30 Songs in 30 Days

Day 30 - Go Outside

2011-07-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

I wanted to experiment today, the final song of this project. It's a mix of fast and slow, rock and pretty, and I like the way it turned out a lot.

That's that. 30 songs in 30 days. It's surreal to be finished. I spent more hours than I care to admit on this project. Thank you so much for listening, any and all feedback is so hugely appreciated. I'll be performing in the Flagstaff, Arizona area as much as possible in the months ahead.

Rock on!!

Lyrics after the jump.

Go Outside

I wanted to go outside
Wanted to feel so high
Doesn't matter if it's rain or shine cause
I'd been wanting to go outside
Feel the breeze go by
And get lost in the music and in time

I wanted to go outside
Had some music to write
But I needed to go out and see the sky
And now that I'm outside
I better run and hide
From these walls that I have put up in my life

I've been wasting all my days trying to feel alive
There's no debate that I've never felt quite so high
Can I relate to all the melodies gone by
I'm alive
I'm alive

I wanted to go outside
Where it is cool and dry
Whether the sun is shining or it's black as night
Just need to go outside
Feel everything alive
Let the music of lives take my life

It's time for music baby
Let's make some music baby
It's time or music baby
Summer of music baby

Racing around
This side of town
You've lost and found
This underground
Racing around
This side of town
Outside unwound
Music and sound

I wanted to go outside
Wanted to feel so high
And get lost in the music and in time

It's time for music baby
Let's make some music baby
It's time for music baby
A month of music baby

Day 29 - The Music Man

2011-07-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

This song is deep. It's about how I know my best music comes from a broken heart, and how I know I already gave up this dream once when I was in a long-term relationship. I have to be alone, give up on other dreams of love and family, to pursue this music career.

Lyrics after the jump.

The Music Man

You know
You've been wasting
Your time chasing
The girls dancing around in your head
You owe
It to the masses
Because you are the music man

You know you
Haven't got no light
Haven't got the right
You know your
Destiny's calling
Twilight is falling
On the heart of the music man

You know
You've got two loves
One is true love
The other's the guitar in your hand
You owe
It to the masses
To have your heart broken again

You know you
Haven't got no light
Haven't got the right
To find true love again
You know your
Destiny's calling
Twilight is falling
On the heart of the music man
You know that
You cannot write
When everything's alright
Inside your head
You know
You've gotta be broken
To find the words spoken
In the heart of the music man

You know
You've been wasting
Your time tasting
The lips of lovers forbidden
You owe
It to their children
To never have a wife again

Day 28 - I Loved Alone

2011-06-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Most of these lyrics are not my own, but that of my friend Ian Henson, who sent me a poem some time ago and asked me if I could try and make it into a song. The poem he sent was an interpretation of "Alone" by Edgar Allen Poe, and you'll see a few references within (including the titular one).

It was a very interesting challenge, both writing someone else's lyrics and having lyrics first altogether (I have always, always written music first). But it was a challenge that I absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed undertaking. I cut up and added to his work quite a bit (with his permission), and I think the end result is something of which we are both very proud. I know I am.

Lyrics after the jump.

I Loved Alone

Since the moment I opened my eyes
And from that day on
I have not been what another was
I have not seen what another saw
And all that I was
I was alone
And all that I loved
I loved alone

Not every rose blooms living flowers
Angst and happiness in one voice
Can't explain as others have told
My loves, my life, expectations
And all that I was
I was alone
And all that I loved
I loved alone

Whirlpools from which others receive
Sorrow of which I cannot speak
But know now when I think of me
I think of her

Can I summon courage in the void
Darkness and light in one scene
Liberty to share the air I breathe
But I inhale my solitude

And here's Ian's original piece:

Since the moment I opened my eyes and from that day on…
I have not been; as everyone else was,
I have not seen; as others have saw,
I could not explain, as others have told.
I could not bring my loves, my life, my explanations
From the whirlpool which others receive from.
Not all roses bloom living flowers
My sorrow, I could not speak of
My angst to happiness came in the same voice;
And all I loved, I loved alone.
But- now when I think of me
I think of someone else instead

Day 27 - Songwriter's Seduction of a Fair Mountain Town Princess

2011-06-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of fun with this one, been chipping away at it for weeks. A tongue-in-cheek look at dating.

Lyrics after the jump.

