SongWriterJoe

*Nods. I'm even backlogged right now. I try to write one a day when the mood strikes.

Up until recently, a major stumbling block has been the team, or lack thereof. It's disheartening when folks don't understand and respect/ follow deadlines or aren't really serious about creating music and being part of a viable project and cooperative group. I've given good material to new contacts and several months go by.. Nothing! Nada! Zilch.. And there's always a lame excuse. This is finally changing. In fact, I will be meeting with my new business manager this Wednesday. Getting some support and promising co-writing liaisons with folks here, as well. Synergy! That's the key. SWJ

You must be Clark Kent, because this is SUPER, man! I've been tryin' to get something like like going, myself.

I'm late to the game, but how's this? Title:The 305 Lyrics (c) copyright 2019 Joe Givens {Instrumental Intro} {Train Sounds, Maybe?} {V1} Ridin' the rails on the 305 Tryin' real hard just to stay alive I don't yet know what this day will bring Listenin' to those old rails screech and sing Doin' my best to find my way back home I'm so damn tired of bein' alone. On the 305 headin' toward that California line. {To Chorus} {V2} I ain't been home for nearly five years Rememberin' baby's eyes as they filled with tears She asked me "Honey, why do you have to go?" I just shrugged and answered "I don't really know." The confusion and the anger were written on her face She cried "Go if ya gotta. Get outta this place! I hope you can find what you've been lookin' for Don't bother comin' back, I won't be here no more." {To Chorus} {V3} I been riding on these trains through 23 states Been away too way long and I can hardly wait. Seen all kinds of weather from blizzards to rain I been as far east as the seacoast of Maine Worked quite a few jobs but really nothin' to show For all the time that I put in, boy doncha know You ask me if I had to do it all over again. Well, lemme tell ya, I don't think so my friend. {To Chorus} {Chorus} On the 305, the 305, The cold mountain air cuts through ya like a knife Don't make the mistakes I made, stay on the 9 to 5 Life sure ain't no party ridin' the rails on the 305. {Outro} On the last leg of the long trip back to Redding town Hopin' my baby hasn't found somebody and settled down {END}

Thanks James, Amy!

Before I forget about this (and probably would, as I just turned the tender young age of 59 today! Lol) I want to thank everyone, including the site staff, for the unusually warm welcome and acceptance shown me here. That is a rare thing nowadays to find such cameraderie, especially in such a cutthroat, highly competitive biz as the music scene. Thank you. It almost brought a tear to the corner of this ol' songwriter's eye. Of course, there are always naysayers and those who will try to 'put you back in your place, because you haven't paid your dues.' I've even seen a little of that here. Guess what. Dues have been paid, with interest, and I'm ready for that next step. And though I have been to college, my most useful education has been in the "University of Hard Knox", of which I am most certainly an alumnus, having been conferred the honor of being class valedictorian! Again, on a more serious 'note' (ever the punster!). Thanks, guys.

Thanks Amy. Yeah, that is what I was trying for, something kinda humorous, but not losing the theme, and as jamestoffee noted, I used a bit of tongue-in-cheek irony when I mentioned "playin' da ivories" - punnish, but forgivable ;-). Now if I'd written this intending to 'sell' it, I would have also talked about his "dancin'", "swayin' to the beat", and "playin' his trumpet". But yeah, this was mainly for fun, and to knock the cobwebs off my creative side. When I found this challenge section in the forums, thought it would be a great place to start. *Tips black Stetson.

Aw, hell. Who wants to grow up? Not me! <chuckles>

V3 line 3 alternative: 'See it fo' yo' self, you'll know it's true..' Fits better into the song theme. Sorry, sometimes a bit too much of a perfectionist here. I gotta do it until it just 'feels right'! Ditto for line 4 in V3, changing 'play' to 'rock'. Either works, but Peter's rockin', after all!

Hmm, this has a weird, druggy, new-age vibe to it. Spaced out jus' readin' it, man! Lol

Hmmm, thanks, James.. I think V2 and V3 may be in reverse order, come to think of it. Editing..

Title: Peter the Rockin' Elephant © 2014 Joe Givens (Old rock n' roll blues style - fast, upbeat) Peter - the rockin' elephant.. Don't nobody say he can't.. Play dem rockin' rollin' rowdy blues. Playin' da piano.. never miss his cue.. Rock it Peter, all night long.. Play those rockin' rollin' songs.. If ya doubt me.. sit down fo' a few.. Ol' Peter the star will knock some out fo' you! Rockin' rollin' Peter plays.. Da ivories all da livelong day.. It don't matter what yo' point o' view.. Just bang dem keys an' Peter play along wit youuuu. Play it again Peter.. Oh, yeah..... (The file below is a rough acapella of me singing this song done on android tablet.) recording-530568969.mp3