JPF Home Page Forums Lyric and MP3 Feedback Lyric Feedback Forum 3 Waktausha Wailers Lyric Festival, December 1-3, 2005 (the official thread)

Hi, everybody!

The day has finally arrived for the first monthly (we'll see how it goes, it may be the last monthly, as well) Waktausha Wailers Lyric Festival to begin. This thread is the place to post your nominations over the next three days of the contest. I'll repost the guidelines below to refresh your memory as to what this event is all about.

Since the festival has begun in memory of Tyler's father, Waylon Williams, I will post one of my favorite of Waylon's lyrics here to get us started--reserving my own comments on it to include with my other submissions later.

Outlaw Heroes

Rollin' out of Macon Georgia headed for the south West Coast
Checkin out seat cover scenery from my bouncin' air ride post
All decked out in cowboy gear in a bright red long nose Pete
Doin' ninety-five in a fifty-five with a load of swingin' meat


I got my radio, a big pay load, and a five gallon coffee cup
There ain't no place where I ain't been or a hill I ain't been up
Been down and all around this two way ribbon of concrete
I know every stop along the way where all the truckers meet

They call us Outlaw Heroes,
The gypsies of the road
Outlaw Heroes,
We make the big rigs roll
Outlaw Heroes,
The ones they love to hate
Outlaw Heroes,
Can't take a chance on being late

When I get half way through Texas I'll roll my window down
Flip a dime in the air right then and there and head for my turn a round
Drop this load, pick up my freight and put the hammer down
Be back in time to catch my dime before it ever hits the ground

They call us Outlaw Heroes,
The gypsies of the road
Outlaw Heroes,
We make the big rigs roll
Outlaw Heroes,
The ones they love to hate
Outlaw Heroes,
Can't take a chance on being late.

c2005 Waylon Williams
All rights reserved

In his original post, Waylon noted that this lyric was inspired by Ben, whom he thanked. He also asked for suggestions for improvements from anyone according to the customs of mutual support and aid that characterizes JPF forums, then signed off by his pen title, Walktausha.

Here are those guidelines again. Hope you post!

Skip

---
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSIONS

The guidelines for submissions to Walktausha Wailers Lyric Appreciation Festival are as follows:

1. Nominations shall be lyrics that have already been posted at "Just Plain Folks" by fellow lyricists.

2. Submissions of a lyric for inclusion as a "Walktausha Wailer" must meet the following guidelines:

A. It must be the work of another lyricist who has posted his/her/their work at "Just Plain Folks" in the past. (You cannot nominate your own work, only that of another writer or writers.)

B. Included in the nomination should be:

1. your name

2. the lyricist's name whose work you are nominating

3. the lyric itself with all appropriate copyright notices as they appear in the original post

4. your statement about what it was about that lyric and/or lyricist that drew your attention, and that you particularly

C. Submissions of nominations will be accepted for the first three days of each month, posted on Lyric Feedback Forum 3 at "Just Plain Folks" beginning December 1-3, 2005.

D. You may nominate from 1-7 lyrics in a single submission for each month's festival according to the guidelines above.

E. All nominations should be marked "Walktausha Wailers" followed by the name of the person making the nominations and the month and year.

Example: "Walktausha Wailers--Your Name, December 2005"

These guidelines may be tweaked from time to time should we find the need, so all suggestions, cautions, and comments are welcome.

Some of you have suggested that submissions be classed by category--rock, country, pop, blues, etc. I think that's a good idea. In certain cases, the original lyricist may have set music to a piece, or suggested the musical setting he/she envisioned for it. In other cases, the nominator may hear a certain style of accompaniment when reading the lyric. I'm thinking it will be best for starters to simply note the musical classification at the beginning of that portion of your post where you are saying what you appreciate about the lyric/writer. We may be able to tweak it further another round.

We've established a site for archiving each month's submissions at PoetryPoem, so we can take a look back at our own favorite works by fellow writers as we wish--which is part of the motivation for the festival.

The URL, which you may wish to check out and bookmark is:

http://poetrypoem.com/cgi-bin/index.pl?&sitename=waktaushawailers& password=3103310hPy5nNAzg.3103&item=poetry

That's where I'm planning on transferring what's posted here for permanent archiving.

If you don't already have an online site for publishing your lyrics, you might consider setting up a free account with PoetryPoem. There may be better options others could suggest.

Hope to see your posts.

Thanks!




[This message has been edited by Skip Johnson (edited 12-01-2005).]

Skip,
you are now calling this a contest. ...
from your original post ..."This thread is the place to post your nominations over the next three days of the contest."...who's gonna be judging. or is this just a way to breath life back into older post that some of us newer folks may not have gotten the oppurtunity to see? I am very confused by what the goal is with this. can you clarify for me.
Thanks.
Ken

------------------

also didn't you break your own guidelines with your post? and what genre do you hear?
KEN

------------------

Hi Skip,

Got a question, What if I go in here and pull up someones song, post it, and they didn't want their work posted, I'm not saying this will happen, but I'm a little concerned. My daughter says I worry too much, and shes probably right.
Emmy

I was thinking along the same lines as Emmy, Skip. Not so much that there'd be objections to posting on this thread (cause the lyrics are already here at JPF), but transferring those lyrics to another site might cause a sticky situation, unless you get permission from those writers to post their work somewhere else. Some writers may not want their work put on the PoetryPoem site.

Not trying to be a downer, Skip; just something to think about.

Amelia

------------------
http://www.ameliarosemusic.com/

Hi Amelia,

Glad I'm not alone here, would be nice if others gave their thoughts on this.

Emmy

Good considerations all around. Think this would help?

1. I won't repost anywhere else without the writer's express permission.

2. I will delete any post another writer doesn't wish reposted here at the same forum.

3. I will post an actual sample of what I'm thinking of, and allow reactions before proceeding further. The lyric above is not an example of a complete nomination--just a way to introduce the reason behind the endeavor.

4. There are no judges, except the nominators themselves, who are experts on deciding what lyrics they like, and why.

Let me post an entry, and see if the cake hits the fan with this. If it does, we can either rethink the whole thing more--or simply call it off.

Skip

Skip Johnson's December 2005 Nominations for the Waktausha Wailers Lyric Festival are:


1. Outlaw Heroes

Rollin' out of Macon Georgia headed for the south West Coast
Checkin out seat cover scenery from my bouncin' air ride post
All decked out in cowboy gear in a bright red long nose Pete
Doin' ninety-five in a fifty-five with a load of swingin' meat

I got my radio, a big pay load, and a five gallon coffee cup
There ain't no place where I ain't been or a hill I ain't been up
Been down and all around this two way ribbon of concrete
I know every stop along the way where all the truckers meet

They call us Outlaw Heroes,
The gypsies of the road
Outlaw Heroes,
We make the big rigs roll
Outlaw Heroes,
The ones they love to hate
Outlaw Heroes,
Can't take a chance on being late

When I get half way through Texas I'll roll my window down
Flip a dime in the air right then and there and head for my turn a round
Drop this load, pick up my freight and put the hammer down
Be back in time to catch my dime before it ever hits the ground

They call us Outlaw Heroes,
The gypsies of the road
Outlaw Heroes,
We make the big rigs roll
Outlaw Heroes,
The ones they love to hate
Outlaw Heroes,
Can't take a chance on being late.

c2005 Waylon Williams
All rights reserved

I hear this as a country western number with a good rhythm to simulate the white lines flashing past as the singer roars down the road.

I like the specific concrete details Waylon uses throughout.

Details of Place:
*Macon, Georgia headed for the South West Coast;
*half way through Texas
*where all the truckers meet

Visual Details:
*seat cover scenery (great indirect way of saying checking out the pretty ladies from the vantage point of the truck's cab)
*decked out in cowboy gear
*bright red long-nosed Pete
*load of swinging meat (feeling of movement is included here)
*five gallon coffee cup (a bit of overstatement, but certainly a visual image)
*two-way ribbon of concrete

Details of movement:
*rolling
*doing 95 in a 55
*swinging meat
*roll my window down
*flip a dime/catch my dime

There are also numerous other concrete details that turn the ear into an eye, and allow me to ride along.

