1. |
Get Off the Wheel
03:30
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Get Off the Wheel
Refrain
Gonna get off the wheel. Don’t want to let myself feel
These tired old emotions again.
Verse
Running around in circles in my head again.
All it took was a phone call from you.
Then I find my serenity slipping away from me.
It’s time to try something different. Find something new.
Head out my door, find something better to do.
Find me a lover or maybe just a friend to help me
get off the wheel so I won’t have to feel
these tired old emotions again.
Bridge
Someday I’ll look back at this and smile
even now the weight is much less than before.
And maybe, just maybe I’ll open my eyes and realize
That it doesn’t have to be this way anymore.
Verse
When that day arrives I’ll fling open doors and windows
and let fresh air and light come streaming in.
And go outside running wild Like when I was a child.
This is not a new beginning. Just a fresh start.
I look down inside, still see those scars on my heart.
But I won’t feel the pain and
I won’t lose my way. And I won’t
Get on the wheel. I won’t let myself feel
these tired old emotions again.
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2. |
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A Conversation with Death-by William Metts © 2016
It was a hot summer day on a long dusty road,
I was on the way to see my daddy.
He’s lived all alone on Purgatory Road
since the day that my momma passed away.
Something seems amiss. Can’t tell what it is
but the chill in the hot summer air don’t seem right
So I turn around to see what the trouble might be
and I find myself staring Death right in the eye.
Her eyes burned like fire, voice was like a cool mountain stream.
The air smelled of sweet fertile ground.
I fell down on my knees…gave out a primal scream
‘cause I know that’s where my body’s bound
There was no place to hide. Why me! Why Now I cried
I want to say “I love you” to my children one time more.
Let me do one more good deed or just plant a seed
'fore you leave me all alone at that door
She said I know that you think that I am evil.
And you don’t understand the things I do
But of this have no doubt it’s not me you need worry about.
it’s Time and it's Fate coming to get you. Then she said,
"Don’t you worry son your time here is not yet done
Can’t say more than that but this I will confide"
Then that woman death leaned in close I could feel her breath
She said, "Fear is your enemy. Let Love be your guide.
Let Love be your guide"
Then she touched me. It was not cold like I thought it would be.
but filled me with a peace of mind that I couldn't believe.
Closed my eyes took in the feeling. My whole world took to reeling.
When I opened my eyes it was a cool summers eve.
My mind was all hazy. Thought I was going crazy.
Ran to my daddy’s house filled with an unexplainable joy
There he was, standing at the door, He said "Boy what you so late for?"
I cried on Daddy’s shoulder like a little boy.
(Short Instrumental Break)
Don’t know how or why. Lord knows I don’t know when
I will find myself naked and alone at that door.
But this I can say since my talk with Death that day
I’m not afraid any more. I’m not afraid any more.
I’m not afraid any more.
With love as my guide, Good Lord at my side,
I am not afraid anymore.
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3. |
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The Ballad of the Paper Umbrella © 2014
Words and Music by William Metts
When I was just a boy I remember that my daddy
had a very unusual habit
He’d always put a paper umbrella in his beer
I had to find out why dag nabbit
You see the boys at school found out that my daddy
would do such an unusual thing
and I’d get teased from the time I got to school
till the time the final bell ring.
So I gathered up my courage, went down to my daddy
sittin in his easy chair
asked why on earth would a man of his stature
put a paper umbrella in his beer!
Here’s what he told me…He said
When I was in Nam there was a fella in our company
who liked women less than he liked men.
You know, that’s tolerated more today
than it ever was back then.
His name was Louis, we called him Louise.
We made him sit alone when we were eating.
And I’m ashamed to tell you my son
we gave him more than one undeserved beating
When we got the chance to get out to the bars
to have beers and shots with the other fellows
he would order those sweet girly drinks you know the kind with a little umbrellas.
One day we found ourselves in a firestorm
bullets flying all around.
We all frozen in fear
when the grenade bounced on the ground.
That’s except for Lewis, he jumped on it
to shield the rest of us from the blast,
and because of him I’m here looking at you my son
and Lewis, he’s in the past.