Songwriter's Seduction of a Fair Mountain Town Princess

It's a small forest town
Train tracks all around
What a mountain view
With all the kids in school
You're the queen of cool
And I'm inside of you

What do you say?
What do you say?

There's no new girl at the bar
Not like I have a car
And I'm inside of you
Playing my songs every day
Won't you come swing my way
And I'm around you
Cause you're the tippity-top
Of this mountain town crop
Oh how to woo you?
I couldn't buy you a beer
I've only got two cents here
And it's this song for you

What do you say?
What do you say?

Oh my fair lady
You drive me crazy
I would never kiss and tell
Can we just on a date
Have a drink and mate
You'll be my mountain belle

What do you say?
What do you say?

I'm the hippest cat
You've ever hollered at
Cause I'm inside of you
I'm the king of cool
A Colorado fool
But I'm inside of you
I'm not the handsomest man
To ever take your hand
But I'm inside of you
Just gimme a stage
Watch this war I wage
Deep inside of you

What do you say?
What do you say?

Day 26 - Game for Two

2011-06-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

Super-poppy love song, Day 26

Lyrics after the jump.

Game for Two

Quit playing this game for two
Cause baby I still love you
You're breaking my heart it's true
With all of these games you do

So tell me what's the harm
In evoking a little charm
Tell me now what's the use
In denying you want me too
You know that it's not fair
To pretend like we don't care
You know it makes no sense
To not try and be more than friends

Quit playing this game for two
Cause baby I still love you
You're breaking my heart it's true
With all of these games you do
You're not the only one
Afraid to fall in love
Quit playing this game for two
Cause baby I still love you

You know we've come too far
To ignore each other's scars
Baby we've come too close
To pretend you don't love me most
And you know it's not right
To hold your pillow tight
I should be next to you
Holding you til you're blue

Day 25 - Bleed

2011-06-27T18:42:00.001-07:00

I almost left this song as an instrumental. But it's not nearly complicated enough to justify that, I'm sensitive, and I didn't want the Internet to call me a sh***y guitar player. Day 25!

Lyrics after the jump.

Bleed

You don't bleed from my heart
You don't bleed from my heart

I don't know what to give
You don't know how to forgive
One of us had to bleed
It wasn't going to be me
You take it easy
Behind me yes you do
Drown your sorrows
I know it isn't true

You don't bleed from my heart
You don't bleed from my heart

I don't know what is left
You don't know how to forget
One of us had to bleed
It wasn't going to be me
You take it easy
Behind me yes you do
Drown your sorrows
I know it isn't true
Sit and wonder
Why I did you so wrong
Blame yourself
When I should have all along

You don't bleed from my heart
You don't bleed from my heart

Day 24 - Make Yourself

2011-06-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." -- George Bernard Shaw

Lyrics after the jump...

Make Yourself

The stars are shining brightly
The moon is glowing lightly
If destiny comes calling
Tell her I'm away
Breaking onto new ground
Problems in the background
Forging up a new sound
As if I were made of clay

It's not about what you find
It's about what you create
Let's go for a walk
We'll see what we can make
Find yourself a new life
In the shallows of a lake
Or make yourself a new man
With every breath that you take

Beautiful disaster
Shattered alabaster
Healing so much faster
You're fragments of clay
Conquering a sunrise
Perspective change for your eyes
Fate drops off a surprise
You turn her away

It's not about what you find
It's about what you create
Come and take my hand
We'll see what we can make
Find yourself a new life
In the shallows of a lake
Or make yourself a new man
With every breath that you take

Day 23 - Halo

2011-06-25T23:48:00.001-07:00

This song is about fake people.

Lyrics after the jump.

Halo

Halo
That you've got above your head
You're better than the rest
And you won't ever wind up dead
Sunbeams
Illuminate your every step
You're holier than Gandhi
Per the image you reflect

I should have known it all along

Halo
That you've tied around your neck
Your self-made noose is tightening
And you're so full of regret
Watching
As you try and hide your wreck
Your innocence is lacking
Your soul is a bounced check

I should've seen it all along
So long
Your image is perfect but you're so wrong
So wrong
I know I can
See right through you
See right to the
Evil you do
Everyone has
Got a demon
The trick is to try
Not to feed him
You only pretend to be so strong

Halo 
A portal deep inside your head
A pathway to your madness
From where your sanity has fled
Open
The wounds from where bled
The healing starts when you admit
That one day you'll be dead

You only pretend to be so strong
So strong
I should've seen it all along
So long
I know I can
See right through you
See right to the
Evil you do
Everyone has
Got a demon
The trick is to try
Not to feed him
You've been vicious
You've been vile
Yet you hide it
With your smile
Your halo will only last so long

Day 22 - Beauty and Aftermath

2011-06-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

You know when you look into some girls' eyes, you're going to be leveled. You're going to be at their mercy. It just happens. Sometimes it's beautiful... sometimes it's torture. Sometimes it's both. That, along with hardening one's heart to such phenomena, is what this song is about.

