JPF Home Page Forums Lyric and MP3 Feedback Lyric Feedback Forum Just got a publishing contract!

I am pretty excited this morning. Just had a call a Nashville publisher with a contract offer on one of my songs..actually the very first song I ever wrote. Some of you heard about the NSAI seminar and pitch session I attended in Denver last weekend. The publisher who just called was one of the two guys who came from Nashville for the day. They listened to an entire afternoon's worth of songs and of all those..only took a handful of cd's back to listen to more. Mine was one of those that made it to the trip back. Of all of the songs they listened to...he said he only felt he could use two of them right now..and my song, THE PRESENT, was one of those. He had really encouraging words about many of the other songs on my demo cd, but feels he can place this one immediately. I am not holding my breath...but this was definitely a boost to my day.

I do not have this song on MP3, so I can't offer that. Wish I did have my own site now...but perhaps soon you will be able to hear things on a Gallup 'N Dawg site.

However, thought you might like to read the lyrics. Please bear in mind that I wrote and demoed this before I ever knew about posting song lyrics for critique. It may not look purty, but it caught his ear. The words in the chorus are from a quote I had heard from Eleanor Roosevelt that has meant a lot to me personally.

Thank you once again..all of my JPF family for all your encouragement. I couldn't wait to share my happiness with you. Every little bit helps. I will let you know if this does get a cut.

BTW..this song runs under 3 minutes...2:41. He said it was considered radio-friendly as a result.

Bobbie

THE PRESENT
@ Lyrics and Music by Bobbie Gallup and John Bizzack ASCAP


The road I’ve walked to where I am is paved with my mistakes
And folks I’ve hurt by words I’ve said
And my share of heartaches
If I could I’d go back and change some things and give it one more try
But we only get one chance and now I realize

CHORUS
That yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery
And today is but a gift we get
That’s why it’s called the present

Spent too much time worrying about the past - tried to look too far ahead
Now I’m trying to live each minute of today
To make each better than the rest
If I could go back and change some things and give it one more try
But we only get one chance and now I realize

CHORUS (Repeat)

We never know how long we have, so life’s a treasure hunt
You can mine your gold a little at a time
But today will come but once
So fill each day with love and life, don’t waste the gift
Cause we only have one chance, that’s all your gonna get, cause...

CHORUS (Repeat)


[This message has been edited by Bobbie Gallup (edited 08-28-2001).]

Bobbie, that's the best lyric of yours I've seen. good luck with the contract!

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

WOO-HOOOO, BOBBIE!!! I am so excited for you! I just can't imagine how great that must feel. It's a wonderful lyric. Way to go! I am sooooooo happy for you!!

Ricki

HOLY SH*T, BOBBIE!!!! I bet you are about to bust!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for you!! I hope it goes all the way, girlfriend, you've paid some mighty hefty dues and no one is more deservin that you!!

Keep us posted on who's gonna be recording it!!! WHOO HOO!!!

Tink
p.s. I remember when you posted this on TWS.... I knew it was a great one then!

Thanks SO much, Couch! I am pretty excited. Think I will go celibrate with a cold root beer! Appreciate the kind comments on the lyric. It really was the very first song I wrote. Maybe I haven't improved any! LOL

Bobbie

Congratulations!!! The best of luck to you Bobbie!!!
I can´t believe this was the first song you wrote! It´s easy to easy you have talent
Juan

GREAT NEWS BOBBIE!!!! I am so excited for you and the song was fantastic. Hope we get to hear it soon. "Celebrate, celebrate..dance to the music" lol. Way to go girl!!!! Jen (breezy)

------------------
Jen

Hey Bobbie, much congrats on the publishing contract. Not surprising considering the talent that you have. Hope you have lots of success with it.

Alright Bobbie!!!!

See what happens when you break the rules?

Lets see now, sentences of uneven length, little in the way of perfect rhymes, no bridge, three verses driving home the same point...yup, she's a good one! Hope she flies for Bobbie, goodness knows you've worked for it! Now go enjoy that root beer.