Then my daddy stood up and he looked down at me
and said son I hope that we are finished here.
I nodded, took the umbrella out of his drink
and put it behind my left ear,
and I went to school.
I said go ahead knock it off, I dare you.
I double dog dare you.
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4. |
I'm Lost
03:00
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I'm Lost Lyrics and music composition by William Metts
I'm lost. I'm Lost. The train was gonna crash so I jumped off.
Didn't seem to matter how much I whined,
cried, railed and scoffed.
This damned ol' planet just kept on spinning
like the Dervish whirl.
So I got lost. Sooo Lost. Lost in this crazy ol' world.
I can tell you where the sun comes up
and point to where it goes down
Still sometimes I get so lost
walking round this little ol' town.
When I get stopped by some poor soul
asking which way to go
The best I can do is give a blank stare and say
"Hell if I know."
CHORUS
I know the way to Betty Lou's house,
I know the number on her telephone
Her favorite perfume, the color of her eyes
and why I'm sitting here all alone.
When it comes to knowing
what a woman needs,
I just ain't so smart.
I get afraid of the dark and run home scared
when I try to find the way to her heart
CHORUS
I put my bed with the head against the wall
so when I go to sleep at night
wake up in the morning, depending how I feel,
I can roll left or I can roll right.
Either way I may lose but whatever I choose
at least it's mine and I'm free.
Please don’t ask for advice on the path
I'll say..."Don't ask me."
CHORUS
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5. |
Stay Away from the Blues
02:38
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Stay Away from the Blues by William Metts 7/28/2013
Start with yellow. Add a little blue.
Now you’re green with envy, that's not good for you.
Take some red. Add a little blue.
Now you’re purple with rage might could even hurt you.
Rainbows are wonderful things
Foretell of brighter days to be.
But who knows what the future may bring.
I hope you’re listening to me.
Take some black. Add a little blue.
That’s what you feel like when it gets hold of you.
Let this be a cautionary tale. Be careful what you do.
Use all the colors of the rainbow darling,
but stay away from the blues.
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6. |
The River
03:41
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7. |
Uncle Sam Blues
03:04
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Taxman Blues
I got a call from my uncle just the other day.
My Uncle Sam you know him. Here’s what he had to say.
You got nowhere to run son. You got nowhere to hide.
And I won’t stop hounding your ass until I be satisfied
Just fill out those checks. Sign on the line
Everything you think you own is really mine.
He said you in trouble son. Yeah you in deep.
There ain’t nothing that you can beg buy or borrow
That I’m gonna let you keep.
So sell your house and your car. Then he said with a smile.
Billy I don’t care if you gotta sell your first born child.
Just fill out those checks. Sign on the line
Do what I tell you and everything will be fine.
I gave out a wail, a cry and a moan
All that he gave to me was an evil laugh
Then he hung up the phone.
So all I do is work you know. I toil night and day
Then I shuffle on down to that mean boss man
And beg for my pay.
He says that check is all made out you just sign right here.
And I’ll send it on down to your Uncle Sam to pay tax
For last year
Or was it the year before?
Maybe it was the year before that!
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8. |
Molly Baker
01:45
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Molly Baker
Molly Baker was a chorus line girl.
When she was dancing she would twitch and she’d twirl.
I want to tell you she was the best by far
And all the fellers at the bar
would say Oh My My! OOO La La!
Big Jim Walker was a trucker big and bold.
No one more handsome in this world I’ve been told.
He had the ladies all stand in line.
But he wouldn’t waste his time.
He had Molly on his mind.
Bridge
He said come on Molly OOO you look fine.
I’ll do anything to make you mine.
Come on sugar babe don’t you say no.
You know I’m gonna love you for a long long time.
Now molly Baker runs a trucking company.
And Big Jim Walker gets his dancing lessons free.
They got three kids two dogs
a cat they dance and laugh.
They’ve each found their better half.
And they live happily ever af…ter.
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9. |
Off the Beaten Path
02:04
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Off the Beaten Path ©
Where I'm hiding you won't find me
‘cause I'm staying off the beaten path.
