Just Music
(Lyrics by R. McBride and Music by R. Volpintesta unless otherwise noted)
RJM
3/9/15
I Could Have Been Great
I could write songs, I’ve got all the tools
I could be just as good as those other fools
I have what it takes, got a real tender heart
But I’ve never been able to tear it apart
Because you never broke it, and you never would
I could have been great if you weren’t so good
Songs about happy lovers just lack gravitas
People want to hear songs about heartbreak and loss
Don’t know why it is but I know that it’s true
And you can’t write those songs unless you’re feeling blue
But you make me happy, blues, I don’t think I could
I could have been great if you weren’t so good
I guess I could pop pills in a real drunken haze
But I don’t want to miss out on our happy days
Or I could chase women and put our love to the test
But why run after seconds when I’ve got the best
So I guess I had choices but from where I stood
I could have been great if you weren’t so good
So I kept my day job, skipped the dives and the bars
And I loved our children more than all my guitars
Raising a family can be a really wild ride
And we shared the duties; I was there at your side
So I guess I made choices and most of them were good
And if I had it to do over you know that I would
You make me so happy because you’re so good
Vocal by R. Volpintesta
3/9/15
I Could Have Been Great
I could write songs, I’ve got all the tools
I could be just as good as those other fools
I have what it takes, got a real tender heart
But I’ve never been able to tear it apart
Because you never broke it, and you never would
I could have been great if you weren’t so good
Songs about happy lovers just lack gravitas
People want to hear songs about heartbreak and loss
Don’t know why it is but I know that it’s true
And you can’t write those songs unless you’re feeling blue
But you make me happy, blues, I don’t think I could
I could have been great if you weren’t so good
I guess I could pop pills in a real drunken haze
But I don’t want to miss out on our happy days
Or I could chase women and put our love to the test
But why run after seconds when I’ve got the best
So I guess I had choices but from where I stood
I could have been great if you weren’t so good
So I kept my day job, skipped the dives and the bars
And I loved our children more than all my guitars
Raising a family can be a really wild ride
And we shared the duties; I was there at your side
So I guess I made choices and most of them were good
And if I had it to do over you know that I would
You make me so happy because you’re so good
Vocal by R. Volpintesta
RJM
12/14/07 – 5/4/11
Mix It Up and Shake It
Mix it up and shake it
Be careful not to break it
There’s no way you can fake it
It’s your essence, it’s your soul
Go ahead and groove it
Make it easy to move it
No way you can improve it
If it makes you rock & roll
Yah, shake it up and mix it
Ain’t no one who can nix it
If it does break I can fix it
It’s what you’ve felt from the start
It’s the real you, you know it
So go ahead and show it
Life’s a party so throw it
Show what you’ve got in your heart
12/14/07 – 5/4/11
Mix It Up and Shake It
Mix it up and shake it
Be careful not to break it
There’s no way you can fake it
It’s your essence, it’s your soul
Go ahead and groove it
Make it easy to move it
No way you can improve it
If it makes you rock & roll
Yah, shake it up and mix it
Ain’t no one who can nix it
If it does break I can fix it
It’s what you’ve felt from the start
It’s the real you, you know it
So go ahead and show it
Life’s a party so throw it
Show what you’ve got in your heart
RJM
May 28, 2010
Addis Ababa
Chances
Every place you go to live
There's a chance that you will die
Every time you choose to give
There's a chance it will make you cry
Every time that you forgive
There’s a chance they told a lie
But if you’re afraid to take a chance
You’ll regret you didn’t try
May 28, 2010
Addis Ababa
Chances
Every place you go to live
There's a chance that you will die
Every time you choose to give
There's a chance it will make you cry
Every time that you forgive
There’s a chance they told a lie
But if you’re afraid to take a chance
You’ll regret you didn’t try
RJM
2/83 – 1/16/02
CAUSES
Saying something that’s true and making it rhyme
Gives you something to do, it’s a real good time.
But sometimes you put yourself on the line
Show yourself to the world and hope they’ll be kind
At the end of the day, what does it matter?
If all are like you, your world would be flatter.
We’re meant to be different, can’t all be the same
If you can’t accept others, only you are to blame
So don’t be too worried ‘bout what others say.
Especially if it’s that, there’s no other way.
Who’s locked up the truth? Who really can say?
Each person has their own thoughts and feelings to weigh.
Saying something that’s true and making it rhyme
Gives you something to do, it’s a real good time.
They teach hatred and killing, you know they're lying
'Cause then comes the suffering and the cryin'
You know we do so much damage for causes
Whether flogging the Koran or carrying crosses
We walk off the ledges following bosses
When the damage is done no one’s counting the losses
Leaders stir hate with politics and religion
With common folk dying and rotting in prisons
What causes the hatred, what real motivations?
Revenge, fear, power, self-gratification
It’s such dangerous work, influencing others.
The leaders we need believe all men are brothers.
So far power goes to the rich and the smart.
We must find a method that measures the heart.
Saying something that’s true and making it rhyme
Gives you something to do, it’s a real good time.
Teaching hatred and killing is such a crime
We need leaders who understand the sublime
That’s what I say --- Let’s start today
Music by R. McBride, J. Baskin & R. Volpintesta. Drums Adam Robinson
2/83 – 1/16/02
CAUSES
Saying something that’s true and making it rhyme
Gives you something to do, it’s a real good time.
But sometimes you put yourself on the line
Show yourself to the world and hope they’ll be kind
At the end of the day, what does it matter?
If all are like you, your world would be flatter.
