When it comes to music and lyrics, I like putting things together that just sound good together. And I don’t particularly care if they truly go together in real life. Especially when I write songs for kids. Because those songs are supposed to have magical powers. And that’s what I had in mind when I composed the island designs for the song “Island Day.” … Read the rest…
Back when I used to perform, nightly, in an island-themed restaurant, one of the crowd favorites was a song by Jimmy Buffett. The lyrics talked about volcanoes erupting and what would happen when they do. Words like, “Ground she’s movin’ under me…Tidal waves out on the sea…Sulphur smoke up in the sky…Pretty soon we learn to fly.” And then the chorus said, “I don’t … Read the rest…
Some friends and I went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, way back in 1982, for a ski trip. And when we got there, we took a drive out into the surrounding mountains to see how the “locals” lived. If you’ve never been to that part of the country, I recommend it. Because the scenery is unusual, the history is interesting, and the sunsets are … Read the rest…
My wife and I never had kids. And the reasons are complicated. Because we love kids. Well, most kids. Well, some kids. Just kidding. We DO love kids. And I’m telling you all of this because I think kids learn more than most people give them credit for these days. And I’ve witnessed when kids learn more. So, I know it’s true. But I … Read the rest…
There’s a scene, in “Stir Crazy,” a movie from 1980 with Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor, where Gene’s character says, “We bad. Yeah we bad.” Back in 1980 I thought the movie was funny. Today, I’d probably see it’s not a movie you and I should watch. So, I don’t recommend it…at all. But the “we bad” part popped into my brain because of … Read the rest…
I’m not makin’ this up. And there really and truly was an ensemble group, back in the 60’s, named “The New Christy Minstrels.” And they really sang a song called “Green Green.” Nice harmonies. And family friendly. But, of course, by today’s so-called “standards,” it was pretty lame. But I’ll take pretty lame green green over puke green modern pop music. Any day. And … Read the rest…
Doubt and worry. Yeah, they show up, a lot, when guys and girls first experience “love.” Because, when you’re young, with a brain full of crazy ideas, and a body full of hyped-up hormones, you don’t tend to make the best choices. Of course, there’s a better way to deal with doubt and worry and love. But I’ll get to that in a minute. … Read the rest…