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The world is a beautiful place to pursue your dreams...

Michael's Song Lyrics

Recently-released singles -

 The Guy Who Won (2024)

Tell me what you’re waiting for 

Don’t you want a country anymore 

More than one man’s angry noise 

About how he didn’t lose - oh boy 

 

How he lost lost his mind 

Moaning about witches all the time 

What about a leader who gets things done 

Let’s hear it for the guy who really won 

 

Spread the message door to door 

Facts they matter even more 

More than living in a checkered past 

Good riddance to the guy who came in last 

 

How he lost lost his mind 

Moaning about witches all the time 

Now we got a leader who gets things done 

How about our best years yet to come 

Get behind the guy who really really won 
 

Tug of War (2024)

Plenty here to answer for 

Two wrongs make a right no more 

Weren’t we taught to reason 

Better than to settle scores 

Reason after reason 

To move beyond this tug of war 

 

Countless lives destroyed 

By the bombs they can't avoid 

When it's open season 

On civilians uncared for 

Reason after reason 

Come the casualties we mourn 

Move beyond this tug of war 

 

Ravaged lives underscore 

Two wrongs make a right no more 

As we’re taught to reason 

More than out to settle scores 

Reason after reason 

Why not peace in place of war 

We’ve done it time and time before 

Now move beyond this tug of war
 

 

 

What Could Be (2023)

 

What could be is a day unlike 

Any day yet to be 

As a crow calls to wake you up 

Open your eyes and see 

What could be, what could be 

 

What could be if you shine your light 

And let the darkness recede 

Life’s too short to be shamed or shunned 

Or made to feel obsolete 

Let’s just see, what could be, what could be 

 

Think what it means 

When we can dream, when we can dream 

Whatever you want to be, this I believe 

Yes we can dream, sure we can dream 

 

Santa Claus goes about it right 

How the children agree 

More surprises are on the way 

Welcome them wondrously 

Then let’s see, what could be, what could be 

 

No guarantees 

But we can dream, yes we can dream 

Whatever you want to be, this I believe 

Still we can dream, sure we can

 

 

Family Tree (2023)

 

Have you ever seen the great big family tree

Humble seed become a full stampede

Many of the leaves have fallen from the tree

Along the path that brought your life to be

 

Children who like me come late to history

Seem to have to learn it gradually

Finding what it means to scale the tree of dreams

And prepare for everywhere life leads

 

Bring on the waters of a raging sea

As the waves will churn and the storm winds sing

Just remember what means everything

From the very time we came to be

There will be a family tree

 

Look and you will see the great big family tree

All of those who brought our lives to be

Many many leaves have fallen from the tree

Along a path inviting you and me

 

Straight through the waters of a raging sea

As the waves will churn and the storm winds sing

Long remember what means everything

From the very time we came to be

There will be a family tree

There will be a family tree

 

 

Moment to Dream (2022)

 

 

Sitting on a swing - looking to a sky 

Showing off the clouds as they float by 

Possibilities 

Far as you can see 

 

This is a moment to dream 

Don’t miss this moment to dream

 

Just the place to be dangling from a kite 

Likewise for the birds as they take flight 

Blossoms fill the trees 

Full of honeybees 

 

No harm in spreading your wings 

Come take a moment  

Take a moment to dream 

 

Tell you how I feel - glad to be alive 

Reasons number one two three four five… 

Furnished with a key for all there is to see 

 

How would you like to be free 

Now take a moment to dream 

 

How would you like to be free 

Let’s take a moment  

Take a moment to dream

 

 

Justice Day (2022)

 

 

Are you feeling blue 

Don’t know what to do 

Wonderin’ why you lost your way 

 

How to go from here 

To where the coast is clear 

Intriguing case of foul play 

 

Thought you’d never ask 

Who to take to task 

Forever is a long long wait 

 

Glimmer of a dim horizon 

Though it may seem far away 

Sooner than you think the time comes

 Justice Day 

 

Flipping on the news 

Want to sing the blues 

Can you believe the world today 

 

Hard to sympathize 

With never-ending lies 

Creating utter disarray

 

Rightfully you ask 

Who’s up to meet the task 

While others turn and run away

 

Would you concede it bears reminding 

Not to look the other way 

Sooner than you think the time comes

Justice Day

 

Without appearing rude 

Or in an angry mood 

Enough of being led astray

 

All that’s on the line  

The future - yours and mine 

Is nothing to be thrown away 

 

Seems only fair to ask

That rules be hard and fast 

You break ‘em - there’s a price to pay 

 

Trust in what we must rely on 

Though it may seem far away 

Be nice to celebrate and why not 

Proclaim a special holiday 

 

Sooner than you think the time comes 

Truth is marching on and then some 

Sooner than you think the time comes 

 

 Justice Day

 