Lyrics after the jump.

Beauty and Aftermath

Two sides to every coin
Where light and shadow join
The two-edged blade she wields
Light and shadow fields
A surrenderer's gaze
A conqueror's daze
A balance in the air
Serenity to share

Waiting and I don't know
Which way I am to go
The magic is in the air
Serene and fragile there
Horizon is getting dim
In darkness I'll sink or swim
Here eyes light a path
Of beauty and aftermath

Can I walk this path alone
Can I turn my heart to stone
Can I enjoy my days
Steadfast in my ways
If a cold wind chills my side
Will I wait for it to subside
Or will I cave to desire
Will I long for her fire

Day 21 - Can't Define

2011-06-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

Lyrics after the jump.

Can't Define

You'd think I'd have learned this one by now
I screw it up again somehow
The past is the future I allow
Differing angles to a chord
Simple suggestions I ignore
Either is neither anymore

It's nights like these I'd like to call
But you've already put back up your wall
I hope you don't mind I make it fall
Deeper than oceans, sweeter than wine
The type of girl that I cannot define
I want her attention, I want her mind

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry
I'm sorry I picked wrong
It isn't everyday a girl
Like you comes along

I don't say it often
I don't need to hear it
I you don't believe
Well forget about it
But know that I mean it
I truly regret it
Wish I could set it
And forget about it

I sit around this pain of mine
The type of pain that I cannot define
Wasting the present back in time
Deeper than oceans, sweeter than wine
The type of girl that I cannot define
I want her attention, I want her mind

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry
I'm sorry I picked wrong
It isn't everyday a girl 
Like you comes along
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry
I'm sorry I've done us wrong
Can you give me another chance
For you to come along

Day 20 - The Rife Machine

2011-06-22T18:51:00.000-07:00

This song is about a friend of mine who's been bedridden with a crazy illness for weeks. I tried to imagine that happening to me, which might have been a bad idea.... I'd be losing it by now. Hence the angry grunge riff.

[Insert insane guitar solo for the bridge]

Day 20... hope you enjoy.

Lyrics after the jump.

The Rife Machine

You don't know how
To take a life but you took mine
Every hour
You drive me out of my frickin' mind
Sit in doubt
Consumed in sickness I abhore
Somebody
Explain to me what life is for

You're stuck in reverse
And in endless melancholy
You're stuck in a lurch
Can someone end this suffering?

You don't know how
To take a life but you took mine
Every hour
You send me over the freakin' line
Sit in doubt
Sit in echoing dismay
Broken heart
Broken will to face the day

You're stuck in reverse
And in endless melancholy
You're stuck in a lurch
Until you set yourself free
You're sicker than words
With sadness deeper than disease
You submit your curse
To the whims of the Rife Machine

*30 Songs in 32 Days

2011-06-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

I discovered something about myself when I was in the wilderness this weekend.

Yes, that was intended to be dramatic and imply something existential. Really it hardly qualifies. Apologies to the great men who have said that before me and meant it. My finding was hardly transcendental.

Simply, I cannot write songs in front of people.

So while I was camping for two nights this weekend, I had a few opportunities to write in front of friends. They even chimed in and helped with a few lyrics and song ideas and such. I had a lot of fun playing guitar, just couldn't find the focus necessary to write a song.

So... I didn't. I was around people too much. And rather than abandoning my good friends from out of town, whom I hadn't seen in months, finding a quiet spot in the woods and spending 3 hours writing a song (roughly how long it takes), I spent time with them.

As a result, I took two days off songwriting....

Oops? ... I honestly don't feel too bad about it. The project will continue. I took two days off. 30 Songs in 32 Days, if you want to call it that, but it's still a Song a Day as far as I'm concerned. I just took a break.

