Ruminations from a lovely Father’s Day Sunday. The second song of my album takes shape, Springsteen at 25 holds in my head, and I talk about the arc of songwriting and the spiritual side of it all

My rant on how we can change the landscape of writing music by: 1. Teaching kids how to actually learn music 2. Coming together in community to write 3. Stepping away from modern influences to access how the greats of music did it

Have a listen to my mind this morning. The title speaks for itself :)

Here is a song I will be updating that I am working on: Verse 1: (new edited version) Purpose: I'm going after work to see the guys, and my girl will be back home. I want her to know I work hard for you, and I need these nights to remind me of who I am. We’re going out tonight to Frankie's house and I just know we'll be alright My polish queen your alone to dream On our front porch crying, just know the things Ill do, I work hard for you I still need the nights when it’s me and the boys we go Down over the river Down, down over the river (original old version) We’re going out tonight to Marco’s house And I can already see the flood lights over valley park When the boss man says it’s all over we’re gonna send it tonight’s it’s what I do I work hard for you On the nights when it’s me and the boys we go Down over the river Down, down over the river Notes -Its best to go line by line after I free-write -The best songs come from simply playing until something comes, then listening back to see if it stick, from there, editing until the words are right.

I believe in free practice. No plan, no intention, no lyrics. Pick a key and give it. It’s always the best idea when you can’t write one. Over The River (00:00-7:37) -came out of a free riff, -a place to go when there’s no time left to go -this song felt special, like a real title In The Neighborhood (7:37-9:06) -the place I live, the place I never leave -a place I sing about often, it’s all I know these days Hearts on the Line (9:06-end) -a great piano riff -no real chorus idea