I don't need anyone to make a fool of me--I'm perfectly capable of doing that myself...
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| Arlee Bird posing with violin. |
For example, blogging for me has been a strange journey that has been eye-opening in many ways. The platform has provided me with great opportunity for written expression and allowed me to interact with all sorts of people whom I would have been unlikely to ever have encountered otherwise. And though my earlier fervor for blogging has diminished to a great extent (as I've seen with other bloggers as well), I will likely continue to have a blog for sometime into the future.
However, as I have mentioned in some previous posts, my writing focus has currently turned to songwriting. I've been writing songs since high school, but for long stretches over the years I would be less interested in that endeavor. The songs came and went. Now, again it seems, I'm back with a flurry of songwriting inspiration.
And there is that one song that I've been referring to all summer--"Let's Run." All summer I've been obsessing on getting some recorded versions of the song so it could be heard by my readers. Since I had mentioned it back in May I wanted the readers to know that I really did write this song that I had mentioned. It's a song that was inspired by my granddaughter Marley so I think of it as "Marley's Song" even though the message of the song is one for me and for everyone for that matter.
If we never take chances then we never have a chance at success. I'm going to try something with music and who knows? Maybe something will come of it all or maybe it will be one more crazy post on my blog and a few obscure videos lost in the infinite YouTube universe.
As a preview of my song recordings coming up on Saturday, here are the lyrics for your consideration:
Let’s Run
The beat of
my feet upon the street as I am running;
The feel of
the wind against my face;
My body is
straining as my heart keeps beating faster.
The rhythm
of life is setting my pace.
(chorus)
Look at
me—I’m on a runner’s high.
Watch me run—see
me fly!
Run with
me—Life is a marathon.
Don’t give
up! Keep moving on!
Let’s run!
Hurtling
through the universe on this rock we call Earth
Making our
laps around the Sun,
I still feel
a need for speed. I’ve got to get
away. I’ve got to get outside.
I’m feeling
that urge to break out and run.
Look at
me—I’m on a runner’s high.
Watch me
run—see me fly!
Run with
me—Life is a marathon.
Don’t give
up! Keep running on!
Let’s run!
Miles
disappear behind me like forgotten memories.
The roadway ahead
is all I see.
And even in
sleep my inner compass draws me further on,
As in my
dreams I’m running free.
Look at
me! I’m on a runner’s high!
Watch me
run, see me fly.
Run with
me—Life is a marathon.
Don’t ever
give up. Keep running on…
Let’s run!
by Arlee Bird (2018)
by Arlee Bird (2018)
I am still welcoming more cover versions. Even if they come after my Saturday Battle I can still consider them for a future run-off.
Does any melody come to your head as you read through the lyrics? How do you think the song should sound based on your reading? Have you heard any versions of my song yet (it's possible)?
What you have written looks and sounds wonderful Lee. Hope your song writing is as good as your blogging. I put myself in the spotlight once in Ireland,myself and a friend got on stage with our tambourines at the suggestion of Mick Flavin, made complete fools of ourselves for he sang a slow, slow song not suitable for a tambourine, still it was fun.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this new week.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, we've all gotta take the spotlight at least a few times in our lives. Many never make it to actually being on the stage in the spotlight. You had an experience to remember.
DeleteLee
I do believe that this will actually make me come out of my usual lurking status. Congrats on following through on your dream of putting your songs to audio (so to speak). Looking forward to hear what you gots.
ReplyDeleteGB, don't lurk and be sure to vote. What I got is ideas. What I'm lacking is better equipment and set-up. But I'm making do with what I got.
DeleteLee
That's cool we'll get to hear several versions of your song. I won't be harsh on them.
ReplyDeleteAlex, you'll get at least 3 versions for now. Maybe these will inspire some more covers for later.
DeleteLee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you shared your "Let's Run" song lyrics and I'm eager to hear your three upcoming rough covers in your September 1st BoTB. That's an excellent time to debut it for such an diverse crowd with a rich insight on mewsic. I won't want to miss this for the world and while I may not be in Blogosphere over the weekend I will be ready to go come Tuesday morning, but if I find time then I will pop in to check out your song. Thanks for visiting this morning. Incidentally I want to get your post updates sent to my curiousasacathy@gmail.com in-box, can you change that addy on your end or do I need to subscribe to again?
