I Feel Like a Clown

I can feel your heartbeat though it's miles away
I can't hold out forever
Or is it the price to pay

And when you're living in it
Things can bring you down
Flip a coin separate or merger
I feel like clown

(chorus)
I feel like a clown (for loving you)
I'm lost and I'm found (When I'm loving you)
It's a beautiful day (What can I say)
Oh oh oh... I feel like a clown.. (repeat 1x)

I can sense just what you're feeling though your miles away
And I know just what you're thinking
Cuz today is the day

And when you feel that pressure rising
Things can slap you down
Take my hand and hold out forever (cuz)
I feel like a clown

I feel like a clown (for loving you)
I'm lost and I'm found (When I'm loving you)
It's a beautiful day (What can I say)
Oh oh oh...Cuz, I feel like a clown..
(repeat chorus x 2 and fade)
Copywrite 2007 JMD

Random thoughts.......

I had an email from a reader of the humble little blog who asked me how do I find the inspiration to write so many lyrics. Well to be honest I don't know how I do it or why it happens the way it does. I do know I love to write and have done so, according to my mother since I was a little child writing poems.

Usually when I write things happen pretty fast. Often in 10 to 15 mins from the start to the quote "finished" lyric. The one thing and just about only rule I follow and have is I do not FORCE the writing. It has to happen naturally. Sometimes when you start writing something you hit a brick wall. The words stop flowing. I refuse to bang my head on the concrete and wring my hands. I simply set the piece aside and come back to it later. Sometimes that later is 30 mins sometimes the next day or even week, sometimes longer. Sweating over it doesn't work for me and I think hurts the creative process. At least for me. Often when I put a lyric aside I start another one. Hitting a wall with one piece doesn't mean your creative juices stop flowing either.

Nor do I try to write everyday. Many days I do and sometimes several days go by and I don't feel any "magic". Still the bottom line is I don't force or rush the process.

Now I am nowhere what you could call a successfully lyric writer. I have never sold a lyric for a profit or has a band use one. One reader of this humble blog did put some music to one of the lyrics I wrote and I will be posting that audio very soon. Another reader tells me he is working on some music to another lyric as well. To be honest I am very pleased and satisfied about this. I view the lyrics on this blog as "open source" lyrics. If you want them take them and use them. All I ask is credit for the lyrics when used. If by some slim chance the finished product becomes a success there will be plenty of money for all. Hey I can dream right?! Meanwhile if your a musician and you see something that I have written that you like by all means use it. JUST TELL ME! And these lyrics aren't set in stone either. Writing a song is an evolutionary process. You must be flexible and understand a word or phrase that looks good on paper might not fit in that place when music is applied.

My dream is to work with two songwriters. Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon and Gary Cherone from EXTREME. Both of their styles are different from each other but to work with either one or BOTH (I can dream right?!) would be a life altering experience. It was Gary Cherone who lit the fire under my ass to post my lyrics on the web. It was an accidental meeting between me and Gary at a local restaurant and during the conversation Gary told me to "get them out there and post them on the web". I doubt Gary would even remember the conversation if asked, but I do! Cronin on the other hand is the frontman/lead singer and chief song writer for one of my favorite bands. I first saw REO live in 1982 and was hooked instantly. Cronin often has a "folksy" lyrical style that captures the very essence of the music. Perhaps someday I will have the honor of writing a song (or two) with these guys. Kevin? Gary? You out there? Let's write some music!

CAUGHT BETWEEN

She wore next to nothin'
Kind of drove me wild
She could light that cigarette up
And she could keep a smile

Little whispers into my ear
Meet me at my place
Is all that I'd hear

And I never knew just what heartache was
Until she left me hangin... so far from above

Now I'm caught between... love and hate
I can feel the pressure
Of two hearts on the take
Now I'm torn between.... love and devotion
Singin' to the wind
I'm loosin' all emotion

Chorus
I'm caught between
It's a bad situation
Ripped at the seams
Lookin' for inspiration
Caught between
It's a bad situation
Ripped at the seams
Lookin' for inspiration

She used to talk real cute
And make you feel used
She could hold you to the floor
Never thinking your abused

And I never knew just what heartache was
Until she left me hangin... so far from above

Now I'm caught between... love and hate
I can feel the pressure
Of two hearts on the take
Now I'm torn.... between love and devotion
Singin' to the wind
I'm loosin' all emotion (to chorus)
copywrite 2007 JMD

Just a Lie

oh oh oh oh oh oh...

