Bob's blog

2011-07-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

Golden Beams

2011-04-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

Golden Beams © 4/22/2011 Bob Mullany

I celebrate summer in primeval forests
Where deer shun the daylight and swift eagles scream
I worship alone in a sweet holy space
Where the sun splits the shadows with bright golden beams

Golden beams, golden beams,
The sun splits the shadows with bright golden beams

Golden beams gleam and stream deep in the shadows
Where pink slippers grow in the cool of the shade
I hear the burbling, babbling brook
Where it meets with the river that flows through the glade

Through the glade, through the glade,
It meets with the river that flows through the glade

The moss feels so cool here below the trees’ shadows
The earth remains warm where the sunlight still streams
I talk to god and I seek out a sign
But angels confound me and leave me to dream

Leave me to dream, leave me to dream,
Angels confound me and leave me to dream

I am a child of the forest and mountains
I track the spirits and sprites by the stream
I feel a presence that soothes me to silence
As I lie impaled on god’s bright golden beams

Golden beams, golden beams,
I lie impaled on god’s bright golden beams
I lie impaled on god’s bright golden beams

Daddy's Daughter

2011-04-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

Daddy’s Daughter © 4/9/2011 Bob Mullany Fm

He’s been stalking her, she's an easy prey
And tonight she will discover
He’s a clever boy, he tells clever lies
“God wants us to be lovers”
So here she lies, and try not to cry
She's a lamb who's led to slaughter
As innocence dies between your thighs
Now she's not her daddy’s daughter

On a pitch black night, with no moon in sight
The ceremony’s ended
Now she's gone too far and she can’t go back
Her wound cannot be mended
As he rose and fell it hurt like hell
She was drowning in deep water
As he felt the rush on his final thrust
Now she's not her daddy’s daughter

As he drives her home in the dead of night
It’s like he never knew her
He doesn’t speak, as the music blares
Why does he look right through her ?
She's on her own in the danger zone
'Cause her mother never taught her
It’s nothing like she dreamed about
Now she's not her daddy’s daughter

Quote of the month

2011-04-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between.
Oscar Wilde

The Spirit Within

2010-08-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Spirit Within © 8/05/2010 Bob Mullany (G)

We’ve come to the river again
A new day’s about to begin
Redemption is ours despite all of our sins
When we feel the spirit within

Our hearts and our souls were diseased
We cried as we fell to our knees
“We’re lost in the desert, Lord, come help us please”
Then we felt the spirit within

Sounds so sweet when we hear it
We’ve found peace through the spirit
God’s love is complete, there’s no need to fear it
When we feel the spirit within

No matter where you came from
No matter what you have done
Come live a good life and your kingdom will come
When you feel the spirit within

Sounds so sweet when we hear it
We’ve found peace through the spirit
God’s love is complete, there’s no need to fear it
When we feel the spirit within

Just Like Lovers Do

2010-06-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

Just Like Lovers Do © 5/21/2010 Bob Mullany

Beyond the shadows of the castle towers
We pick sweet berries and some wildflowers
We talk of everything for endless hours
Just like lovers do

You sing songs that bring the gods to tears
Some sad reflections in a house of mirrors
Where you sought rainbows but they disappeared
Just like lovers do

We can be the ones just like lovers do
That cultivate the gardens where love's seeds can be renewed
We pursue a destiny that rarely can come true
Just like lovers do

We have our moments but our bonds stay strong
Secure in knowing where our hearts belong
Find happy endings to some sad old songs
Just like lovers do

Our love is timeless, like the ancient tales
As we face challenge on the grandest scale
And reach for glory where the heroes fail
Just like lovers do

We can be the ones just like lovers do
That touch the hearts of dragons and survive the witch's brew
We'll fulfill a destiny that really can come true
That's what lovers do

Wonderful Night

2010-06-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

Wonderful Night © 3/31/2010 Bob Mullany

The sun melts into crimson clouds
Birds are singing sweet and proud
You bless me with a sunset kiss
Oh, what a wonderful night this is

You drink claret , I drink white
Either one works well tonight
Savor each sip, embrace the bliss
Oh, what a wonderful night this is

Bridge:

No TV, no evening news
No politicians' hollow views
No internet, no petty fights
Just go with the way we feel tonight

