Songs Submitted for 2021
Every Day is Christmas
January
David Hanshaw
2021
EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS WHEN I’M WITH YOU
MORNING SUN OF GOLD AND SKIES ARE BLUE
ALL THAT I’VE ASKED FOR HAS COME TRUE
EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS WHEN I’M WITH YOU
DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A FIELD OF SNOW
EVERGREEN DRESSED IN LIGHTS THAT GLOW
RIBBON BOWS ON PAPER HOLDIN’ TOYS SO NEW
EVERYDAY IS CHRISTMAS WHEN I’M WITH YOU
CHRISTMAS COMES JUST ONE DAY A YEAR
I FEEL THE SPIRIT EVERY TIME YOU’RE NEAR
EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS WHEN I’M WITH YOU
MORNING SUN OF GOLD AND SKIES ARE BLUE
ALL THAT I’VE ASKED FOR HAS COME TRUE
EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS WHEN I’M WITH YOU
WHEN YOU’RE AWAY I FEEL SO ALONE
COUNTIN’ EVERY MINUTE TIL YOU’RE SAFE AT HOME
EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS WHEN I’M WITH YOU
MORNING SUN OF GOLD AND SKIES ARE BLUE
ALL THAT I’VE ASKED FOR HAS COME TRUE
EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS WHEN I’M WITH YOU
EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS
EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS
EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS WHEN I’M WITH YOU
WITH YOU
Holding On
January
Cheryl Cawood
2021
Wandering back alleys You were living on the street
Waiting for night to come, So the baby could get some sleep
Hungry for more and more, Making deals for that poison
Like blisters on your heel, Your pain never ends
I want to hold on, but you need to know
You’re hard to love, when you’ve lost control
Child I've learned, it’s hard to be bold
I want to hold on, but I’m letting go
Caught an overnight to Scottsdale, it was a rescue mission
I smelled rat hole on your clothes, you can’t hide signs of addiction
Your chatter was wild, you were clothesline thin
Please get your act together, So I won’t have to take the kids
Chorus Repeat
My Hand
January
Kari Loya
2021
Somethin’ tells me that the path is long
Somethin’ tells me we still choose our song
In a world of joy and hurt we gotta find our way
So havin’ somebody to see color in gray
Can bring a touch of hope and make the weather all good.
Solo’s hard to cope but I know together we could
Butterflies can flutter far by beating their two wings
Linking beauty’s better than a million diamond rings.
So you should know that…
Chorus:
I can feel all the power of the universe.
I can feel all the peace of a Holy nurse.
When you hold my hand.
When you just hold my…
Fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, husbands, wives.
Best friends, younger siblings, anyone alive.
Reachin’ out to tell them that it’s all ok.
No words exchanged but meaning in this Milky Way.
Rollercoaster riding all the way through our life.
Arms go up to celebrate as well as face strife.
All alone we flounder in the raging dark sea.
Swimming close together takes away the mystery.
And I want you to know that…
Chorus:
Bridge:
Simple, so magical, so pure.
Your skin on mine makes me feel secure.
With just a little touch you give the world to me.
A superhero’s strength displayed so gently.
So thank you because…
Chorus:
Home Away From Home
January
Ray Wyatt
2021
Home Away From Home © Ray Wyatt
Every morning quarter past ten,
All the regular folks start stumbling in
To the Home Away From Home,
Honky-Tonk Tavern and Bar
You might meet Darla, she’s a single mom
Threw out her boyfriend his name is Tom
Said she’s done with men who cheat
But we all know he’ll be back next week
Dennis gets a paid to work on cars money
Spends too much time on a stool in this bar
What you don’t know is secretly,
He’s in love with Darla; and she with he
Chorus> Every morning at a quarter past ten, all the regular folks start stumbling in
The Adult Day Care, Paycheck Cashing, Psychotherapy, Bingo Parlor
Home Away From Home, and Honky-Tonk Tavern and Bar
Jimmy’s counting quarters behind the bar,
Gritting his teeth on a cheap cigar
Missed his chance twelve years ago,
To be in a motion picture with DiCaprio….