This project will wrap up July 2!

Day 19 - Gone Away

2011-06-21T23:19:00.000-07:00

Lyrics after the jump.

Gone Away

You went away
You went so far
To California
To chase a shooting star

He doesn't care
He doesn't listen
You fall to the floor
You change 
Your position
And wonder what all this is for

I've been ashamed
I've been so hard
I've misbehaved
I've broken a tender heart
Cause nobody was careful enough with my heart
To give to you
I wish it wasn't true

I see clearly now
The way to truth and pow'r
An image of a heart
A self reflection's start
Mirrors and a curse
A body and a hearse
No point trying to find
This fire deep inside

Gone away
Gone away
I'm so afraid
Of
Letting go
Let me go
I'm too afraid
I've
Gone away
Gone away
I'm so afraid
Of
Letting go
Let me go
I'm gone

Day 18 - Shelf

2011-06-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

Back from camping, had a great time and a nice two days off. I didn't end up writing songs at the campground so this little project will extend to July 2.

Here's Day 18.

Lyrics after the jump.

Shelf

Set me on my way again
I don't need you or your attention
Another night of this
A night without your kiss
It's on his lips
Are your eyes open?

Because you said you were the truth
Why would I lie to you?
You said you were the truth
Don't ask me to obey
Another game you make
I'm not going to play
When you found someone else
You put me on the shelf
Left me to myself
No I can't be friends with you
It's just another ruse
You said you were the truth

I'm on my way again
Thank you for fucking with my head
I know what's wrong
I know what's right
You're the former so
Just get out of my sight

Gone Camping

2011-06-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'm gone camping for two nights and will be away from Internetty type technological devices until Monday. That being said, the project continues... I'll write (and probably record, there at the campsite) a song on Saturday, a song on Sunday, and post them all Monday (along with Monday's song).

Yup, bringing the guitar camping. I'm about to be that guy.

See ya in 48!

Day 17 - Let It Be

2011-06-17T22:52:00.001-07:00

Here's kind of a love ballad. Day 17 --

Lyrics after the jump.

Let It Be

You say you want to
I say you need to
I can't help it
You and I agree
To let it be
You've been waiting all night
For me to arrive
I can't help it
I know it's not fair
To show you I care
I'll let you be you
Let me be me

Then there was you and me
Different as can be
But the same, girl
We could not deny
So why didn't we try
Wandering through this life
Arm in arm, eye to eye
Like some statues
We can overcome
Just accept someone
I'll let you be you
Let me be me

So don't be surprised my dear
If we're still alive down here
There's nothing left to give
So why don't we just live
And don't be surprised to find
The recesses of my mind
I can't help letting go
How was I supposed to know
You'd show

This could be effortless
If you'll just readress
Your feelings girl
Listen to your heart
You know I'm your star
I won't lead you away
I'll brighten your day
You can set your
Clock by my aplomb
Now feel your heart calmed
I'll let you be you
Let me be me

So don't be surprised my dear
If we're still alive down here
There's nothing left to give
So why don't we just live
And don't be surprised to find
The recesses of my mind
I can't keep letting go
This is more than you'll ever know
I won't keep letting go
This is more than you know
I'll show

Day 16 - Shallow

2011-06-16T23:55:00.001-07:00

I started writing this song 10 years ago. This one is personal. Hope you enjoy.

Lyrics after the jump.

Shallow

Nothing short of ageless
You were in that white dress
Beckoning to me
Causing me to sing
Wonder what the tide meant
A beam of light that I bent
Causing me to see
And I feel the way you feel about me
Isn't a feeling at all
Nothing like the way that you excite me
I don't stumble when I fall

You're so shallow
And you don't know
What you could have had
If you had looked in my soul

Nothing like a daydream
A nightly vision you seem
I can't imagine you
Could convince me you are true
Too perfect to feel what I've felt
Can't change the hand I've been dealt
Look beyond the blue
Yet I feel the way you feel about me
Isn't a feeling at all
Nothing like the way that you excite me
I don't need this after all
And I feel like I'm alright
I don't feel this way every night
So afraid of letting go
I don't want to go back home

If I sit in the rain
Will you dry me off again?
If I gain 100 pounds
Will you love me when I'm round?
If I feel like a child
So lost and so in denial
Will you wait patiently
I believe

Day 15 - Seven Miles Away

2011-06-15T22:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a rocker. 30 days -- halfway there!