 

 

Want to Be a Flower (2022)

 

Want to be a flower in the morning sun

A gift to give to everyone

The power of a flower as a song is sung

Is the joy it brings to old and young

 

I want to be a flower - the fragrant kind

The best, nature’s yet designed

Plant me in the garden near that blushing rose

As a big black bear - trust your nose

 

Butterflies aflutter to and fro Quenching thirst - off they go Bees are bound to make their presence known

To them I’m just their ice cream cone

 

And before you know

Blossoms overflow

 

Want to be a flower in the morning sun

Awaking hope in everyone

The power of a flower as a song is sung

Is the joy it brings to old and young

 

Want to be a flower

Want to be a flower

 

 

 

Wonderful Lives (2022)

 

Who has words?

When all are under attack

Choose your words

But words aren’t bringing them back to their lives

 

Back to their lives

Back to being children leading wonderful lives

Back to their lives

Back to their lives

Back to being children leading beautiful, wonderful lives

 

Lovely words

Are no replacement to act

Conscience stirred

Can change laws and honor their lives their lives

 

Honor their lives

Honor these children leading wonderful lives

Honor their lives

Honor their lives

Honor these families who had children leading wonderful lives

 

Who has words?

Find some way to come back

Real nice words

But words aren’t bringing them back to their lives

 

Honor their lives

Honor these children leading wonderful lives

Honor their lives

Honor their lives

Honor these families with children leading wonderful lives

 

 

Opening Our Eyes (2022)

 

Look across this land

Where the future lies

Help us in opening our eyes

 

There they make a stand

Against violence out of hand

It’s land that belongs to them

It’s theirs to live their lives

 

Some are unconcerned

As honesty is spurned

We hold these truths to be inspired

 

Lessons that we’ve learned

From those who gave their lives Led to a freedom-loving country One to be admired

 

Look across this land

Where the future lies

Help us in opening our eyes in time to save their lives

 

 

 

Bounce Back (2022)

 

Way down on your luck

Wheels spun off the track

Soon the tow truck’s on its way as you bounce back

 

Scrap that long lost love

She’s not coming back

File away those memories as you bounce back

 

Grasp the inside track

Not a worry in the world When you bounce back

 

Step up to the front

Wanna lead the pack?

Who's to say you've lost your way when you bounce back

 

It's one thing to talk

Something else to act

When it's time to walk the walk now you bounce back

 

Fast ball, take a crack

No no, no one’s stopping you

When you bounce back

 

Whatcha got to lose

Make that zero

Hi ho, it’s off we go

 

Some go by the book

Others round the bend

After all it’s still your call

How you bounce back

 

Grasp the inside track

Don’t see no one stopping you

When you bounce back

 

Last call to relax

You know what you oughta do

What I’m trying to say it’s true

No no, no one’s stopping you

When you bounce back

 

 

One Man's War (2022)

 

What a place to be on these darkest nights

No one’s on the street - the bombs are falling

Hear their urgent pleas on your home TVs

Freedom’s under siege, and the fight is for survival

 

Sirens break their silence

One man’s war brought about this blight

One man’s war mustn’t be his right

 

Where to go to sleep when they’re forced to flee

What can be foreseen for their sons and daughters

One thing that they need is to live in peace

If freedom cannot be then the fight is for survival

 

Time to break your silence

One man’s war brought about this blight

One man’s war mustn’t be his right

 

Said A Father (2021)

 

Said a father to his son

Lad, your life has just begun

Long to teach you all I know

There is much you don’t outgrow

 

Walk on water all you like

Spread your wings and off you’ll fly

Far and fast as time will go

There’s still much you don’t outgrow

 

Shone my mother’s warmest love Proud to be my father’s son

Just as they knew now I know There’s so much you don’t outgrow

 

 

Rain or Shine (2021)

 

When the time is over, what is left behind? 
How to put it into words, the questions on my mind? 
What is ours, remind me - is it yours or mine? 
Or is love a magic wand, to wave in wonder, rain or shine 

Each loss, a bolt of lightning besets a towering pine 
Hope or fear? What to keep, what to leave behind? 
Once a heart is broken, where does comfort lie? 
When, a willing sky allows a clearing for the sun to shine? 