Bubba’s drinking gin with his girlfriend Jill
Tommy’s in the corner talking trash to Bill
Jukebox is playing some hot George Jones
And the Hildebrandt twins are staring at their phones
Chorus>
Bridge> There’s a bar like this on every block; each one’s open till 2:00
The outsides all have different names; if you go inside they all look the same
So if you want to visit us way down here; stumble on in; we’ll buy you a beer
At the Adult Day Care, Paycheck Cashing, Psychotherapy, Bingo Parlor, Home Away From Home and Honky-Tonk Tavern and Bar
All Right By You
January
Ron Rost
2021
All Right By You
Chorus
If It’s all right by you, it’s all right by me
I’m always more than happy you’re all I ever need
Everything is mighty fine when you drop it off I tow the line
If It’s all right by you, is right by me
V1
You’re the coco in my cup at night that keeps me warm
The comfort of a gentle rolling stream
My steady rock my stepping stone
A work of art I call my own
The answer to my every waking dream
Chorus
V2
I’ve never been one to run away and hind
deny myself what may or may not be
I’m both feet in right from the start
head over heels an enraptured heart
That beats to the rhythm of love that sets me free
Chorus
Outro
Everything is mighty fine when you drop it off I tow the line
If It’s all right by you, is right by me
If It’s all right by you, is right by me
If It’s all right by you, is right by me
Changing My Mind
January
Jay Harris
2021
Changing My Mind
Written by Jay Harris Jan 2021
Written for a female singer, but sung from male perspective here..
I’ve been thinking too much
About how we've both fallen out of touch
And I can’t take another day
Still I want you, and you want me
To hold you, to hold me.
So I guess there’s not much left for me to say.
So I’m changing my mind.
Yes I’m changing my mind.
I’m changing my mind
Yes I’m changing my mind.
Gonna leave the past behind, gonna wake up and see what I find.
A place where everything is clear
So what you say is what I hear.
I’m changing my mind
You know I want you so bad
God knows you're the best that I've ever had
But that’s not something you can say
Cos you hold me, like you held him
Say the same words that you told him
And it sticks inside my head and won’t go away
So I’m changing my mind.
Yes I’m changing my mind.
I’m changing my mind
Yes I’m changing my mind.
Gonna leave the past behind, gonna wake up and see what I find.
A place where everything is clear
So what you say is what I hear.
I’m changing my mind
o I’m changing my mind.
Yes I’m changing my mind.
I’m changing my mind
Yes I’m changing my mind.
I’m changing my mind
Yes I’m changing my mind
I’m Changing my mind
Yes I’m changing my mind
I’m changing my mind
I’m changing my mind
I’m changing my mind
I’m changing my mind
The Simple Things
January
Paul Boedeker
2021
(intro)
Eiffel Tower in the Paris lights
Egyptian pyramids in desert night
the Great China wall
the Taj Mahal
places I’ve never been
I could make a lengthy list, it’s true
lament the many things I may never do
I can’t speak for you…but for me
(chorus)
it’s the simple things
picture books and childhood dreams
the little song my daughter sings
and tucks my grand baby in bed
best laid plans are overrated
isn’t all that complicated
life’s an overflowing cup
when you choose to fill it up
with the simple things
(verse)
crickets chirping in the woods tonight
curtains open on the pale moonlight
I’m not for certain, but this just might
be the best it can get…
favorite rocker in the big front room
a quiet lazy afternoon
I suppose I’ll do something soon
but right now I’m gonna sit…
(verse)
what’s that smell, ooo, it’s homemade bread
soften the butter up, so it will spread
I call the heels! Wait! That’s what I said!
OK, we’ll each have one…
crackling fire to keep us warm
me and my honey baby arm in arm
safe and secure from all alarm
yes I am a lucky son…because for me
(chorus)
(bridge)
castles and kings
glittery things
never make the world go ‘round
if the truth be told
can’t be bought or sold
the greatest treasures to be found…
(chorus)
Boat Dancing
January
Dan DeHart
2021
Inspired by some YouTube videos I have seen of boaters partying
in the "No Tell Cover". Never been there, but I have a bout now that can...!