I also think the third verse makes a great "pay off" at the end.

All in all, Waylon's got a solid lyric here celebrating the life of truckers. I've heard that the best of American music often is written closest to people's jobs and occupations. After all, that is what we spend the majority of our life engaged in doing. I don't know if Waylon ever drove as a trucker himself, but it is plain he knows that challenges, jargon, and free-wheeling spirit of that line of work. I feel I know more about being a trucker after reading the lyric than I did before.

Structurally, he's used a standard format--the "verse.chorus". His end line rhymes are consistent in the verses, and varied when he hits the chorus. His hook is repeated four times in the chorus for solid emphasis.

I also like his attitude conveyed in the original post of being willing to both aknowledge the inspiration and contribution of Ben, and the humility to seek other's input to allow improvement. He's produced a solid piece of writing, and I will miss him as a contributor here at JPK.


2. Universe in a Jar

Little Johnny was Playin' with a Mason Jar
Sloshed in some Water and some Blacktop Tar
Added Backwoods Berries & a Scoop of Dirt
Swirled It All Up & Made..A Little Universe!
Yeah, Somehow it Settled into Miniature Suns
Tiny Little Planets..WOW..He Made Him Some!

Some were Spinnin' Forwards, Others.. Reverse
Johnny'd took a Jar & Made a Little Universe!
Took It Home t'Borrow Grampa's Magniyin' Glass
Held it Close & Saw a Small Planet Pass
There were Miniature Cities..Miniature Gyms
& The God in Their Tiny Churches looked a LOT like Him!

"WOW..What's MY Responsibility?"
Said Johnny.."All These Tiny People Worship ME"
I Made this All Up Awful QUICK, it Seems
But HOW Can I Fulfill..ALL Their Dreams?
Johnny went out & Opened The Jar
Added Extra Berries & a Lot More Tar
He didn't Want to make All His Creatures Slaves
But they kept Askin' "MORE"..the More He Gave

"WOW..What Is MY Responsbility?"
Said John.."Now Evabody Worships Me!"
"But I'm Just One Notch UP in My Humanity
How Can I EVER Fullfill..ALL Their Dreams?"

(INSTRUMENTAL BRIDGE)

So Johnny went & Visited..Less-&-Less
Let The Jar Swirl & Solve Its Own Mess
The Miniature World Lived on What It Had
He'd Look In, On-Occasion, so it Warn't TOO Bad
"MAN..That Was a LOT of Responsibility"
Said John, "Glad they Don't ENTIRELY Depend upon Me"
"I Don't Have ALL The Answers, In All Honesty
But At Least They're Still Spinnin' with All Their Dreams"

Little Johnny was Playin' with a Mason Jar
Sloshed in Some Water & Some Blacktop Tar
Added Backwoods Berries & a Scoop of Dirt
Swirled It all UP & Made..A Little ..Universe!

(C) 2004 by Stan Good, BMI
All Rights Reserved.

I could hear this lyric as country, folk, or pop.

I appreciate Stan's unique take on the big issues, and his ability to shrink the whole thing down here to allow a model we can see in explaining his observations. I also like the humor that is characteristic of his writing as a whole. As for the mechanics of writing a lyric, he's such an old pro than almost never is there need to comment on his craftsmanship--only to admire it.

A couple years back, Stan posted another of his "lyric of the day" contributions in which he employed a three-part rhyme. That's quite an accomplishment. The lyricist from the Rogers and Hammerstein team wrote his memiors, which I'd had an opportunity to read later. In it, he noted some of what he considered to be his most signficant artistic accomplishments in an illustrious career as a lyricist. His high point in his own estimation was a lyric that achieved a three syllable end-line rhyme!

I think Stan's even better than he thinks he is as a lyricist. His material is unmistakable--posted with his unique combinations of CAP and small case to suggest the rhymn he hears. His wide variety of subjects is also a source of amazement to me. Probably what I appreciate most about him is his ability to make me laugh. I think he's an outstanding human being, as well as a killer great lyricist. He's been at the game long enough he tweaks and twists the formats a bit just to keep himself interested.

I hope Stan is archiving his material, because he's been doing incredible work for as long as I've known him.


3. Strummin' the Strings of My Heart
(c)2005 Lyneva Christine Starbuck

I used to walk down that ole dirt road
Every night and every day
So I could hear the sweetest sounds
Of all the melodies that you played

You were just a lonely guitar man
Searching for a friend
I was stuck in an unhappy world
Prayin' that it all would end

I must've walked a thousand miles
Just to get to where we are
Didn't know it then, but I know it now
You were strummin' the strings of my heart

Can't tell you how many times
I stood outside your door
Listening to your song pouring thru
Wishing for so much more

Guess I'd known it all along
You were playin' for me
When you told me, I could only laugh
It brought reason to my need

These days to hear those melodies
I don't have far to go
Just down the hall from our bed
To hear my private show

Oh you were strummin' the strings of my heart
Baby keep strummin' the strings of my heart

I hear "Strumming the Strings of My Heart" as somewhere in the folk/pop/conemporary country genre for a musical setting.

Leneva is, in my estimation, one of the best and freshest new voices posting here at JPF's in the past few months. She writes the lyrics, and her fiance (who is featured in this lyric) writes the music. Her approach is simple, direct, visual, conveys emotions and vulnerability, and creates a definate mood. Her storytelling is well-balanced also. In fact, the first few lyrics I read of her work were everything a lyric needs to be--IMO, of course. The structural elements were in good order. In some of her material, she uses unusual end line rhyme patterns, but employs them with the skill of the pro. Simple, yet distinctive material.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of her material in the future.

Skip Johnson
December 1, 2005


P.S. I've still got four more lyrics to nominate to achieve my max quota of 7 per festival. Think I'll do them later.

Today I ended up going to three different doctors in attempt to care for a badly abcessed tooth that hadn't responded to two weeks of penecillin in prep for the root canal. The whole left half of my face is still swollen. First dentist couldn't get to the problem since the infection had moved through the bone surrounding the tooth to under the muscles below my left eye. He sent me to the doctor, who failed in an attempt to go inside my mouth and up with a scalpel.

Finally, a third doctor whose specialty is oral and facial surgury took me in on an emergency referral, put me clear out so I wouldn't feel what he was up to, and did whatever he did. I told him if he didn't, I was going to take a razor blade and go through my cheek from the outside. No way I was going to spend a tomorrow like my today had been--even if it meant doing the proceedure myself. Even with five regular dentist sized doses of injected pain killer, the pain was still horrific and about had me screaming. Fortunately, I made it home in the car from the second stop, and Judi drove me to the final of the three stops. I was way past fit to drive...




[This message has been edited by Skip Johnson (edited 12-05-2005).]

I nominate my first song/lyric. It's a comical country lyric I'm assuming. I didn't see that there was music with it but if anyone else knows better...I'd love to hear it. I nominate the lyric solo since it's one of my favorites by Dawg. "Starter Car"

Starter Car © 2004 dawg, BMI

It was big enough to sleep in;
sucked gas like a bathtub drain.
The headliner was ripped and torn and
the seats were coffee stained.
The tires were slick and balding;
outleaked the Exxon Valdez.
Springs were shot and it ran too hot
and the carburator wheezed.

Still and all it served me well
and I was loathe to see it crushed.
Didn't want it stripped for parts
or left to sit and rust.
So I drove it down a farm road
til it gasped for lack of gas
then I pulled into a pasture
where the motor breathed it's last.

(Bridge)
Bowed my head and said a prayer;
trapped a rose with a wiper blade.
Walked off into the sunset
and left it resting in the shade.

(Chorus)
Parting's never easy and the sorrow's never sweet.
Even though she looked like hell and her springs poked through the seat.
One day I'll get another ... it seems to be the natural law.
Had a starter house and a starter wife and I suppose, a starter car.

