Herington Rails
timothymichaelmusic
21 SEP 2023

V1.
There’s a water tower on Clay Hill
Where we’d go sledding in the snow
A couple lakes just west of town
Camping and skiing on our boat
Friday nights under the spotlights
Where they came to watch us play
Then we’d gather for gossip and coffee
In the pharmacy on Saturday

Chorus
Yeah, I’ve got great memories
Of the place that I call home
Where everybody knows your name
And you never feel alone
If you’ve got time to listen
I’ve got great stories to tell
The tracks run out and the trains roll through
In the home of the Herington Rails

V2.
The past is found on Sunset Hill
Where our history is preserved
The trains and railcars downtown
Are always easy to be heard.
Take a walk down Broadway
And you’ll always find a friend
Even if you don’t end up here
It’s a great place to begin

Chorus
Yeah, I’ve got great memories
Of the place that I call home
Where everybody knows your name
And you never feel alone
If you’ve got time to listen
I’ve got great stories to tell
The tracks run out and the trains roll through
In the home of the Herington Rails

Bridge
There’s farms and rails and wagon trails
And you can’t beat the sunsets
If you think there’s a better place to be from
I’d gladly take that bet.

Chorus
Yeah, I’ve got great memories
Of the place that I call home
Where everybody knows your name
And you never feel alone
If you’ve got time to listen
I’ve got great stories to tell
The tracks run out and the trains roll through
In the home of the Herington Rails

The tracks run out and the trains roll through
In the home of the Herington Rails











Herington Rails (2025)

Recycled (2025)
timothymichaelmusic
5 OCT 2020

V1.
Damned if I don’t or if you do.
What the hell’s a man to do?
Just an image that I’m trying to portray?
I’m just looking for the truth
And the driver turns the screw.
Seems like yet another déjà vu day.

Like a performer on a stage
Reciting lines from a page
Watching them admire me from the stands
Fake it til I make it.
It’s my claim if I’ll just stake it.
But wherever it is that I go there I am

Chorus
I’m on a vision quest.
Just sorting through the mess.
Testifying as a witness at my own trial.
Can I even believe the lie?
Looking through the beholders eye.
Nothing new here to see I think I’m just recycled.

V2.
Bang your head against the wall.
Yet another curtain call.
Show’s never over when you’re stuck in the encore.
Is it time to lay it down?
Or shall I play another round?
Am I really better off now than before?

Rehearsing lines from a scene
What’s it really even mean?
Trying to be all that I can be.
Am I  faking or am I feeling?
What’s the secret I’m not revealing?
Whoever I am I’m still the same old me

Chorus
I’m on a vision quest.
Just sorting through the mess.
Testifying as a witness at my own trial.
Can I even believe the lie?
Looking through the beholders eye.
Nothing new here to see I think I’m just recycled

Bridge
Maybe I’m just adding to the confusion
And this life is merely an illusion

Chorus
I’m on a vision quest.
Just sorting through the mess.
Testifying as a witness at my own trial.
Can I even believe the lie?
Looking through the beholders eye.
Nothing new here to see I think I’m just recycled

I think I’m just recycled

I think I’m just recycled

I’m just recycled


Recycled (2025)

Sunny Side of the Dirt (re-write)
timothymichaelmusic
24 JUN 2023

V1.
Pain heals and chicks dig scars
What don’t kill me makes me stronger
I only have to embrace the suck
Just a little bit longer
The sun is shining on me
To heal where I’ve been hurt
It ain’t such a bad thing
To spend time in the dirt

Chorus
On the sunny side of the dirt
Life’s lessons always last
Keep keeping on for better days
And leave the past there in the past
Worry hasn’t ever solved a thing
Complications just cause hurt
Keep it simple every chance I get
Here on the sunny side of the dirt.

V2.
I realized along the way
That I could be the light.
I don’t need my own agenda
‘Cos being kind trumps being right.
Free will allows the consequence
And in the end I finally see
Both faith and fear demand belief 
In something I can’t see

Chorus
On the sunny side of the dirt
Life’s lessons always last
Keep keeping on for better days
And leave the past there in the past
Worry hasn’t ever solved a thing
Complications just cause hurt
Keep it simple every chance you get
Here on the sunny side of the dirt


Bridge
Here on the sunny side
Every day is for the livin’
Blessed by every lesson learned
…And the grace I’ve been given

Chorus
On the sunny side of the dirt
Life’s lessons always last
Keep keeping on for better days
And leave the past there in the past
Worry hasn’t ever solved a thing
Complications just cause hurt
Keep it simple every chance I get
Here on the sunny side of the dirt

Here on the sunny side of the dirt















Sunny Side Of The Dirt (2025)

Mine
Timothymichaelmusic
14 FEB 2021

v1
Sunlight through the window blinds supplies a sweet alarm
Your body pressing next to me provides a sense of warmth
I push your hair out of your eyes. You’re startled back to life
A sleepy smile upon your face. You press your lips to mine
The bed’s a mess, we’re barely dressed, my all-time favorite start
Precious moments spent together held forever in my heart
We stagger to the coffee pot to clear away the wine
My favorite days they all begin with mornings that you’re mine.

Chorus
It doesn’t happen every day in the busy-ness of life
The clock dissects days into hours and cuts them like a knife.
Before we know it we start to blow it and together gets replaced
Instead of spending time together all we’ve created here is space
Let’s take our time when we’re side by side. There’s no need to rush.
Me and you flow right on cue with a sweet and simple touch.
When I think of you, I know it’s true. I say it all the time
The sweetest moments in my life are the days that you are mine

V2.
But when the day is finished and we come back as one
Put away the mess, remove the stress and start to have some fun.
In the quiet of the evening we greet with sweet embrace
For all we do and what we go through just to get some face to face
You snuggle on the couch with me and share a glass of wine
The world just seems to melt away when we see eye to eye
As the moonlight shines through the window blinds it starts to tranquilize
My favorite days will always end with evenings that you’re mine

Chorus
It doesn’t happen every day in the busy-ness of life
The clock dissects days into hours and cuts them like a knife.
Before we know it we start to blow it and together gets replaced
Instead of spending time together all we’ve created here is space
Take our time when we’re side by side. There’s no need to rush.
Me and you flow right on cue with a sweet and simple touch
When I think of you, I know it’s true. I say it all the time
The sweetest moments in my life are the days that you are mine

The sweetest moments in my life are the days that you are mine







Mine (2025)

What If (Revised)
timothymichaelmusic
19 MAY 2022
Lyrics – Tim Schlesener BMI 01126229678

V1.
The evil and the righteous 
Are all caught in the same lie
Because the truth is even stranger
And no one questions why
And some will walk in the darkness
While others live in light
And each day’s a constant battle
And there’s no silence in the night.

Chorus
What if this is heaven?
Or maybe this is hell?
And the paths cross one another
Because the world already fell.
And time is only told by counting
Every single grain of sand
What if the Holy Spirit is the wind
And God is all the land

V2.
Our paths are interwoven
Like a quilt covering the shame
Everyone is pointing fingers
But no one takes the blame
Smoke and mirrors hide the truth
Will we ever really know?
The condition of the heart
Determines the route that each man goes.

Chorus
What if this is heaven?
Or maybe this is hell?
And the paths cross one another
Because the world already fell.
And time is only told by counting
Every single grain of sand
What if the Holy Spirit is the wind
And God is all the land

Bridge
When lies become the truth
And the truth becomes believed
It’s part of the grand illusion
Because we all have been deceived

Chorus
What if this is heaven?
Or maybe this is hell?
And the paths cross one another
Because the world already fell.
And time is only told by counting
Every single grain of sand
What if the Holy Spirit is the wind
And God is all the land




What If (2025)

Wasted
timothymichaelmusic
05 OCT 2023

V1.
It’s 3 am, I’m up again
You’ll always be the reason
Whistling wind, storms moving in
The changing of the seasons
Got time to think. I pour a drink
Strong, a double tall
Like the trees, changing leaves
I’ll just let go and fall.

Chorus
They say time’s a terrible thing to waste
But I do it pretty well.
Your scent still lingers in the air
I’m trapped under your spell.
A hint of wine, your lips on mind
Are still the best I’ve tasted
I’m too far gone to carry on.
My time is best spent wasted

V2.
Feels like the liquor makes it pass quicker
But it keeps me from moving on.
There’s no silence in the night
But there’s comfort in the dawn.
The sunshine breaking through the clouds
Starts to melt away the gray
But I know the truth, me without you
Is just another wasted day.

Chorus
They say time’s a terrible thing to waste
But I do it pretty well.
Your scent still lingers in the air
I’m trapped under your spell.
A hint of wine, your lips on mind
Are still the best I’ve tasted
I’m too far gone to carry on.
My time is best spent wasted

Bridge
I let the night just slip on by
But your memory won’t fade
God had bigger plans for you
But I wish you could have stayed

Chorus
They say time’s a terrible thing to waste
But I do it pretty well.
Your scent still lingers in the air
I’m trapped under your spell.
A hint of wine, your lips on mind
Are still the best I’ve tasted
I’m too far gone to carry on.
My time is best spent wasted

I’m too far gone to carry on.
My time is best spent wasted







Wasted (2025)

How That Feels
Timothymichaelmusic
28 JAN 2025

V1.
I said baby we need to talk...
…    ...   let’s go for a walk
But you wanted to stay inside
Then you damn sure hit your stride

Turned out there wasn’t much to say
No decision I could sway.
Another one of life’s ordeals...
...  .. So this is how that feels


Chorus
I guess if felt a bit surreal
When the truth was revealed
I admit I was a little shocked
But it’s starting to wear off

My head was whirling like a top
Waiting for the other shoe to drop
On my heart with your high heels

... So this is how that feels.


V2.
Your bags were already in the car
Glad you left me the guitar
What started as a fight
Gave me something else to write

Strumming as you drove away
Brought some closure to the day
My mind was spinning like your wheels

...So this is how that feels.


Chorus
I guess it felt a bit surreal
When the truth was revealed
I admit I was a little shocked
But it’s starting to wear off

My head was whirling like a top
Waiting for the other shoe to drop
On my heart with your high heels...

... .. So this is how that feels.


Bridge
I sadly watched you drive away
... ... That was a first for me that day

Chorus
I guess it felt a bit surreal
When the truth was revealed
I admit I was a little shocked
But it’s starting to wear off
My head was whirling like a top
Waiting for the other shoe to drop
On my heart with your high heels...

... .. So this is how that feels.


How That Feels (2025)

Burnt Toast
timothymichaelmusic
12 APR 2024

V1.
I barely slept last night
Too much on my plate
My alarm got left on silent
Damn, I was running late
The last thing I need this morning
Is the smell of smoke
Dumped that burnt bread in the trashcan
And took another shot at toast

Chorus
Then I hit every green light
On the way into the office
I aced my presentation
The boss said it was flawless
And it led straight to the promotion
For the job I wanted most
This day turned out just perfect
All because of some burnt toast

V2.
I went out to happy hour
To celebrate with my best friends
It might be a while before
I get a day like this again
Whenever strange things happen
They tend to happen in threes
That’s about the time I noticed 
You smiling back at me.

Chorus
‘Cos I hit every green light
On the way into the office
I aced my presentation
The boss said it was flawless
And it led straight to the promotion
For the job I wanted most
This day turned out just perfect
All because of some burnt toast

Bridge
You ordered us another round
And I said wait here just a minute
I ran to the store across the street
And bought a power ball ticket

Chorus
‘Cos I hit every green light
On the way into the office
I aced my presentation
The boss said it was flawless
And it led straight to the promotion
For the job I wanted most
This day turned out just perfect
All because of some burnt toast


This day turned out just perfect
All because of some burnt toast







Burnt Toast (2025, modern)

Trouble (I’d like to get into)
timothymichaelmusic
31 JAN 2023

V1.
Looks like you’re here alone
Messin’ with your phone
And your strawberry margarita
Ball cap down low
Hiding your smoke show
And hopin’ nobody sees ya
But you caught my eye
And I’m not sure why
But I’m gonna take a chance
Your next drink’s on me
‘cos I’d like to see
If I can have this dance

Chorus
You’re the kind of trouble
I’d like to get into.
Not the kind for pickup lines
But girl I’ve had a few
Been on the sideline such a long time
So I’m long overdue
And you’re the kind of trouble
I’d like to get into.

V2.
There’s great music here
I’ve been nursing this beer
But this is something to explore
Might be love at first glance
A one night romance
But I think it’s something more
I’m trying to be smooth
Like I’ve got nothin’ to prove
But you hold all the power
Once you’re in my arms
I’m turning on the charm
I tipped the band to play another hour

Chorus
You’re the kind of trouble
I’d like to get into.
Not the kind for pickup lines
But girl I’ve had a few
Been on the sideline such a long time
So I’m long overdue
And you’re the kind of trouble
I’d like to get into.

Bridge
Been watching you for a while
And I’m liking what I see
You got that kind of dangerous smile
That spells trouble with a capital T

Chorus
You’re the kind of trouble
I’d like to get into.
Not the kind for pickup lines
But girl I’ve had a few
Been on the sideline such a long time
So I’m long overdue.
And you’re the kind of trouble
I’d like to get into.

You’re the kind of trouble
I’d like to get into.

You’re the kind of trouble
I’d like to get into








Trouble (2025)

Make Your Days Count
timothymichaelmusic
22 JAN  2022

V1.
Come dance with me
Don’t be afraid to take my hand
Follow my lead girl
I’ll love you right where you stand
There’s a brand new path to follow
Let’s find out where this road leads
We’re not missing a thing here
In fact you’re all I need

Chorus
In this crazy game of life
We only get one round to play
Take away your fears and doubts 
And I’ll meet you halfway
When you add it all together
This feels like the shot to take
Make your days count
Don’t just count your days

V2.
I know a woman’s heart can be
A deep ocean full of secrets
But if you give your love to me
I can promise you no more regrets
The past is not the future
Don’t get caught up in old glories
Leave it all behind
And start writing our new story

Chorus
In this crazy game of life
We only get one round to play
Take away the fears and doubts
And I’ll meet you halfway
When you add it all together
This feels like the shot to take.
Make your days count
Don’t just count your days

Bridge
Every day in life’s a present
Every moment is a chance
To make a life full of memories
Let’s not miss our shot to dance

Chorus
In this crazy game of life
We only get one round to play
Take away the fears and doubt
And I’ll meet you halfway
When you add it all together
This feels like the shot to take
Make your days count
Don’t just count your days

Make Your Days Count
Don’t Just Count Your Days


Make Your Days Count (2025, modern)

You Had Me At Hell No
timothymichaelmusic
04 MAR 2024

V1.
You’re playing hard to get,
But I ain’t done trying yet
Some guy must have left you feelin’ bitter
Yeah, it might take some time
But, I’m gonna change your mind
Bet you can see by now I ain’t a quitter
I’ll  play this slow, and hang out for the show
‘Cos you had me at hell no.

Chorus
You could have said “yeah, maybe.”
Or left a number that wouldn’t dial
Maybe you wish I’d get lost,
But I didn’t get that fromyour smile.
You might have only wanted 
To see how far I’d go….
But I’ve got to tell you baby
You had me at hell no.

V2. 
I don’t mind putting in the work
I ain’t trying to be a jerk
I’d just like to get to know you better
Your drinks will all be free
So give me a chance to see
The heart that you’re hiding ‘neath that sweater
I just gotta know, how this story’s gonna go
‘Cos you had me at hell no.

Chorus
You could have said “yeah, maybe.”
Or left a number that wouldn’t dial
Maybe you wish I’d get lost,
But I didn’t get that from your smile.
You might have only wanted 
To see how far I’d go….
But I’ve got to tell you baby
You had me at hell no.

Bridge
So come on and take a chance
Maybe even have a dance
Take a shot and go with the flow
‘Cos you had me at hell no.

Chorus
You could have said “yeah, maybe.”
Or left a number that wouldn’t dial
Maybe you wish I’d get lost,
But I didn’t get that from your smile.
You might have only wanted 
To see how far I’d go….
But I’ve got to tell you baby
You had me at hell no.

Bridge
So come on and take a chance
Maybe even have a dance
Take a shot and go with the flow
‘Cos you had me at hell no.


You had me at hell no

At hell no








You Had Me At Hell No (2025, modern)

Lyricist looking to connect with artists in the country genre that are searching for great songs to record. Also open to co-writes. Regularly pitching music to Nashville publishers and song pluggers. Primarily country genre. Mid 50s, married. 6 kids and 10 grandkids in a beautifully blended family. Enjoys golf, working out, nature/lakes, and listening to live music every chance I get!

Herington Rails (2025)

Timothy Michael Music - SONGWRITER

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