Over the past couple of years, I've gotten the courage to actually record a few demos of my songs. I'm not a great singer, and as I've said, I'm no longer a great musician. I wouldn't even say I'm a great songwriter, either, as you'll hear for yourself. The songs I'm posting here all have one thing in common: almost no structural difference between the verses and chorus (or in the case of October, no chorus at all). Oh well. These songs are still important to me for one reason or another.
One night in the fall of 2003, I was driving home under the light of an incredible full moon and I started humming to myself. As soon as I entered my apartment, I sat down and wrote this song. I recorded the demo a year and a half later when I thought about using it for my film, "Love is Deaf".
"Stare at the Moon" (click to hear demo)
I've always said that it's a pleasure just to stare at the moon
And it's so wonderful to be here, but I gotta leave soon
And though there's nothin' quite like kissin' and a-huggin' with you
Still I've got tons responsibilities that I've gotta do
And though I have to babe I really hate to leave you this way
And though I've really got to go I still have something to say
I never ever seem to tire of these games that we play
So just as long as I can see you at the end of the day
And oh honey I love you yes I
Oh honey I love you yes I
Oh honey I love you yes I do
I've always said that it's a pleasure just to stare at the moon
The sun is rising now I really have to be on my way
But every time I get my nerve you go and take it away
I'm swayin' back and forth just like those boats that sail on the bay
And I sincerely hope you'll take me through this every day
Cause oh honey I love you yes I
Oh honey I love you yes I
Oh honey I love you yes I do
I've always said that it's a pleasure just to stare at the moon
In fall 2004, I was producing John Wright's thesis film, and we were trying to come up with a song for the opening sequence. We wanted something with a Blind Boys of Alabama/old negro spiritual feel, so I wrote this song. I recorded a demo, but we never got around to finding a gospel vocalist who could pull it off. If at all possible, I would like this song to be sung at my funeral.
"Hymn for the Dead and Dying" (click to hear demo)
I have seen my death arriving
Way up on that cloud from Heaven sent
I have heard my woman crying
Oh, she recognize my life is spent
Carry me on, into the Righteous River
Carry me on, into that City bright
Carry me on, I am a reborn sinner
Carry me on, into that Beautiful Light
My friend Jesus, He calls me onward
“Step up, brother, to the final stage.
Taste the riches of My freedom.
That ol' flesh is just a mortal cage.”
Carry me on, into the Righteous River
Carry me on, into that City bright
Carry me on, I am a reborn sinner
Carry me on, into that Beautiful Light
I have seen that black-winged angel
I have watched my final hour pass
Though my earthly vessel's failed me
Oh, I know my soul will always last
A month before I wrote "Hymn for the Dead and Dying," I wrote another song called "October." This one was more personal. A year later, when I went into production on "Melissa With A Heart Around It," I decided to include "October" in the film. First, I recorded a demo (click to listen) on Garage Band. Then with the help of Rich Grula and Jon Friskics, I recorded the version included in the film.
"October" (click to hear movie version)
Ever since I was a boy I talked to Jesus
Ever since I was a boy I prayed to God
Seems as lately all I do is stumble
I can't tell what time it was
Flailing blindly through the sunlight of October
Come and find me, 'cause I cannot see your face
Step behind me, 'til the wars are over
In this endless space
October is the month when I remember
October is the month that makes me scared
I can never seem to shake October's
Endless moonlight ecstasies
But I receive October
And I believe October
But I could not leave October
Even if I tried to run
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