Love is why we're living; how does that get lost? 
Faster than last summer left and came the winter frost 
Short our time together, pictures in the drawer 
There you'll find my mother's gaze, too soon she left us wanting more  

When the time is over, what is left behind? 
Well advised to blaze a trail while we still have time 
What is ours, remind me - is it yours or mine? 
Or is love a magic wand, to wave in wonder, rain or shine

 

Try It On (2021)

 

Try it on 
Will the shoe fit 
Try it on 
The prince better come quick 
That's if it fits 

Try it on 
No harm in searching far 
Let's find out who you are 
You are a star 

Try it on 
As dawn is signing on 
Sun rise you welcoming light 
Shine bright shine bright 

Try it on 
On with the marathon 
The race is ready to run 
Your time has come 

Try it on 
Does the shoe fit 
Try it on 
The prince came lickety-split 
No ifs 
It fits 
It fits

 

 

HOW LONG IT TAKES (2020)

 

How long it takes  
Drives me crazy 
Waiting all this time 
Life slips away 
Lacking time enough to say goodbye 

How long it takes  
Getting on with what we all are called to face 
Lifting our gaze 
As those who've taught us 
How to live a life of grace 

How long it takes 
How long it takes 
How long it takes 
Can we be patient 
After waiting all this time

 

 

Better Future (2020)

 

Someone wants to place a bigger crown upon his head 
Long ago we changed the way our country would be led 
Make our greatness real, what we long to feel 
Drawn to where a better future lies ahead 
One of high ideals, hopes and dreams 
There a better future lies ahead 

The founding of America took place through blood and toil 
Had the battles not been won, no nation would be born 
In that hard-fought way it is ours today and tomorrow if we have our say 
Find out how greatness feels, speaking truth that heals 
Our much better future cries out 
Let a better future rise ahead 

We've come a long long way to make this home today 
And tomorrow if we have our say 
There within our reach - respect for each 
Our much better future cries out 
Proud steps forward leaving no doubt 
It's true, a better future lies ahead

 

 

 

Lov(2020)

 

Love 

 

Love lights every face 

Maps out the mission through outer space, unfazed 

 Love leads everyplace 

Longing to hold us in full embrace, always 

 

Feel the love we are part of 

From the start of time 

Spread the word ‘round the whole wide world 

With sun’s rays of light 

 

Love, our saving grace 

Abiding each moment through time and space, all our days 

 

Be the love, we’re all part of 

The light in darkest hours 

Love works wonders 

Spring, spread your flowers 

 

Love 

 

Love lights every face 

Love, our saving grace 

Love leads everyplace 

 

Love

 

How Much More (2020)

 

How much more is yet to come – and left us wanting more 
More than watch – so, get involved 

How much more it’s going to take mistakes to answer for 
How much more of wait and see, before we say: No more 

How much more, it’s up to us – to make a better choice 
Sound out, now nice and loud 

Many voices joined as one – so long waiting for 
Being heard and not just hard of hearing anymore 

Being heard and not just hard of hearing anymore 

How much more is now enough, to liberate the cork 
Twist… pop… when to pour 
Not yet time for sweet champagne – a lot more work in store 
Wonder once we get this right, how loud becomes the roar 

Being heard, no more need for fearing 
Fans are on their feet and how they’re cheering 
Being heard and not just hard of hearing anymore

 

Singles from the CURIOSITY album... 

 

Love at First Sight 

Might as well admit it  
I’m the one who did it 
Went and fell in love  
What was I thinking of? 
Hold on just a minute  
Seems only fair to share the blame 
  
You’re beautiful, admit it  
A sky that has no limit 
Starlit, big and bright  
Every night 
Can’t see no harm in it  
Nothing quite like love at first sight 
  
Soaring high go you and I  
Far to fly, ‘cross the sky 
Don’t know why it feels just right  
Right as love, at first sight 
  
Soaring high go you and I  
Far to fly, ‘cross the sky 
Don’t know why it feels just right  
Right as love, at first sight 
  
Might as well admit it  
More smitten by the minute 
Floating on a cloud  
Is that allowed? 
Don’t see no harm in it  
Nothing quite like love at first sight 
  
Soaring high go you and I  
Far to fly, ‘cross the sky 
Don’t ask why it feels just right  
Right as love, at first sight

 

 

Sweet Dreams

 Fine feast, where to start to eat? 

Taste Thanksgiving, sweet home cooking 

Still a ways to easy street 

Heaven help us make ends meet 

Each day that’s given, here’s to living 

Large, grand, dreamland… Such sweet dreams 

 

Break free, from what used to be 

Time for new things, unwind kite strings 

Grateful for a rainy day 

Marvel at the Milky Way 

Strike some real gold, lo and behold this 

Large, grand, dreamland… Such sweet dreams

 

Kind deeds, meet uncounted needs 

Stands to reason: ‘tis the season 

Yearning for a world at peace 

Learning what our lives could be 

All audition for your mission to 

Large, grand, dreamland… Such sweet dreams 

Large, grand, dreamland… Such sweet dreams

 

 

Flying

 A lifetime seems short, our time incomplete 

The journey toward home, must it be bittersweet? 

Picture the sky spring into life 

Songbirds are headed our way 

 

Fly free, far as can be 

What are the sights you’ve been longing to see? 