That had been two years ago
and I still think of that ride.
So today I took a detour and
drove through the countryside.
I spied it from a quarter mile
the same ... yet somehow changed.
The shape was recognizable
but the rest was rearranged.

The glass had all been taken out
and replaced with wire mesh.
The trunk was left wide open,
filled with crates and new straw nests.
There were feathers on the dashboard
and poop covered the grill
My old favorite cadilac
was a chicken coupe de ville.

(Chorus)
Parting's never easy and the sorrow's never sweet.
Even though she looked like hell and her springs poked through the seat.
One day I'll get another ... seems to be the natural law.
Had a starter house and a starter wife and I suppose, a starter car.

I nominate this song because Dawg had a way of making a less than attractive situation sparkle somehow. Each of us can probably relate to that "starter car". Mine was something I found in someones back yard covered with autumn leaves and a paint job that was literally painted on with a brush. Slant 6 engine though and a good sticker believe it or not...anyway. Dawg brought back some memories that I didn't much care for back then but appreciate today. Dawg was such a clever thinker and you can almost see him smile when he wrote the chicken coupe deville part in there...knowing we'd all smile too!

[This message has been edited by Linda A (edited 12-03-2005).]

cleaning up the page abit...have fun all!

[This message has been edited by Linda A (edited 12-03-2005).]

I think it would of been best if people expressed their concerns on the other thread before starting this one that kicked off the nomination process!!

And yet...you are rambling on with your own comments.

Nothing like getting your butt kicked man.

Can't speak for everyone here, but the reason I posted my concerns to Skip was to prevent butt kicking. Posting someone's work on another site without permission shouldn't be taken lightly. Skip apparently agreed and changed the guidelines.

I can't believe this was all brought up now when there was plenty of opportunity prior to December 1!

Point taken, but keep in mind that not everyone lives on the board 24/7 and reads every post. Also, in Skip's post above it states:

These guidelines may be tweaked from time to time should we find the need, so all suggestions, cautions, and comments are welcome.

Skip put the invitation out there for comments - I don't see him getting all bent out of shape because someone actually responded to it. From what I've read, he's trying his best to think of all the angles of this, so maybe you should just lighten up and let him do it.

Sorry to hijack your post Skip. I hope this all works out the way you want it to.

Amelia

Hi Skip,

I apologize for starting this, I was about to post a song, when the thought came to me that this person might not want their work posted on another site, I shouldn't have said anything. Sorry!

Emmy

Emmy,

No problem. Nothing we are doing here is more important than the people doing it. That includes the Waktausha Wailers Lyric Festival idea. If it helps, fine. If it doesn't, nothing has been lost. I've done too much Christian street singing to get easily offended. Also, I've raised sons. And pastored some pretty peppy congregations. And taught high school for six years.

One of my students in Hawaii was a girl who about drove me nuts. She questioned everything I said in class for weeks. Then I heard about something she'd done from the pastor's wife of our 1,000 member church in Honolulu.

It seems the girl was over at the pastor's place on a Saturday night, and a Christian radio talk show host began suggesting certain interpretations of Scripture that were not well founded on a topic our own denomination holds dear. My classroom debater decided to call in to his talk show and discuss the matter with him. "I couldn't believe what happened," the pastor's wife told me. "She took her Bible and set the man straight before his entire listening audiance. He would dodge one way, then the other, trying to escape her Scriptural logic, but she kept right on his track and plainly won her point. Afterward I told her, 'That's amazing! How in the world could you do that?' The girl answered, 'Oh, that's nothing. I'm in Pastor Skip's Bible class.'"

Ever since then, I've had a particular soft spot in my heart for folks who challenge my views. Now you're on the list too!

Skip



[This message has been edited by Skip Johnson (edited 12-03-2005).]

Hey All! Not bent out of shape here...just didn't feel like Skip was being respected for what he was trying to do.

I have another nomination if this is still on Skip? Been doing my research. Linda

1. Diamond In The Rough-
(c)2005 Robert George

country...
Diamond in the Rough

School'd been out a week or two
us kids goofed off with nothing to do
till a field where just thistles grew
gave me an idea
me n the gang cleared the worst away
but we still needed one more to play
I got teased when I asked freckle-faced
Maria

but with an old ant-hill for a mound
we played ball till the sun went down

on the diamond in the rough
our World Series in the weeds
torn up t-shirts for jerseys
and Sears low-tops for kleats
to keep it broken in
I'd sleep on my glove
and nothing shined in my dreams
like the diamond in the rough

well, those stickers always hurt
sliding into second or third
though we kept score with marks in the dirt
it wasn't about winning
Maria proved she had nothing to prove
grand slamming over old man Johnson's roof
then slowly but surely our lives moved
one more inning

school started and summer was gone
soon just blowing leaves ran the bases on

the diamond in the rough
we'd be out there at sunrise
hitting rabbits with grounders
and pigeons with pop-flies
to keep it broken in
I'd sleep on my glove
and nothing shined in my dreams
like the diamond in the rough

it's been years since Maria married me
and there's a Mega-Mart where it used to be
but when we shop there all we see

is the diamond in the rough
the diamond in the rough...

(c)2005 Robert George
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He's got so many good ones, but I like these visuals.


Calvin
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/calvinstewart

Linda,

The Festival runs December 1-3. I've got four more lyrics I'm intending to post, and comment on why I like them yet.

I've noticed some who have posted are omitting the part about what they appreciate about the lyric they are nominating, and/or the writer of the lyric.

Post away.

Skip

This song is written by Corey Parkman and I nominate it because it's universal and a touching subject. Corey pleads with us in this song to "Stick Around", that we are valuable and important to others regardless of how we feel about ourselves. He helps us reach out and find a friend in God; although I don't think that was his whole intent with this lyric but it was a loving gesture on his part. This song can mean alot to the minds and hearts of individuals who are looking for some meaning in life and of what direction to take...to help them know that they are not the first to struggle with life and that others before them have gotten through the struggles and they can too! Corey posted this song on JPF lyric feedback forum 3 with audio for your listening pleasure all! Country-Pop

Stick Around
©2005 Corey Parkman/Bret Bingham

Word is you've been talkin’ about letting go
Won't preach a sermon, but there's things you need to know
Yeah, it's hard growing older before you grow up
Tears may cloud your vision, but someday you’ll see
Life’s only as easy as you will let it be
I’ve been where you are, so I know the going's tough

But stick around
You never know what tomorrow holds
Listen now, ‘Cause I don’t want to let you go
Any further down
So stick around, stick around

There are no directions written in the sand
You've got to make your own way on the path to be a man
And hey, maybe the good days are just around the bend
Sometimes God seems as far as the stars
Take a step on faith and He’ll be right where you are
And I promise you that you’ll always have a friend

So, stick around
This world is so much brighter with you here
Understand, I don’t want any ‘missing you’ tears
To come fallin’ down
So stick around, stick around

Bridge
Let’s grab a beer
Or stay up watching movies until two
Let’s sit and pray
Whatever it takes
So my heart never breaks over you

Brother, stick around
You never know what tomorrow holds
Listen now, I swear that I won’t let you go
Any further down
So stick around, stick around

This is from what I think is the Blues/Jazz genres. I looked this member up as soon as I got back online to see his new songs. Although I'd already admired his unique sound(Electronica), this following song fits more into my listening tendencies. I'm a loyal fan of Ricki Lee Jones and Bonnie Raitt so this following song had to be nominated by me. If I didn't do it, I'm certain someone else would have! The words are Rittman's all the way...no surprises! Mixed with a great team of collaborators...another no surprise that Rittman pulls off. Hope to hear it performed in Maine somewhere soon. As posted on JPF..........
Congrats on this one Ritt:

I Am Sweet w/ Ga Allstars" The Georgia All Stars are currently touring, and as they pick up momentum, they will be famous, they are that good!!!