We’re meant to be different, can’t all be the same
If you can’t accept others, only you are to blame
So don’t be too worried ‘bout what others say.
Especially if it’s that, there’s no other way.
Who’s locked up the truth? Who really can say?
Each person has their own thoughts and feelings to weigh.
Saying something that’s true and making it rhyme
Gives you something to do, it’s a real good time.
They teach hatred and killing, you know they're lying
'Cause then comes the suffering and the cryin'
You know we do so much damage for causes
Whether flogging the Koran or carrying crosses
We walk off the ledges following bosses
When the damage is done no one’s counting the losses
Leaders stir hate with politics and religion
With common folk dying and rotting in prisons
What causes the hatred, what real motivations?
Revenge, fear, power, self-gratification
It’s such dangerous work, influencing others.
The leaders we need believe all men are brothers.
So far power goes to the rich and the smart.
We must find a method that measures the heart.
Saying something that’s true and making it rhyme
Gives you something to do, it’s a real good time.
Teaching hatred and killing is such a crime
We need leaders who understand the sublime
That’s what I say --- Let’s start today
Music by R. McBride, J. Baskin & R. Volpintesta. Drums Adam Robinson
RJM
3/26/87 – 1/24/07
BRED ALONE
Doing our own thing everywhere
Another lost chance to share
To show each other that we care
Dinner is served but no one’s there
We don’t express the love we feel
Cash and status have the most appeal
Our self-centered world begins to congeal
We don’t have time for what’s really real
We’re a generation that’s been bred alone
If you want us, send a text on the phone
From Gameboy to Ipod in our own zone
What we’ll get in the end is our bread alone
Our habits grow firm in the shape of a mold
We stew over fame, power and gold
Thoughtlessly trapped by the strength of their hold
We eat by ourselves but the meal is cold
We’re all so busy with our separate lives
Won’t commit to be husbands or wives
We’ll regret it when the day arrives
When the lonely hours cut like knives
We’re a generation that’s been bred alone
If you want us, send a text on the phone
From Gameboy to Ipod in our own zone
What we’ll get in the end is our bread alone
3/26/87 – 1/24/07
BRED ALONE
Doing our own thing everywhere
Another lost chance to share
To show each other that we care
Dinner is served but no one’s there
We don’t express the love we feel
Cash and status have the most appeal
Our self-centered world begins to congeal
We don’t have time for what’s really real
We’re a generation that’s been bred alone
If you want us, send a text on the phone
From Gameboy to Ipod in our own zone
What we’ll get in the end is our bread alone
Our habits grow firm in the shape of a mold
We stew over fame, power and gold
Thoughtlessly trapped by the strength of their hold
We eat by ourselves but the meal is cold
We’re all so busy with our separate lives
Won’t commit to be husbands or wives
We’ll regret it when the day arrives
When the lonely hours cut like knives
We’re a generation that’s been bred alone
If you want us, send a text on the phone
From Gameboy to Ipod in our own zone
What we’ll get in the end is our bread alone
RJM
3/7/05 – 12/1/06
Daft
Is what I’ve sung and wrote so daft
That no one moaned or cried or laughed
Just sat there deaf and mute
Was I wrong to think they might react
To say “not bad” or else detract
Pure tripe or somewhat astute
Yea, I’m daft; I must be crazy as a loon
It’s daft for me to try to write a tune
Oh, it’s daft, to think I’ve got something to say
But I’m daft, I’m gonna say it anyway
I guess it means way more to me
Than they could ever really see
They’re living their own lives
Their silence cuts me to the bone
Though I guess I’d rather be alone
‘Cus I break out in hives
Yea, I’m daft; telling others what I think
Yea, it’s daft, a waste of time, a waste of ink
Oh, I’m daft, to think I’ve got something to say
But I’m daft, I’m gonna say it anyway
Still, I tried to convey my passion
In my own peculiar fashion
But, I guess, it was without impact
It meant so very much to me
It was awfully hard for me to see
The obvious things it lacked
That’s cus I’m daft; I’m round the bend and I know it
I’m daft; to think some rhymes make me a poet
I’m daft; this urge to write must prove it’s true
I’m daft, whether you read is up to you
3/7/05 – 12/1/06
Daft
Is what I’ve sung and wrote so daft
That no one moaned or cried or laughed
Just sat there deaf and mute
Was I wrong to think they might react
To say “not bad” or else detract
Pure tripe or somewhat astute
Yea, I’m daft; I must be crazy as a loon
It’s daft for me to try to write a tune
Oh, it’s daft, to think I’ve got something to say
But I’m daft, I’m gonna say it anyway
I guess it means way more to me
Than they could ever really see
They’re living their own lives
Their silence cuts me to the bone
Though I guess I’d rather be alone
‘Cus I break out in hives
Yea, I’m daft; telling others what I think
Yea, it’s daft, a waste of time, a waste of ink
Oh, I’m daft, to think I’ve got something to say
But I’m daft, I’m gonna say it anyway
Still, I tried to convey my passion
In my own peculiar fashion
But, I guess, it was without impact
It meant so very much to me
It was awfully hard for me to see
The obvious things it lacked
That’s cus I’m daft; I’m round the bend and I know it
I’m daft; to think some rhymes make me a poet
I’m daft; this urge to write must prove it’s true
I’m daft, whether you read is up to you
RJM
1/1/05
Wouldn’t Trade
I’ve got a mind that’s wild and free
I’ve got a mind that cries and sings
And thinks about amazing things
And it belongs to me
I’ve got a heart that’s strong and true
I’ve got a heart that wears a smile
Because it knows that all the while
It will belong to you
Yes, what I’ve got I wouldn’t trade
For all the tea in China made
I’m happy with my life
I’ve had such love as dad and son
And what I’ve dreamed about I’ve done
And there’s no better wife
I’ve got a bod that’s getting old
I’ve got a bod that ran and played
But now by time has been betrayed
And won’t do what it’s told
I’ve got a soul that’s quite confused
I’ve got a soul that’s trapped inside
That wants to drive but gets to ride
And sometimes feels abused
But what I’ve got I wouldn’t trade
For such a life I’ve often prayed
Despite the wear and tear
And who knows where we go to next
But there’s no need to be perplexed
As long as you are there
Drums by Adam Robinson
RJM
February 7, 2003
Talia Anne
I stare at your picture for hours
It’s like I’m under some magical spell
Do you have some sort of special powers?