Lyrics after the jump.

Seven Miles Away

No matter what I say
No matter what I do
I'm always seven miles away from you
I got four wheels
Got a tank of gas
But I don't have a way to make it last

Yeah, oh yeah
Seven miles away, seven miles away
Yeah, oh yeah
Six miles away, six miles away

I'm bridging gaps
I'm turning cheeks
Make me wait around here for weeks
I'm at a loss
I'm out of breath
Wonder if we have nothing left
You have such hate in your eyes
Wonder why I even try
Unmask a disguise
If I can't drive then I'll fly

Yeah, oh yeah
Five miles away, five miles away
Yeah, oh yeah
Four miles away, four miles away

How can we see eye to eye
When you will not even try
You insist that I'm blind
For bending to you, you might be right

Yeah, oh yeah
Three miles away, three miles away
Yeah, oh yeah
Two miles away, two miles away
Yeah, oh yeah
You're just a mile away, just a mile away
Yeah, oh yeah
Then you pull away, seven miles away

Day 14 - Land of Broken Hearts

2011-06-14T23:31:00.000-07:00

Lyrics after the jump.

Land of Broken Hearts

Living in the land of broken hearts
Broken and I don't know where to start

Do you feel better
Do you feel the same
Is it so easier for you now
To watch us play these games
I don't know this country
I don't know this land
I don't know how to give
But if someone were to just
Offer me a hand
I'd show them how to live

Living in the land of broken hearts
Broken and I don't know where to start
I don't feel comfort, I don't feel pain
Numbness eating at my core again

Do I seem bitter
Do I seem insane
Do you think enough time has passed
Are you tired of waiting
I do not pretend
To know this land
Foreigner today
If someone would
Just offer me a hand
I'd show them how to pray

Day 13 - Let Me In

2011-06-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

Had a long, busy day today and barely got this one done. But once I settled on a topic, the words just spilled right out.

Lyrics after the jump.

Let Me In

I spent 3 weeks and
I didn't put up a fight
Felt like the longest
3 weeks of my life
All I know is that
It doesn't feel right
To let you go without
Putting up a fight

So I'm at your door
Standing here till midnight
Like a stone
Waiting for you to turn on the light
18 roses
And an orchid at your door
Will you let me in?
Will you let me in?
Will you let me in?

Is it foolish to
Be a fool for you
Is there a wiser thing
A wiser man would do
I don't doubt the way
You think you feel for him
Just one more hour
And you'd be mine again

So I'm at your door
Standing here till midnight
Like a stone
Waiting for you to see the light
18 roses
And an orchid at your door
Will you let me in?
Will you let me in?
Will you let me in?

Day 12 - Tomorrow Night

2011-06-12T23:16:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately a recording for this song will have to wait. It really can't be helped. I need to memorize the lyrics in order to play it. I've given it a shot for a few days now (around 20-30 takes) and just haven't gotten it yet. Hopefully soon. Really, hopefully soon.

It's a poppy number, and it isn't overly complicated. Just a long couple of slides for the main guitar hook that require my eyes to be locked on the fretboard. No glancing at my lyrics sheet for this one.

Lyrics after the jump.

Tomorrow Night

I'm gonna work hard
I'm gonna play hard
I'm gonna live my life
On a guitar
Settling in my ways
Practicing for days
Memorizing how
The music plays
Find a bottom line
Rock out all the time
Set up for a life
That is so sublime
Like it or not I'm fine
Like it or not I'm tryin'
Like it or not
I'd like to blow your mind

If I knew then what I know by now
I wouldn't have to wait til tomorrow night
Gonna make it up some way, somehow
Tomorrow night, tomorrow night

Hey there mystery
Life of luxury
Don't pretend you have
Everything you need
Just sit back awhile
Live your life of style
Hope your higher class
Doesn't turn to greed
But keep an open mind
One eye to the sky
Ears pinned back
And ready for the right
Like it or not I'm fine
Like it or not I'm tryin'
Like it or not I'd like to blow your mind

If I knew then what I know by now
I wouldn't have to wait til tomorrow night
Gonna make it up some way, somehow
Tomorrow night, tomorrow night
Everyone I see, everywhere I go
People cannot wait for tomorrow night
Gonna put on one hell of a show
Tomorrow night, tomorrow night

If he can be there, I can too
Nothing I cannot do

So I worked hard
So I played hard
So I'm living my life
On my guitar
Settled in my ways
I practiced for days
Memorized just how
The music plays
Found a bottom line
Rock out all the time
Living this here life
Is so sublime
Like it or not I'm fine
Like it or not I'm tryin'
Like it or not
I'd like to blow your mind

Day 11 - Seize the Day

2011-06-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

A punk/pop hippie song for this gorgeous Saturday. I'm off to take my own advice: Seize the day!