By SugarShannon

Genre: Jazz, a unique combination of honky tonk, dixieland, ragtime & Jazz

I Am Sweet

Lyrics - Rittman
Melody /Guitar- TimothyScott
Vocals - SugarShannon
Piano - Pianoman3
Dobro / Drums - RichieRich
Bass / Mix - Jim Boreevas
Moral Support - Aprilshowers60, Iisee

My first visit with the BoReevas bros. spawned a perfect finish to a project that Tim and I have been working on for some time. I found this cutsie lyric of Rittman's a few months ago .. and loved it! I showed it to Tim and he immediately had a melody that suited it.
We are both so happy with what the rest of these talented musicians have done with our 'vision'.

It was a blast to record .. and what a warm reception we recieved out there in the 'shed' )
Thanks to the Boreevas families as well )

I AM SWEET

Pierre said i was rotten to the core
So, you know I had to show him the door
said i flirt too much
that i didn't care at all about love

Antonio, oh, he called me a tramp
only wanted to rub me like Aladin's lamp
said i was like an over ripe lemon
that i soured the hearts of men

i don't like paris
but i love fresh napoleons
i don't like rome
but i love powdered canolies
if it's true you are what you eat
than it's also true, i am sweet

you can't blame me for my actions
it's not my fault i'm so attractive
i try to be a good girl
as i taste the plums of the world

i don't like paris
but i love fresh napoleons
i don't like rome
but i love powdered canolies
if it's true you are what you eat
than it's also true, i am sweet

i am sweet
it's true
i am sweet
and modest too

© 2005 rittman/georgia allstars

http://www.songramp.com/homepage.ez?Who=SugarShannon

Here's probably my last nomination of this month since work calls. It's been fun Skip and thanks for putting this up to make us work a little in remembering the work of our fellow JPF members! There are so many talented people here that there's at least one lyric I could choose from most everyone who's ever posted on here. Maybe I'll have that opportunity with the rest if this continues awhile

I'm wondering where this man is posting these days and hopefully he won't mind me nominating this song I found posted on JPF. I finally got to hear his music and voice and loved it instantly. I'm a Blues addict and can't seem to get enough of it. This song is by Writefortune/Eric S. Blues. He has categorized it in the Folk/Rock Genres...a listen will serve you decently...it's about a soldier overseas who loses his true love. The title drew me in but the music and words kept me there!

Some of the boys overseas and thier love left at home....long distance love affairs sometimes fail Please listen and let me know???

http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/458/john_nagle__eric_true.html

Isolation Blue


In a distant world of darkness
far from the home town girl
in the midst of foreign oceans
there's a lonely soldier's world
where the pen of love stops talking
when a promise turns untrue
and far away there's isolation blue

Chorus:
Memoirs of pages filled with passion
tear stained letters in pockets full of truth
dreams inked on promise after action
a river of words in isolation blue

There's night skies lacking moonlight
when a lover loses face
and a soldier can get buried
in the dirt inside his veins
and the chapters of defeat
are written with ancient rules
and far away there's isolation blue.

There's a lover's fire an old desire
a distant fading flame
where wayward winds keep blowing
cross an icy memory lane
and the brightest leaves of Autumn
become colors of the truth
and far away there's isolation blue.

Memoirs of pages filled with passion
tear stained letters in pockets full of truth
dreams inked on promise after action
a river of words in isolation blue.


[This message has been edited by Linda A (edited 12-03-2005).]

Though I personally disagree with certain things about this festival, I've decided to participate strictly based on the "writer appreciation" aspect of it. I appreciate all of these lyrics for the same reason: they represent to me the elements of great songwriting. Whether the writer's words made me smile or cry, they all  moved me in some way. Out of hundreds of lyrics posted here, and long after the words were written, these few still stand out in my mind today.
I've opted not to include the genres I hear these lyrics in, because I'd rather let the words speak for themselves and let other readers interpret their own view on the genre. Hope that's alright with you Skip.
 
 
1.
 
sometimes the moon
© 2002 john voorpostel

sometimes the moon
shines so bright
you want to kick it
back into the night
yeah sometimes the darkness
has more to say

sometimes the moon
drowns your light
find yourself swimming
back into the tide
yeah sometimes the darkness
has more to say

just like the wind that howls to listen to its voice
or a volcano that lives to see its lava flow
sometimes the moon dispenses graces all for show

sometimes the moon’s
obscured by clouds
like a preacher without
a firm grasp on his crowd
and sometimes the darkness
has more to say

just like the ocean that batters sailors in its waves
gets shattered on a shore with more than quid pro quo
sometimes the moon dispenses graces all for show

**************

2.

Reaching Out To You
Cindy Miller
© 2002

VERSE I (A)
In the middle of a moment
Towards the end of a cry
When you’ve almost caught your breath
Near the onset of a sigh
Where dreams break into pieces
And the night is split in two
There’s still shelter in my arms
…Reaching out to you

VERSE II (A)
When your body’s done with battle
And your energy is spent
You’ll remember what you’ve lost
Cause the scars are evident
Over time, meanings will change
And the prize feels overdue
That’s where I’ll be waiting
…Reaching out to you

BRIDGE (B)
Yesterday can be forgotten
Come in out of the cold
The whole world’s not your problem
Let me carry half your load

VERSE III (A)
Examine my intentions
As you journey through your soul
The bright flickers of honesty
Will guide your heart to know
When the walls fell down upon you
One clear constant is your proof
My love never faltered
I was… Reaching out to you
Reaching out to you
Reaching out to you....**********

3.

My Red Guitar
© Words and music by C. Stewart ( June 3rd, 2002 )

Rich man owns a Beemer
Shops Rodeo drive
Poor man's got a Chevrolet
He works nine to five

Tycoon's got a golden yacht
Sails the seven seas
Everybody's dif-fe-rent
Here's what works for me

CHORUS.......
I'll sit beneath the midnight moon
Singin' to the stars
Pickin' out a little riff
With my red guitar
And a pretty girl that loves me
Even though I'm not a star
Got my arms around her
And my red guitar

Shiny cars can take a man
To where he needs to go
Music takes me to a place
Most of them don't know

Every day the sun goes down
The guitar's by my side
And every night it takes me
On such a peaceful ride

Repeat CHORUS........

BRIDGE
Hope you like the melody , listen to me strum
Help me with the harmony, maybe you could hum
Listen for the next line, it's about to come

I've never had no silver
Or hundred dollar bills
My guitar's more exciting
It's how I get my thrills

Well I ain't got a mansion
Or a million dollar car
But I got a girl that loves me
And my red guitar

Repeat CHORUS..................

outro..........................

********

4. Give Me Your Hand

When you feel you're gonna fall,
and you hear the darkness call
from past mistakes far below
when your confidence is gone,
you've got no will to go on
don't look down, don't let go

just give me you hand, and hold it tight
I'll help you to stand, and walk into the light
I'm one you can trust, I'll help if you'll just
give me your hand, give me your hand

when you feel like you're nowhere,
remember, we've all been there
and back many times before
so when you're starting to sink,
doubt surrounds you, you don't think
you can take anymore

just give me you hand, and hold it tight
I'll help you to stand, and walk into the light
I'm one you can trust, I'll help if you'll just
give me your hand, give me your hand

it wasn't that long ago
I was down, you helped somehow
so now that you're sad and low
let me lift you up now

when you dream of something else,
sometimes just the dream itself
is the best reason to live
and when your strength starts to fade,
friends seem scarce, you're afraid
you've nothing left to give

just give me you hand, and hold it tight
I'll help you to stand, and walk into the light
I'm one you can trust, I'll help if you'll just
give me your hand, give me your hand

(c)2002 Robert George

********

5. I Will Cry With You

When your world feels like it’s crumbling in
When friends are scarce and good times thin
When no one seems to understand
I will cry with you

When everything you know feels wrong
When sadness fills your every song
When all you’ve had’s slipped through your hands
I will cry with you

The world tells us don’t let it show
Be strong, stand tall, just play the role
If only they knew what we know
Two hearts will always share one soul
When I cry with you
When I cry with you