I'm not lonely just alone.
Won't answer the door or the phone.
This peace of mind…I'm gonna make it last.
Don't wanna hear from nobody,
watch TV or read the news.
Everything I hear or
just gives me the blues.
Where I'm hiding you won't find me
‘cause I'm staying off the beaten path.
Ain’t got no lover…no dog to walk.
Nobody to invade my privacy
I ain't asking for your time.
Do me a favor, don’t ask for mine.
gonna spend some precious moments
just on me.
It ain’t that bad playing solitaire
got no worries. got no cares.
Ain't got no plans.
Ain’t going nowhere.
Where I'm hiding you can't find me
‘cause I'm staying off the beaten path.
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10. |
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The Ballad of Maggie Brown© by Bill Metts
Here’s a song about a girl I know
name a Maggie Brown.
Spent all her days since she’s born
in a backwoods country town.
Misfortune came one day you know
she fell for a city man.
Packed her bags got on that train
left ol’ Lu’sianne.
Willy Jones weren’t that bad,
he just weren’t too smart.
Never understood the mysteries
of a woman’s heart.
Should'a turned that girl around
put her right back on that train.
What that fool done instead caused a lot of pain.
CHORUS
Poor Maggie wouldn’t want to be in her shoes
Empty pockets and a long way from home.
He helped her find a place to stay,
work to make some dough.
She slipped into his back pocket
wouldn’t let him go.
Tried to make him jealous
hanging with some other guy.
Didn’t work out the way she thought.
Ol’ Willie didn’t bat an eye.
Played that game a bit too long
got knocked up one day.
Went looking for that baby’s dad
he’s long gone away. Oh Lordy…
CHORUS
Wonder how she’s gonna deal
with all the stress and strife.
She's all alone, with an Empty heart,
and a belly full of life.
Some say it was a Dr.’s knife
some say a sorrow thief.
Most folks say that Maggie’s heart
just could not find relief.
Sometimes life just hits you hard
makes no sense to blame.
In the end she lost that child
ain’t never been the same.
CHORUS
That Girl finally got some sense
caught that train back home
Planted roots in her hometown
never more to roam
Got a lot kids now. Got a
good ol’ country man
Got herself a real nice life
back in Lu’sianne
Last CHORUS
Go on Maggie! Everything’s turned out alright.
Got lost along that winding road
but found your way back home.
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11. |
Hollow Reed
01:33
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Oh God,
Make of me a hollow reed
from which the pith of self has been blown.
That I may become a clear channel
through which Thy love may flow unto others
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12. |
Celebrate Life
01:53
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Celebrate Life © William Metts
Down from the mountains, up from the hollers
rolling along on the plains,
I hear voices, Sirens and Muses.
They are calling my name.
Saying Sing with me, Play with me
Dance along with me too.
Use fingers and strings, sticks and skins
Don’t matter. We’ll celebrate life with you
Floating on the ocean
or drifting on the jet stream,
echoing deep from within the forest,
or bubbling in a cool mountain stream. They say
Sing with me. Play with me.
Dance along with me too.
Use hollowed out reeds. Shake gourds with beads.
Don’t matter, we’ll celebrate life with you
INSTRUMENTAL
BRIDGE
I heard those voices long ago
when I was just a boy
I listened, let my fingers dance
opened my heart and mouth
and was consumed by joy
From the country front porch,
or the juke joint on the delta
or the street corner in the city
the Spirit of song is calling my name
saying sing loud, or soft and pretty but just
Sing with me. Play with me.
Dance along with me too.
Young or old, bring heart and soul.
Don’t matter we’ll celebrate life with you.
Young or old, bring heart and soul.
Don’t matter we’ll celebrate life with you
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13. |
Music is the Boat
02:53
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Music is the Boat © Bill Metts 2021
Late at night when I can't sleep
My brain won't quit working digging way down deep
Thinking 'bout the things I tried to do right
that turn out all wrong
Today’s News on loop inside my head
So I give up trying, get out of bed
Grab this old thing here, and pick out a song
When life becomes a storm on this ocean of time
Music is the boat of melody and rhyme
that takes me home.