Boat Dancing
Dan DeHart 2020
Hot sun shining in the no tell cove,
boats rafted up, all in a row
Beer is flowing like a loose fire hose,
ladies in bikini’s, puttin’ on a show
The Ship’s are a rock’n, they’re dancing to the beat,
Shuk’n and jiv’n in their bare feet
Sally’s got a buzz on, she can’t keep her top on
A keg stand is coming at end of the countdown
================
Chorus
They’re boat dancing, shaking a leg
Boat dancing, tap another keg
Boat dancing in the no tell cove
What happens there, nobody knows.
========================
The music is blasting ‘cross the lagoon
So many people singing out of tune
But the blenders are playing in close harmony
pouring out drinks, pass one to me
They’re just twisting off, letting off steam.
Making lots of noise, if you know what I mean
Gotta turn the grill on, put another dog on
Then jump in the lake, never mind the sunburn
===================
They’re boat dancing, shaking a leg
Boat dancing, tap another keg
Boat dancing in the no tell cove
What happens there, nobody knows.
======================
Lead Break (to be added)
======================
Refrain
It started out early just after noon
If they make till dark, they will howl at the moon
====================
They’re boat dancing, shaking a leg
Boat dancing, tap another keg
Boat dancing in the no tell cove
What happens there, nobody knows.
They’re boat dancing, shaking a leg
Boat dancing, tap another keg
Boat dancing in the no tell cove
What happens there, nobody knows.
Tag
Boat dancing in the no tell cove
In the cove, anything goes
The River
January
Buddy Trotter & Danny Liggett
2021
The River
Buddy Trotter & Danny Liggett
V1
The roaring river rushes over the stones
Under beautiful Tennessee skies
The glistening water that nature owns
Is just like the tears in my eyes
Chorus 1
Roll River, roll, wash my troubles away
Help me change to blue skies from gray
Here by your side, I wish I could stay
So I could start to dream every day
V2
Trees are kissed by the golden sun
As the wind makes the branches sway
Leaves glitter the sky with brilliant ones
And end my heartaches today
Chorus 2 – same as 1
Bridge
As my gaze goes up from the river below
The trees form God’s bouquet
As I look to the skies, I realize
My heartaches have been chased away
Chorus 3
Roll River, roll, you’ve washed my troubles away
You helped me change to blue skies from gray
Here by your side I’ll often stay
So I can continue to dream every day
©2020 Trotter & Liggett
One More Day
January
Tammy Carroll
2021
Background: Contracted COVID followed by pneumonia (from Nov 14th to Dec 28th) and still have residual issues. Despite this health event and the adversity it has presented, I choose to persevere with songwriting. Below is a glimpse of my personal Covid experience. We all have battles and maybe you, too, felt like this during a struggle you have been through.
One More Day
Walking from the flames,
That tried to take my soul.
A war raged within,
In a fight for control
Standing in the thick,
Of a tumultuous storm,
I was encaptured,
Refusing to conform.
Chorus:
Oh, I pleaded,
and I begged.
I prayed.
Yes, I prayed..
for one more day.
Just one more day.
It was early a.m. when up rose a force,
That tried to take my last breath,
and I called on a higher source.
Was tangled in a web.
Caught in a snare.
Not everyone wins this war,
I am well aware.
Chorus:
Oh, I pleaded,
and I begged.
I prayed.
Yes, I prayed..
for one more day.
Just one more day.
Bridge:
Just one more day,
with family and friends
one more day
to make amends
Just one more day
To love and forgive,
Take me to tomorrow
For another day to live.
Chorus:
and I plead
and I beg
I pray
Yes, I pray...
for one more day.
Just one more day.
Just one more day.