If so, I say “What the Hell” (I guess it’s just as well)
But even so, I would still like some answers
To a few questions I’ve got on my mind
I’m not just one of your many romancers
And anyway, just for my peace of mind, I’d still like to find
How can you be so beautiful?
You’ve captured my very heart
How can you be so gorgeous?
You’re way gone right off the chart
How can you be so perfect?
Don’t know, but somehow you can
How can I be so lucky?
To love you my Talia Anne
I just wish that I could hold you
From now ‘til forevermore
But don’t say I haven’t told you
‘Cause that’s what grandpa’s are for
Yes I would just like to hold you
From now ‘til forevermore
But don’t say I haven’t told you
‘Cause that’s … what grandpa’s … are for
February 7, 2003
Talia Anne
I stare at your picture for hours
It’s like I’m under some magical spell
Do you have some sort of special powers?
If so, I say “What the Hell” (I guess it’s just as well)
But even so, I would still like some answers
To a few questions I’ve got on my mind
I’m not just one of your many romancers
And anyway, just for my peace of mind, I’d still like to find
How can you be so beautiful?
You’ve captured my very heart
How can you be so gorgeous?
You’re way gone right off the chart
How can you be so perfect?
Don’t know, but somehow you can
How can I be so lucky?
To love you my Talia Anne
I just wish that I could hold you
From now ‘til forevermore
But don’t say I haven’t told you
‘Cause that’s what grandpa’s are for
Yes I would just like to hold you
From now ‘til forevermore
But don’t say I haven’t told you
‘Cause that’s … what grandpa’s … are for
RJM
February 25 & 28, 2002 & April 27, 2008
Attraction
There is something about you
That let’s me know I can’t live without you
Is it your form or your action
That makes me feel such a strong attraction
I only know that when you’re here
Things in my life become so clear
You fill up my heart and my soul
When we’re apart I just do not feel whole
You’re in my mind every minute
My brain won’t fire unless you begin it
You’re in my heart every hour
My blood flows ‘cause you supply the power
I only want you around me
Most people just confuse and confound me
I tell you my thoughts and feelings
We’ve suffered loss but we’re into healing
It’s you I want, you fill my heart and my soul
It’s you I need, you always make me feel whole
You are the light, you are the light in my life
It’s you I love, you’re my forever wife
I only want you around me
Most people just confuse and confound me
I tell you my thoughts and feelings
We’ve suffered loss but we’re into healing
Let’s just go where our lives take us
And not allow anything to break us
You do your thing and I’ll do mine
With trust and love the attraction will be just fine
It’s you I want, you fill my heart and my soul
It’s you need, you always make me feel whole
You are the light, you are the light of my life
It’s you I love, you’re my forever wife
February 25 & 28, 2002 & April 27, 2008
Attraction
There is something about you
That let’s me know I can’t live without you
Is it your form or your action
That makes me feel such a strong attraction
I only know that when you’re here
Things in my life become so clear
You fill up my heart and my soul
When we’re apart I just do not feel whole
You’re in my mind every minute
My brain won’t fire unless you begin it
You’re in my heart every hour
My blood flows ‘cause you supply the power
I only want you around me
Most people just confuse and confound me
I tell you my thoughts and feelings
We’ve suffered loss but we’re into healing
It’s you I want, you fill my heart and my soul
It’s you I need, you always make me feel whole
You are the light, you are the light in my life
It’s you I love, you’re my forever wife
I only want you around me
Most people just confuse and confound me
I tell you my thoughts and feelings
We’ve suffered loss but we’re into healing
Let’s just go where our lives take us
And not allow anything to break us
You do your thing and I’ll do mine
With trust and love the attraction will be just fine
It’s you I want, you fill my heart and my soul
It’s you need, you always make me feel whole
You are the light, you are the light of my life
It’s you I love, you’re my forever wife
RJM
2/83 & 8/01
MAMA
I’ve been a lot of places
and I’ve seen all kinds of things
I’ve seen sad and happy faces,
watched them cry and watched them sing
There’s so many paths to travel
but time limits us to a few
When I think it makes me wonder
how I’m so lucky to be with you
I've seen the Taj Mahal, I've been to the Great Wall
But Mama, you're all that I long for.
I'll leave diamonds and jewels for some other fools
‘Cause you’re the one I wrote the song for.
What man can build or find
won’t match the tie that binds,
Nothing on earth is above you.
You’ll always own my heart, we’ll never be apart,
Mama, you know that I love you.
It’s more like the mountains and more like the sea
It seems that our love was just meant to be
It’s more like the sun and a lot like the sky
Our love will go on past the time that we die
Better writers than me have inscribed what they see
In poem, in verse and in sonnet.
Well I just can’t say what makes the world this way,
It’s hard to put a finger on it.