How do I fill the hours
How do I spend my time
Why do I cling to this loneliness
When I seem to be running out of time

And I see in the mirror a stranger
One that passes me in the night
To scarred to search for answers
To lost to admit it's just a lie

oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

These hollow halls of this empty house
Used to be a home
6 months to the day that you left me
6 months since your spirit let go

How do I pick up the pieces
How am I to survive
Death came knocking and took you away
Now I see no point in living this life

And I see in the mirror a stranger
One that passes me in the night
To scarred to search for answers
To lost to admit it's just a lie

oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

How do I fill the hours
How do I spend my time
Why do I cling to this loneliness
When I seem to be running out of time

Oh life just seems to be a lie..........
Just a lie
JUST A LIE.
Then you die.......

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh...

Just a lie

Gonna Run to You

There's a message
Hear it loud and clear
Feel the passion
Burnin' deep from within

I can see you standing there
Just as clear as the day
There's no tomorrow tonight (baby!)
You'd better turn off the light.....

Chorus
I'm gonna run to you baby
(Here I come)
I'm gonna take you down baby
(One on one)
It doesn't matter if you say no
I can see your heart,
Come on let's go....
I'm gonna run to you baby
(Here I come)
I'm gonna take you down baby
(One on one)
It doesn't matter if you say no
I can see your heart,
Come on let's go....

I can hear you callin'
Out to me
Your temperature is fallin'
It's what's meant to be

(bridge)
And when I see you standing there
I wanna reach out and touch your hair..
(to chorus)

Oh I can hear the message
It's loud and clear
And I can feel the passion
Burnin' deep from within
(to chorus)
copywrite 2007 jmd

LOVE (it's gonna find you)

Love
Oh it's a four letter word
It'll knock you around drag you down
But then it's the sweetest sound you've heard
Love
Yeah Love....

Well it'll take you to the limit
Lift you up when you feel down
And then slap your face to the ground
Love
Yeah Love....

Well there's not much you can do
You might as well open your heart
Cuz sooner or later love's gonna find you

Love, Yeah love
Love, Yeah love
It's gonna find you...

Love
Oh it's a mystery to us all
Rain or shine it's around us all the time
And you feel you got something to prove (with nothin' to lose)

Well there's not much you can do
You might as well open your heart
Cuz sooner or later love's gonna find you

Love, Yeah love
Love, Yeah love
It's gonna find you... (whatcha you gonna do?)

Love
Go on and say it
Love
No matter how you play it
Love
Needs no inspiration
Love
Yeah Love
It's gonna find you.
copywrite 2007 JMD

Follow Me

YA!

Follow me into the wilds of tomorrow
Lay your troubles down
We can leave right away

Will you take the lead
Or stumble n' fall
I can see the path it leads straight away

(Bridge)
But I can't hold your hand if you don't want me too
I can say a prayer for your soul
We can steal away for just a moment in time
Follow my lead and I'll take you home

(Chorus)
YA! YA! YA! YA!
O Follow me into the wilds of tomorrow
Lay your troubles down we can leave right away
Will you take the lead, or stumble or fall
I can see the path it's not so far away

And tomorrow when the sun rises
We both can be far far from home
Two lovers at best and friends for a life time
Take a chance on me, go on and prove me wrong

(Bridge)
But I can't hold your hand if you don't want me too
I can say a prayer for your soul
We can steal away for just a moment in time
Follow my lead and I'll take you home
(to chorus)

Follow me
go on now
Follow me
I'll bring you home
Follow me
Follow me
Follow me YA! o BABY follow me....
copywrite 2007 jmd

Down and Out

I've been walking the wild side of these mean streets
Trying to leave my mark
Cut to the chase they said I'd never make it
Son "Don't even try to start"

Well I ignored all the words they said
Figured I'm old enough to make my own bed
Now I'm not alone and look at the price I paid

Chorus
For walking the mean streets
I'm still standing tall
I'm still walking these mean streets
And your never gonna see me fall (AT ALL!)