Thinking ‘bout things I saw out in the world today.
About what needed said that I didn’t say and
Wondering why the hell can’t we all just get along.
Eyes wide open long after nightfall.
So I take this thing down from its place on the wall
And give my poor tired soul some rest with a song.
CHORUS:
It salves the burns, puts out the fires
With a little bent wood and some steel wires.
Emotions set free to fly on breath and sound.
Fingers dancing on top of chords,
Lips and tongue stumbling all over words ‘till the
Storm has passed and the wind has died down.
CHORUS
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14. |
Why I Like it Here
02:32
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Why I Like it Here© by Bill Metts
It’s all been said before.
It’s all being said again.
Times I wonder if a hundred years from now
will it make a difference even then?
I feel like the earth would be better off
if all the humans would just disappear.
Then I listen to a John Prine song and
I remember why I like it here.
I remember why I like it here
People dying from the water they been drinking
Air so foul we can’t catch a breath. While the
Man’s tap dancing for the all mighty dollar
he’s asking us to waltz with death.
Wind and rain blowing out a warning.
Earth signaling the end is near.
Then I look up at the early morning sky and
I remember why I like it here
I remember why I like it here
I Spent yesterday waiting for tomorrow.
And found everything the same today.
Ain’t nobody listening to nobody
and everybody’s got so much to say.
There’s a great big propaganda machine
spitting out doubt and fear.
Then I look into my children’s eyes and
I remember why I like it here
I remember why I like it here
I remember why I like it here
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15. |
The Miracle
03:18
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There’s nothing like the sound
of a mist brushing the shore
of the pond on October Mountain
when Mother Earth’s calling
leaves back to their source.
The Great Oaks children are leaving home
but they’re all dying.
All things succumb
to time’s unrelenting force.
I just wanted to follow that course.
Confused by the mist, on a precipice,
Lost and alone, led safely home
by some miracle.
There’s nothing like the sound
of the sunrise early morn
while fishing from the banks
of the great Green River
watching the new day born.
The Great Blue Heron and little stoats,
trout jumping at the flies.
I fell on my knees there a time or two,
thanked God for my ears and for my eyes.
Why I had to go I don’t know.
I said something about getting old,
couldn’t stand the cold, but I think I lied.
BRIDGE
Nothing so simple could make a man leave his home.
There’s nothing like the sound
of a whippoorwill at night
when the woods are bathed in black
and the tiniest bit of starlight
comes shining through.
Some say it’s a lonely sound
I say that’s just not so.
It’s the sound of faith and hope
when the night is dark but you know
someone’s out there listening for you.
I’ve been there a time or two.
On the edge of a lonely ledge.
A frightened man I reached out my hand
and touched the miracle…
of You.
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16. |
My Bait's Gone
02:32
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My Bait’s Gone
CHORUS
My bait’s gone but there ain’t no fish
My bait’s gone but there ain’t no fish
My bait’s gone but there ain’t no fish
There ain’t nothing but potatoes on my dish.
I went to the fishing hole with a worm on my line.
Corn bread and catfish was on my mind.
My table was already set, fork knife and dish.
I figure I’d catch me a cute little fish.
CHORUS
Believe me when I tell you that it ain’t no fun.
When you’re still hungry but dinner’s all done.
So eat when you can and don’t come to dinner late.
And do what your mamma told you
And eat everything on you plate
CHORUS
Oh lordy I am so hungry.
I would go down to the meat market but I ain’t got no money.
Guess I’m gonna have to tighten the belt in my pants.
I should’a eaten when I
had the chance
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17. |
Sail Away
03:14
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Sail Away
Chorus
Sail down to the Islands Singing a happy song.
Sunny all day nothing to do but play.
Don’t you want to come along?
I ain’t never been but sure would like to go
Hop on a boat sail down to Kokomo singing
Hey la la, hey la la, hey la hey la ti da
Verse
You’ll be my woman I’ll be your man
Spend all our time making love in the sand.