Greed, poverty and hate must tempt the hand of fate
And cause awful grief and sorrow.
What we can do I don’t know but even so we must go
On together to face our tomorrow.
By you my life is defined,
you are the spark for my mind
My whole world orbits about you
I crave your tender touch, yes, I need you so much
I would be lost without you
I'd be so very lost without you
Music by R. McBride/Jason Baskin/R. Volpintesta; Drums Adam Robinson
2/83 & 8/01
MAMA
I’ve been a lot of places
and I’ve seen all kinds of things
I’ve seen sad and happy faces,
watched them cry and watched them sing
There’s so many paths to travel
but time limits us to a few
When I think it makes me wonder
how I’m so lucky to be with you
I've seen the Taj Mahal, I've been to the Great Wall
But Mama, you're all that I long for.
I'll leave diamonds and jewels for some other fools
‘Cause you’re the one I wrote the song for.
What man can build or find
won’t match the tie that binds,
Nothing on earth is above you.
You’ll always own my heart, we’ll never be apart,
Mama, you know that I love you.
It’s more like the mountains and more like the sea
It seems that our love was just meant to be
It’s more like the sun and a lot like the sky
Our love will go on past the time that we die
Better writers than me have inscribed what they see
In poem, in verse and in sonnet.
Well I just can’t say what makes the world this way,
It’s hard to put a finger on it.
Greed, poverty and hate must tempt the hand of fate
And cause awful grief and sorrow.
What we can do I don’t know but even so we must go
On together to face our tomorrow.
By you my life is defined,
you are the spark for my mind
My whole world orbits about you
I crave your tender touch, yes, I need you so much
I would be lost without you
I'd be so very lost without you
Music by R. McBride/Jason Baskin/R. Volpintesta; Drums Adam Robinson
RJM
February 10, 2007
REGRETS
I always meant to say how much I love you
But I just wasn’t there
Didn’t take the time to share
To say how much I cared
Now as I’m standing here above you
I’ve realized my greatest fears
And in my remaining years
I’ll drown in my own tears
Now I don’t want to lose the pain
‘Cause when it’s here you’re back again
Now there’s a void inside my heart
An empty space that won’t depart
I went after fortune with a passion
As if accumulating dough
Would make the good life grow
Now I know it’s just not so
Now there’s nothing left to cash in
The bank account’s gone dry
And the pot of gold’s a lie
It means nothing when you die
Now money doesn’t mean a thing
It’s to your memory that I cling
All the riches on the planet
Won’t buy what I took for granted
I tried to call you on your last day
But the call did not go through
Then I had other things to do
Can you hear me say that I love you?
I’ll look for you on my last day
I know that you’ll be there
To take the time to share
And show how much you care
February 10, 2007
REGRETS
I always meant to say how much I love you
But I just wasn’t there
Didn’t take the time to share
To say how much I cared
Now as I’m standing here above you
I’ve realized my greatest fears
And in my remaining years
I’ll drown in my own tears
Now I don’t want to lose the pain
‘Cause when it’s here you’re back again
Now there’s a void inside my heart
An empty space that won’t depart
I went after fortune with a passion
As if accumulating dough
Would make the good life grow
Now I know it’s just not so
Now there’s nothing left to cash in
The bank account’s gone dry
And the pot of gold’s a lie
It means nothing when you die
Now money doesn’t mean a thing
It’s to your memory that I cling
All the riches on the planet
Won’t buy what I took for granted
I tried to call you on your last day
But the call did not go through
Then I had other things to do
Can you hear me say that I love you?
I’ll look for you on my last day
I know that you’ll be there
To take the time to share
And show how much you care
RJM
April 26, 2008
Not Thirsty Anymore
I’m a musician who plays no instrument
I’m a singer without a voice
I’m a spirit outside my element
I’m a fool without a choice
I’ve put most of my life behind me
I’ve got less of my days ahead
I’ve seen all of the things the blind see
Forgot most of what’s been in my head
Seems this life’s had a light and a dark side
The good’s always been fighting the bad
Like some spooky amusement park ride
When I get to the end I’ll be glad
On half full or half empty I’ll pass as
I hope to do what I’m here for
Doesn’t matter how much the glass has
If I’m not thirsty anymore
No I’m not thirsty, I’m not thirsty anymore
I’ll never get it; I’ll never know what life is for
I’m ok with it; it’s alright to be unsure
It’s worth the living, no matter what’s …
behind … the door
But I’m not thirsty, I’m not thirsty anymore …
April 26, 2008
Not Thirsty Anymore
I’m a musician who plays no instrument
I’m a singer without a voice
I’m a spirit outside my element
I’m a fool without a choice
I’ve put most of my life behind me
I’ve got less of my days ahead
I’ve seen all of the things the blind see
Forgot most of what’s been in my head
Seems this life’s had a light and a dark side
The good’s always been fighting the bad
Like some spooky amusement park ride
When I get to the end I’ll be glad
On half full or half empty I’ll pass as
I hope to do what I’m here for
Doesn’t matter how much the glass has
If I’m not thirsty anymore
No I’m not thirsty, I’m not thirsty anymore
I’ll never get it; I’ll never know what life is for
I’m ok with it; it’s alright to be unsure
It’s worth the living, no matter what’s …
behind … the door
But I’m not thirsty, I’m not thirsty anymore …
RJM
May 8, 2003
Devoid (Freedom Song)
Every day I used to cry
Now I shed no tears
Now I’m not afraid to die
Devoid of any fears, oh yea, devoid of any fears
You may think that I’m depressed
But that’s not how I feel
I’m still aware of how I’m blessed
But grasp more what is real,
oh yea, I grasp more of what is real
I’ll not speed my own demise
But when I go, before anyone cries
Think about how quick time flies
Then hoist a glass up to the skies;
hoist one to the skies
I lose nothing when I’m past
But future grief and pain
The Bonds of love and joy will last
But I’ll never love this life again;
no, I won’t love life again
I’ll not speed my own demise
But when I go, before anyone cries
Think about how quick time flies
Then hoist a glass up to the skies;
hoist one to the skies
Every day I used to cry