Lyrics after the jump.

Seize the Day

You want to lead the way
I know it isn't true
You want to see the sun rise
From a different point of view
You better seize the day
Rising in front of you
In front of you

You want to feel like everyone
Is the same
You want to scream and shout
Call out my name
If it's all the same to you
I'm done playing games
I'm gonna make my move
Bust out and walk away
Walk away

You want to lead the way
I know it isn't true
You want to see the sun rise
From a different point of view
You better seize the day
Rising in front of you
And conquer grey skies
For a different shade of blue
Shade of blue

Everything's the same
We're all done playing games
And everything's my fault
I knew it all along
How is it that we
Return to jubilee
Attack the setting sun
This day's just begun

Recordings are coming

2011-06-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

Audio recordings of each of these songs are coming... look for (at least) the first 10 to drop ~~tonight or tomorrow~~ in the next few days. They're done, recorded, just need to upload them.

They'll be streaming for free and also downloadable for free. Demo quality. Thanks so much for listening everybody!

Day 10 - I Die Tonight

2011-06-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

This song wouldn't exist if my brother Tanner didn't share the main guitar hook with me and allow me to run with it. This is as much his song as mine (if he likes it... if not, he can just say it's mine). :-)

10 down 20 to go!

Lyrics after the jump.

I Die Tonight

I look into the eye
Of the storm I know that I
Had no help in creating
This is of my own making
I mean it, that's no lie
Why is it that I
So quickly sacrifice
When everything I ever had
Wasn't ever good enough for you
Good enough for anyone
Any time, any more, any way

Watch me as I fly so high
Catch me before I die tonight

I have this feeling you
Tried to tell me the truth
So spit it right out and say it
This life is made of what we make it
And this sky is losing blue
Cause I feel like I'm alive
For the first time in my life
I didn't mean to hurt you
But I'm plum all out of virtue
I wonder if I ever had any, ever did

This whispering in the wind
Won't let me let you in
If I had a heart to give you
It'd be yours to do what have you
But I wasn't careful enough with it
So see that I'm a lie
A fell swell, you can't rely
It don't matter what I do
I'm not good enough for you
Good enough for anybody any more any way

Day 9 - Worth the Wait

2011-06-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

This is a simple song, but the vocal hook has been in my head since I started it a few days ago. Also, this is my first attempt at serious falsetto singing-ness. Yikes. Hope you enjoy!

Lyrics after the jump.

Worth the Wait

There was a time when I
Had it all figured out
When I was in my prime
Knew what it was all about

Another place and time
A different, patient age
So jealous of the life
You've already played

There was a place where you
Could leave it all behind
Somewhere somebody's true
True of heart and mind

Somewhere, somebody's high
Somebody isn't scared
When will it be my time?
Will I be prepared?

Is there a truth to heroes?
Is there a grand plan?
I strain my neck to hear those
Promises of then

Somewhere, somebody's high
Somebody isn't scared
When will it be my time?
Will I be prepared?

Sit back awhile

Day 8 - Break These Chains

2011-06-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

Lyrics after the jump.

Break These Chains

You're not going to break these chains
You're not going to make mistakes
You're not going to break these chains
Today
Livin your life in a cage
Come my way
Come my way

Gonna ship you off to Mexico
Send you where the sun don't glow
Gonna ship you off to Mexico
Don't you know
Don't you know
Livin your life in a hole
All alone
All alone

You're not going to change
Livin your life this way
Good luck with those chains
Don't bother tryin to pray
He ain't listening anyway

You're not going to break these chains
My will is steel, is yours the same?
You keep trying to break these chains
In vain
In vain
Gonna leave you where you lay
Good day
Good day

Extra Song - Control

2011-06-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a bonus video demoing a song I wrote awhile back. I'll post these from time to time.

Lyrics after the jump.