Well I've been down and out damn near broke
Just trying to cut my own path
Take it the limit come on make or break me
Cuz ya know I'm gonna last

Well I cut to the chase
Tomorrow is just another day
Take a look this is what I have to say (to chorus)

Well I ignored all the words they said
Figured I'm old enough to make my own bed
Now I'm not alone and look at the price I paid

Well I've been down and out damn near broke
Just trying to cut my own path
Take it the limit come on make or break me
Cuz ya know I'm gonna last (to chorus)
copywrite 2007 jmd

FIND YOU OWN WAY HOME by REO SPEEDWAGON

A review of REO SPEEDWAGON'S new CD.
"FIND YOUR OWN WAY HOME".

After nearly 20 years REO SPEEDWAGON is back on the charts with their first studio album in 11 years. The genesis for the album began a couple of years ago when the band played a new song while on out on tour. The new song titled "EVERYTHING YOU FEEL" ignited a plethora of creative energy in the band and gave birth to the completion of 10 new tracks on the self released album titled FIND YOUR OWN WAY HOME. The bands 15th original studio release.

The album is REO through and through. A rock sold mix of hard rocking songs sprinkled with some of the softer touches REO is famous for. Leave no doubt. This album is one of the best the band has ever done and it is obvious the band it proud of it as well. And they damn well should be. It is every bit as potent as the classic multi platinum release Hi Infidelity from 1980 and shows REO is still capable of going full tilt in the studio.

The first song. SMILING IN THE END is a powerful crank up the volume rocker that not only holds its own musically but lyrically as well. IT ROCKS!

The second track, and title track for the album, FIND YOUR OWN WAY HOME also delves into strong lyrical heights. Definite single material!

The third song I NEEDED TO FALL slows the pace down a bit but don't let that fool you. It stands up musically with the best of them.

DANGEROUS COMBINATION is the 4th song and it has a near country feel to it. Lead singer and frontman Kevin Cronin teamed up with his good friend Jim Peterik from Survivor to pen this gem

LOST ON THE ROAD TO LOVE is the 5th song and this baby make you want to sing along with it. Upbeat and driven this song delivers more than you expect!

Track six, ANOTHER LIFETIME, is without a doubt one of my favorite songs on the album and one of my favorites from REO ever. Another definite sing along song.

RUN AWAY BABY takes the album's 7th slot and packs a somewhat surprising JAZZ type fell to it yet maintains that distinguished REO feel and sound at the same time.

The eighth track, EVERYTHING YOU FEEL is a rock solid old school REO anthem that will blister your eardrums. Quite possibly the best song on the album as well and the genesis for the new album.

BORN TO LOVE YOU takes the 9th slot and was written by REO bass player Bruce hall who also sings the song as well. This song ooozes class and has a very distinct sound with a heavy bass. For the first time ever on a REO song a clarinet is used. Played by none other that Bruce Hall's father BILL HALL. A first for both the instrument and someone from one of the bands family members to play on an REO album.The last song ends the CD with a great power ballad.

LET MY LOVE FIND YOU is a definite tear jerker but don't let that fool you. The song has class and the chops to be solid hit.

REO teamed up with legendary music producer Joe Vannelli from Blue Moon Studios and the results speak for themselves. While REO has maintained one of the strongest touring schedules over the years is a great feeling to see them back in action with new material and new CD. You can listen to samples of the songs on REO's WEBSITE at www.speedwagon.com You can also purchase the CD directly from the website or at most major record stores and WALMART.

Without a doubt this album ranks a 10 out 10 and is a must have in your collection. You simply will not be disappointed. One thing is for sure REO Speedwagon doesn't need to find their way home. But their album needs to find its way into yours.

I Remember

I remember the first time
I remember the last time
There's part of me that doesn't want to remember the past

And how can I say I sorry
When those words just don't feel right
How can I take the blame
When I didn't start the fight (cuz I remember)

Should I stay
Or should I go (I remember)
Those questions I don't want to face
I just want to feel.... your embrace, (your embrace)

I remember the long goodbye
I remember the first hello
And yet part of me doesn't want to remember anything at all

And how can I face tomorrow
When yesterday is still far behind
How can face the sorrow
When it was you who walked out of my life

And yesterdays turn to tomorrows
O the road of love can be unkind
Follow me we'll cut to the truth
Though the truth will cut us to the bone

I remember the first time
I remember the last time
There's part of me that doesn't want to remember the past
(and I)
I remember the long goodbye
I remember the first hello
And yet part of me doesn't want to remember anything at all

and part of me doesn't want to remember it all (all, all, all)

But.. should I stay
Or should I go
The questions I don't want to face
I just want to feel.... your embrace.

