"The Greatest Songwriter Unknown"

For my Mom and the town I'm from
Oh I came from old east Boston - an Italian Neighborhood - Where i made the best of being a vagabond - Hand me downs were a plenty i think i wore them till i was twenty - Cause in my household you better get it before it's gone - Woke up high went to bed the same you know this lost soul stuck in the game while mom was pinching pennies i was robbing them - I thank the lord for her turning a blind cheek her life was oh so bleak yet I'm that kid who coveted all from them - Half my life in another town - but that Eastie Noise comes spinning round this old man's head all that he's become - and i still can hear my mother say my son my son its all ok cause i have seen the soul that you'll become
Oh i come from old east Boston where the noise was kept to a hush and whether you were were ten or forty you were seasoned and obedient  and your dad rushing down the street to spill his blood at your feet i aint got much but that's something to hold onto
Woke up high went to bed the same you know this lost soul stuck in the game while mom was pinching pennies i was robbing them - I thank the lord for her turning a blind cheek her life was oh so bleak yet I'm that kid who coveted all from them - Half my life in another town - but that Eastie Noise keeps spinning round this old man's head all that he's become - and i still can hear my mother say my son my son its all ok cause i have seen the soul that you'll become
Half my life in another town but that Eastie Noise keeps spinning round this old man's head cause that Eastie Noise is my Mom

Eastie Noise

I know your tired - but hey dude I am too –I'm  tired of trying to resurrect – the good in you
The good in me – has taken a back seat – and I just watch you flounder around – wondering when you'll come around 
And you walk – down this lonely road – trying to find a place you can stand still find a place you can call your home 
The real in us – We watch it dissipate – and as our life is fading away we find peace in our solitude 
But hey we’ll keep on moving with thoughts that are soothing In hopes it will get us through our day…
There’s something I been meaning to say!
Why’d the fuck you let her get away
Could’ve saved yourself from all this god damn pain
So much disease can’t figure out the strain – I'd like to hold you down and rub away the stain
2nd verse
I know your tired – But Hey dude I am too – I'm tired of trying to have your back – when you never pull through
The good in me – has taken a back seat –And I know your about to erupt – when did your soul become so corrupt
And you walk – down this lonely road – trying to find a place you could stand still find a place you can call your home – 
The good in us – we’re sick of all these games – but it’s something we’ve grown so used to there won’t be any breakthroughs 
hey we’ll keep on moving with thoughts that are soothing In hopes it will get us through our day…
There’s something I been meaning to say!
Why’d the fuck you let her walk away
Could’ve saved yourself from all this god damn pain
So much disease can’t figure out the strain – I'd like to hold you down and rub away that stain
I’m so fucking tired – but hey dude so are you – I'm tired of trying to find the words – when they all cut through - yeah!!!!

The Stain.....

The Storm

I keep looking back – for that one thing – that used to make me smile – non-existent – if only for a while – I could find that smile again
Keep Pumping through the files in my Vortex – realized that smile – was a reflex – was anything worthwhile - or was my time spent here in vain.
Chorus
If you’re looking for me - I’ll be gone and - sorry that I didn’t give good warning but I was in a rush to get out of this place– don’t think ill ever see another morning – baby dry eyes and live on my love I’m gone – you’re gonna make it through this storm……..
When there just aint nobody calling – not listening – nor even paying attention – what’s the fucking point – Why do we hold on
There’s no need to catch me while I’m falling – it’s already written in his story – aint no turning back – I must be moving on……
Chorus
If you’re looking for me - I’ll be gone and - sorry that I didn’t give good warning but I was in a rush to get out of this place– don’t think ill ever see another morning – baby dry your eyes and live on my love I’m gone – you’re gonna make it through this storm……..
Though I’m no longer here babe I see you – I’ve never loved you more so I freed you – I'm right here by your side – You’re going to make it through this storm
Chorus
If you’re looking for me - I’ll be gone and - sorry that I didn’t give good warning but I was in a rush to get out of this place– don’t think ill ever see another morning –  Baby dry your eyes and live on my love I’m gone – you’re gonna make it through this storm……..

