsolescence is part of life
Now I’m dealing with it too
It sometimes causes strife
Or makes me feel blue

I accept I'm under attack
Though we all call it 'fate'
I accept to walk another track
It's my body that tells me to wait

Chorus
Time flies fast when comes that day
And my future won't be around
The past echoes in my words, you will say
But I need to hold my ground

I know my time is limited
But I would like some decency  
Or else you can wait longer, a bit
My words will become my legacy

Change Of Times -remix-

The emotions you can have when something very sad happens, were the inspiration for this song. The melody though is less sad than the lyrics .

Lyrics:
Forlorn
(c) HWBerkhout, april 2019

Can I find words to make you feel at ease?
Is there a place that gives you peace?
I heard you whisper about us in the past
Your voice so softly, but I got it at last

Is there a song you would love to hear?
And will it take away your fear?
I heard you sobbing for what you foresee
'cause time has no mercy, you soon leave me

How come that live will never last?
What does it matter when we meet our past?
Where are the answers if there's nothing to say?
So, what will matters at the end of our day?

Is there a time we can meet again?
I hope you wave if you see me then
I can't see you're moving, nor hear your voice
You are now ready, You made your choice

How come that thoughts refused to stay?
What does it matter anyway?
We're only tourists. We never stay
So, what will matters at the end of our day?

Solo

Your spirit left when Time enters our door
Only tears keep runing, while you no more
Then I could not contain
Time always reign

How come that thoughts always fly away?
What does it matter anyway?
Where are the answers when words refused to stay?
But will it matters at the end of our day?

Where are the answers
when words fly away
Only memories
last longer, they say

Forlorn

Updated in jan 2021; improved mix.
This song is a about children in refugeecamps. Whatever missery they face, they always play... It is a protestsong on how we deal wit the big problems of refugees. 
The song is a remake of the original song with the same titel (also on this site).  Joanne Cooper from South Africa sang this song with her beautiful voice. She also did some rearrangements on the instruments on this one. The melody and lyrics are unchanged.  

Joanne is a Folksinger, inspired by Joan Baez, a well known American Folk Singer. You can find Joanne on Soundcloud as well. 
I am very proud she sang this song.

Lyrics:
But the children play
(c) HwBerkhout, 070218

Tensions in all regions
people on the run
Nothing more to fight for
Their homes are all gone
We provide them food and shelter
but mostly not in our homelands
This is not our war, we say
So, we won't shake their hands

But the children play
in every camp they stay
While they watch their mothers cry
and see their fathers die
But children play
Regardless where they stay
They laugh and cheer
but with hearts soaked in fear

Traffickers do their evil job 
their boats maybe float one mile
Drowned babies at the shore
will only take a while
Although we're shocked to watch
we see them as a plague
They mustn't reach our borders
Therefore our aid stayes vague

But the children play
although no place to stay
While they hear their parents cry
when their loved-ones die
But children play
They have nothing to say
They laugh and cheer
but with hearts soaked in fear

They saw we'd built high fences
with barbed wire all around
They expected some warm welcome
but only meet cold ground
Yes, Merkel helped them on her own
but 'Wir schaffen das' made people mad
Right-wing populists gain support
by stating humanity is bad

But the children play
where ever they stay
For justice they must wait
In every place, every state
Oh, they hear their fathers cry 
while their mothers die
Still children play
'cause they have no other way

but their eyes still see
terrible tragedies
And when they realized
Its us who denied 
How long then do children play?
There comes a day...
But children have the right to play
and somewhere safe to stay 
somewhere safe to play

But The Children Play - Joanne Cooper

Gonna be lonely is a nice song about a broken relation because of 'filthy feet', so nothing serious. But it's escalating and the main character is getting more desperate.  Gonna be a lonely night then...