So rest your head here close to mine
Don't run, don't hide the fear inside
Do what comes naturally
I will cry with you

Every yesterday will fade
And all the pain will drift away
For today just lean on me
I will cry with you

The world tells us don’t let it show
Be strong, stand tall, just play the role
If only they knew what we know
Two hearts will always share one soul
When I cry with you
When I cry with you

© October 2002
Michael Thomas Ellis

********
6.

Sadly, Softly Beautiful
©2003. Erica Molz


She hides behind the shadows of her sadness
Afraid to feel the sun upon her face
One time she let the heat of love consume her
He left her heart in ashes, and stole her trust in love away

(Climb)
But there's something in her eyes
Lord, I have to try
To lead that woman back to love again

(Chorus)
She's sadly, softly beautiful
With wonders hidden deep
I know her heart holds secrets
She's aching not to keep
Sadly, softly beautiful
Please tell them all to me

I watch her standing quiet in the moonlight
Fragile eyes reveal the way she feels for me
A smile plays across her lips, then fades
A moment of faith, but she's not ready to believe

(Climb)
But there's something in her eyes
Lord, I have to try
To lead that woman back to love again

(Repeat Chorus)

(Chorus - changed)

Sadly, softly beautiful
With wonders hidden deep
I know your heart holds secrets
You're aching not to keep
Sadly, softly beautiful
Sadly, softly wonderful
Please tell them all to me

*******

------------------
http://www.ameliarosemusic.com/

Amelia,

No problem. Be glad to hear what ways you think we can tweak things to make them better should we consider this worth continuing. Thanks for posting your favorites.

Skip

Trash Can Jenny
© words and music by C. Stewart ( May 23, 2005 )


They told her that the job might stink
But the benefits were sweet
Rockin' salary, scenic view
And plenty there to eat

P R girl with a pretty smile
Sellin' their views on trash
What others see as just debris
Converts right into cash

CHORUS....
Recycling the landfill
Thats her brand new game
I call her Trash Can Jenny
My daughters brand new name

Got a fancy high-tech office
With her name etched on the door
Everything is digital
She couldn't ask for more

Organized and energized
Out of the chair she jumps
"Garbage can be golden"
Is the motto at the dump

CHORUS...
Recycling the landfill
Thats her brand new game
I call her Trash Can Jenny
My daughters brand new name

She's ridding the environment
Of nasty rotten stuff
Has to keep things moving
Cause the odor's pretty rough

Bridge.....
If you're not afraid to go the extra mile
You'll make it to the top of the pile
But, don't forget the clothespin for your nose

CHORUS...
Recycling the landfill
Thats her brand new game
I call her Trash Can Jenny
My daughters brand new name

Trash Can Jenny
Trash Can Jenny
Trash Can Jenny
Trash Can Jenny

genre is Calvin

song is from the heart!!!

The Feeder (Marrow Makes Her Strong) © 2005
Kevin Tinbergen

(V1)
Innocence a subterfuge
In walks the willing prey
Lovers for a few nights
Till her plans are put in play

(V2)
A strong mind and a good heart
Briefly barricade the way
The end has been foretold
Just waiting on the day

(CH)
Feeder..
Feeding off the bones
Off the mind.. the heart.. and body

The marrow makes her strong
The marrow makes her strong

It's all about control.. It's all about control

(V3)
Pleasure moves erotically
In her baby blue eyes
From skin down to bone
In his agony she's hypnotized

(CH)
Feeder..
Feeding off the bones
Off the mind.. the heart.. and body

The marrow makes her strong
The marrow makes her strong

It's all about control.. It's all about control

(Bridge)
It's the energy
Panic right before the kill
Gets off on the power of her will

If the sun had blood
She would squeeze it dry
She would steal the warmth from the sky

(CH)
Feeder..
Feeding off the love
Off the dreams, the passion, and pain

The marrow makes her strong
The marrow makes her strong

It's all about control.. It's all about control

I like the attitude

Mad Sarah of San Jose
Copyright 2002, 2005 by James B. Mitchell

V1:
Haunted by ghosts of the victims of slaughter
Crazed by the guns that your company made
Grieving the death of your husband and daughter (thanks, Bobbie)
Rich as a queen, but enslaved by your pain.
Looking for some way to flee desperation
Consulting a psychic to find a way out;
You took to your heart her message of danger
Moved to the West and started your house.

V2:
Thinking the hammers were linked to your heartbeat
Fearing their silence would signal your end
You poured all your riches into a vast mansion
The work on the Winchester House had begun
38 years rang the blows of the hammer
24 hours a day without rest
Building your house with a reckless abandon
Jumbled-up rooms, an unholy mess

Chorus:
Mad Sarah of San Jose
Your body is gone but your spirit's still here
Running alone through the rooms of your mansion
Relentlessy, endlessly chased by your fear.

V3:
Sleeping each night in a different bedroom
Firing each servant who glanced at your face
Fearing a photo would capture you somehow
What was the image you tried to erase?
Beautiful grounds in expanses of garden
Glorious light in the gallery rooms
But deep in the night, you slipped through the hallways
Spying on staff from your corners of gloom.

V4:
Unlucky 13 you chose as your number
And, as you slumbered, it watched over you;
13 small steps in the stairways to reach you,
13 small windows with 13 small jewels.
13 on 13 in ev’ry small detail
The sum at times even, the look always odd
What did you hope was the power in the number?
To hide you from demons? To hide you from God?

Chorus:
Mad Sarah of San Jose
Your body is gone but your spirit's still here
Running alone through the rooms of your mansion
Relentlessy, endlessly chased by your fear.

V5:
You clung to the hope in the words of the psychic,
If you kept on building, your life would not end.
So, on with the mansion, and damn the expenses,
This endless obsession your only true friend.
The day finally came that will come to all mortals
The staff became worried, the search had begun
The 40th bedroom had held your cold body
The news spreading quickly that Sarah was gone.

V6:
Consulting the will, they did as instructed
In all 13 sections, each signed 13 times
Auctioned belongings and pensioned your staff off
Donated money to save children’s lives.
The house safe was opened with anticipation
Wondering what treasures an heiress would hide
But the treasure they found wasn’t golden or silver…. (pause)

…………Just a lock of black hair from your daughter that died.


Chorus:
Mad Sarah of San Jose
Your body is gone but your spirit's still here
Running alone through the rooms of your mansion
Relentlessy, endlessly chased by your fear.

great story telling, spirited and heart felt!!!

Pu'p Wood © 2003, dawg BMI
You know the type of guy I am,
country as country gets.
Single-wide, dirt road, well-water man,
no pedigree on my pet.

Barely finished high school,
mostly in the gym.
I was a linebackin' fool,
but my class load was right slim.

(Rise)
So now its,

(Chorus)
Pu'p wood, pu'p wood
gotta make a load.
P'up wood dust in all my clothes.
Pile it on 'til the truck frame bows.
P'up wood's the only life I know

Work boots, old jeans, flannel shirt
Thermos of coffee and a P.B.J.
Splinters and cuts come with the work
long as I stand come the end of the day.

I been doin' this thirteen year;
pine sap running in my veins.
Cut the dust with an ice cold beer
start early tomorrow to beat the rain.

(Chorus)
Pu'p wood, Pu'p wood
gotta make a load.
Pu'p wood dust in all my clothes.
Pile it on 'til the truck frame bows,
pu'p wood's the only life I know.

(Bridge)
Back yard, lawn chair, mason jar,
sweet tea, catfish, ol' guitar
been to town but I ain't been far
end of the line on the trolley car.

(Chorus)
Pu'p wood, Pu'p wood
gotta make a load.
Pu'p wood dust in all my clothes.
Pile it on 'til the truck frame bows,
pu'p wood's the only life I know.


cause I learned something in a very entertaining way!!!