Sipping on Pina Colada loving me Bahama Mama.
Oh baby say that we can.
Sail Away. Sail Away. Sail Away yeah.
Sail Away. Sail Away. Sa……il Away
CHORUS
Verse2
Leave the baby with your momma, papa, sister
or your brother. Anybody you know I don’t care.
Telephone every day blow a kiss and then we say,
“We love you but we’re glad you’re not here”
Sail Away. Sail Away. Sail Away yeah.
Sail Away. Sail Away. Sa……il Away
Chorus
Sail Away. Sail Away. Sail Away. Sail Away yeah.
Sail Away. Sail Away. Sa……il Away
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18. |
Make Me a Pallet
02:27
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19. |
Animal Lover
02:08
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Animal Lover © Bill Metts
Don’t fall in love with a Robin
though he sings a lovely song
When winter comes and it gets cold
you’ll turn around he’ll be gone.
Don’t get friendly with no snakes.
Don’t ever look in their eyes.
When they speak they never blink
and you end up believing their lies
Chorus
I’m not an animal lover
they belong in the woods or the zoo
I wasn’t surprised when I realized
that we’re all animals too.
Don’t hang around no Jack-Ass.
I’m telling you true
Mule rubs off and before long
you’ll be Jack-Ass too.
Don’t make a skunk your leader.
What the hell are you thinking?
When things get rough and he’s had enough
you’re the one who’ll end up stinking.
Chorus
Don’t hide your head in a hole in the ground
like the ostrich do
Hyenas from the hood will come along
and eat your ass up too.
Don’t pick a porcupine for a pal
find another way to get your kicks
When you feel the love and you give a hug
you’ll find they’re all just pricks.
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20. |
Shine
03:48
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Shine © Bill Metts 2015 Key – B (capo 4)
I'm just some guy sittin' in some cafe
Got no false hopes of going very far
One thing I know is that I have a good time
When I come here and play my guitar
My friends said Billy, you need to write yourself a song
I didn't know it'd be so hard and take so darn long
So when I finally sat down to put melody and rhyme
To things inside that I need to share
The melodies came easy but not so the words
So my friends will have to settle for my heart and this prayer
Chorus:
Give me a song to sing that they'll remember
With words that will make our voices one
A melody to make everyone smile
And get stuck in their head in the morning and stay until day is done
Let my voice ring true with the soul that you gave me
Let my fingers do your dance on the guitar strings
You sing harmony in my mind for me Lord
Let me shine with the joy that singing for you brings
Verse 2
I met some gal while I was sittin' outside,
Pickin and singing with my friends
I must have done something to upset the poor girl
She wouldn't even let my song end.
She said you know that a black man
should sing the blues but you don't
I said to that lady I ain't got em so I won't
She said you got a nice voice
and you can play your guitar
But son you just don't look the part
I said listen here lady, you got it all wrong
It's all about making a joyful noise from the heart
CHORUS
Let me shine with the joy that singing for you brings
(Shine with the joy…that singing for you brings...REPEAT....
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21. |
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22. |
More Light
02:42
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More Light© Bill Metts © 2023
CHORUS
More light, less darkness
on the paths that I now Tread.
More joy, less sorrow, when my spirit has flown,
and this tired old body lay dead.
More giving less taking, More faith than fear
More trust than doubt O God
More light less darkness
on the paths where my feet have trod.
I do not know if when I pass, that I’ll be able to look back
on this life that I’m living here on earth.
To see the fruits from the seeds that I have sown
here and there since the day of my Birth.
Or ripples from the stones that I have thrown
without thinking into the eternal sea.
But if I could, I know exactly what I would
hope and pray to see
CHORUS
Standing at the gate or walking through a tunnel
toward a light on that fateful day.
Or meeting some great winged spiritual being
to guide me on my way.
Or floating along on some ethereal wind carrying
me to who the hell knows where.
But when my life flashes before my eyes
there is but one thing I want to see there.
CHORUS
…Repeat last line
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23. |
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Two Typical American Kids by Bill Metts 9/24/2023
Once upon a time there were two little boys.