Lyrics
Gonna be lonely
(c) HwBerkhout, jan. 2018/ 2019

Oh, lonely me

You found out this evening
what happened
between our silky sheets
I had filthy feet

You don't have to ask me
how I know
Your eyes have that piercing, scary light
It better have a lonely night

But it's aching, you never told me
You had secrets of your own, I'd see
Oh, it's gonna be a lonely night
For you and for me

What to do now?
Who's got to go?
Our hands are free
So it ain't me

Before you leave here
I must tell you
Maybe you won't understand
But this was not planned

Oh, it's so cold now
It started raining
The stars don't shine so bright
Ah, it's gonna be a lonely night

I felt sorry, what I have done?
Can we mend what we cannot see?
Ah, it's gonna be a lonely night
For you and for me

I admit, about you
I had my doubts too
But don't make that much fuzz
That's really not us

Can't we talk it over
and end like friends?
Maybe there remains one tiny light
Or we gonna have a lonely night

Don't leave tomorrow, stay some more time
Get your love back out of that old tree
Or it's gonna be a lonely night
For you and for me

We have to do some talking
Don't whist anyway
But please let me stay...

Alright, I pack my things
And I go some place else
I will look for what I won't find
'cause you stayed on my mind

Oh, let's talk it over
and see what is left
Or did our love really died?
Then there gonna be a lonely night

I leave tomorrow, why should I stay?
We can't go back, and that's so true
Ah, another lonely night
For me and for you
Ah, another lonely night
for me and for you

Gonna Be Lonely

Based on a real lovestory. 

From Mexico with Love
(c) HWBerkhout, 03/31/20 - may 2022

Verse
Feel I'm in love now, the whole day long
Had an encounter, that was so strong
I was on a beach in Mexico
Then saw you; you were planning to go
Quickly dressed and packed my things
I had to hurry, see what it brings

Chorus
You woman, swinging hips and sexy as can be
Walking right in front of me
It was like lightning that blew me to the ground
This long haired lady I just had found
I had to draw your attention, we must meet!
It's you I need!

Verse
I was dreaming of a steaming relation
That would be a whole sensation
Never had fallen in love just like that
But when I saw you; my heart was beating so bad
Thought about this while rushing your way
I had to hurry, this could be my day!

Chorus

Solo

Chorus
Chorus 2:
You woman, swinging hips and sexy as can be
Walking right in front of me
It was like lightning that blew you to the ground
You saw my big smile when turning around
I had all your attention,  Kind of....
'From Mexico with love'  !!!

From Mexico With Love

This song has a sphere from the 50's, but a story from all time about broken promisses. The story is a military situation, the sphere is symbolized by a humming sound from an amplifier and the creak of an old record(player) and a saxophone in the beginning of a swinging song.

The lyrics
Coming home
(c) Hans Berkhout, sept. 23 2020 

Early one morning I received my post
It contained an official letter
That ordered me to go to a place
somewhere far abroad
While reading it, it gave me a shock
I hadn't expect this at all

Oh, this aint me, It's not true
I could not believe this was real, but

I'm coming home
That's what they promised, and
I won't be alone
That I believed in

Within a while  I flew some days
to a hazardous place
And they assured me  it really was save
I never had to leave our base
There we stayed, just in case
some bad guys wanted a fight

Ohh, this aint me, It's not true
I could not believe this was real, but

I'm coming home
That's what they promised, and
I won't be alone
That I believed in

=solo=

I'm coming home
That's what they promised, and
I won't be alone
That I believed in
I'm coming home, I know
But do I still believe it?

But anyway, all things went wrong
The enemy fired their guns
We faced a lot of casualties
And finally got overrun
I ran away, hide myself
Inside a little cave

Oh no, this aint me, It's not true
I could not believe this was real, but

I'm coming home
That's what they promised
I won't be alone
That I believed in
I'm coming home, I know
But I have some doubts

I'm coming home
That's what they told us
I'm coming home
Who can hear me?

I won't be alone
That I believed in
I'm coming home
That's what they promised
I'm coming home
Oh lord, I can see you
I'm coming home...

Coming Home

I compose songs, write lyrics and sing most of them. I don't have  'one'  style. It depends on my mood or on certain issues that are going on in our world. AND some listeners can even tell which songs are genuine 'Birchwood-songs' (!)

Birchwood

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