Control

Count all the hours wasted
Longing after you
Wish I'd never tasted
Wish I wasn't such a fool
You laughing in the bed
Echoes in my head

I never meant to meet you
I never meant to fall
But you remind me what it
Feels like to be at all
I can't forget your face
Or the feelings you displaced

I'll steal your innocence
Get lost in your essence
Wonder if it's a sin
To love you without end
I live my life in control / You live your life in control
You sympathize with my soul
The angel's lying next to me
Lips trembling
Stay here tonight

Your body next to me
Will your heart ever be?

Day 7 - Alone

2011-06-07T09:25:00.001-07:00

I saved this song for Day 7, because I've loved this hook since I came across it close to six months ago, and 7 is my favorite number. It feels really good to finish this as an actual song and share. Hope you enjoy!

Lyrics after the jump.

Alone

Living in my way
Living in my disease
I don't give a damn
Say what you will to me
Fumble in the dark
Blow away in the breeze
I'm standing on a rock
Firmer in my beliefs
Just want to be alone
Don't want to be alone

It's easy to repel
This isn't just a wall
Unwilling to fail
No one can have it all
Sit up from the bed
Wake from the make believe
Listen to the lady 
Singing from the balcony
Just want to be alone
Don't want to be alone
When I find my way back home

Tried to give it all
Tried hard to be a half
You abandon me
So I abandon you right back
I cherish my time
Cherish the space I make
No more sacrifice
There won't be a second take
Just want to be alone
Don't want to be alone

I found a new way baby
Listen to everything that I have to say
Listen to my song lady
We'll pretend everything will be okay
Just want to be alone
Don't want to be alone
When I find my way back home

Loneliness always does
What you never could because
You were my never was
Never was
Lonely, but here I stand
I happily recommend
I am only a man
A man

Just want to be alone
Don't want to be alone
Just want to be at home
Just want to be left alone
Don't want to be alone
When I find my way back home

Day 6 - Give It All To You

2011-06-06T20:52:00.001-07:00

Lyrics after the jump.

Give it all to you

She gives it all away
She gives it all to him
She spares herself
She shrinks and she obeys
A proud girl once stood
Where she now lay
She thinks she's in love
The brave man beats
Her doubts away
And as he takes her again
She knows it isn't fair
She says she doesn't care
But the voices scream

I give it all to you
I know
I give it all to you

He gives it all awway
He gives it all to her
He spares himself
She smiles as she takes
She doesn't recognize
The sacrifice he makes
The fool thinks he's in love
His chivalry
Masks a broken heart
And as she turns him away
He knows it isn't fair
He says he doesn't care
But the voices scream

There's nothing left
I don't know
What else you're looking for
Empty words
And empty threats
What are you looking for?

Summon up your strength
Summon every ounce
Of pride you have
Don't give it all away
Until you find the one to
Give it all in return

Day 5 - Can't Take This Away From Me

2011-06-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

Lyrics after the jump.

Can't Take That Away From Me

You have a chance
You have a choice
You chose not
To use your voice
But don't blame that on me
Another dream
Another dance
Shot at a
Summer romance
But I don't want you anyway

You can see me dancing naked on the street
But that don't mean you've seen every side of me

They can't take this away from me
They can't take this away from me

Follow your nerve
Follow your brain
Ignore your heart
For it's insane
But don't blame that on me
You had your choice
You had your chance
You chose not
To take that dance
But I don't want you anyway

You may see me dancing naked on the street
But that don't mean you've seen every side of me
There's a side you'll have to come and see

They can't take this away from me
They can't take this away from me
This is mine for keeps
They can't take this away from me

Another girl
Another boy
Another way
To play with toys
A don't believe in what you need
Summon your nerve
Summon your brain
Ignore the girl
For she's insane
I've got everything I need

Day 4 - Silver Spoon

2011-06-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

This song is dark, and personal. Honestly I kind of don't want to share it. This is about a tragedy that hit my hometown this week.

What drives a man to commit such a horrible crime? The father of a very good friend of mine in high school was shot and killed. Four others were also targeted and killed, and then the shooter, as if his actions weren't full of sheer cowardice enough, shot and killed himself too. It's been constantly on my mind ever since I heard the news a few days ago.

I don't pretend to feel an ounce of pain compared to those of the families affected. As I say in the song, this pain isn't mine, just speaking my mind. I just can't fathom it.