The typical American kind.
Search the whole country over, every city or town,
two more typical kids could not be found.
Their names were James and Willy
they were friends of mine.
They were good little boys never got into trouble
just a little bit of mischief at night.
They liked baseball comic books, ice cream swirls,
they weren’t yet sure about little girls.
The only difference between 'um really
was James was black and Willie was white.
The boys were doing some work for their 5th grade teacher
after school one day to make some money.
When the job was done James
held out his hand for the dough,
she looked at him shook her head no.
She walked around James went to Willy and said,
"Here. Better safe than sorry honey".
This wasn't the first time Willy saw prejudice like that
but he couldn't let It go today.
He stood up tall with anger in his eyes
he knew his friend's worth he saw through those lies.
The bond that those boys shared between 'em
blew his fear away.
CHORUS
Us old ones don’t give them young ‘uns near
enough credit as they be de serving.
We go on teaching them things that ain’t been working. Maybe we’re the ones who should be watching,
listing and learning.
Willy wasn't gonna let nobody
treat his best friend that way.
He was stomping on the ground, shaking and crying.
There were angry words and spittle flying.
He looked at the money, spit on the ground,
turned and walked away.
That boy had no idea that what he'd just done
made the whole world a little bit brighter.
His friend James held his head up a whole lot higher
and because she'd gotten caught in Willy's line of fire,
the things that were wrong in that teacher's head and heart
got a little bit righter.
CHORUS
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24. |
Age With Grace
03:46
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Age With Grace ©
Words and Music by William Metts 2014
My boy and I were sitting at the kitchen table talking one night
You know…just having a little chat.
The subject changed to getting old.
That’s a topic I am familiar with so I told him that
it was a drag watching my hair fall out
and watching my body get soft and round.
I said sometimes I get so tired I feel like I’m adrift at sea
just waiting for my ship to run aground.
He got up from the table shaking his head,
took a step or two, turned around and said “I’m so sorry Dad”
I said “Hold on now. Please come back. Sit down.
Ain’t no need for you to feel bad.”
When he did come back he had a guitar in hand
and said “Dad I appreciate this bonding thing.”
So if you don’t mind I hope you’ll be so kind as to listen to this song
I wrote for you, and he began to sing…
When you get up and walk into another room
may you always remember why.
And wherever you go in the whole wide world
may there be a rest room near by.
May your Depends never bunch and all your farts be dry.
But have another pair around just in case just in case.
You know that’s just a joke, ain’t no need to have a stroke.
May you age with grace.
May you always be able to find your glasses
Remember too first look on your head.
When the family’s sitting around the kitchen table talking,
I hope that you can hear everything that’s said.
When you talk may your dentures stay in place.
May the mirrors be kind and hide the wrinkles covering your face
May all photos be taken before the wrinkles cover your face.
All kidding aside, that you’re my dad brings me pride
and may you age with grace.
I can tell by what you do that when I am as old as you
there will still be some fun to be had.
I hope when I’m your age turning the last page
that my kids don’t tease like I’m teasing you Dad
May you be able to keep Mama in a happy place
but have Viagra by the bedside just in case.
You know I’m just playing and it goes without saying,
May you age with grace.
Dad I’m just toying. Don’t know about you but I’m enjoying
watching you Age…..with grace
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25. |
Mighty Sea
01:33
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Mighty Sea…Rumi
Oh Thou whose grace fulfills every need.
To mention aught before thee would be sin indeed.
Allow this mote of knowledge hidden in my soul
to free itself of lowly clay and reach its goal.
And grant this drop of wisdom that thou hast given me
to be at last united with thy might sea.
To be at last united with thy might sea.
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Bill Metts Cape Coral, Florida
I have been playing guitar and singing for nearly fifty years now. I Started with American Folk and Blues tunes and finger- style guitar. Had a run in with a Classic Rock band for 6 years or so and I sure was glad when that ended. I spent 15 years playing in nursing homes doing standards from the 30’s and 40’s. Now I mostly write. You will see a bit of all the above in my songs. I hope you like. ... more
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