John

Bobbie,
I have to laugh at Johns comment but it's true.
Good to do it your own way sometimes. I really like this one too. Hope it does go all the way. Congrats!!!
Pam

YEEEEEEHAAAAWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!! Bobbie,
I think I just told you that good things were coming your way! One of these days, us folks are gonna say we knew you back when you were an unknown. Cherish this moment and hope it necer gets OLD!

------------------
Harriet

OUTSTANDING!!
I'm mindful of all the information you shared with us after that seminar and it makes me think of that movie PASS IT FORWARD
its coming around to you now

my sincerest congrats...and good luck!!!

Ray

Howdy Ricki,

Thanks SO much for the kind words. I never ever considered that this song would go ANYWHERE, because I can only see the weaknesses in it, now that I know how a song is supposed to look. But I am not gonna complain. Thanks again.

Bobbie

Howdy Tink. You are dang right.. I AM about to bust!! No matter how many of these calls you get...it seems you can't help but think that this will be THE time someone will cut it and it will go big!! That is the dreamer in us all I guess. He couldn't tell me who he was wanting it for...but you KNOW you will hear it here when I find out.

Thanks for all your help and kind words!!
Bobbie

Hot diggety dawg
A wonderful surprise that was just waiting to happen, and there it is.
CONGRATULATIONS BOBBIE

Also liked the lyric. Darn good hook
Allen

Hola Juan!

Sure appreciate those kind words. I absolutely never figured this one to ever get picked up...but I am still thrilled with the news.

Bobbie

Congratulations Bobbie! I’ve seen some pretty good stuff from you, so it was bound to happen sooner or later. This is great news, well done.

Nigel

Bobbie,
Super news! Great job! Hope all the best for you on this one. I`m proud of you...and of course a touch envious Dan.

Howdy Breezy! Thanks so much for the sweet words of encouragement. Hope this small success of mine is also a bit of a beacon for the rest of you. There IS an occasional light at the end of this tunnel! I plan to do a bit of celebrating...although without my favorite dawg here, it will be more like celibating!! LOL Did I just say that? Oh well, you can chalk it up to me being a bit giddy today!

Bobbie

Hi Jim...thanks so much for the support. I don't honestly know if I would have had the persistence to continue pursuing this if I had not found you folks here on JPF. Your kind words..and moreso..the invaluable assistance with my lyrics has kept me motivated to keep going with this. So..any success I ever achieve I plan to share with my lyrical family.

Bobbie

Howdy Big John!!! thanks for the big grin this afternoon. You picked out all the flaws I see in this myself...but heck, if he likes the way it sounds..who am I to complain!! LOL Back when I wrote this, I had no clue that there were rules..so didn't know I was breaking them. Just wrote what came out of my head and heart. I know this could be improved..but hey...yesterday IS history!
Thanks for your support..it is always appreciated!
Bobbie

Hey Mz Pam! Yep..you just hafta do it your way sometimes..particularly when you really DON'T know any better. Thanks for the kind comments..and ALL your help..always.

Bobbie

Awww...thanks for the big YEEEEEHAWWWWW, Harriet. How'd you know that was precisely what came outta my mouth the moment I hung up my phone? LOL I gotta say thanks to you and Judy and the folks who have been on JPF for so long who continue to persevere with me on my stuff. This one is something I have to share with you...and thank you for continuing to help me every chance you get. You KNOW that will not be forgotten. If my dream of having my own publishing company ever comes to fruition..I just happen to have the best source in the world for great songs. And I have dibs on TEACH ME TO FLY, by the way!

Bobbie

Hi Ray,

I guess there is a part of me that will always be a teacher...if I know something that can help someone else..I just have to share it and hope it finds a home. I never saw that movie...but probably should I guess. Thanks for the kind words.