Island Life
January
Jesse Navarro Don Lobit
2021
Living on an island is the life for me
warm water wind blowing constantly
across my face as it moves my clothes
anyone who’s been here already knows
that life out here is a little laid back
a single speed bike a drink in the pack
there”s no time that you got to be there
enjoy the rays every second of the day
forget your cares
Let”s go south together
where the island puts a smile on your face
guaranteed
you”ll leave your blues in your shoes
cause sandals is all you”ll ever need
every day is a weekend with that tropical feel
you can find me with my rod and reel
people on vacation i”m already here
i know what i want what i got no tourist dues
just pay the rent like i”m supposed to
||: Let”s go south together
where the island puts a smile on your face
guaranteed
you”ll leave your blues in your shoes
cause sandals is all you”ll ever need :||
palm trees are swaying over sandals walking
around the shops
tourist are talking at the dark
the neon excites the night
while islanders are feeling alright
Let”s go south together
where the island puts a smile on your face
guaranteed
you”ll leave your blues in your shoes
cause sandals is all you”ll ever need
you”ll leave your blues in your shoes
cause sandals is all you”ll ever need
Wanna Be Your Someone
January
Patricia Bishop and Jesse Navarro
2021
Wanna Be Your Someone
Patricia Bishop and Jesse Navarro - ©2020
V1
“There’s someone for everyone”
My friends would always say
But they never could convince me
I searched for love in every place
Couldn’t find a single trace
I thought it wasn’t meant to be
Lead In – Until you caught up with me
Chorus 1
I wanna be your someone
Wanna be the one you wake up with
In the morning light
Be the one who holds you tight
All through the night
I wanna be your someone
Wanna be your someone
V2
I’ll give you whatever you need
Be there whenever you call
I promise to always be true
You’ll have my love and trust
If you think it’s not enough
Give you all my money too
Lead in - Do anything for you
Chorus 2
I wanna be your someone
Wanna be the one you’re thinking of
Twenty-four seven
Be the one you wanna love
Be your slice of heaven
Wanna be your someone
Wanna be your someone
Chorus 1
I wanna be your someone
Wanna be the one you wake up with
In the morning light
Be the one who holds you tight
All through the night
Wanna be your someone
Songbird
November
Andrew Fischer
2021
My little songbird
Where have you been so long?
It’s been far too many days
Since you’ve been gone
I miss your whistling
I miss your melody
You used to sing your sweet song
For me
Oh, darling won’t you fly back home?
I don’t want to have to sing my own blue song
You left me lonesome
You left me by myself
Now you’re singing your sweet songs
For someone else
Oh, darling won’t you fly back home?
I don’t want to have to sing my own blue song
My little songbird
Where have you been so long?
It’s been far too many days
Since you’ve been gone
Stay Alive
November
Anna Beavers
2021
Staying Alive © Anna Beavers November 2020
Vitamins, exercise,
Music scales, long drives
Taking deep breaths of cool mountain air
New words, new tunes,
New friends, good food
I’m not looking to go anywhere
CHORUS 1
There’s less time ahead than there is behind
And a certain liberation In the passage of time
I’m tethered to the earth reaching for the sky
But my heels are dug in. I’m not ready to fly
Determined to stay alive 'til I die
See my grandson throw his first pitch
Nail my big break without missing a lick
Wake to the sound of you saying my name
There’s so many things keeping me in the game
CHORUS 2
Like Ruth Bader Ginsberg I want them to say
“She stayed on the bench ‘til her very last day”
I’m tethered to the earth reaching for the sky
But my heels are dug in. I’m not ready to fly
Determined to stay alive 'til I die
Sway with the aspen dancing in gold
Watch the lives of our children unfold
Ride through Colorado with you by my side
Playing our favorite songs with the stars as our guide
REPEAT CHORUS 1
Outro:
We’re gonna round those curves in the road
We’re gonna stay alive 'til we go
Oh Christmas Tree
November
J. C. Edel
2021
Oh Christmas Tree
Music and Lyrics by James Craig Edel
Copyright © James Craig Edel
Houston, TX 77057 (713) 822-6349
(AFTER THE LYRICS, SEE MY COMMENTS ON THE ACTUALLY-HAPPY EVENT THAT LED TO THIS SONG!!! -CRAIG)
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree
Is she looking at a tree like you?
Does she think of us the way I do?
I’d like to know
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree
Are there needles falling on her floor?
And is there someone knocking on her door?
How could you know?
I really should be getting out
Maybe shopping for my friends
But God, she's all I think about
This feeling never ends
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree
There's so many things I could have done
How could I love again with anyone?