Eric Festa's Album

The Storm

When you called me this morning – the sound on your end – was so deafening – I got scared –tried not to act weird – Do I run to your place – your butt dial said everything – I bet right now that you wish I wasn’t listening
But I was…. And I heard my  whole world crash down – in a second my life’s upside down and I’m holding on to last night’s love – and today – I guess it’s a brand new day – when you threw it all away – I'm still holding on to last nights love
I tried to call you that afternoon – phone rang off the hook – and my frustration – left me contemplating – do I come over your place with gun in hand so I can eliminate what killed us
And it's all because... I heard my  whole world crash down – in a second my life’s upside down and I’m holding on to last night’s love – and today – I guess it’s a brand new day – when you threw it all away – I'm still holding on to last nights love
I get one call the said when I was arrested and now it’s 2AM and my head is spinning – I grab the gun from them and point it to my head – say one last prayer in vain Oh god please numb this pain 
And there i was.. I heard my  whole world crash down – in a second my life’s upside down and I’m holding on to last night’s love – and today – I guess it’s a brand new day – when you threw it all away – I.m still holding on to last nights love,,,,,,,,

Last Nights Love

Day is done and I’m coming home, – think happy thoughts to lessen my load, clench my fists and get in that mode – forgive me but long is my road, take a side street because I need some time, to create a smile that isn’t mine, I’m pulling up an hey I’m doing fine, aside from losing my shine. Did you notice that tear in my eye, was hoping that you’d ask me why,  so much to tell you about my day, well maybe it’s just better this way
Yet all this time I always knew – how grateful I was for you but trying times get the best of me
with my chin up I face the day – I never knew any other way – then to grind it out – but I guess that’s just me – it’s my reality 
I have seen the worst of everyone – and it’s made me positively numb – March to the beat of someone else’s drum – was always trying to be just someone – take a side street cause I need some time – to create a smile that isn’t mine – I’m pulling up and I’m doing fine Except I’ve lost that shine
Did you notice that this wasn’t me? do you think about who we used to be?  Do you have a heart or has it gone to hell? trust me woman this man can tell – I’ve hid away for far too long – Let me break it out here in this song – I was not the only one who was wrong, will I ever find a place where I belong 
Yet all this time I always knew – how grateful I was for you but trying times get the best of me  
with my chin up I face the day – I never knew any other way – then to grind it out – but I guess that’s just me – it’s my reality 
Day is done and I’m coming home – think happy thoughts to lessen my load – clench ,my fists and get in that mode – forgive me but long is my road

Grateful

25 years we’re out on the town-and we live it on up to forget our frowns-but as the night rolls in it seems even more upside down-And we drink to forget the day ahead- as demons still dance around our bed-though tonight we’ll sleep well I’d rather be inside you instead – “My friend” 
My attention is drawn to the shadow on the wall-and he’s laughing at me-but I see through it all and baby it’s not that bad so what the fuck are we doing?
And ooooohhhhhhhh I’m inside of you again my Friend and ooooooohhhhhhh I can’t feel where I begin and you end 
I search the corners of time I pull the puzzle apart so I can piece back together the hole in my heart I thought that right from the start I was your everything
You walk away from it all think your way too good – as I fumble about with this semi-wood – and I know in the end that this ain’t just a white man’s hood
And ooo  oohhhhhhhh I’m inside of you again my Friend and ooooooohhhhhhh I can’t feel where I begin and you end 
It’s 1Am and we’re still at the club what are we searching for all we need is love or is that just something someone coined one time – But hey look in my eye if you need something else and  I will oblige cause 
  I’m throbbing inside and baby if it’s over till that fat lady sings oh oh – let me apologize in advance – I requested our song if you want to dance cause come morning my love the two of us wont’ remember my friend
And ooooohhhhhhhh I’m in love with you “my Friend” and ooooooohhhhhhh I can’t feel where I begin and you end

"Inside of you" Acoustic

Isn’t it amazing how a lifetime passes by – you are a father now and once you were a son
And everyone who knew you then still think they know you now – judge you for all you did not what you've done
I’d like to think I’m drifting on a cloud and looking out upon the souls that I have touched along the way
And like to think their looking back and as they smile they say – Hey man you know what you were okay
And when I feel I’m going nowhere – I’m going nowhere fast I look into your eyes once again
And when I feel I’m going nowhere – I’m going nowhere fast I realize that you're my one true friend
Isn’t it amazing how a lifetime passes by – you were a warrior and you still are now – and everyone who knew you then still think they know you now but because of you I made it through somehow
I’d like to think I’m drifting on a cloud and looking out upon the souls that I have touched along the way
And like to think their looking back and as they smile they say – hey man – you know what you were ok
And when I feel I’m going nowhere – I’m going nowhere fast I look into your eyes once again
And when I feel I’m going nowhere going nowhere fast I realize that you're my one true friend
Isn’t it amazing how a lifetime passes by kids have grown they got their own lives to live
I thank the lord they see me now same way they saw me then but to go back twenty years what I wouldn’t give
I like to think I’m drifting on a cloud and looking out upon my kids who understand my forte
And like to think their looking back and as they smile they say you know what – Dad you were okay