Bobbie

Hi my dear Canadian buddy! This really WAS a surprise because I never thought I would ever hear from this guy..and especially not on THIS song. It wasn't even one of the ones I pitched to him. Sheesh! I am sure glad it was on that cd I gave him to listen to. I also have to admit that I did violate the rules with my cd. What I had given him was a compilation cd that had 19 songs on it! They said many times that they ONLY wanted cds with one or at the most two songs. But...I got lucky with this one. What can I say. He must have liked it enough to keep listening because this song is number 17 on the cd.

Bobbie

Hi Nigel,

Thanks so much for the support. Appreciate the kind comments! Hope this provides some encouragement for everyone..that this can and will happen.

Bobbie

Howdy Dano!! Hey..I will share! You kin have a root beer too, good buddy. Sure appreciate your support. Thanks!!

Bobbie

Yo Bobbie: What a year, you're having! Dawg and a contract. Your cup runneth over. I hope you consult with someone knowledgeable before you sign anything, though, I'm sure you know quite a bit about these things. As a publisher, myself, if there's any help I can give, let me know. /Glen

------------------
Glen King
http://www.glenking.com

WOW! Bobbie! That is wonderful! You deserve it!
I remember when you first posted this. WOW it's been a year now, can you believe it.
Congrats!
Ria

------------------
http://angelfire.lycos.com/amiga/riassonglyrics

Hi Glen! Yeah..this has been SOME year, huh? Wouldn't trade my Dawg for a dozen contracts, but these are great to have! Sure would appreciate ANY advice on contracts, however. I have a lot less confidence where the business side of this comes in than with the lyric writing. Would love to hear any thoughts and advice you might have.

You can email me at bgallup@aol.com

Thanks much!
Bobbie

Howdy Amigaria!! What a year this has been! Can't believe I started posting on JPF last July! You folks have endured a lot from me in that time...and your continued support means THE WORLD! If I had done the demo to this one now, I know I would have changed it..and probably messed it up with a bridge or something..LOL I just checked out the copy of the cd this was on..and noticed that it was the shortest song on the whole cd. Maybe that should tell me something. Had a lot of songs right between 3:00 and 3:30, but some edging up to 4:10. Guess the shorter the better these days.

Thanks again!
Bobbie

WAHOOOOOOOOOO! I know, that you know, that i'm NOT shocked at all by this; i told ya from day one wwwwwaaaaaaaayyyyyyy back in February this would happen! I'm very , very , happy for ya! Just the first step of many successful ones i'm sure! CONGRATS!

Bobbie, I am so happy for you. I can't believe that so much "good" news could come all at once for someone. Not that you don't deserve it, just seems most people don't get this kind of life in such a short time.
I also think that perhaps this "take" on this song just proves to us that the publishers in Nashville are getting tired of the songs that hang to a "set" format. Although, I have to say this song is full of content that is universal and well said so would have to say that that quality in itself would be reason enough for the Publisher to be "overlooking" the lack of following "set rules".
I know that we all would love to hear it at it is on your demo so we could really know how it sounds and I hope this song goes to number one right quickly. What a better wedding present than that.
BTW, if this song goes anywhere, you and Dawg are moving to Nashville right at the moment you could easily get a staffwriting job.
Best wishes, Bobbie, you deserve this boost!

Wow....Ms. B.G.....Lookee here!!!!!!...This is FANTASTIC news.. ...
Very, Very Proud of you...!!!!!!!!!!!!wanna hear the music to this...Way to GO

Kaley

Way to go Bobbie! You make us proud. You're just full of big news these days!

Corey

Bobbie.... all this excitement happened while I was asleep. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! No-one deserves it more than you. Hope it's just the beginning of something you've been working toward. Thank you for the mention in your reply to Harriet - means a lot because I honestly believe we've all gained a lot from JPF. It's just fabulous to see things happening for you. Best always to you. Judy

Hi Bobbie....Boy! I take a couple days off the board and look what you do!!!! Maybe I should stay away more often and bring more good luck . Seriously, congratulations on this most wonderful of wonderful news. You must be walking several feet off the ground with all the great things that have been happening lately. I have always believed those who have been down the rocky road will someday receive all the blessings they deserve. This is your year for great things....and well-deserved. Congratulations, again! (Why not have dawg put it up on his site so we can hear it?)