Twilight's highlights' coming soon
The rising of the crescent moon
Enough light left to find your lips
Oh, what a wonderful night this is

I know it will, but let's pretend
This lovely night will never end
I haven't the strength left to resist
Oh, what a wonderful night this is

A Child Who Never Was

2010-06-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

Never Was © 4/2/2010 Bob Mullany

I am a child who never was
My daddy went away to war
And so I never was conceived
I can't say what the war was for
It's hard for me to understand
My mother wed another man
And had a boy who wasn't me
And so that was the end of me
I am a child who never was

I am a child who barely was
Just a while - it wasn't long
My mom, she missed her period
She knew that I did not belong
She'll be in college two more years
And so she made me disappear
My dad denied he was the man
Just one of many one night stands
I am a child that barely was

I am a child that shouldn't be
My mother just dropped out of school
She really doesn't care for me
She just thought it sounded cool
She beats me when I cry too much
I've never known a tender touch
She turns some tricks to buy some crack
My daddy's never coming back
I am a child that shouldn't be

Conception is an act of war
When it's intent is genocide
Kill a race through vicious rape
Mixed blood brings tribal suicide
It's hard for us to understand
Man would conceive such evil plans
Self-righteous, they pray fervently
That God strike down their enemy
I am a tool of bigotry
Life can be a cause for joy
But it isn't always so
New life at times can be destroyed
And never have a chance to grow
To some it's always black and white
It's easy to see wrong from right
Make a choice but think it through
The answer should be right for you
I never had a chance because
I am a child who never was

Inconceivable

2010-06-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

Inconceivable © 3/27/2010 Bob Mullany

You're the center of attention when you walk into a room
As the conversation pauses to acknowledge you've arrived
Your presence draws attention like a flower in full bloom
And somehow men feel special and more glad to be alive
Every man sneaks glances
And they stand a little straighter
While every woman near you
Looks at you like an invader

It's so unbelievable that you love me like you do
So many happy moments and I owe them all to you
It didn't seem achievable that this is how my life could be
It seems so inconceivable that you could love a man like me

I first saw you in a crowd when I was playing on the stage
You were sitting with some friends beside the bar
You smiled at your companions as you turned the menu page
And I lost track of the frets on my guitar
It was early in my set and
I was praying that you'd stay
I sang every song I knew
That might make you turn my way

Now it's unbelievable that you love me like you do
So many happy moments and I owe them all to you
It didn't seem achievable that this is how my life could be
It seems so inconceivable that you could love a man like me

I don't believe it's destiny that brought your love my way
If I overthink it, it may disappear
I know I don't deserve it but I'll take it anyway
And as long as I can love you I will count my lucky years
My luck will be perpetual
As I awaken to your smile
Now our love's more special
-You're the mother of my child

And it's unbelievable that you love me like you do
So many happy moments and I owe them all to you
It didn't seem achievable that this is how my life could be
It seems so inconceivable that you could love a man like me

Andy McKee - Drifting

2010-04-27T16:51:00.001-07:00

2010-04-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Book List
A common theme - none of these were easy reads but they all proved to be worth the effort.

1. A Winter's Tale (Mark Helprin)

A fantasy urban love story complete with flying horse. What I love the most is how beautiful his language is - his novels are like 400 page poems. His "A Soldier in the Great War" is even more awesome in many ways and much more accesible.

2. Gravity's Rainbow (Thomas Pynchon)

A complex story about the V2 rocket. I think Pynchon was a Physics major years ago and many his references and themes show a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of scientific disciplines.

3. Catch 22 (Joseph Heller)

The funniest most cynical book ever written. I read this twice back to back because I laughed all the way through it. It was the perfect book for a young teenager in the early 60's to develop his cynical view of the world before going off to college and demonstrating against the Vietnam War. This is the book that helped us to "question authority".

4 The Recognitions ( William Gaddis)

What is art ? Wyatt Gwyon paints "forgeries" by creating original works which are such good reproductions of famous artists' styles they pass as newly discovered masterpieces.

5 Women Who Run with Wolves (Clarissa Pinkola Estes)

Myths, folk and fairy tales that illustrate the natural strength of women based on the Jungian wild woman archetype . She encourages women to get in touch with their instinctual power that has been masked by the domesitication of modern life.