Fly me over the sea 

No better time to go flying 

 

Drawn to the sky, we rise to new heights 

The rush of bright feathers stands out in the light 

When you combine the song with the sight 

Time to get carried away 

 

Fly free, far as you please 

Well worth a try, floating by on the breeze 

Fly free over the sea 

What better time to go flying? 

 

Doubt cast aside, dare we to dream? 

Wake to a view unlike you’ve ever seen 

At dawn a new light, awaits in the sky 

Time to be flying away 

 

Fly free, far as can be 

Behold the sights you’ve been longing to see 

Fly free over the sea 

No finer day to go flying 

Now is the time to go flying

 

More songs from the CURIOSITY album...

 

Grab a Hold

 Raise your hand, Peter Pan 
Off we go to wonderland 
Yours to hold, a pot of gold 
Rainbows, left and right 

Pretty soon we’re flying 
Grab a hold of life 

Cast a spell, Tinker Bell 
Wings of wonder serve us well 
Full faith and trust in fairy dust 
and magic carpet rides 

Have no fear of flying 
You strike gold in trying 
Grab a hold of life 

Umm hmmm 
Mmmm hmmm hmmm 
Mmmm hmmm hmmm hmmm 
Mmm hmmm hmmm 

Poor Captain Hook, the path you took 
Well, something went awry 

Crocodiles catch pirates 
Don’t float off in silence 
Grab a hold, grab a hold of life 
Umm hmmm 
Mmm hmmm hmmm

 

What Gives

 Loss out of hand 
I just don’t understand 
What gives someone with gun or knife 
the right to take another’s life? 

Car sped too fast 
Made this child’s breath its last 
What gives someone who doesn’t care 
a license used to spread despair? 

Oh, what gives?  
Why is this? 
All we have is what we give 

When will this end?  
Where’s our common sense? 
Hopes and dreams, big and small 
They belong to us all 

Oh, what gives? 
So it is 
All we have is what we give

 

New Horizons 

 Walk with me, won’t you please? 
Count our silver linings 
Watch the birds flying free  
Finding new horizons 

Like the first sight of spring 
Morning’s sun is rising 
Every day it’s New Year’s Eve 
Finding new horizons 
Finding new horizons 

Spare a noble word and deed 
How can we be silent? 
Won’t we help those in need 
Finding new horizons 
Finding new horizons 

 

Joy 

 What comes next?  
It may surprise you 
Nonetheless, trust what’s best 
Joy takes many shapes and sizes 
More than one soon realizes 

Noise won’t stop us 
This we know 
Joy has come to steal the show 
Recognize the real McCoy 
Make this day an ode to joy 

What comes next?  
It may delight you 
Fall in step, not to fret 
Fear will find no place to hide 
Joy is here to walk beside you 

Noise won’t stop us  
Now we know 
Joy has come to steal the show 
Recognize the real McCoy 
Make this day an ode to joy

 

 

What to Be  

 Yet to be decided what is coming next  
How to know until you leave the nest?  
What to be?   
Oh yes, let’s be our best  

When it’s time to go   
Give a seed the chance to grow  
Go be Michelangelo  
But please come back and say hello  

Do you ever wonder what this life is for?  
Want to be a kid inside a candy store?  
You and me   
Oh yes, aren’t we so blessed  

Welcome on a journey   
But to where unknown  
A little more enlightened with each stepping stone  
Go in peace, oh yes  
Someone needs your tenderness  
Someone needs your tenderness   

When it’s time to go   
Leave behind a lasting glow  
Like a sunset, fading slow   
Won’t you come back and say hello

 

 

Take Your Time  

 Time to relax, pull up a chair  
Find a balloon to fly, we’ll float on air  
Yesterday’s long gone, so long  
Let’s play on  
Nothing to fear, take your time  

Waves rolling in from the ocean   
Each one awaits in its place in line  
Think of the view as a gift to you  
Your lucky day   
Take your time  

Anyone willing to volunteer?  
Who’s in the mood to come and save the day?  
Would it be, should it be, could it be you?   
Want to?  
How do I thank you?   
Be my guest: take your time  

Will we come through?   
If only I knew  
Check with an expert who hasn’t a clue  

No need to lose your composure  
After a shower the sun will shine  
Pause for a snooze if you so choose     
No rash conclusion, mass confusion  
And take your time

 

 

Morning View

 Morning view, new day’s surprise 

Wouldn’t have it otherwise 

Rising sun or falling snow 

Right at home, a golden glow 

 

So much more there is to know 

than time allows, yet even so 

Morning view, today’s surprise 

I would not want it otherwise 

 

Morning view, our time has come 

Rise and shine, bang the drum 

Just like Matthews’s winning smile 

Go and run the extra mile 

 

So much more there is to know 

than time allows, yet even so 

Morning view, new day’s surprise 

I wouldn’t have it otherwise

 