Now I shed no tears
I’ll just let my spirit fly
For my remaining years,
oh yea, for my remaining years
May 8, 2003
Devoid (Freedom Song)
Every day I used to cry
Now I shed no tears
Now I’m not afraid to die
Devoid of any fears, oh yea, devoid of any fears
You may think that I’m depressed
But that’s not how I feel
I’m still aware of how I’m blessed
But grasp more what is real,
oh yea, I grasp more of what is real
I’ll not speed my own demise
But when I go, before anyone cries
Think about how quick time flies
Then hoist a glass up to the skies;
hoist one to the skies
I lose nothing when I’m past
But future grief and pain
The Bonds of love and joy will last
But I’ll never love this life again;
no, I won’t love life again
I’ll not speed my own demise
But when I go, before anyone cries
Think about how quick time flies
Then hoist a glass up to the skies;
hoist one to the skies
Every day I used to cry
Now I shed no tears
I’ll just let my spirit fly
For my remaining years,
oh yea, for my remaining years
RJM
12/3/05
Malibu
This is a song about Malibu
And the God-awful day that the board hit you in the head
You moaned and you slipped into the water so Deep
And we all hoped that you were just asleep and not dead
We swam and we dove to find where you had gone
And we felt such despair as the clock just ticked on
Then we found your limp bod and pulled you to the top
And we worked and we prayed that your system not stop
We did all we could to help you pull through
But there was just nothing that we could do
Down in Malibu
We were so young to lose a loved one so dear
And our boards have been dry now for many a year,
without you
Our lives have gone on in a less joyful way
But we still feel you’re with us every day, and that’s true
Now the time has come round to get back on the board
So we’re pulling them out of the places they’re stored
We never feared riding the crest of a wave
It was more like a tribute, a way to behave
But now we all know that if it’s up to you
You want us to ride and do all we can do
Down in Malibu
12/3/05
Malibu
This is a song about Malibu
And the God-awful day that the board hit you in the head
You moaned and you slipped into the water so Deep
And we all hoped that you were just asleep and not dead
We swam and we dove to find where you had gone
And we felt such despair as the clock just ticked on
Then we found your limp bod and pulled you to the top
And we worked and we prayed that your system not stop
We did all we could to help you pull through
But there was just nothing that we could do
Down in Malibu
We were so young to lose a loved one so dear
And our boards have been dry now for many a year,
without you
Our lives have gone on in a less joyful way
But we still feel you’re with us every day, and that’s true
Now the time has come round to get back on the board
So we’re pulling them out of the places they’re stored
We never feared riding the crest of a wave
It was more like a tribute, a way to behave
But now we all know that if it’s up to you
You want us to ride and do all we can do
Down in Malibu
RJM
6/25/04 – 12/01/06
Moving On
I want to peek my head
Into the hole of my soul
But still hang on for dear life
I want to be enlightened
And lose my pain
But still make love to my wife
I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on
When I’ve been there before
I’ve recoiled in horror
It seemed like such empty space
But next time I’m there
I think I’ll take the plunge
And see if I find my true face
I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on
I’m ready to move on
And leave my ego behind
It’s just a source of pain and sorrow
But I’ll keep the love
Even if I lose my mind
I own the love, I own the love, I own the love,
… the mind I borrowed
I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on
The illusions of this world are mostly gone
I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on
My body is weak but I’m feeling strong
I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on
Where pain and fear will not belong
I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on
Love and truth are all that we bring along
Drums by Adam Robinson
6/25/04 – 12/01/06
Moving On
I want to peek my head
Into the hole of my soul
But still hang on for dear life
I want to be enlightened
And lose my pain
But still make love to my wife
I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on
When I’ve been there before
I’ve recoiled in horror
It seemed like such empty space
But next time I’m there
I think I’ll take the plunge
And see if I find my true face
I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on
I’m ready to move on
And leave my ego behind
It’s just a source of pain and sorrow
But I’ll keep the love
Even if I lose my mind
I own the love, I own the love, I own the love,
… the mind I borrowed
I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on
The illusions of this world are mostly gone
I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on
My body is weak but I’m feeling strong
I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on
Where pain and fear will not belong
I’m movin’ on, I’m movin’ on
Love and truth are all that we bring along
Drums by Adam Robinson
RJM
03/30/07
So Much To Gain
Like anybody who falls for somebody
I’ve got a couple of doubts
But like somebody who loves anybody
I’m gonna work them all out
Your lips are magic and I think it’s tragic
When they look like they may pout
Down with the tragic; your kisses are magic
We'll find a way to make out
My heart is pounding; the tempo’s astounding
Right through my gut and my brain
Yet it’s astounding I’d forget the pounding
My heart gets if this is in vain
Still I am willing; your prospect is thrilling
I’m ready to risk all the pain
You’ll get top billing if you’re just as willing
Let’s not lose when there’s so much to gain
Vocal by Rob Volpintesta
03/30/07
So Much To Gain
Like anybody who falls for somebody
I’ve got a couple of doubts
But like somebody who loves anybody
I’m gonna work them all out
Your lips are magic and I think it’s tragic
When they look like they may pout
Down with the tragic; your kisses are magic
We'll find a way to make out
My heart is pounding; the tempo’s astounding
Right through my gut and my brain
Yet it’s astounding I’d forget the pounding
My heart gets if this is in vain
Still I am willing; your prospect is thrilling
I’m ready to risk all the pain
You’ll get top billing if you’re just as willing
