Trying to write a song
Mon, August 2, 2010 The creative high I used to get from building bicycle frames I now get from writing and songwriting. In a way what I do now is even more satisfying.
It is one thing to take metal and paint and create something, but songwriting is taking words and musical notes out of thin air and making something from nothing. To me it is the ultimate form of creativity.
The following are the lyrics to one of my songs. The tag line at the end of every fourth verse goes:
“I’m just stringing words, trying to write a song.
It is just that; a string of random thoughts about modern life in these tough economic times.
He’s walking down the street, trying door knobs
Looking for an open one an easy place to rob.
The cop doesn’t notice crusin’ by in his car
He’s looking for drunk drivers at the local bar.
There’s a singer in the local bar, just playin’ the blues
A reporter from the local paper tryin’ to write the news
He’s workin’ on a story, workin’ on the hype
There’s a plumber in the basement working on a pipe.
He works so many hours, he works until he drops
He works because his car is in the auto shop
The mechanic working on his car is tryin’ to make the rent
He knows before the rent is due, the money will be spent.
Everybody’s got an angle, everybody’s got a scheme
Some of them have goals, and some of them have dreams
They’re just ordinary people tryin’ to get along
And I’m just stringing words tryin’ to write a song
I’m just stringing words tryin’ to write a song.
I turn on my TV, there’s two men with a mission
Although they sound quite sincere they’re just two politicians
One is a Republican, and one a Democrat
Mostly they’re just talkin’ different ways to skin a cat.
They’re talkin’ ’bout choices, and the choice of modern times
I can take it on my back, or I can take it from behind
It really doesn’t matter ’cos either way I’m screwed
It’s just government and Wall Street doing what they do.
I take it at the supermarket, take it at the pump
I try to do the best I can, to make it past the hump
Try to stretch a dollar, make it last all week
Try to keep a roof above, one that doesn’t leak.
Some of them are losers, everyone can’t win
Mostly they just take it, take it on the chin
Some try to make it better, try to right the wrong
And I’m just stringing words tryin’ to write a song
I’m just stringing words tryin’ to write a song.
We’re all ingredients in a melting pot
And I was always taught, cream rises to the top
But after all the boiling, all that rises is the scum
They don’t care about their fellow man, they think of number one.
It’s just a vicious circle if I get an education
So I can work my life away for some corporation
Work to send my kids to school to follow in my steps
Live a life of drudgery, credit, and of debt.
Maybe I’ll escape and get out of the trap
But I might be afraid to leave; I'll never make it back
I might hit rock bottom, end up on the street
Lookin’ for a fix, or just something to eat.
I might be walking down Main Street, tryin’ car doors
Lookin’ for an open one, an easy place to score
You can blame me for the crime, but don’t say that I am wrong
’Cos I’m just stringing words tryin’ to write a song
I’m just stringing words tryin’ to write a song.
Copyright: 2010 E. David Moulton
Reader Comments (6)
That's some good stuff, Dave! When will we see you on Youtube?
Got the melody?
Should we sing as hip-hop? :D
Nicely done, Dave. Hey, you should sing it on camera and post it to youtube so we can really get the feel for it. How about a cycling song? There just isn't enough cycling related songs out there.
Darryl
Thanks for your comments. Videos on YouTube are in my plans for the future; not just for songs but for talking about bikes also.
However, this will have to wait a little while as I have many other prodjects in the pipeline. Watch this space as new ideas materialize.
Dave
I am taking over responsibility for the cat issue. Just want to clarify, is the cat dead?
I like hero cycle it is very good