Congratulations Darlin'!!!!

When you called me with the news at work I was so proud of you and tickled for you I was almost speechless. I do have this song on cd and will copy it and mail it to my site folks so it should be posted in about a week.

You are so very deserving of this. Everything is going right at just the right time for both of us. I am so proud of you and happy for you.

dawg

Wow, this is really terrific Bobbie! So nice to see things are happenin' round here for you, and other fine writers.

Hats off...

Tom

Congratulations, Bobbie! Y'know, "Light My Fire" was the very first song The Doors' Robbie Krieger ever wrote, and "Surfer Girl" was the first song Brian Wilson ever wrote. So you're in good company! (BTW, are you able to disclose which publisher you're signing with???) Good luck with this!

Anthony

CONGRATULATIONS, BOBBIE!!
This is great! Especially being a Colorado gal!! Wish you the best
Bluelitenin

------------------
"Music is the Sound that I hear in my Mind"

NEW WEBSITE - http:/home.mindspring.com/~ceriousart

Aaaaaaaaahhhhhh,

Congratulations, Bobbie! That is so awesome. It's a little good karma from all those great tips you posted for us from the seminar. That is so great. I think you truly deserve whatever success comes your way and I hope that's alot!

Ashleigh

Wow, Blake! Thank you SO much for the confidence in me. You know that means the world! You have been in my corner ever since you started posting...and I sure appreciate that!!

Bobbie

Howdy Sharon...Yeah..it does seem that a lot of good things are finally happening in my life. Think I paid sufficient dues, however...so I am not gonna turn it down while the tide is flowing this direction.

I think you may be onto something with the rules thing. Three years ago, I sure didn't know a bridge from a tag and anything else about song structure. Despite the way the song looks..it works great with the music. Not really sure I want a staffwriting job...but sure would LOVE to work with a publisher.

Appreciate your kind comments, Sharon. Thanks a million!
Bobbie

Howdy Mz Kaley! Sure glad to see you around here to share the fun! You have been a lot of encouragement for a long time!! Thanks so much! Dawg may put this song on his website for me. Will let you know if that happens so you can take a listen.

Bobbie

Howdy Corey..you sure know how to make a lady feel good. We are all watching for YOUR big news soon!! Thank you so much!!

Bobbie

Hi Judy! Thank you SO much. I could not agree with you more about how much we all benefit from the folks who call this board "home". Although a lot of good folks and excellent writers have come and gone...some of us have stuck around for a long time. I sincerely believe that good things are in the offing for many folks on here. There are some terrific writers on here and you are one of them.

Bobbie

Hi Sunny!! We miss you when you aren't around! Thanks for the suggestion..Dawg is gonna see if he can put the song on his site so you all can have a listen if you want. You are right about the elation..LOL and elevation. I am not typing too well at the moment. Every little bit counts towards the main goal...and I am pretty happy about this one because I really did NOT expect or even HOPE to hear back from Blackman on this. Thanks so much for your kind comments.

Bobbie

Whoooaaa Dawgggies!! You are right..I was so thrilled to call you today...just knowing that you would share the excitement with me on this. Thank you for offering to put this one up on your site so folks can have a listen if they want. As Jack Nicholson said in AS GOOD AS IT GETS..."you make me want to be a better man"..LOL Ooops..woman. LOL

Bobbie

Thank you, Tom for those special words of encouragement. We don't see you around here enough these days...but all the best with that song you & Tink have with Ike Turner. I have high hopes for you two on that. It is a great song. There are a lot of deserving writers on here and I am sure that time will bring more fantastic news for other folks too.

Bobbie