Nowhere Fast

And oh, life goes way too fast - I look to the past and all i see is you
and you were my shining star - better than the last - I better watch my breath
its fading fast - I know that you are here but you seem to disappear in all of my despair - I die again
I have to face the truth - that everything I am I am because of you
and you I know you feel it too cause everything that we've become we've never come undone
And oh this alcohol is killing me - sometimes i drink so much I cannot see - and you never bat an eye - stand by my side - no matter how rocky the ride 
and oh --- I know that your are here but you seem to disappear in all of my despair - I die again 
and I have to face the truth - that everything I am I am because of you - and you I know you feel it tooo- cause everything that we've become we've never come undone
remembering  when life was oh so simple back in the days
now I spend all my nights looking down at your grave 
its oh so dark and desolate this hell blowing in my face
I need you to have my back just one more time
and oh I know that you are not here but you seem to reappear in all of my despair I die again
and I have to face the truth that every thing I am I am because of you

Because of you (I die again)

Change is overdue!
Full lyrics

I'm tired of being down all the time i wish that you would lift me up
I'm tired of being tired all the time to face the truth would be way too much
I think of all the things you did to me and all the pain i felt in your touch
I think of all things you said, woman they add up - you said way too much
Change is coming you could smell it in the air
Don't know who you think you are but pretty girl you better think again
A storm is coming down the road - you better say what you got to say 
because your words are growing old the absolute is on its way 
I'm tired of being wrong all the time when half the time i know i'm right
I struggle with my insecurities and let you win each and every time
I used to be a stronger man i seemed to lose my confidence somwhere along the line
i need to find my balls again before the absolute gets swept behind
Change is coming you could smell it in the air
Don't know who you think you are but pretty girl you better think again
A storm is coming down the road - you better say what you got to say 
because your words are growing old the absolute is on its way

One more time!

"The Absolute"

I always put you up on a pedestal - And you would prove me right every time - And every day my life's been better still - I never let you off my mind
I always thought that it be better by now - I always seem to let you down - I'm trying hard but babe it's bred in me - Please don't leave me upside down
And there's a cold wind blowing from the north and i worry about us all the time - with the distance growing and sharp hollow notions we're oblivious through it all
Promise me you'll never leave me even though the coast is clear just say you aint going nowhere - i saw him leave the house smiling - saw him tuck in his shirt believe me babe your secret's safe with me - it'll always be safe with me
I always thought that we'd be better by now - I never seemed to let this go
Walking away babe is so damn hard - when you're all I've ever known
And there's a warm wind blowing from the west and so much i need to get off of my chest - I didn't mean to hurt you but i am flawed - believe me baby I'm doing my best
Promise me you'll never leave me even though the coast is clear just say you aint going nowhere - I saw him leave the house smiling - saw him tuck in his shirt believe me babe your secret's safe with me
It'll always be safe with me
It'll always be safe with me safe with me
It'll always be safe

Safe with me

20 years in the making

My Legacy

My Life's drive! - Available now on I Tunes, Amazon Music and Spotify

Old Soul

We should just be happy with who we are.........? Full lyrics below

I used to think i had it all figured out - My wit getting quicker my skin growing thicker - I used to believe i was invincible - but my walls kept on falling my god kept on calling - i kept the good close I was done with the rest of them and you better believe that i hung with the best of them - I kept my head high i did all that i could to be better each day - no there was no other way
And i always knew that i had voices inside they were screaming for something seems they always wanted something else and when i was in doubt i went along for the ride - never searching for anything - always felt like i had everything....
But we all want something yeah - but will we let it in - yeah we all want something yeah but will we let it in.
I used to wonder where i fit in but i'd fight through the pain and i would do it again - I used to believe that i wasn't good enough - a joke in its own right cause I'm fucking dynamite - kept my head high i did all that could to be better everyday - there was no other way and i always knew i had voices inside and they were screaming for something - seems they always wanted something else
But we all want something yeah..... but will we let it in - yeah we all want something yeah but will we let it in.....
So keep the good close and be done with the rest of them pretty much done it all kid you've hung with the best of them - hold your head high you've given all that you can - when the end comes a creeping just know that you were a man - and tell me how does it feel when you have voices inside they're all screaming for something yeah we all want something else and how will you feel when your done with your ride will you still be searching for something or will you be satisfied -
But we all want something yeah..........but will we let it in....... Yeah we all want something yeah..... but will we let it in