How could you know?
How could she go?
I miss her so
WHAT LED TO THIS SONG: Thanks for all the nice comments! Believe it or not, this song was actually inspired by an event that was happy. On a visit to Tucson, my home town, I'd had a terrific date with a woman named Yvonne, who was a friend of my sister, and whom I'd known since high school. The following December, I called Yvonne to see how she was doing, and she told me that she was having a glass of wine and trying to dislodge a screwdriver from the base of her Christmas tree. How it had gotten there, I don't remember, but it was an amusing story and part of a good and cheerful conversation. So, how in the heck did that turn into a sad song? Well, it's just a lot more fun to write a poignant song (to use Kari's apt word) than one that's upbeat! Ask Jimmy Webb...
You Cant Handle The Truth
November
Tammy Carroll
2021
You Can’t Handle The Truth by Tammy Carroll
Verse 1:
What if I showed you,
All my brokenness?
Opened the door to my soul,
And let you in.
Would you judge me,
And all my many faults?
Or should I keep my guard up,
And add another lock to the vault?
Verse 2:
What if I spilled my soul,
All over your comfort zone?
Before the surge of my sins…
Could ever be atoned.
What if I don’t fit in,
With your family or your friends?
Would it be the end,
Before we begin?
Chorus:
Can you handle my unrest?
Can you engage in my wars?
These scars I’ve had since a youth.
Is it really me you want, are you so sure?
Cause the way I see it,
You can’t handle the truth.
Verse 3:
What if I made this easy and beckoned you to go;
Before this moment gets out of control?
Or what if I take a risk and removed the masquerade?
Would we be Arlecchinos in the town parade?
Chorus:
Can you handle my unrest?
Can you engage in my wars?
These scars I’ve had since a youth.
Is it really me you want, are you so sure?
Cause the way I see it…
You can’t handle the truth.
Cause the way I see it…
You can’t handle the truth.
Mary Sarah
November
Jeanie Rosenberg Trotter, Buddy Trotter, and Danny Liggett
2021
Mary Sarah
Jeanie Rosenberg Trotter, Buddy Trotter, and Danny Liggett
V1
As I walked to the library
To check out a book
I saw a young boy being teased
For the way he looked
A little girl emerged
and broke up the fight
I was reminded of a girl
Who once saved my hide
Chorus 1
Mary Sarah, where are you now?
Mary Sarah, I lost you somehow
V2
We met for the first time
Way back in school
You were in pigtails
I was acting the fool
We became friends
You always had my back
But time moved on
And somehow we lost track
Chorus 2
Mary Sarah, for a short time
Mary Sarah, our paths did align
You stood up to bullies, to me you were divine
Your memory will forever be mine
Bridge
You were ahead of your time
You acted if you saw a crime
You helped me in need
A female hero, indeed
Solo/turnaround
V3
I’d like to locate you
And say what you meant to me
The years obscured your last name
But your face I clearly see
Chorus 3
Mary Sarah, I’d love to find you now
Mary Sarah, to talk to you somehow
My memories of you are not lost
I’m thankful that our paths crossed
©2020 Rosenberg, Trotter & Liggett
My Love
November
Jay Harris
2021
My Love
Woke up this morning, and of course I thought of you.
Where would we go today? What would I hear you say?
Some great adventure, I could never find myself.
But you know where to go. Always higher, never low.
Chorus
My love, is your love, I hope it’s all you’ll ever need
My love, your love, I pray it’s all we’ll ever need.
What makes it happen, I guess no one understands.
Just what I do to you, just what you do to me.
No expectations, no judgements or demands
Just calm as we can be, just how it outta be.
You shine just like a million stars when I look into your eyes,
Filling every hole inside of me like waters from a tide.
Good times come so easy, like a sunset from a ridge
Seeing colors no one's ever seen from nothing that we did..
My love, is your love, I hope it’s all you’ll ever need
My love, your love, I pray it’s all we’ll ever need.