your embrace (I remember)
your embrace (yeah)
your embrace (I remember)
O I remember... Your embrace
copywrite 2007 jmd

Say You're With Me

Roundin' the corners
Twist in the wind
Feeling the pressure
Yeah it builds from within'

And you can hear the countdown callin' 1, 2 3
Raise your hands cuz it's time to believe
There's no despair
Love's in the air...tonight

(chorus)
Say you're with me
Or say you want to go
My bags are packed
It's time to move on you know

Taking the bi-ways
Lost in the crowds
Reachin' for heaven
But lost on the ground

(bridge)
No need to take the train to anywhere
Rise above your anger you're almost there
There's no depsair
Love's in the air.... tonight

(chorus)
Say you're with me
Or say you want to go
My bags are packed
It's time to move on you know

Tonight I'll show you.. My plan (to chorus x3)

Oh Oh Say you're with me
Say you're with me
Say you're with me
Say you're with me
Just say you're with me (to bridge and chorus)
copywrite 2007 JMD

DO YOU WANNA GO HOME

She was just another "girl gone wild'
Far from home, yeah a runnaway child
Feeling the streets from the back seat of a car

Well she grew up in a normal home
Hit the pavement running well before she was 21
Searchin' for answers thinkin'she was alone

L.A. was going to be her town
Gonna make it big be a star somehow
Slip the needle in, don't worry about her friends

(chorus)
So tell me girl do you wanna go home
Your mother misses you and daddy's not at home
There's more to life than livin' in despair
So tell me lady what's the price you paid
Sellin' your soul day by day
So tell me girl don't you wanna go home

She was a problem child or so they said
Didn't want to play with dolls
Wanted to chase the boys instead
O girl you didn't have to run

Well as time slips on by her
Those memories just won't fade
She's still searchin' for the riddle
Cuz the answer is the price she paid
(to chorus)

She was just another "girl gone wild'
Far from home, yeah a runnaway child
Feeling the streets from the back seat of a car

L.A. was going to be her town
Gonna make it big be a star somehow
Slip the needle in, don't worry about her friends
(to chorus)
COPYWRITE 2007 JMD

SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER

I've been a fool
Thinkin' I could survive
Thinkin I didn't need you
By my side

I should have seen the answers
Should've heard the call

(Chorus)
Should have known better
Than to let you go
Should have held on tighter
I shouldn't have let you run

I've been a little crazy
Since you walked out the door
That voice inside my soul
Wanted to run and hide

And I.. Should've seen the answers
Seen the writing on the wall
Should've held on tighter
Shouldn't have let you fall
(to chorus)

Bridge
What kind of fool
Would have let you go
I look in the mirror
And the answer is clear

And I.. Should've seen the answers
Seen the writing on the wall
Should've held on tighter
Shouldn't have let you fall
(to chorus)
COPYWRITE 2007 JMD

I Believe

I've been thinkin' about what was said
And ya know I'm still upset
by the very look I see in your eyes

And I've heard through the wire
That you gonna call this love quits
But when I said "forever" that is what I meant

Oo And I believe in holding hands
Long walks together on the sand
I believe in you and me
I believe in silent nights
Morning drives that last all night
oo girl I believe in you and me

I've been searchin' for the right words
I hope would calm you down
But sometimes life's not fair

And I've dreamed those dreams
That we've conquered those fears
And when I said "forever" that is what I meant

Oo And I believe in holding hands
Long walks together on the sand
I believe in you and me
I believe in silent nights
Morning drives that last all night
oo girl I believe in you and me

I've been looking for the right time
To gently take your hand
And whisper the words of love that we need to hear

Cuz I believe in miracles
I believe in love
I believe tomorrow will be the start of the rise above

Oo And I believe in holding hands
Long walks together on the sand
I believe in you and me
I believe in silent nights
Morning drives that last all night
oo girl I believe in you and me

copywrite 2007 JMD

This is one of the most heartfelt lyrics I have ever written. While all lyrics come from the heart, some like this one take a little bit more out of you and as a result mean a little more in terms of feeling than others. I hope someone at some point will take this lyric and put the same feeling the words contain into the music so it can be shared with others. Crazy? Perhpas but I never said I was 100% sane anyway. So if anyone would like to tackle the music to this lyric (or any others for that matter!) please do. You have my blessing and sincere hope you will find it a rewarding experiance. JMD.