Let’s not lose when there’s so much to gain
Vocal by Rob Volpintesta
RJM
18-Sep-11
Lucky (in Love)
I love you and you love me
We’re lucky, real lucky
It’s as good as life can be
We’re lucky, so lucky
We’ll be together in days to come
Joys and heartbreaks, there’ll be some
And we’ll share them, every one
We’re lucky, so lucky
Now dear ones are gathered here
We’re lucky, real lucky
To make their love and support clear
We’re lucky, so lucky
This is such a special day
They’ll all hear the vows we say
That our love is here to stay
We’re lucky, so lucky
I love you and you love me
It’s as good as life can be
Vocal by Rob Volpintesta
18-Sep-11
Lucky (in Love)
I love you and you love me
We’re lucky, real lucky
It’s as good as life can be
We’re lucky, so lucky
We’ll be together in days to come
Joys and heartbreaks, there’ll be some
And we’ll share them, every one
We’re lucky, so lucky
Now dear ones are gathered here
We’re lucky, real lucky
To make their love and support clear
We’re lucky, so lucky
This is such a special day
They’ll all hear the vows we say
That our love is here to stay
We’re lucky, so lucky
I love you and you love me
It’s as good as life can be
Vocal by Rob Volpintesta
RJM
September 8, 2010
Wind, Earth, and Sky
The wind is the breath of God
Just listen to the music it makes!
It enlivens the path I plod
And my spirit inside it wakes
The earth is my mother’s breast
It feeds me and makes me feel whole
Like a wonderful lover caressed
Its beauty nourishes my soul
The sky is my mind when it sings
Sometimes with the force of all light
And it gives my imagination wings
When it shows off the stars at night
Wind, Earth, and Sky,
Earth, Sky, and Wind
We do not die because Adam sinned
Wind, Earth, and Sky,
Sky, Wind, and Earth
We have to die to experience rebirth
RJM
May 16, 2002
Competition
Well here is my position, my position, my position
That there is always hope, always hope, always hope
But there is competition, competition, competition
From those who’d sell you dope, sell you dope, sell you dope
They take away your power …
and your freedom too
Make you a slave by the hour …
doing what they want you to do
Your dignity gets shattered …
and your life becomes a waste
As if nothing really mattered …
except feeding your new taste
Well there's more to life than that stuff ...
it robs you of your soul
So before you take your first puff …
think about your life’s goal
It’s not to get high for a moment …
then lead a sad and shallow life
And wonder where all the dough went …
and why you never had a wife
Don’t become a slave to that crap …
and the fools who think they’re rich
It’s nothing but a big trap …
that leaves you lying in the ditch
There’s just way too much beauty …
don’t let it all slip away
To create more love is your duty …
and see the miracle each day
There it is, now I’ve said it, now I’ve said it, now I’ve said it
Don’t let them steal your soul, steal your soul, steal your soul
You’ll deserve the credit, deserve the credit, deserve the credit
If love and beauty are your goal, are your goal, are your goal
RJM
12/05/08
Going Sixty
To go from zero to sixty, it took me sixty years
With more joy than sorrow and more laughs than tears
Now life’s speeding by at a pretty fast rate
And I’m seeing some signs about meeting my fate
At the rate I’m going, it could end in a flash
I could be speeding along and have a sudden crash
Or as I keep shifting into the higher gears
I could keep moving through the final years
Until some year that I’m trying to pass
The engine just dies when I run out of gas
Going sixty, I think I’ve finally hit my stride
Going sixty, I’m taking my life for a ride
Going sixty, a geriatric in my prime
I may as well have a good time
However it ends, the trip’s been great so far
I’ve had a tank full of love and just one real scar
Where it goes from here I have no way of learning
Straight roads are easy but it’s more fun turning
But somehow it seems no matter where it may roam
I get a strong feeling the destination is home
I’m still up for the ride to see where life’s going
And take in each new day with my mind knowing
That it’s a special event and it’s one of a kind
With more love and new insights out there to find
12/05/08
Going Sixty
To go from zero to sixty, it took me sixty years
With more joy than sorrow and more laughs than tears
Now life’s speeding by at a pretty fast rate
And I’m seeing some signs about meeting my fate
At the rate I’m going, it could end in a flash
I could be speeding along and have a sudden crash
Or as I keep shifting into the higher gears
I could keep moving through the final years
Until some year that I’m trying to pass
The engine just dies when I run out of gas
Going sixty, I think I’ve finally hit my stride
Going sixty, I’m taking my life for a ride
Going sixty, a geriatric in my prime
I may as well have a good time
However it ends, the trip’s been great so far
I’ve had a tank full of love and just one real scar
Where it goes from here I have no way of learning
Straight roads are easy but it’s more fun turning
But somehow it seems no matter where it may roam
I get a strong feeling the destination is home
I’m still up for the ride to see where life’s going
And take in each new day with my mind knowing
That it’s a special event and it’s one of a kind
With more love and new insights out there to find
RJM
8/6/01 – 2/14/02 – 8/28/03
California Cate
Way out on the West Coast in that sunny Golden state
That’s where I first found the likes of California Cate
I think she worked for Apple Core or was it Hollywood
Whichever one she done her job and I know she done it good
California Cate knows you won’t go far
Unless you’ve got the right job and you drive the right car
California Cate wants to be a star
Wants us to think she’s great and be sad with who we are
She goes up to the mountains and she goes down to the sea
She goes wherever she needs to go
to be where she needs to be
She’s into health and fitness, steel hard buns, washboard abs
And on the latest fashion trends you know she’s keeping tabs
California Cate buys life from a jar
She’ll find her next date in a singles bar
She’ll manipulate and she’ll leave a scar
Her vanity to sate; she hasn’t so far
She’s not big on commitment but she’s thinking of a spouse
Otherwise she’s not sure how she’ll ever get a house
She’s not exactly sure why her boyfriend’s kind of lame
Could it be because they met while on that dating game?