Walktausha Wailers Lyric Festival, December 2005--continuing nominations 4-7 by Skip Johnson


4. The Last Camel Died Before Noon
c 2005 words and music by C. Stewart
( Nov. 7, 2005 )

Fat belly dancers had me cornered
In an old saloon
Where they had their way with me
Until the first of june
Big ugly had me duct taped
Crushed me like a grape
But I kept trying desperately
And finally escaped

The only way out of town, was on a camels back
I gathered up my valuables, and stuffed em in a sack
Filled me up some water jugs, I knew the road was dry
Thats when I found out, all the camels died
" No way out, no way out "
Cause, the last camel died before noon

I'm knee deep in the desert
My shovel is a spoon
I've got to find my way home
I hope that it's real soon
Sandy dunes and pyramids
Which way should I go
The sun is playin' tricks on me
I think I see some snow

The only way out of town, was on a camels back
I gathered up my valuables, and stuffed em in a sack
Filled me up some water jugs, I knew the road was dry
Thats when I found out, all the camels died
" No way out, no way out "
Cause, the last camel died before noon

I see a blue oasis
Girls with pretty faces
My hand is full of aces.....who am I kidding

The only way out of town, was on a camels back
I gathered up my valuables, and stuffed em in a sack
Filled me up some water jugs, I knew the road was dry
Thats when I found out, all the camels died
" No way out, no way out "
Cause, the last camel died before noon


Mr. Stewart's "The Last Camel Died Before Noon" strikes me as best musically presented with an eclectic pop/Arabian styling. Got to have some music to match the bellydancing beauties it features, yet the lighthearted and humorous "tall tale" adventure theme would work well with upbeat pop/country rock number. (I don't know if he's worked on the music yet for this, but that's how I hear it.)

What I like most about this piece is its sheer hilarity and outrageousness. What a ride! Its just flat out fun, kind of a mini-imaginary vacation and adventure excusion just listening to it. There are several writers posting here who have the ability to take me similar places--but not quite to this particular location, or with this unique flavor of humor. Makes me want to cough up the last gritty lung full of sand, wipe the streaming sweat from my fevered brow, and crawl on into the blue oasis for a spell.

Curiously, parts of "The Last Camel" also reminds me of the Sons of the Pioneers classic "Cool Water". While that favorite lyric of mine is much more somber, it does have the same "is he crazy, or is he sane" aspect to it where reality and hallucination weave in and out. Sometimes I think the best artistic work is created right there.

This lyric also reminds me that in all the seriousness of our lives, any time spent laughing is not time wasted. A+ earned here for general climate control. Good work all around.

5. Play Me a Country Song

Had ah date de other night
with ah girl I just met
who works in ah office
I didn’t know her that well
invited her out for dinner
at ah tub down at doh countryside
as we were showing to our seats
da atmosphere it seems so nice
glance over to doh dance floor
they were a few couples or so
dancing to music I’d never really like,
and for awhile

They didn’t play ah country song
I wanted to hear ah country song
Ah country song I could have sing along
If they did they would have bring doh place down
But they did not play ah country song

I stood there with my date
we were staring each other in doh face
didn’t know her dos or donts
nor doh things she’d wanted to hear
I finally found doh nerve
to ask her if she’d like to dance
She said yes shooving her head acknowledging with a smile
On our way to doh dance floor
ah told her at need sometime
To take to doh DJ
I approach him he came out and ah cried

Please play me ah country song
I want to hear ah country song
Ah country song I can sing along
If you do you’ll bring doh place down
Play me ah country song

We left a little after midnight,
and still yet they didn’t play a country song,
I slept with it on my mind
next morning sitting in front of my computer
I turn on the radio, and oh boy
they were playing country song
I can hear it all day all night long.,
that night I had a surprise
Ma date dropped in at me home
later on that evening
as ah open up doh door
it was real but not believing
ah shown her doh way in
as we sat on doh sofa
talking bout doh night
she said she really had ah good time
then came a silent
but she broke it as she held me hands
drawing closer to me
at thought she’d wanted to dance when she said

They didn’t play ah country song
She’d wanted to hear ah country song
Ah country she could have sing along
If they did they would have bring doh place down

Altogether now everybody

Please play me ah country song
I want to hear ah country song
Ah country song I can sing along
If you do you’ll bring doh place down
Play me ah country song

c2005 Irwin Byron Abrigo
All rights reserved


In his seventh post from Guyana, Africa, Irwin Abrigo has produced a piece of world music mixing that strikes me as outstanding. I think what I like most here is his perspective. It is like looking at one's self in an exotic mirror. He lets us see ourselves in a most favorable light, but from a perspective that for us is as appealing and exotic as Country Music heard over the internet must be for him.

He emailed me that he has recorded this piece. I'm hoping I get a chance to hear the music and performance interpretations he has chosen. My hope is that the music will match the lyrics--perhaps more African sounds and stylings in the verse sections, with the choruses echoing an interpretation of Nashville country. I like the fact he's got a section that is spoken, others that are sung, and that his chorus rhymes are tighter than the verse rhymes. I like the fact that there are several ways of saying things that are plainly dialect from his area--an extraction of British English rather than native African, as he explains.

Makes me wonder how many other amazing mixtures are possible on this planet when cultures collide, people see value in each other's take on the world, and music happens. I'll be watching for more of Mr. Abrigo's posts in the future.

6. San Andreas
© 2005 lyrics by Bobbie Gallup ASCAP

You come in here almost nightly
Cryin’ in your beer
Bout this ‘n that and how come she
Thinks she needs her own career
Well, I saw your lovely lady
In the Kroger parking lot today
Must say I was impressed
With how well those kids behaved

She was on her way to soccer practice
Then to take Kim to ballet
I offered to drop off your dry cleaning
Cause it was on my way
Now we’ve been friends since grade school
And I’d never lie to you
But buddy, much as you’re gonna hate it
This is the simple truth

You’ve got more faults than San Andreas
Though you never would admit it
I know she’s often tried to tell you,
But you just don’t seem to git it
How can I make this any clearer
Perhaps your problem’s in the mirror
I hate to be the one to say it
But you've got more faults than San Andreas

I’ve never seen her crying
But I know sometimes she must
Cause she’s a sweet and gentle lady
And you don’t deserve her trust
She puts up with your other women
Yet she’s never been untrue
She takes care of your home and kids
But you treat her like a fool

You’ve got more faults than San Andreas
Though you never would admit it
I know she’s often tried to tell you,
But you just don’t seem to git it
How can I make this any clearer
Perhaps your problem’s in the mirror
I hate to be the one to say it
But you've got more faults than San Andreas

She’s paid more than her share of dues
And my friend, you’ll be the one to lose
Cause someday she’s gonna wake up
And you’ll be quaking in your boots
Cause your sweet and gentle lady’s
Gonna realize she’s had enough of you

You’ve got more faults than San Andreas
Though you never would admit it
I know she’s often tried to tell you,
But you just don’t seem to git it
How can I make this any clearer
Perhaps your problem’s in the mirror
I hate to be the one to say it
But you've got more faults than San Andreas


Bobbie is a long-time, highly accomplished contributor here at JPF. This is only one example of her fine work. I hear this as sassy, upbeat country--one of the "ladies with attitude" contributions to the musical scene.

What I like about this particular number is its advocacy for a mistreated spouse who is also a friend. Sometimes it takes a third party looking in and having the courage to speak up to bring matters that need correcting to the attention of someone who is need of correcting them. The social consciousness aspect of lyric writing--how what we write for people to hear, and what good or ill may occur if people take the advice explicit or implicit in our material, is something that matters to me.

IMO, this lyric has an enlightened social consciousness aspect, and it may give pause to certain abusive spouses whose actions are a continual injury to those close to them. It may also give the abused party enough perspective on their own situation to find the courage to stand up for their own personhood and self-dignity.

The central image of the San Andreas fault that runs through heavily populated Southern California both allows immediate identification by a majority of potential listeners, and matches perfectly the gravity on the emotional scale of maritial rumblings and upheaval within a marriage in distress.