Voices

Full lyrics 

I used to be a prince - at least it's written in my name - a pauper with a grin - but long gone is that shame - i used to be someone - but now it's gone to hell - I'm withering away - same grin is painted thin - i search for something new - i wish for everything -And i had everything - but without you there's something missing - did you read my verse - did you hear my crying words - did they mean anything at all - will you meet me for one last call- 

Once upon a time - in world that  once knew - when i was in my prime - and everything was you - i kept my end of the deal - but i couldn't keep up with you - Does it matter how i feel? - Never thought this'd get so real - did you read my verse or were you busy living in doubt - so subtly you missed - what it was all about 

So many words we said to one another....... can't take them back we're way too broken - I'd like to think we came a long way since then - just got this bath of blood to soak in yeah.........

I used to be a prince - at least it's written in my name - you used to be convinced - exactly of the same - i used to be someone - but now it's gone to hell - my soul is hanging low - my smile is not so well - oh baby I'm still here - open your eyes I'm right in front of you - did you read my verse - or were you busy being you - I wish you'd read my verse - laid it all on the line - not much more to say - can't keep what isn't mine

So many words we said to one another....... can't take them back we're way too broken - I'd like to think we came a long way since then - just got this bath of blood to soak in yeah.........

Baby did you read my verse - cause i opened up my wounds - i put it all in front of you - Smile will be ending soon - I used to be a prince - at least it's written in my name - you used to be convinced - exactly of the same.

Did you read my verse

Just making my way through purgatory
I've been asked to put up the lyrics for this one - Enjoy.... 

Don't think I'm gonna wake up - so babe you shouldn't stay. This bedside's seen its better days and all I know - is in the distance - I can see a burning light and i reach out for the embers - and to the warmth i hold on tight 
And I'll be on my way....... Follow the voices down the pathway - aching hearts are all abound - And my feet barely touch the ground
I'm floating on a wind....... That takes me to the in between - where my soul will ever last - there ain't no coming back from this....

Don't think i should have said no - when he reached out for my hand - i should have followed his demands - cause all i know - is I'm forever drowning - in a pool of gasoline - with the embers all around me - the imps and clowns all at my feet -
I guess I'm on my way........ - I'm chasing Angels in the distance - aching souls are all abound - and my feet barely touch the ground
I'm floating on a wind......... - that takes me to the in between - where my soul will ever last - there ain't no coming back from this

I'm no one in this wasteland - the thing that I've become - feels like the corpse you're looking down on and all i know - is in the distance - i can see a burning light - and i fight off all the embers - woman i fight to see the light 
I guess I'm on my way...... I'm just not sure where I'm going - the ashen breeze keeps on blowing - and my feet barely touch the ground 
I'm floating on a wind..... - it pushes 
 through the in between - where my soul will ever last - there ain't no coming back from this

Don't think I'm gonna wake up - so babe you shouldn't stay - this bedside's seen its better days

“The Embers”

Out of Words

The Show........

As I get older -  try to stay sober - just long enough to realize it ain't over but it's getting colder - my knees getting weaker - I'm learning to stand all over again.
Seems that I've gone through - so many changes - what's left to conquer - am i getting so bored that i can't concentrate on the main goal - which nowadays is completely blurred
So leave me be with bottles and cans just let me reflect on the strange man that i am - we feel the conjecture in our tones - we're avoiding what we already know - If you look deeper beneath the layers of film in my eyes as they thicken every time i sip a sorrow away - it get's harder each day - putting on the show
My eyes will stay focused mainly on the next task – just as long as up my sleeve I find my flask – and while I’m submerged in all these urges and it’s hard to remember just where I am.
Still I’m remiss to ask you just what I was saying cause that’s all my mind will allow me to handle at this time I’m fading slowly degrading – I fell off earth long ago  –So leave me be with bottles and cans just let me reflect on the strange man that  i am - we feel the conjecture in our tones - we're avoiding what we already know - If you look deeper beneath the layers of film in my eyes as they thicken every time i sip a sorrow away - it get's harder each day - putting on the show
Please breathe your light into my aura its black and it’s purple – it’s out of control the colors are scattered and all that has mattered through all these years has already been
taken away in the blink of just one eye – don’t be judging - the colors keep smudging – and you keep begrudging me cause I’m fading – it’s not understated when you say I’m a mess.
So leave me be with bottles and cans just let me reflect on the strange man that i am - we feel the conjecture in our tones - we're avoiding what we already know - If you look deeper beneath the layers of film in my eyes as they thicken every time i sip a sorrow away - it get's harder each day - putting on the show