California Cate wants to meet a star
Running for Governor of the state or power grid Czar
Someone like California Nate who smokes a big cigar
And knows how to fabricate and lives in Vista Del Mar
Her life’s just like it’s supposed to be,
there’s nothing out of place
But lately she’s begun to see some faint lines on her face
According to the magazines she’s playing the best part
Why is it then that she should have
something missing in her heart?
California Cate, oh oh you won’t go far
‘Til you forget about your status and open up your heart
California Cate you can be a star
You don’t have to wait, just be glad with who you are
8/6/01 – 2/14/02 – 8/28/03
California Cate
Way out on the West Coast in that sunny Golden state
That’s where I first found the likes of California Cate
I think she worked for Apple Core or was it Hollywood
Whichever one she done her job and I know she done it good
California Cate knows you won’t go far
Unless you’ve got the right job and you drive the right car
California Cate wants to be a star
Wants us to think she’s great and be sad with who we are
She goes up to the mountains and she goes down to the sea
She goes wherever she needs to go
to be where she needs to be
She’s into health and fitness, steel hard buns, washboard abs
And on the latest fashion trends you know she’s keeping tabs
California Cate buys life from a jar
She’ll find her next date in a singles bar
She’ll manipulate and she’ll leave a scar
Her vanity to sate; she hasn’t so far
She’s not big on commitment but she’s thinking of a spouse
Otherwise she’s not sure how she’ll ever get a house
She’s not exactly sure why her boyfriend’s kind of lame
Could it be because they met while on that dating game?
California Cate wants to meet a star
Running for Governor of the state or power grid Czar
Someone like California Nate who smokes a big cigar
And knows how to fabricate and lives in Vista Del Mar
Her life’s just like it’s supposed to be,
there’s nothing out of place
But lately she’s begun to see some faint lines on her face
According to the magazines she’s playing the best part
Why is it then that she should have
something missing in her heart?
California Cate, oh oh you won’t go far
‘Til you forget about your status and open up your heart
California Cate you can be a star
You don’t have to wait, just be glad with who you are
RJM
4/29/86 & 6/8/02
PHILOSOPHER’S LAMENT
Sometimes, you know, it’s hard to see
Am I passing through time or is time passing through me?
Sometimes, you see, I’d like to know
Does it all end here or is there someplace we go?
When I die, what’s gonna happen to me?
Will some essence continue to be?
I’m curious, I’d like to see.
When I die, what’s gonna happen to me?
How’d we get here, did it start with a bang?
Was there nothing and no one before the shot rang?
Is there a creator that gives a dang?
How will it stop, will it end with a bang?
Why are we here, does life have a meaning?
Does it go round in circles, a continuous screening?
Are we merely atoms, wildly careening?
Why are we here, does death have a meaning?
What makes us human, brains or emotion?
Did we evolve, did we come from the ocean?
Where are we headed, in perpetual motion?
Can we live forever by some magic potion?
Can we remain young with some magic potion?
Like a shot of Botox and some wrinkle-free lotion?
Are we fooling ourselves with some perpetual notion?
Can we live forever if we promise devotion?
Is this just a phase of life we pass through?
If so, is there something we’re expected to do?
We seek understanding and hope that it’s true.
But often it’s clear that we don’t have a clue.
Well, I don’t know, and I can’t see
What we are now or what we’re going to be
Well, I can’t see, and I don’t know
Where we are now or where we’re going to go
When I die, what’s gonna happen to me?
Will some essence continue to be?
I’m curious, I’d like to see.
When I die, what’s gonna happen to me?
RJM
8/3/2002
Life
Life is Love
Life is Pain
Does life come once or do we go around again
Life is Joy
Life is Sorrow
We’re here today but maybe not tomorrow
Life is Time
Life is Space
What matters now may be gone without a trace
What we can do is do our best each day
To create love and joy and make the pain go away
What we can do is use our time and space
To do good things and make the world a better place
Life is good
Life is bad
Sometimes we are happy and sometimes we are sad
Life is heartbeat
Life is breath
We all know that this life ends with our death
Life is ebb
Life is flow
When we’re done here is there someplace that we go
What we can know is that we don’t have a clue
But I think life has a purpose and I hope that it’s true
What we must do is take the bad with the good
And use our time and talent the way that we should
Life is Love
Life is Pain
We wonder why but there’s no way to explain
Life is Joy
Life is Sorrow
We cannot take, we know we only borrow
Life is Time
Life is Space
We can only hope it lasts beyond this place
8/3/2002
Life
Life is Love
Life is Pain
Does life come once or do we go around again
Life is Joy
Life is Sorrow
We’re here today but maybe not tomorrow
Life is Time
Life is Space
What matters now may be gone without a trace
What we can do is do our best each day
To create love and joy and make the pain go away
What we can do is use our time and space
To do good things and make the world a better place
Life is good
Life is bad
Sometimes we are happy and sometimes we are sad
Life is heartbeat
Life is breath
We all know that this life ends with our death
Life is ebb
Life is flow
When we’re done here is there someplace that we go
What we can know is that we don’t have a clue
But I think life has a purpose and I hope that it’s true
What we must do is take the bad with the good
And use our time and talent the way that we should
Life is Love
Life is Pain
We wonder why but there’s no way to explain
Life is Joy
Life is Sorrow
We cannot take, we know we only borrow
Life is Time
Life is Space
We can only hope it lasts beyond this place
RJM
6/83-12/29/06
TIME WALKS
Time flies when you’re having fun
Time walks, I wish it would run
When we’re apart, I miss you so
Why does time have to move so slow?