 

Hello There          

 Hey, hello there  
Hold it right there  
Feel the fanfare 
This rooster’s crowin’ 
Hesitation step aside  
You’re more than welcome on this ride 
  
River flowin’  
Grass is growin  
Wind’s-a-blowin’ 
This heart’s not slowin’ 
Know you got me feelin’ fine  
Doesn’t matter, rain or shine 
  
Just what I’ve been waiting for  
All my lonely days 
You are more than beautiful  
Let me count the ways 

Mmm hmm, mmm hmm 
Mmm hmm hmm 
Mmm hmm, mmm hmm 
Mmm hmm, mmm hmm 

Just what I’ve been waiting for 
All these rainy days 
You are more than beautiful  
Let me count the ways… 2,381 

Mmm hmm, mmm hmm 
Mmm hmm hmm 
Mmm hmm, mmm hmm 
Mmm hmm, mmm hmm 

Oh yes you do  
Have the world’s biggest smile 
Lights up the sky like it’s Fourth of July 
Whooosh 
  
Say, hello there  
Pardon my stare  
Feel the fanfare 
This rooster’s crowin’ 
Hesitation swept aside  
You’re more than welcome  
You're more than welcome on this ride 
  
Oh look at you  
With the world’s biggest smile 
Not even close 
You win by a mile  
And then some 
  
Hey, hello there 
Hold it right there 
Oh you got me feelin’ fine

 

 

Excited 

Make believe, just for fun  
Your new song goes number one 
Plan to be excited 
Thousands cheer to hear the song 
Can hardly wait to sing along 
Sure you're all excited, yeah! 
  
Find someone who loves you back 
Won’t bring on a heart attack 
Oh, to be excited 
Sharing something wonderful 
It’s sometimes hard, but never dull 
Look who’s all excited, yeah! 
  
Take the field, get the ball 
Score the goal that wins it all 
You got me excited 
What a rush, your applause  
Makes me feel like Santa Claus 
Yes indeed, would you believe 
You got me excited, yeah!

 

 

From the WAKING UP album...

Morning Song

Light has come, the day is young, early birds abound  
Curtain’s rising, sun is up  
Time to hit the ground running… around  

Yes indeed, last night was fun, but what a price to pay  
Out the door, the morning brings  
Another song to play, rushing… around  

Fill my breakfast bowl  
Love those Cheerios – on the GO!  

Come and fly a kite with me, get this off the ground  
Welcome on the ferris wheel --  
Merry go, merry go, ‘round, whirling all… whirling all around  

Up and on your toes  
Strike a victory pose – on your mark, get set – go-go-GO!

 

Grows a Tree  

Grows a tree, and we to wonder  

How on earth to climb so high?  

Tiny seed to towering tree  

Pause in awe, then proceed  

to praise the music, scale the heights  

There grows a tree  

in song and season  

Dare to dream and you grow tall  

 

Tree ever growing, climb so high  

 

Grows a tree, inviting me  

aboard, to journey toward the light  

At attention, then at ease  

Floating off on gentle breeze  

Awake your music, paint the sky  

There grows a tree  

in song and season  

Dare to dream and you grow tall

 

High Road

 Make it a promise to keep, man to the moon, one giant leap  
No giving up on ideals, proceed to the route, stop spinning our wheels  
Say, do you know, where’s the high road?  

Precious the promise of peace, a dove in the hand our children release  
You got the power to lead -- want to be fair or more about greed?  
Oh, would you know, where’s the high road?  

Mama taught me right from wrong  
Stand up, what is it we’re waiting for?  
What’s a better time than just right now?  
There’s a high road  

What IS the source of our strength -- weapons of war or freedom of speech?  
Picture a pathway of hope, insight and love, well within reach  
Deep down you know – there’s a high road  

Life reveals our time not long  
Wake up, what is it we’re waiting for?  
What is wrong if all of us… ALL of us belong?  
There’s a high road  

Deep down you know: there’s a high road  
Oh yeah, you know: there’s… a… high… road

 

What Were You Dreaming? 

What were you dreaming before it was light?  
What special place did you go for the night?  
Off on a trip of my own, who knows where  
What a surprise, awaiting me there  

There stood my father, again, in his prime  
Little had changed after all of this time  
Honor the past, thought I’d learned this by now  
But how to thank him, I still don’t know how  

Live to dream, rest in peace, wake to wonders that never cease  
How do you, how did he, make the moment a masterpiece?  

My father, the artist, his dreams came true  
The paintings he left me, I have just a few  
My brother and sister, might well feel the same  
If not for our lives, he’d have surely found fame  

What are you dreaming, what did you decide?  
Which new horizons are opening wide?  
Welcome a glimpse of a face you’ve known well -  
someone who helped you stand up when you fell  

Live to dream, rest in peace, wake to wonders that never cease  
How do you, how did he, make the moment a masterpiece?

 

 You Smile

Take your pick, any prize, what will it be?  
Oh, to hit the jackpot, and be worry-free…  

Been to many places in my life ‘til now  
Browsin’ a thousand faces lighting up a crowd  
and asked: IS that smile for me?  

Cookies full of fortune, have they brought me luck?  
Raised my expectations, watched ‘em self-destruct  
and then, you smiled at me. Then, you smiled at me. Filled my heart with glee  

Work a lot of hours, take ‘em one by one  
Time for celebrating when the job gets done  
and then, you smile…  
And then, then you smile at me  

You might say I’m mesmerized, quite a little bit  
Like the prince who found the slipper finally would fit  
Surprise: you smile at me! When you smile at me (ever so kind of you to be issuing a)  
lifetime guarantee  

Wave to Mona Lisa on a gallery wall  
Was it really Helen, fairest one of all?  
Not when, you smile. No frown on file. First prize: you smile at… me!

 

From the Sky

 Land of the free, home of the brave  
Just as large as can be are these gifts that they gave  
Mountains can move in the wink of an eye  
Land on your feet when you fall from the sky  

Where do you turn with so much to confide?  
Ever longing to share what is hidden inside  
Why would you think there’s no walking on air?  
Crossing a field is a song everywhere  

Who claims defeat -- won't put up a fight?  
What does it mean, by the dawn's early light?  
Mountains they move – it can take quite a while  
Land on your feet when you fall from the sky

 

Waiting To Be Born

Friends, prepare a toast  
Raise this glass to my host  

Katie, Tom, Ben,  
Paul and John do  
make me feel happy  
just to be making this song for you  

Bet your mother is proud  
She and Dad spent their lives devoted to  
how that daughter turned out  

It's hard to accept that families change  
Sometimes it upsets me  
But it's the way things all work out  

Thank you then -- and now  
Hey you sweet-hearted gal!  

Won't you take me back to the girl next door  
Can't you just imagine what could be  
waiting to be born?  

Waiting to be  
Waving to me  
Waiting to be born

 

I Ask You  

Who is going to bang on the bass drum?  

Poised to play the part with pride  

Who’s about to march with that head held high?  

Is it up to all of us or just the other guy? I ask you… 

 

Where is this parade to take us?  

Over yonder, rain or shine  

What would make the home town crowd so proud  

and save a special place in line?  

 

Who’s prepared to give this their best shot?  

Leaving all regrets behind  

Who would rather encore than say goodbye?  

Was an airplane possible or never going to fly? I ask you… 

 

Where is this parade to take us?  

Starting point through finish line  

Who is going to sound the big, bass drum?  

It seems to me you’ll do just fine

 

Stand and Cheer   

Stand and cheer, the baby’s born, crying out in bed  

Soon a chance to coax a smile. First, let’s get her fed  

Open up your arms, oh yeah  

This is how you stand and cheer  

 

Stand and cheer a baby boy, crawling here and there  

‘fore you know, he’s all grown up and moves like Fred Astaire  

Open every door you can  

Then he’ll walk on air. This is where we stand and cheer  

 

Warm wind blowing; guide them growing  

 

Stand and cheer your children on, toes and fingers crossed  

Theirs to build a better world. Don’t let them get lost  

Open up your heart, oh yeah  

Off to Disneyland, cue the marching band  

This is where we stand and cheer

 

How?

How to calm the storm that lies within  
and to stay on course through thick and thin?  
Don’t you lose your will  
on the climb uphill  
Stunning views are on the way  
Getting out from under  
with a shout in wonder  
Start anew today  

How to find what’s lost when you’ve grown apart  
and restore the love deep inside your heart?  
It was built to last, wait  
Not so fast,  
It is hard work every day…  
I’ll be with you all the way

 

Sing Your Song

Get this show on the road: Sing your song  
Ready? Rhyme! Curtain time, all day long  
Hello, Mr. Chickadee! You hop to -- from tree to tree  
Attaboy, spreading joy: Sing your song  

Spill the beans, eat your greens: YOU -- be strong  
Much-maligned, never mind, whereupon  
Hug the priest, tame the beast, first forgive to say the least  
On your toes, thar she blows: Sing your song… Hey Hey!  

Do it right away! No cold feet, trick or treat  
Look who’s in the driver’s seat  

Take the show, on the road: Rise and shine!  
Tap your feet, to the beat, yours and mine  
Fall in love, do it right, roll on out our wedding night  
No remorse, stay the course: Sing your song… Hey Hey!  

Do it right away! Ditch the fad, work like mad  
Thanks a million, Mom & Dad!

 

 From the PICTURES album...

 

Take a Picture 

Take a picture of us all 

Place it proudly on the wall 

Then to offer thanks again 

Wish the good times never end 

 

Prize the fountain of all youth 

Pledge allegiance to the truth 

As a summer day is long 

We come together in this song 

 

Take a picture of us all 

Smile and make a curtain call 

May the memory never fade 

Come taste the best dish ever made

 

 

Golden Gate Bridge 

I’m in love with you know who 

You remind me of a movie star, the camera’s rolling 

I, like you, know two goes better than one 

Do you agree? We’re free to take our time 

 

Golden Gate Bridge twinkles tonight 

Sun sets, moon rises, mom was right 

Catch a good night’s sleep, leaves me wide awake 

There’s a second chance; it’s a brand new day 

 

No use trying to be someone that I’m not 

just going to preach or ask for money, honey 

Make a silly face as we realize all we got 

The best is free, the rest is over-priced 

 

When I make it big I won’t forget to send 

thousand dollar bills to all my long lost friends 

No, but don’t thank me, that’s what friends are for 

If your ship came in, you would give me more – you would! 

 

Ought to take the time to take the TV out of the house 

I sit and get so fat and lazy, baby 

Want to take you out, enjoy the evening dancing about 

We’ll shake our hips ‘til they reduce in size

 

Pick me up, lift me off the ground 

If it makes you dizzy simply spin me ‘round 

With some fancy feet and a quick tip toe 

I forgot to ask, did you like the show?

 

Once Upon a Time 

Smile on a face 

time won’t erase 

Not for a good long while…

 

Once upon a time in your dreams 

arrives a prince on a fine white horse 

Lifts you up as unfolding wings 

reveal a glimpse of abiding love 

 

Once upon a time in your dreams 

a bedtime story told long ago 

Right on target, or so it seems 

to be the arrow from Cupid’s bow 

 

Answer well this wake up call 

as glad you’d gaze at a crystal ball 

Crown this prince the proudest king 

Behold how beautiful is his queen

 

Once upon a time in your dreams 

arrives a prince on a great white horse 

Magic calls as your spirit sings 

and brings you happiness evermore

 

TRY! 

Try taking a risk, sailing a ship, making a splash 

Fresh catch of the day, reelin’ it in, anchors away 

Onward toward a distant shore, sea to shining sea 

Yonder lies a land of hope, peace and harmony

 

Try baking a cake, bask in the fine mess you can make 

Fastball, swing and a miss, wave to the crowd, blow ‘em a kiss 

Deck the halls like Santa Claus, smile the extra mile 

On your toes as grandpa goes, dancing down the aisle… 

 

Onward toward a distant shore, sea to shining sea 

Happy ever after all, why not try to be? 

 

Try, try to believe, sure as a squirrel climbing a tree 

No wish to curtail, living the dream, large as a whale 

Try to find where greatness lies, search from A to Z 

Many million miles of stars shine for all to see…

 

Surprise!

Surprise -- fresh flowers, a big bouquet! 

Ghosts and goblins fade away 

as fragrant flowers burst into bloom, 

spreading joy across the room 

and out beyond this open door 

What more surprise may lie in store? 

 

Surprise on which to feast your eyes, 

still life dreams of butterflies 

Each pastel shade – pink, purple hue, 

bright this rainbow shines for you 

Allow the wonder fill your eyes 

in waves of color-swept surprise

 

So how does love first come to be? 

Ask a dancing bumblebee 

in faithful flight from bloom to bloom, 

wishing well the bride and groom 

that love like never felt before 

may rise to where the angels soar 

Surprise -- fresh flowers!

 

Hannah Rosie

Hello, Hannah Rosie! 

Heaven knows 

you’re the cutest thing ever born, 

from head to tiny toes 

Smile, Hannah Rosie! 

How you’ll grow -- kind and smart, 

say sweetheart, you got a grin that glows! 

 

Hello, Hannah Rosie! 

Precious rose 

you’re a bloom in pink, don’t you think 

your daddy loves you so

 Smile, Hannah Rosie! 

How you’ll grow -- wise and smart, 

say sweetheart, you got a grin that glows! 

 

Hello, Hannah Rosie! 

Heaven knows 

you’re the cutest thing in the world 

and we all love you so 

Smile, Hannah Rosie! 

How you’ll grow -- kind and smart, 

say sweetheart, you got a grin that glows!

 

IF AT FIRST 

Hold this child, warm and close 

Love and guide each way she grows 

Sweetest song of long ago 

Grateful gardener, tend this rose… 

 

If at first you don’t succeed 

or have yet to find your way 

and you are not sure which way to turn 

Be not led astray 

 

When the climb becomes too steep 

at a price not nice to pay 

Never once are you alone 

Help is on the way 

 

If at last you don’t succeed 

then at first, try try again 

Stand behind what you believe 

and if at first you don’t succeed 

we’ll make ourselves a better plan

 

Do you know who can do it? 

Well, YOU CAN!

 

 

Clear Blue Sky 

Sing a song with me, here we go 

From the fine first light of dawn, like a rooster crow (cock-a-doodle-doo!) 

Flash that something special, a winning smile 

It’s a warm day, with a cool breeze and a clear blue sky 

 

Hang on to a dream (do-do-do-do!), don’t let go 

Keep your eyes on the prize, you can make it so 

What we got is freedom, just walk outside 

on a warm day, with a cool breeze and a clear blue sky

 

Sing your song to me (do-do-do-do!) and many more 

May your friends around the world let out a mighty roar 

You’re nothing short of beautiful, don’t be shy 

on a warm day, with a cool breeze and a clear blue sky 

on a warm day, with a cool breeze and a clear blue sky

 

Go for Gold 

When the job to do must be done just so 

King Kong come and get to work gung ho 

How about a ring-ding-ding, and the truth be told 

Tame the greed or forsake the gold

 

That’s the way it goes 

Honest work will keep you on your toes 

Wouldn’t dare fall flat on the welcome mat 

Best to make your mark more like an acrobat!

 

Been a while. How you been? How you been? 

What you say we go for a spin? Come on in 

There’s a graveyard movie show you’d adore -- 

unlike an evening ever spent before 

 

Picnic time on the lawn, on the lawn 

Got an urge to break into song, in the throng 

Hail an all-star cast on the silver screen 

invite a ghost to join in, sight unseen 

 

Mr. Moon presides in the sky, that’s the guy 

with a smile on his face, 

as to say, “Here’s looking at you…” 

Hey there, Bogie, how do you do? 

 

They were huge in the day, in the day 

Valentino, Fairbanks -- the rage, all the rage 

May they rest in peace and eternal grace 

All welcome to their final resting place

 

Go for gold, but behave, I should say 

Not by greed be led to the grave, not today 

As the moon will shine and the West was won 

Hey, thanks to you know who is having fun

 

Mr. Moon up high in the sky, king size 

Keep that smile open wide 

May your conscience serve as your guide 

Mr. Huston, thanks for the ride…

 

 

My Friends 

My friends arrived; they’ve come to town. This horse just won the Triple Crown 

Make no secret who to thank. Take your winnings to the bank

 

My friends came by; they brought balloons. Can’t wait to sing our favorite tunes 

You, the highs; I, the lows. We might just hit it on the nose!

 

Thanks my friends, love you all, patient tree grow straight and tall

 

My friends are kind, full of fun – you’d think I’d hit a hole in one 

They’re always jumping up and down – cheer you up, play the clown

 

What makes two people friend or foe? I tell you, I’d sure like to know 

No dice living in the past, to find the future’s come too fast

 

Thanks my friends, sound the call… 

 

My friends arrived. They’ve come to call. That’s them grinning, one and all 

Pleasant dreams to each of you, peace of mind, long overdue

 

Would-be actors crash the show, flub their lines -- whoosh, off they go 

Then again there’re those like you. We’re granted each a precious few 

 

Thanks my friends, love you all, no good deed can be too small

 

 

Floating on Air 

Floating on air; it comes with a view 

Wide open spaces are calling to you 

Take time to greet them and taste the fresh air 

Proceed with kindness and care 

Savor the feeling of floating on air

 

Floating on air, like love at first sight 

Oh, to be dreaming of holding you tight 

Would I trade places with some billionaire? 

Never, no way, not a prayer -- 

not for this feeling of floating on air 

 

Floating on air; great clouds on display 

wave as the sun sends them off on their way, 

until the sky is now nothing but blue 

One little thing left to do: 

All that remains is to say I love YOU

 

 

Spring 

Say! So spring has sprung! 

The morning rain clouds passed through 

Thank you for the sun 

and what will grow 

to make this old fruit basket glad to overflow! 

 

Save your biggest smile 

to welcome all those good things 

growing on the vine -- 

soon to be ripe, 

to make our all-time favorite 

fresh-baked berry pie!

 

Hip Hip Hooray! Let’s sing this song (indubitably do!) 

in praise of all those friends like YOU 

who spur me on 

You’re very nice 

You show the way to make this world a paradise!

 

This Far 

We have come this far on board a star, 

to be born once more each day 

As a bird, arise, come greet the dawn 

Long last yawn make way

 

Come along and share what’s in your heart, 

in emerging hope and joy 

We have come this far on board a star, 

to be born once more each day 

 

We have come too far to lose our way, 

when you think of all they gave -- 

to devote their lives advancing ours, 

each and every day 

 

Now in song we long to breathe new life -- 

that song, an ode to joy 

We have come this far on board a star… 

to be born once more today!