It seems to me that writers need to be the little kid in the room who blurts out what everybody else sees and is thinking, but that folks rarely have the audacity to put into words. Bobbie has done a great job of that here.

7. She Had the Body
(of a Twenty Year Old)

Well, he walked in the hip club
where the young things were
his eyes popped like champagne corks
when he saw her
she was almost thirty
but she sure looked good
like she bought that tubetop
at Frederick's of Dollywood
two months and they got engaged
he liked 'em younger but forgave her age

cos she had the body of a twenty year old
smooth n lean n firm
the kind that digs down in your soul
where it steams n burns
crazy, wild n bold
she was a hottie
yeah she had the body of a twenty year old

well, a few years went by
she gained five or ten pounds
he wanted to divorce her
and figgered he had grounds
that tubetop didn't fit her
his trophy lost its shine
for years he told his friends
she was twenty-nine
the day he dumped her that fool said
that fine woman hadn't pleased his bed

since she had the body of a twenty year old
smooth n lean n firm
the kind that digs down in your soul
where it steams n burns
crazy, wild n bold
she was a hottie
yeah she had the body of a twenty year old

well she thought it was funny, she got half his money
and flew to Maui for a month of all-nighters
a lifeguard rubbed lotion on her shoulders
he loves the ladies when they're older
so ev'ry night in bed beside her

she had the body of a twenty year old
smooth n lean n firm
the kind that digs down in your soul
where it steams n burns
crazy, wild n bold
she was a hottie
yeah she had the body of a twenty year old

(c)2005 Robert George


Straight forward upbeat country seems the appropriate musical setting for this lyric. I like just about everything Robert George writes, and have ever since I first saw him posting amazing early hookless poetic narratives quite a few years back. Since then, he's poured that incredible eye for concrete detail, unusual settings and plots, variety of finely textured moods, and ability to drop me directly into scenes so real I feel like I can touch, smell and taste them into the more conventional forms of modern lyric formats. He's gained a great deal of intentional control over what was always a most amazing flow of raw creativity.

In "She Had the Body of a Twenty Year Old", Robert combines a killer hook with his usual great storytelling. The phrase "Fredricks of Dollywood" is a pop cultural collision of images that paints a picture as neatly as a writer could hope to paint it. The shifting of the storyline allows the chorus to mean something entirely different the final time around--quite an achievement, and executed with the greatest professionalism here.

I think Robert is a better lyricist than he thinks he is--as are several others whom I consider myself to be a fan of here at JPF. Right now, he's at the top of his form as a well-accomplished word weaver. I don't see how he can get any better, but I've seen him do so already, so he just may surprize me. Hope he keeps spinning them for a long time in the future like he's doing now--and that he archives his material. I'd hate for work this good to get lost.


A FINAL NOTE...

Well, that's seven of the many I'd snipped and set aside to consider for my first round of lyric appreciation nominations. Only thing I really don't like about the guidelines I suggested are that they don't allow me the ability to comment on more than seven writers' work per month. Just because I didn't cite your stuff here doesn't mean I don't like it as well as I do the lyrics nominated here. It also doesn't mean I haven't already clipped something you've written, and set it aside for a future round of nominations. There are some lyrics I remember that I'm still looking for...including ritt's "Bronky-Sawdust" children's song that he's having developed into a childrens' book. (I want a copy, ritt.)

If we do decide to continue the Waktausha Wailers Lyric Appreciation Festival another round or two, I'm guessing a good many more people's lyrics than will appear this first round will be nominated.

Signing off on my quota of nominations for this round of the festivities...

Skip Johnson
December 2005

P.S. Maybe we can talk "Just Plain Folks" into allowing an archive of nominations right here on this site to avoid understandable discomfort in posting personal material elsewhere on the web. Just thinking...



[This message has been edited by Skip Johnson (edited 12-03-2005).]

Kenneth Cade's December 2005 Nominations for the Waktausha Wailers Lyric Festival are:

(see below for my reasons and commentary)
Bathtime
© words and music by C. Stewart ( Oct 28, 2005 )
I jump in, make a wish
Then pretend, I'm a fish
It's funtime
It's bathtime
Baby bubbles, everywhere
Even got em in my hair
It's funtime
It's bathtime
Time for a laugh and a bath, ha - ha
Jump on in, jump on in, jump on in
It's bathtime
Sorry momma, for the mess
When I'm done, I smell fresh
It's funtime
It's bathtime
Baby bubbles, everywhere
Even got em in my hair
It's funtime
It's bathtime
Time for a laugh and a bath, ha - ha
Jump on in, jump on in, jump on in
It's bathtime
Rubber ducky, swims with me
In my sudsy, wudsy sea
It's funtime
It's bathtime
Baby bubbles, everywhere
Even got em in my hair
It's funtime
It's bathtime
Time for a laugh and a bath, ha - ha
Jump on in, jump on in, jump on in
It's bathtime


Six Strings And Two Hearts
© words and music by C. Stewart ( Nov. 26, 2005 )

All it takes to start a fire
Is the melody you hum
The smoke we make will fill the sky
You love the chords I strum
Six Strings And Two Hearts
The drums of passion poundin'
A message to our brain
Like the rhythms of the jungle
Or a fast moving train
Six Strings And Two Hearts
CHORUS..
E is for exotic, the way you dance for me
A is for the autograph, I carved in the tree
D is for the dirty kisses, no one gets to see
G is for your G spot, when I hit it you say weeeeee
B is for believing, in our love eternaly
e is for excitiement, you're the storm, I'm the sea
Your touch was hot and nasty
It made my pickle swell
I'm ready for another trip
Deep inside your well
Six Strings And Two Hearts
We're lying in the afterglow
Our bodies soaking wet
You thought I hit the highest note
But, I got one more fret
Six Strings And Two Hearts
CHORUS..
E is for exotic, the way you dance for me
A is for your apple, always hangin' from my tree
D is for the dirty kisses, no one gets to see
G is for your G spot, when I hit it you say weeeeee
B is for believing, in our love eternaly
e is for excitiement, the waves in my sea
Six Strings And Two Hearts
Six Strings And Two Hearts
CHORUS..
E is for exotic, the way you dance for me
A is for your apple, always hangin' from my tree
D is for the dirty kisses, no one gets to see
G is for your G spot, when I hit it you say weeeeee
B is for believing, in our love eternaly
e is for excitiement, the waves in my sea


Poison Pen
© words and music by C. Stewart ( Nov. 23, 2005 )

A mystery on paper
You watch as it unfolds
A prisoner of your easy chair
Your day is put on hold
Chapter one is mild
But then it gets intense
Someone was impaled upon
The cemetery fence
CHORUS.....
His poison pen is loaded, with deadly shots of ink
His poison pen is loaded, he writes to make you think
Got you on the edge, now you're too afraid to blink
His poison pen is loaded, with deadly shots of ink
Every page suspenseful
Like daggers to your eyes
He's painting you a picture
Of how the victims die
Broken nude carcasses
Hanging from a noose
Better lock your doors
A madmans on the loose
CHORUS.....
His poison pen is loaded, with deadly shots of ink
His poison pen is loaded, he writes to make you think
Got you on the edge, now you're too afraid to blink
His poison pen is loaded, with deadly shots of ink
Mutalated stranger
Taken by surprise
Robbed of ever seeing
Tommorrows sunrise
BRIDGE...
He writes about evil and death
And people that have taken their last breath
CHORUS.....
His poison pen is loaded, with deadly shots of ink
His poison pen is loaded, he writes to make you think
Got you on the edge, now you're too afraid to blink
His poison pen is loaded, with deadly shots

Side Show Freak
© words and music by C. Stewart ( Nov. 15, 2005 )
CHORUS..........
Step right up, put money in the cup
See the side show freak -
Totally bizarre, midway star
See the side show freak
A one eyed midget, with two heads
The right ones Ed, left ones dead
Side show freak
It gets real kinky, in their bed
Some things should be left unsaid
Side show freak
A bearded lady with furry hair
Four long legs like a kitchen chair
Side show freak
It got strange when I was there
She gave birth to a grizzly bear
Side show freak
Repeat CHORUS..........
Elastic man with rubber skin
When he's onstage, it's quite a sin
Side show freak
When you get home, don't act like him
You'll break your neck, tryin' to put it in
Side show freak
Repeat CHORUS..........
BRIDGE...
In some ways they're like you and me
So try not to point the finger
In some ways they're like you and me
We could all be on Jerry Springer
Repeat CHORUS..........