A Dreamer Of Dreams
November
Ron Rost
2021
A Dreamer Of Dreams
This song I wrote from a SWRFA song (prompt)
All my life moving in circles
Forever on pace to restart
A roundabout circuit the only course I know
an automated journey I’m on
Always I see smiling faces
The cheerful enchanted abound
My role to deliver a gleeful guarantee
But there’s someplace that I’d rather be
Chorus
If I could break my reins and run
Find my place in the sun
Finally free what a life I’d lead
A dreamer of dreams like me
I long to let loose on the prairie
Drink from a cool mountain stream
Feel the salt breeze as I bolt down the beach
Why should that be out of reach
Chorus
I’m just a painted pony on this midway carousel
Yearning to grab that brass ring
Living my life on a Merry-go-round
A dreamer of dreams like me
If I could break my reins and run
Find my place in the sun
Finally free what a life I’d lead
A dreamer of dreams, a dreamer of dreams
A dreamer of dreams like me
Is that so much to ask
(So much for the horse)... to ask
Parrothead Man
November
Dan DeHart
2021
Parrothead Man
Dan DeHart 2019
His home was a boat named “Parrothead Fan”
A floating shrine to the Margarita Man
He played Jimmy’s songs in the local bars
Hoping for tips, to be thrown in a jar
He had no family or a steady girlfriend
He’d been very famous, he liked to pretend
His life seemed to hang on the present tense
Which, of course, was just a careful defense
========================
Chorus
He tried to be Buffett, to hide all the tears
From a broken heart he’d protected for years
He’s put on a show by downing the beers
While running from love, not the man he appeared
======================
He was the life of party, when he played his guitar
To impress all the tourists at the Tiki Bar
Eyeing the crowd and hoping to lure
A semi good looker for a sailboat tour
He’d show her some photos he’d carefully chose
That made him look happy in his previous shows
He hoped of course she would spend the night
Then send her off forever on the next day’s flight
=====================
Instrumental
=================
Chorus
======================
His world revolved around his life on the sea
And sinking away old memories
==============================
Chorus
Tag
While running from love, not the man he appeared
Hiding his heart he’s protected for years
Be There
November
regineld Shelton Jesse Navarro
2021
All I ask is for you to care trouble arise be there
experience life’s wonderful highs
so much better having you by my side
always show me that you care
when trouble arise be there
your love a symbol of pride it’s the stuff that keeps me in stride
your love has closed the divide
know I feel so alive
always show me that you care
when trouble arise be there
being there is essential as the air I breathe
it as important as the books I read your not a farmer
but you planted a seed our love grows deep with out any weeds
always show me that you care
when trouble arise be there
always show me that you care
when trouble arise be there
it’s a beautiful thing two people come together
it’s up to us make it last forever
Our Train Still Goes
November
Kari Loya
2021
Song Lyrics 058 – Our Train Still Goes
Kari Loya 2020
When up is down and down is up. And everything feels like a start-up.
With no Angels ’round… and more lost than found…
We keep heads up try to look ahead through the fiery haze of gloom and dread.
Life telescopes by and makes us ask why?
We do all this chuggin’ but not enough huggin’ and every day brings more debuggin’
So we rack our brain ‘bout what to attain.
Our 20/20 seems long gone… we all just tryin’ to hang on.
But our train still goes…
Chorus:
Chooga chooga cha
Chooga chooga cha cha
Chooga chooga cha
Chooga chooga cha cha
These rails could lead anywhere
So let’s hit the next station and take it from there…
Da da da da da da da da da da da da
Da da da da da da
Da da da da da da
5-4-3-2-1 and go. Ain’t gonna sit around waitin’ for a show cause…
We the ones on stage makin’ beauty from rage.
We can be the Phoenix now. Ain’t gonna settle for less than WOW…
We the ones to rise and be wealthy and wise.
Hop aboard, join the fiesta. Got 1st class and Wild Westa.
Every minute’s gonna testya. Fun with friends? Yeah, you betcha…
Hi speed? Lo speed?—Don’t matter. Mountain passes… Something flatter…
But our train still goes….
Chorus 2x
Bridge:
Our train still goes and goes and goes [6x]
But our train still goes…
Go! Go! Go! Go!
Chorus
A Little Lovin
November
Patricia Bishop and Jesse Navarro
2021