Noise pollutes, it deafens the ear
I should be glad that I don’t have to hear
All the sounds that go with you
But this silence, it just makes me blue
Independence and liberation
Nice for some in my generation
Not for me, on you I depend
I wish this separation would end
Let time fly, let noise abound
I’ll be a slave with you around
I’ve got lots of time on my hands
Noiseless peace with no demands
An empty house, an empty bed
A dull white hum inside my head
I want you back to make time fly
I’ll make you glad, you know I’ll try
I want you back to make life loud
We’ll make some noise, without a crowd
My heart beats at sixty per minute
But with you gone there’s nothing in it
I need you back to fill my veins
Reload my heart and relieve my pains
Let time fly, let noise restart
Put the joy back inside my heart
Time flies when you’re having fun
Time walks, how I wish it would run
When we’re apart, I miss you so
Why does time have to move so slow?
6/83-12/29/06
TIME WALKS
Time flies when you’re having fun
Time walks, I wish it would run
When we’re apart, I miss you so
Why does time have to move so slow?
Noise pollutes, it deafens the ear
I should be glad that I don’t have to hear
All the sounds that go with you
But this silence, it just makes me blue
Independence and liberation
Nice for some in my generation
Not for me, on you I depend
I wish this separation would end
Let time fly, let noise abound
I’ll be a slave with you around
I’ve got lots of time on my hands
Noiseless peace with no demands
An empty house, an empty bed
A dull white hum inside my head
I want you back to make time fly
I’ll make you glad, you know I’ll try
I want you back to make life loud
We’ll make some noise, without a crowd
My heart beats at sixty per minute
But with you gone there’s nothing in it
I need you back to fill my veins
Reload my heart and relieve my pains
Let time fly, let noise restart
Put the joy back inside my heart
Time flies when you’re having fun
Time walks, how I wish it would run
When we’re apart, I miss you so
Why does time have to move so slow?
RJM
12/3/01-1/11/02-2/22/07
Wasted Time
I’ve wasted so much time on things that proved of little worth
That I had so much time to waste was an accident of birth
Some lost time was the result of my humanity
I regret much more the time devoted to my vanity
To talk of wasted time implies a right way to use it
A chance to do some good, but, alas, I refused it
To fill some void and fulfill my purpose and my fate
But I decided not to act, ignore it and let it wait
Wasted time makes wasted days
Your life reduced in many ways
Wasted time goes down the drain
The chance to act may not remain
It’s been said that time is money,
but I must say, how trite
After all, it can’t buy one extra day or one more night
In this life, the time I have is all I really own
So I can’t allow fame, wealth or things to make my spirit moan
Like the other three dimensions, time measures where I live
But it’s the only one of which I can truly give
I cannot give you more time, but I can make it ours
When all is said and done, it’s the greatest of my powers
I’ve wasted so much time on things that were without impact
Things that did not increase the love
nor from my ignorance detract
If I’m honest with myself, I’ve got a few things to explain
Like how I used my time, compared with how I used my brain
To talk of wasted time implies a right way to use it
A chance to do some good, but, alas, I refused it
To fill some void and fulfill my purpose and my fate
But I decided not to act, ignore it and let it wait
Wasted time makes wasted years
Slips by more quickly than it first appears
Wasted time is gone for good
Makes your life mean less than it should
12/3/01-1/11/02-2/22/07
Wasted Time
I’ve wasted so much time on things that proved of little worth
That I had so much time to waste was an accident of birth
Some lost time was the result of my humanity
I regret much more the time devoted to my vanity
To talk of wasted time implies a right way to use it
A chance to do some good, but, alas, I refused it
To fill some void and fulfill my purpose and my fate
But I decided not to act, ignore it and let it wait
Wasted time makes wasted days
Your life reduced in many ways
Wasted time goes down the drain
The chance to act may not remain
It’s been said that time is money,
but I must say, how trite
After all, it can’t buy one extra day or one more night
In this life, the time I have is all I really own
So I can’t allow fame, wealth or things to make my spirit moan
Like the other three dimensions, time measures where I live
But it’s the only one of which I can truly give
I cannot give you more time, but I can make it ours
When all is said and done, it’s the greatest of my powers
I’ve wasted so much time on things that were without impact
Things that did not increase the love
nor from my ignorance detract
If I’m honest with myself, I’ve got a few things to explain
Like how I used my time, compared with how I used my brain
To talk of wasted time implies a right way to use it
A chance to do some good, but, alas, I refused it
To fill some void and fulfill my purpose and my fate
But I decided not to act, ignore it and let it wait
Wasted time makes wasted years
Slips by more quickly than it first appears
Wasted time is gone for good
Makes your life mean less than it should