MISSILETOE
© words and music by C. Stewart ( Nov 22, 2004 )
I strike without a warning
When I'm having a bad day
So if your fond of living
You'll run the other way
Don't get underneith my skin
You'll force my brain to snap
Then I'll do what I do best
Eliminate some crap
CHORUS
Got violence in my eyes, blood on my clothes
Razor bladed fingers, missiles on my toes
I got missiles on my toes
Be careful what you say, I got missiles on my toes
Once a guy was teasin me
And now that guy is dead
I sent one his direction
We both lost our heads
Yesterday they fired me
For something from my past
Slowly I removed my shoes
BOOM, a double blast
CHORUS....
Got violence in my eyes, blood on my clothes
Razor bladed fingers, missiles on my toes
I got missiles on my toes
Be careful what you say, I got missiles on my toes
I cut way back on coffee
And I laid off the speed
Wish I had more patience
I know that's what I need
But everytime that I attempt
To try and remain cool
I have a confrontation
With the worlds biggest fool
BRIDGE
I was built like a weapon
I was designed to kill
So slittin' your throat
Would only give me a thrill
Repeat Chorus..............

I have no idea of the genre if not stated in these masterpieces, but Calvin Stewart has made me laugh out loud, and look at songwriting in a totally different light! I don't have alot of technically examples to site, but I see the absolute FREEDOM in his work is such a breathe of fresh air. I am a legitimate fan and am compelled to read everything that is posted with his name on it.

I hope i didn't break form in my nomination. there are several others I would love to nominate, but time does not allow for the search, the cut and paste and commentary on all the wonderful lyricist that post here. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be so inspired.

------------------

Kenneth,

No reason you can't nominate more than one by a single artist. I've got several favorites here I could have filled out my seven with who I didn't even get to mention once!

Skip

Skip,
Is it too late to nominate?...

kk

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=8404
http://www.flashfast.com/kids/
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg

Go ahead, Kaley. Remember the guidelines are simply guidelines to help people. They are not more important than the people they're meant to help. Post your stuff!

Skip

Kaley,

I was listening through your songs at the sites you post, and am mightily impressed. I work with children's groups regularly, and I know great children's material when I hear it.

I know you're just getting in on doing posting here at the tail end of the December Waltausha Wailers Lyric Appreciation Festival. You might not have had a chance to look through the guidelines for nominations that's listed up top. Think we'll do this again, unless there are major objections, the first three days of January. When we do, there are some of the songs I heard on your sites I've got my eye on for lyric nominations of my own. The five bugs on a leaf lyric is choice kid candy.

Keep writing.

Skip

P.S. You do workshops in songwriting for gradeschoolers? I'd like to know more about that.

First Off, Thank You Brother Skip for so many Kind Words. Haven't Blushed in QUITE some Time...but Glad there's no Cam anywheres near my Keypad this eve!

There are TONS of Great Writers postin' here over the last 3-4 years..& my Memory is so bad I'd even forgotten I'D written that Song you Posted of mine here! I'll always remember 2 of the Lyrics of our Departed Master Here...Corky "Dawg" Bernard! "HAYRIDE TO HEAVEN" was, I believe, posted here the Week he died.
"CHICKEN COUPE DE VILLE" remains A Favorite..forever. I'll add NOBODY could pen Bayou Dialect like Dawg could...& there was a wonnaful Fun Factor to what he came up with I always admired..(Not Merely to His Lyrics, I'll add...[Hope SOMEBODY remembers the song about his dyin' his kid GREEN & digs up the Lyrics!] And then there was the time he sold his Sis to the Gypsies... ;-)> Think THAT made it to a Lyric as well!

I'll scoot & return with, I hope, Both the Now-Nominated Lyrics.

{Dern...I've searched Bds 1..2..3..& tried "Dawg".."Graydog" and "Greydog"..& NO Luck tonight! Halp..BOBBIE, if you're a-readin'! Need a Rescue..FAST!}
Gotta get some Snooze Time in...will try again tomorrow!

Big Hugs,
Stan


[This message has been edited by TampaStan (edited 12-05-2005).]

Dear Skip...thank you kindly!!!!..for taking the time to look through the sites...and for the thoughts....makes me feel good.....

I'm in hunting for some of Dawg's lyrics..
along with some other folks..and I just can't find them yet.. was also hunting Wy's I only hold the Pen....a really super song...from way way back....

Do not hold up this month's contest for me... I will locate the ones I'm thinking of and nominate them...for January's
nominations....

I really need to update lyrics (or just plain put them there...at Soundclick)...
Glad you liked Beebopdoobudiddle...

I have the feeling you'd like the CD we're working on now...Wy and I have never disclosed the title of it on line...
To best of our knowledge...it just hasn't been done.... songs...are all connected
by a central theme...will let you know when it's out......

best to you and thanks.....
Kaley

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=8404
http://www.flashfast.com/kids/
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg

Dear JPF family, friends, and fellow wailers,

That looks like a wrap for our first December 2005 Waktausha Wailers Lyric Appreciation Festival. I just read the thread top to bottom, and am in full agreement with the outstanding quality of every nomination made. Several I had missed when they slipped past previously, so am particularly delighted to see reappear in the festival since, to me, they are new.

I appreciate the effort those who have participated this round have made--not only in searching out and posting these nominations with your comments, but also to the writers who put the effort into bringing this outstanding material into existence for all of our benefit in the first place.

I notice that more than one lyricist whose work was nominated is no longer with us due to death, dawg and Waylon, in particular. Fortunately, that doesn't keep us from appreciating their work, or recalling their friendship. My hope is that our looking forward to this festival together month by month will encourage us in seeing the still-living excellencies in each other, and in each other's writing--and be willing to speak of openly of what we see.

All comments, cautions and suggestions for improvement of the festival are particularly appreciated. The Bible says, "Victory comes with an abundance of councilors." Those of you who have made suggestions have provided a valuable service to us all.

If you have further suggestions for tweaking we can do with the January 1-3 Festival, please post them as a trailer on this thread. As some suggestions offered may cancel each other out, not everything any of us can think of can practically be included, of course. But every comment aids the group think that results in the soundest principles and methods for us to work within.

I noticed in the December issue of National Geographic a piece on an Indian singer/storyteller who sings school children the legend songs about dinosaurs in North America passed down from his ancestors. The memory of those creatures who "ate each other and every living thing" became a symbol of enormous and elemental evil to the ancient Indians. They later collected the fossilized bones of those ancient beasts and used them in ceremonies designed to ward off further evil--the evil which had simply taken new forms and still threatened mankind.

The Indian singer/storyteller concluded the article, as I recall, by saying, "So we sing our songs and tell our stories to battle the darkness and to fight the evil of this world." I said to myself, "Amen, brother! That's exactly what I and my friends at Just Plain Folks are doing too. Thank you and the Old Ones for reminding us of what we are all about."

Hope you'll be keeping your eyes open, and snooping and snipping in prep for the January Waktausha Wailer's event.

Until then, keep writing.

Skip Johnson






[This message has been edited by Skip Johnson (edited 12-06-2005).]

Just bumping this up so folks can see what happened last time. See this month's entry for update on nomination process.

Skip

I have some concerns about this causing confusion with our 2006 Just Plain Folks Lyric Award. We're getting ready to restart that process and it takes a lot of effort and attention and regular updates and info and I've already received a couple emails from folks not sure if this is our official Lyric Awards process or what.

Brian

Brian,

Well back off on this so as not to interfere.

Skip