Down and Out

Ridin' on the tidal wave of love
Lord don't let me fall
Sink or swim I'm on the crest of a norm
Won't somebody let me hang ten

Cuz I've been down to bottom sitting on the ocean floor
Staring at the ceiling just looking for love

(chorus)
Down and out
Looking for something that I have forgotten about
Down and out
I handed you my heart now my loves worn out

Searchin for a feeling that has passed me by
Lord take my hand
Push and shove I'm just looking for love
Won't someone let me in

Cuz I've been down to the river swallowed by the flood gates
Heaven opened up but I fear it's hell that awaits
(to chorus)

(Bridge)
And it seems there's nothing left for you and I
I've cried all I can cry
Is there nothing left of you and I.... (Yeah!)

(chorus2)
Cuz I'm Down and out
Looking for something...
Down and out
Looking for you
Down and out
Down and out
Down and out
copywrite 2007 jmd

SKIN ON SKIN

Feel the anger build inside
The blood you spilled can cost you life

Seal your fate with the flash of a knife
Skin on skin are you up for the fight

Cuz it's a knockdown fight on the edge of the streets
Back alley runnings have got you beat
Play the middle don't try to win
Knock yourself out cuz death's gonna win

Skin on Skin
Are you gonna win
Skin on Skin
Don't let it in
Skin on Skin
Skin on Skin
Skin on Skin

Back alley lovers don't leave room for stains
Kiss your dreams goodbye when you can't take the pain
Cuz it's a knockdown fight on the edge of the streets
Back door knockers have got you beat

Skin on Skin
Are you gonna win
Skin on Skin
Don't let it in
Skin on Skin
Skin on Skin
Skin on Skin
copywrite 2007 jmd

Help Needed! Advice Welcome!

Does anybody out in blogging land have a suggestion as to what is the best method for posting AUDIO to this blog or any blog for that matter? Is YOUTUBE a viable method or is there another service that does this with relative ease?

Thank you!

LyricHut

Don't Know What to Do

It's a battle of wills
And only one can survive
So do I really need the anger and you in my life
Or do I hold on
To what I feel deep inside
I feel so confused and the feelings won't subside

I just don't know what to do!
oooooooo...
I don't know what to do
oooooooo
I don't know what to do
But I know... I can't stop loving you

There's no use in cryin' over yesterday
Loves path can lead the way
So tell me now do you believe in truth
Or are you in the game of being used?

oooooo
I don't know what to do
oooooo
I don't know what to do
oooooo
But I know.... I can't stop loving you
I just don't know what to do
COPYWRITE 2007 jmd

Weekend Love

Your love tastes and bites
I don't wanna have a weekend love
Taste and bites and you take it back
Oh no.. Oh no... Oh no....

(chorus)
I don't wanna have a weekend love
You carry me high but I fall alone
You give me love in the gift of the moon
Some nights aglow..Other nights I'm alone

Oh no Oh no Oh no

I don't wanna have a weekend love
It's having you or nothing at all
I hate these crazy games you play
Playing with my love in crooked ways

Oh no, Oh no, Oh no

I don't wanna have a weekend love
You carry me high but I fall alone
You give me love in the gift of the moon
Some nights aglow
Other nights I'm alone

copywrite 2007 JMD and Nasra Al Adawi

Nasra sent me another great poem to transform lyrically. This lyric is rather simple, but I think it makes a very valid and touching point between a persons dream and the coming understanding of reality. Something most of us have faced at one time or another. You can find more or the very talented Nasra's works here:A Window Within Myself If you haven't been to her blog you owe it to yourself to pay it a visit. Thanks NASRA!

It's Up To You

There's so much I need to talk about
With you.. With you.
There's so much I need to learn about
From you... From you..

Give n take it, make or break it
The choice.. It's up to you
It's up to you
It's up to you

There's much we've learned
So much has been lost
I'm begging you girl
Not to forget the cost

Without the memories
We wouldn't have the pain
I'm reaching for you
But its just not the same

(Chorus)
(you)Give n take it, make or break it
The choice.. it's up to you
Give n' take it, make or break it
The choice, yes it's up to you

There's so much I need to think about
From you, from you
There's so much I need to forget about
With you, with you

But you give n take it, make and break it
The choice.. It's up to you
It's up to you
It's up to you
It's up to you
It's up to you
It's up to you

And I've bided my time
For far to long
I'm losing my grip
Just tryin' to hold on

To you
To you
To you
(to chorus)