“The Show”

Right now I feel I’m dying – While trapped inside my mind and – I’m going crazy thinking I should reassess my life and figure out a way to make you whole
Right now you feel you’re dying – you’re quota’s up on crying – you’re going crazy thinking you should reassess your life and figure out a way to let me go 
This is not the way that it's supposed to go                             
Chorus:
     With all the clouds that we’ve encountered we're still drinking from this fountain – I don’t know about you girl, but I’ve been feeling kind of weary, you agree it’s pretty scary when the world comes to a halt, And you agree not my fault but we keep searching for an answer –  while I’m running round in circles –making your day dizzy, stand on solid ground and let me hold on cause I’m falling off the earth – It’s always such a difficult experience when I look into your eyes and see you’re hurt.
Opposite directions no longer we’re infectious – but I’ll bet a million dollars I still can’t hide my erection – I intend to find a way to make you glow
You’re thinking this ain’t your issue but babe just let me kiss you and maybe for a minute you could put aside that tissue and let me in cause I’m all you know
This is not the way that it's supposed to go - Yeah 
 With all the clouds that we’ve encountered we're still drinking from this fountain – I don’t know about you girl, but I’ve been feeling kind of weary, you agree it’s pretty scary when the world comes to a halt, And you agree not my fault but we keep searching for an answer –  while I’m running round in circles –making your day dizzy, stand on solid ground and let me hold on cause I’m falling off the earth – It’s always such a difficult experience when I look into your eyes and see you’re hurt.
It's always such a difficult experience when i look into your eyes and know you're hurt

Difficult Experience

Rebelled
Why should I complain – Who’s gonna listen anyway – Help me through this pain – she said she would – but she’s gone everyday……
Battle off these demons - each a different kind of way – pour another whiskey – it seems to help me along the way
Where should I begin – when I tell you my life story – do I fabricate – and embellish on false glory’s there’s no friggen way – I’m gonna tell it straight – and just deal with the repercussions – admissions of my truths will set me free – but they’re sure to set me back…….
Chorus
Cause up till now – you’ve really gotten nowhere – A subtle change – and your chaos could be quelled – And you could fix it all – if you only could remember – just who it was – and the reason you Rebelled
So many faces slanted different ways, as if I’m a fool – My Christ he gave me clarity and I see right through – Humanity is cruel.. – Imagine for a second that you could never lie – that would change so many things – but would probably erase your life! 
Chorus
Cause up till now – you’ve really gotten nowhere – A subtle change – and your chaos could be quelled – And you could fix it all – if you only could remember – just who it was – and the reason you Rebelled!
Got a million friends – but not one who I can turn to –  slice of my darkness they’ll never see – I’ll keep him chained – with empty eyes – I set forth back on this journey – and though my load is huge – what I got left I’ll still give to you
Chorus
Cause up till now – you’ve really gotten nowhere – A subtle change – and your chaos could be quelled – And you could fix it all – if you only could remember – just who it was – and the reason you Rebelled!

Rebelled

I sit on your doorstep - waiting for you to come down - i know that you are up there trying to turn your world around - As you put on your make-up you think about our breakup and how its affected you but still you're okay - and I put on my make-up and think about this breakup and i am surely not okay with what it's been doing to me - then you walk out you doorway yeah and I am waiting right there - your agenda is cold shoulder and the night just keeps getting colder and colder - then you you just graze right by me yeah - guess I'm a ghost from your past - what was it that changed you - am i - am i the one who changed you - should i wait for you to come home - no my friends would call me a creep - but I would own that label - if you would just talk to me - wish I could come upstairs made a mix tape of all the songs you love we can listen by the fireplace that's all that's all I've been dreaming of - I guess that I'm just getting old - and all the things that meant so much to us - have vanished in a cloud of dust - woman  woman who can we trust - then you walk out your doorway yeah I am waiting right there your agenda is cold shoulder and the night just keep getting colder and colder - I pass by your doorstep yeah everyday on my way to work and even though you haven't lived there for years i still see your face - was creeping on your Instagram - got a family and I'm still who I am I'm lost without your tenderness oh woman I'm so lost

Doorstep-

-Boston Area storytelling.  Remember you are only a true artist if you recognize the genius in somebody's else's work. Keep your ears open there is genius all around us.