Cathy, late is fine but don't miss it. I want to get your opinion and vote.
DeleteYou probably need to subscribe again as I'm not sure how that subscription thing works.
Lee
It's exciting to see your dream become a reality, Lee! ☺ I checked out Youtube and found all three versions of your song. Each one had something going for it. Should be a fun battle!
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, thank you for taking the time to track down the videos and for liking and commenting on them. Much appreciated!
DeleteLee
My pleasure, Lee! ☺
DeleteI think you already have my vote- hope this is a fun one!
ReplyDeleteCW, I'm hoping the Battle to be fun as well as helpful to me. The videos already have a nice amount of views. I think I understood your preference, but don't forget to vote officially.
DeleteLee
This is exciting, Lee.
ReplyDeleteSusan K, I've been excited about this and I hope readers will enjoy it.
DeleteLee
I used to write song lyrics but haven't in years. I should get back in to that.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have lost steam with blogging, but I love my blog too much to just quit. I will most likely only post once a month next year, though.
Chrys, songwriting is rewarding even if it's a song only you yourself hear. You should write more every now and then.
DeleteLee
>>... Life is a marathon.
ReplyDeleteThe Tortoise understood that. The Hare? Not so much.
Now, if you ever see ME running, you better run, too! Because something big and bad is coming. (I don't run unless I have to.)
Looking forward to the Battle, LEE.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'
STMcC, my song message is for hares, tortoises, and everyone else who wants to stay in the race.
DeleteIf you ever see me running it will probably be for a short distance before I keel over with heart failure. I've never been a runner which is the irony of my having written a song about running.
Lee
I wrote a few years ago, but haven't in a while. And true indeed, we have to put them out there and take the chance. Blogging sure has lost steam all around.
ReplyDeletePat, I don't think blogging is dying, but it does need some kind of resurgence.
DeleteLee
I truly enjoyed the lyrics of your song. I think it has a good message and is an inspiration to those who will pay attention to the words. I can't quite place a tune in my head for it yet, but that's alright - because I don't want to have a set tune in my head when it comes to listening time for the battle. Exciting days ahead!
ReplyDelete~Mary
Mary, I think this was a message that I needed to hear and that's what inspired me to write them. It's a message that we all can use.
DeleteLee
The song has some inspiring lyrics. I'm looking forward to hearing it!
ReplyDeleteLoni, if I can inspire someone out there then I feel I've written something worthwhile.
DeleteLee
Oh my gosh, songwriting!! How awesome!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love your lyrics. I can see myself listening to that while I go on a morning jog.
Lynda, Yes, I've pictured people listening to my song while running. That's what I was picturing as I was writing it.
DeleteLee
This is going to be a fun battle! I'm glad there were some hints here to lure me to YouTube... :)
ReplyDeleteIt's really cool to be included and be witness to you fulfilling a dream. Thanks for that.
I left you some notes over yonder...
Michele at Angels Bark
Michele, thank you for your visits to YT--hope I get a lot more visits with likes. The internet has opened up so many opportunities that weren't available years ago. It's a lot easier to get oneself read or heard.
DeleteLee
I'm a bit of a coward about putting myself out there - always have been - but I'm learning!
ReplyDeleteLove the lyrics to Marley's song and I'm looking forward to hearing the versions! Keep running on :)
Jemi, public exposure can be a risk, but if we are doing things intended for a public then we've got to take that risk if anything is going to happen whether it be good or bad.
DeleteLee
An enjoyable read...I’d suggest, only since you asked, some minor edits. It will flow...errrr...fly! And, yes, I did imagine a melody. And, no, I am not sharing.
ReplyDeleteVee, thank you for your comment. Now I'd like to hear the melody that you imagined.
DeleteLee
That's cool how you're a songwriter! I've always admired that ability. The lyrics for "Let's Run" are great--will be fun to hear them come to life three different ways!
ReplyDeleteHeather, songwriting is just another form of poetry. Thanks for reading the lyrics.
DeleteLee
Thank you So much for this BEAUTIFUL song my friend!
ReplyDeleteyour poetry reveals your sublime approach towards life which is enthusiastic and UPLIFTING
to be honest I WOULD LOVE TO START MY EACH NEW DAY WITH YOUR LOVELY SONG!!!!!!
Baili, and thank you for telling me this! I would like to see a lot of people start their days with my song.
DeleteLee