The title "Silver Spoon" refers to the sick sense of entitlement the shooter must have had, thinking he had the right to take these lives and deprive so much from their surviving loved ones.

Lyrics after the jump.

Silver Spoon

What a waste of my time
Trying to figure out your life
Bullet and a coward
Nothing close to justified
This pain isn't mine
Just speaking my mind

Silver spoon fed your whole life?
Were you abused as a child?
It doesn't begin to justify
Stealing so many lives

Bullet for a recourse
Madness in your sights
What a day for remorse
Nothing left to justify
Your ripples rip through their tides
Grandchildren deprived

I can't believe my eyes

What a waste of my time
What a waste of a life
Too afraid to face
The faces that you deprived
If you're going to take a stand
Put the gun down and be a man

Day 3 - Oh Well, Farewell

2011-06-03T23:06:00.000-07:00

Interesting day in songwriting. I finished this song and nearly completed two others in one day. In fact, I wasn't sure which one I would finish and share. When it rains, it pours, I suppose. Look for the other songs in the near future.

This song is called "Oh Well, Farewell," and it's the shortest song I've ever written. But that's deliberate. Like the subject itself - a relationship that was just getting started but ends abruptly - so does the song. Hope you enjoy.

Lyrics after the jump.

Oh Well, Farewell

You waited for a lifetime
But you didn't heed that call
You say it's not the right time
So you do not try at all
You don't feel your own potential
You don't feel anything at all
While your whole life's torrential
You make me feel so small

Well, oh well
Well, farewell

The time for charm is passing
It already set sail that night
And if this ain't everlasting
At least you're a pretty sight
You don't care about your future
You just care about your past
If I choose to choose her
Will she let her let it last?

Well, oh well
Well, farewell

Something isn't right here
You're lying to my face
Everything is out of place
How could you do that
And pretend that it's alright

Day 2 - Way You Move

2011-06-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

I've kinda always wanted to take a stab at a song like this -- just a straight up alternative sexy dance/pop record. Imagine some funky electric sounds instead of the acoustic guitar, a loud steady drum beat, and a lot of layering, and you'll get the idea.

As always, please pardon the mess-ups. Performing a song live an hour after writing it isn't easy, and I'm constantly looking at my notepad for lyrics help. Usually I'd hope to practice and memorize a song before playing it in front of a crowd, but with this project, that's just not an option. Hope it comes through.

Lyrics after the jump.

Way You Move

I've been waiting baby
Looking at you and suffocating
You're in here and you're waiting
For a man to drive you crazy

Something about the way you move
Has got me feeling so high
Take a step up and match my groove
I've got you in my sights

I've got my hand on your hip
Moving as one and feeling so slick
Don't be alarmed honey this ain't no trick
Go with the flow and feel the music

Something about the way you move
Has got me feeling so high
Take a step up and match my groove
I've got you in my sights
Let me lead, we'll shoot the moon
Watch us kiss the sky
Nothing wrong with being fools
I've got you all tonight

Day 1 - Something to Believe

2011-06-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

Lyrics after the jump.

Something to Believe

Isn't it ironic now?
I traded truth for truth
I thought that you were open
You'd never let me down
If only I had spoken
You're the truth I found
"Losing my religion,
That was just a dream."
Am I being too open?
Is nothing as it seems?
Is nothing as it seems?

How could I have been so wrong
To love someone so right?
How much of my faith
Is a fear of no light?
Fear of no light?

Tired of feeling empty
I'm better off alone
The faithful have my envy
Silence to the bone
And what happens to heroes
Who give their lives for us
Do they find their heaven
Or do they turn to dust?
Do they turn to dust?

How could I have been so wrong
To love someone so right?
How much of my faith
Is a fear there's no light?
If my feelings betray me
How can I find my peace?
I've never felt so lost/I'm praying for a sign
I need something to believe
Something to believe

What am I searching for?
What is the truth?
What is faith and love?

Hi.

2011-06-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

My name is Kyle. I write songs. (Alternative rock songs on an acoustic guitar).

What is this?

This is my 30 Songs in 30 Days challenge. I have made a goal to write, record, and publish a new song every day for 30 days (the month of June).

I invite you to check out the About page for more information on this challenge, and also welcome you to check out (and even download) some of my previous songs at http://soundcloud.com/kmonty.

This is going to be fun. I'm very excited to share this. Check for the first song momentarily!

Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy!