March 2, 2008
Hotel Hell
Back in early 2008, one of my favorite blogs would occasionally publish lyrics for song ideas -- some the author recorded as songs, some not. One day while over caffeinated at a coffee shop and having trouble with Photoshop, I saw new lyrics had been posted on this blog for a song named "Hotel Hell".
Too caffeinated to focus on that day's web design project, I decided to go home and record a spin-off version of the song (which is the kind of thing the author would have loved, I knew). The first verse and chorus were taken from the original lyrics, with the 2nd and 3rd verses being original from me. Within an hour I wrote + recorded the song on my pocket digital recorder.
It had begun.
Listen
Verse #1
When I sold the Devil my soul
He got it for half price
I screwed up the paperwork
Had to give him my life twice
But it really was not so bad
It didn't hurt overmuch
Try not to look so sad
And we'll stay right in touch
Greetings from Hotel Hell
Where the weather is hot but all is well
Greetings from Hotel Hell
I'm doing just fine oh can't you tell
Verse #2
Couldn't find a menu at the coffee shop
So I gave the waitress her choice
"Any old tea you can bring to me"
Were the words that came from my voice
The waitress turned with a devious smile
I learned this after the fact
For her wicked brew stole a piece of my soul
She ain't ever gonna give it back
Greetings from Hotel Hell
Where the weather is hot but all is well
Greetings from Hotel Hell
I'm doing just fine oh can't you tell
Verse #3
Walked on home and feeling pretty low
Wicked tea flowing through my veins
Gotta find a way to reverse her curse
And get free of these rusty chains
At that moment I did recall
A piece of chocolate in my sack
Given to me by her fair-skinned twin
It will get me my whole soul back
Eat that cocoa and play a song
Aa big elk's footprints did say
But you'll have to wander on for 40 odd days
It's the price that I have to pay
Greetings from Hotel Hell
Where the weather is hot but all is well
Greetings from Hotel Hell
I'm doing just fine oh can't you tell
March 4th, 2008
A Place Called Firefly Grove
Coming off the spontaneous creative joy of writing + recording "Hotel Hell" in under an hour, I decided to keep the same restraints and record another song. This next song I wrote, "A Place Called Firefly Grove", was based on the mythology of a creative writing project I had worked on a few years prior and leading up to early 2008. This song was written and recorded probably within a few hours of starting.
Listen
Verse #1
It's outside of the village, but it ain't too far
Just above the growing earth, just below the fallin' stars
I'm talking about a place called Firefly Grove
I'll take you there to see it, if with me you will roam
Until we're outside of the village, stay on your tippie-toes
'Cause the Elders wouldn't like it they knew where we were goin'
Not until we've made it 'neath the cover of the trees
Can we shout n' hoot n' hollar just as loud as we please
Verse #2
Hmmm, da da, oh-da-lolly, hum-dee hey
We've made it to the forest, look at us, we're on our way
The pathway to the Grove, it twists and winds
Only way to find it is to follow the signs
Catch a fallin' leaf or hear a whisper in the wind
Spot the red shelled turtle and our journey will begin
Keep your eyes peeled but don't lose your shirt
Or, the Tanglewood Root will tie a knot up in your skirt
Verse #3
We've found the path, we've on our way, we're gettin' real close
A little further and we'll be there, wipe that dirt off of your nose
There's a shortcut to mushrooms and the Burrow just ahead
In Beggar's Canyon never-never land your speeder's painted red
Across the final threshold, what do we have here
A giant meadow, ain't she pretty, better than a phoenix tear
Welcome now, we've made it to Firefly Grove
For a little welcome gift how 'bout a four leaf clove
Verse #4
Forest all around us, tall grass in between
With the Great Tree in the middle, she's the best you'll ever see
The other children of the village have also found their way
They're playing on the tot-lot of root and vine and hay
Quick now, let's play "don't touch the ground"
Jump and hop and hang while making seven silly sounds
Black bird singing with a star for an eye
Supernatural things sounding sweet from the sky
Verse #5
The Deep Forest looks upon us with an ancient gaze
Maybe one day we'll be swallowed by her mystic haze
Listen to the tales of them coming of age
The older ones among us taking lessons from the sage
By themselves into the forest where the path is most dark
To bring back the secret fire and the Arden oak's bark
In a few years, we'll take that journey ourselves
Until that day comes, let's keep our stones up on the shelf
March 5th, 2008
Sinai High
A comment on the internet made me mad. I decided to write this song to feel better about it.
Listen
Verse #1
Down in the valley, where the grass has stopped growing
In the empty open plain where you'll find no wind blowing
There lives an old man, just as sharp as a tack
He lives all alone in an old wooden shack
He's got all the answers, there isn't any doubt
There is no solution that he could live without
There's no need for wonder with brains like he's got
He's not even bothered by the things he's forgot
Verse #2
With all his explanations to fend off the fright
You can sure bet your britches he sleeps well at night
The darkness doesn't bother him, nor does old age
He always knows what to expect on the next page
The birds all have left him the clouds have gone by
The color has faded from the berries in his pie
He clings on so tightly to his answers so dear
Laying waste to the mysteries he can't stand to hear
Verse #3
He's been there forever, and forever he'll stay
If you're looking for an answer its your lucky day
Go see him if you want to, he loves his own kind
And please would tell him that I'm doing fine
La la, la la la la...
March 9th, 2008
Roxy Epoxy and the Open Stones
The goal with this one was to write a long, sprawling ballad similar to Bob Dylan's "Lily, Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts". For a topic, I delve deep back into the stores of the "Firefly Grove" creative writing I'd done. Topically, this explores members of the Spirit Brigade who find themselves on respite in one of the villages of the Deep Forest. One of these Brigadiers, Roxy Epoxy, finds herself inspired by the writing of a special song -- but the villainous Boss Kane wants to usurp her creative act.
As for inspiration, much of this song was drawn from the story of Yoani Sánchez, a Cuban blogger who achieved international fame for her critical portrayal of life in Cuba under its current government. The topic of information flowing freely (to help the people + disempower the bad guys) can be found in the way Roxy shares her song with the people, an act which eventually helps them escape the threat of Boss Kane.
Listen
Verse #1
In the forest deep and wide, in Spirewood, so I hear
There's a little old village named Bindleton, where the air's still fresh and clear
Four roaming Spirit Brigadiers did one day come to town
Wanting nothing more than to relax and lay their troubles down
Roxy Epoxy, Snowden River Jim
Old Hector Handlebar, and Merriweather Slim
Roxy in particular, had one single thing in mind
A song of praise swellin up within, from a well she'd thought long dried
Verse #2
Roxy knew she must take action lest the tune leave her behind
She'd set the song into a magic stone, where its echo she'd always find
But it wouldn't be so easy, or so she'd soon find out
Boss Kane had recently setup shop, his sprawling reach unbound
Roxy Epoxy, I hear you've found a tune
"Won't you lay it down in stone, a great treasure I'll give to you"
"Every market here belongs to me, you really have no choice"
"Otherwise, back to the woods where no one will hear your voice"
Verse #3
Roxy thought this over, quite unsure what to think
She'd visions of a fountain, from which all could freely drink
She knew she must release the song, unbind it, set it free
How was she to do this and keep it out of Boss Kane's reach
She crept into the forest, to lay that sucker down
Set firm inside a polished stone, inside it would resound
She snuck back into town that night, the stone tight in her glove
Boss Kane would surely unleash hell, but Roxy would rise above
Verse #4
She found Rascal Ricardo, he could work a flashy spell
He tapped the stone right to its source, and opened up its shell
She met Yuri Yolipedes, who writes on a secret wall
In less than an hour Roxy's plan was known by all
From pocket to pocket, the song it did pass
Being copied from stone to stone, the melody traveling fast
Boss Kane his stock did plummet, hope flowed through the town,
Roxy had no gold, a different type of treasure she had found
Verse #5
Boss Kane he gathered with his goons outside of the town hall
Villagers approached slowly to see what was to befall
A final showdown coming quick, there wasn't any doubt
Roxy took stage center and Boss Kane said with a shout:
"Roxy Epoxy, all your praise belongs to me!
You'll pay the price for your mistake, and foolish treachery!"
His goons advanced with demon sticks, to beat and steal her soul
Outnumbered and surrounded, she was truly in a hole
Verse #6
Her song alone would be no match, her end seemed to be near
When from all sides sweet music began sounding through the air
Villagers throughout the town, her tune they all did play
Each wieldin' their own song stone, each playin' it their own way
The melody it flanked the goons, taking them aback
The bark stripped from their demon sticks, Roxy knew that she must act
She whirled around her guitar and let ring the secret chord
Quite surprised, as her fingers acted on their own accord
A blaze of brilliance blasted forth, cuttin' through the charging ranks
Their demon sticks snapped clean in two, cleavin' their faces blank
Verse #7
The goons, well they all scattered quick, the town was free once more
The villagers rejoiced at last, thanking Roxy for her chore
Boss Kane did also flee the scene, some say he was never there
He's no doubt back in Sugartown where he rules from his secret lair
And Roxy Epoxy, the hero of our tale
Though she's back in the Deep Forest, that tune it still prevails
She makes no claim to own the song, she merely set it free
Knowing that forever folks can play it as they please
March 18, 2008
The Hat Man
This song continues the songwriting project I'd started weeks earlier (giving myself a very tight deadline to write + record). "The Hat Man" pulled freely from the archetype of the Trickster in comparative mythology: a force of disruption, mischief, irreverence, and often chaos that in turn often leads to creation and revitalization. Great fodder for songwriting imagery.
Listen
Verse #1
Well, I was traveling alone in the forest one night
Slowly making my way by the dim lantern light
I was just between two thoughts, you know the sound of one hand clapping
Well, it hit me, and then...
A stranger then appeared with some sparkle in his motion
His many-color coat it flowed like the ocean
With his cane, he rapped on the ground three times
...And do you know what happened?
A magical flask appeared in my grip
I'm not one to argue so I took quite the sip
and swallowed the potion down, it worked its magic
And at that moment I did recall
The reason I was in that forest at all
A memory I'd otherwise forgotten, left behind years ago
I looked up at the stranger and said,
You're the Hat Man, I've heard about you
Being who you are, and doing what they say you do
I offered my kindest thanks, and he just smiled
And kept on walkin' along
He's the Hat Man, travelin far and wide
Spannin' seven leagues with every single stride
Footloose and fancy free
Ramblin' on however he please
Verse #2
The Hat Man travels from town to town
He doesn't seem effected by the ups and downs
He doesn't care for beginnings,
and has got no concerns for endings
He's got bowlers, berets, bucket hats too,
Fedoras, Panamas, he's got a Stetson for you
He's got caps & gowns & scarves & bandanas to boot
That's just scratchin' the surface
Money is not what the Hat Man seeks
He prefers to barter with smiles and winks
He once sold a green fedora for three deep breaths
It ain't really about the trades that he makes,
but rather the good luck he leaves in his wake
For if you see him coming your way, you best crack a smile
Unless you like fightin' the wind, 'cause...
He's the Hat Man, what's he up to now?
Walkin' on water or lougin up in a cloud
Ain't no way to tell just where he's at
Would you look at that, here he comes,
He's the Hat Man, up up and away
Planting them seeds all throughout the day
He's your best friend when you need 'em,
and even when you don't
Everybody get yourselves together
Nevermind the stormy weather
Oh, up on your feet,
Here comes the Hat Man
Verse #3
Now, the Hat Man travels as the Hat Man please
with a crook to his step and a shake in his knee
And no, that was no stumble, he's just dancing
Who do you think we're talking about, here?
He strolls along with his corn-cob pipe
If there was sweat on his brow, he'd give it a wipe
But he doesn't have to. It's not there. He's not sweating
The Hat Man goes where he doesn't want to be seen
And he's seen where he doesn't want to go
But he'll go there just the same
There and back again, and two times more
There's no place he ain't ever been before
When will he be in town next? Just look behind ya.
It's the Hat Man, coming to town
Come on and put your money down!
Let the chips fall where they may,
That's where he wants 'em... yeah you'll see,
He's the Hat Man, arriving today
From over them hills and so far away
Trampled underfoot, nearly forgotten
Yeah, he'll bring that fire back to life, oh!
Everybody get yourselves together
Nevermind the stormy weather
Oh, up on your feet,
Here comes the Hat Man
Rolling thunder, Spirit Train
The rhythm rolls with his refrain
His tune carries on high
into the heavens
Verse #4
Whether loom of the fruit or the fruit of the loom
From the Tomb of the womb to womb of the tomb
The Hat Man, he's traveled on, but not forgotten
not by me, at least
We're hoping real hard he'll be back soon
But no use lookin' at the finger that points at the moon
So we'll carry on his work ourselves
And if he does come back, we'll be ready
August 25, 2008
Song for the Fallen Tree
This song was born from an effort to combine a heavier dose of psuedo spoken-word storytelling into a recording. Lyrically, this one goes back to the well of the "Firefly Grove" creating writing I'd done in years prior.
Listen
Verse #1
Walking through the forest
He was care free and without worry
He found a stone
And tossed it up and down through the air
When suddenly his eyes
They're drawn up and there before him
The mighty stump of a tree
Fresh cut and sad, laying bare
Verse #2
He slowly drew near
The toss taken out of his pebble
A sorrow within swells forth
Upon his eyes the rings
Of the tree that once was
So in its center he lays down the stone
And whips round his guitar
Takes a deep breath, and starts to sing
A song for the fallen tree
A song for the live ones
A song for our faded dreams
So new ones may rise again
Verse #3
When his song had all finished
He sat there for a moment, breathing deeply
And there upon the stump
The stone he had left it did glow
The spirit of the tree, roused and livened
It had been released, now
Set inside the stone, which he gathered up
And away he did go
Verse #4
All of the children of the village
They're all taught the same now
Each with an instrument
Set forth into the wild to play
Each goes their own way
Toward a tree thats in need of their song, now
And let their newly hatched music
Take flight into the light of day
Verse #5
And from all sides
Sweet songs flood back into the village
Melodies joining as one
In the center of town
And in the circle garden
Behold a new sprout has taken root now
Its secret to be heard
By all those with their ears to the ground
Sing for the fallen tree
Sing for the live ones
Sing for our faded dreams
So new ones may rise again
January 18, 2009
Chester Wheaton
A light-hearted tune I wrote super quickly. Inspired by the idea of an old hobo who was as happy as could be. Was fun to throw on a capo and put something quite simple together. I also used GarageBand to mix this one (added a second guitar in the chorus), which I believe was the first song for which I'd done so.
Musically, it was a blast to explore something new -- between the capo and the almost nasal vocal tone, I was in new territory. Inspiration-wise, this is definitely in the spirit of God Don't Own a Car by Jimmy Buffett.
Listen
Verse #1
Old Chester Wheaton, walking down the avenue
Got a bounce in his step, though there's holes in both his shoes
Not sure where he's going, can't remember where he's been
Yes, with ninety years behind him, he deserves some wine and gin
Oh, let's bounce around like Chester
Down the streets of Sugartown
Drop a coin into his cup
And watch him drink it right on down
Oh, let's take a nap like Chester
In the gutter flowing free
And then swagger down an alley
Graceful stumble, skid your knee
Verse #2
Some say he's addicted... others they call him a bum
But he's just a guy like your or me... whose glass is filled with rum
Oh, he never asks for nothing... yet he seems to do just fine
See, his glass is always full, and yes his smile's always wide
Oh, let's bump the walls with Chester
Walkin' straight and tall's a bore
Yes, when gravity's gone silly
You're allowed to ask for more
Oh, let's live it up with Chester
'Til the closing bells to ring
Then lets keep the party going
Into the forest if need be
February 11, 2009
Cafe on the Hill
This song was written for the beloved College Perk Coffeehouse in College Park, MD. After a fire in late 2008, College Perk sadly closed its doors and was never to reopen. It is dearly missed. I wrote this song in its honor.
I used to spend a lot of time at College Perk. For a year or two, I enjoyed a Saturday morning routine where I'd spend a few hours each week while my wife was at work. I used to telecommute from this place, and frequented its halls when I was first learning web design & development. The open mic nights, the smores, the full moon bonfires, the unique cast of characters who frequented the place -- it had it all.
Listen
Verse #1
Birdsong, early morning rise
One by one, they heed the calling
Round the bend and up the hill they climb
Shadowed trees, graveled footsteps
Through the doors, they each make their own way
No two of them the same, their seats a'taken
A coffeeshop by name, but so much more
For the treasures kept in store, leave pillars shaken
Oh, just to see your face, so inviting
Under warmth of your quilt
In the end, there'll be peace the same
For tomorrow... a return to that cafe on the hill
Verse #2
Firedance, full moon in the sky
Round and round, all drums a'blazing
While under roof, not an empty seat it sight
Smores a'flame, red wine a'flowing
Each conversation, a treasure to behold
While adventures do unfold, from green to red room
Dim corridor with hands traced on the wall
For each who walks these halls, they leaves their mark now
Into the night, the music leads the way
The mic is open, but soon closed be it will
For the end, always comes too soon
'Twould be no different, so it goes for that cafe on the hill
Verse #3
Winter chill, stillness in the air
Seasons pass, hanging over
Grey sky, dashed hopes from here to there
Scattered wide, let down and dazing
Each one of them, they search amidst the blue
For the comfort they once knew, but find no shelter
When tomorrow comes, I'll seek on just the same
Did I really know your name? I sit and wonder
So, it must be sometimes, treasured echoes
Rendered hollow, and so shrill
Even still, does the hope remain, for the promise
Open doors at that cafe on the hill
September 1, 2009
Ancestor Radio
Inspired by a lot of reading I was doing at the time about Haiti, ancestor worship, vodou, and African tribal religions. On this topic I recommend this NPR interview with National Geographic ethnobotanist Wade Davis, and likewise his book The Serpent and the Rainbow.
I was also happy to record a short keyboard solo at the end of this song -- this being the first non-guitar instrument to find its way into any of these songs.
Listen
Verse #1
Her hard work behind her, she needs no reminder
Kicks back on the porch, with her ears open wide
Spirits in chorus, who've passed on before us
To their voices she listens, full moon hanging high
Ancestor radio, play that sweet music, oh
Melodies heavenly, rhythms sublime
She tunes her receiver, she is a believer
For the broadcasted signal has dropped her a line
Ancestor radio, sing me a song
Through wastelands of static, your signal is strong
Ancestor radio, don't pass me by
Your current it flows, may it never run dry
Verse #2
Antennas all over, smoked leaf of a clover
The whisper of wind, or the bark of a tree
Stones on the mantle, for instance example
There pictured in frame, old eyes looking at me
Ancestor radio, help me to find
The frequency needed, to make your song shine
Ancestor radio, come back my way
I'll suffer the white noise until that fine day
Verse #3
Cool breeze on a hill top, night sky as a backdrop
Firefly glow, in the darkness between
Spirit guitar strumming, can't help but start humming
Tune in for yourself, and you'll hear what I mean