6. The Story of Civilization -The Lessons of History (WIll & Ariel Durant)

A synopsis of lessons learned from their multivolume History of Civilization. I must admit I skipped ahead to this slim volume after plowing through a half dozen thick historical volumes.

7. Gaia (James Lovelock )

A novel look at planet earth and our effect on it. It views the entire biosphere as a self-regulating entity that includes all living and non-living things as a way to understand the intricacies of mother earth and how humanity affects it.

8. Guns, Germs, and Steel (Jared Diamond)

Geography as destiny. Diamond studies the historical winners and losers among civilizations and why some thrived while others died.

9 The Poetry of Robert Frost (Robert Frost )

Our most accessible poet. I'm from New England and we always felt like we owned him.

10. The History of God (Karen Armstrong )

Story of the major monotheitic religions born in the Middle East (focused on Jewish, Christianity, and Islam ) and how they were created and grew with their unique ideas about god.

Video of the Month: Pentangle - Light Flight

2010-04-18T11:33:00.001-07:00

OK GO - This Too Shall Pass Video of the Month

2010-03-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

2010-02-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

Forbes' 2009 list of the top 10 multinationals includes 7 energy (oil) companies. That helps explain why alternative energy has had such a rough time gaining a foothold in the market and more and more people think climate change is a hoax. (That would be you, Senator Imhofe).

According to Lindsey Renick Mayer from the Center for Responsive Politics, President George W. Bush's infamous energy task force led by Dick Cheney conducted its meetings in secret to gather recommendations from "Exxon Mobil, Conoco, Shell Oil, BP America and Chevron." This "would position oil and gas companies well ahead of other energy interests with billions of dollars in subsidies and tax cuts—payback for an industry with strong ties to the administration and plenty of money to contribute to congressional and presidential campaigns."

During the Bush administration the oil and gas industry spent $393.2 million on lobbying the federal government. This places the industry among the top nine in lobbying expenditures.

Beyond the energy/climate change debate a broader issue is why global business is considered efficient and useful and global government is scary. Actually, both should probably be considered scary. (Read anything by Naomi Klein - she can explain much better than I).

What you don't hear of a lot in discussions of changing the status quo is commensurate global governance to regulate the excesses of global companies. I know we have the paranoid specter of black helicopters full  of men in blue helmets coming to take us away to the secret detention centers. That might actually be a real concern given that the "tranparent" Obama administration seems to be hanging onto its "rights" to detain people for no good reason.

We all know the bureaucratic horror stories emanating from the United Nations, although you can find many admiral programs coming out of there and they shine a light on many real horrors of the world (rape as government policy, AIDS, genital mutilation, etc, etc).

We are left looking to the governments of the countries that provide homes to these global businesses like the energy firms mentioned above. Who has the power, the fortitude, the knowledge, and the access to keep these huge companies at bay and stop them when they obviously do wrong ? Who can stop the sweatshops, the  deforestation, the oil spills? Who can stop global news organizations like Mr. Murdoch's from creating fake news on their fake media and then blowing it out of proportion by having their stable of "analysts" repeat their canned and branded messages in lockstep (think Teabaggers) until the silent majority actually believe its news ?

Our federal government seems to be in a constant state of paralysis. Witness the latest silliness on health care reform. After screaming for "transparency" and input into the debate, the Republicans were called to a televised discussion about their concerns by President Obama. Mr. Boehner and his frightened colleagues brand it "a trap" , and I'm sure that's how Fox News will frame it too. In the psychedelic land of DC, it;s a trap to have to tell us what their ideas are in public.

I don't have any good anwers to fixing the messes created by globalization. Sometimes businesses themselves are able to bring about change if it serves their vested interests. Some CEO's seem to grasp the climate change issues better than the government, and are willing to trade environmental improvements for stability, but self-policing is not going to work in every industry.

The feebleness on display in the Copenhagen summit and Washington in terms of making substantive changes is disheartening. Problems seem too big for politics to solve. Information is available wherever you turn but the truth is buried in the mountains of conflicting data. All sides of the arguments tailor their messages to create emotional responses, or they generate so much obfuscation people throw up their hands in despair and give up on real change. All sides are guilty of untruths. Gridlock again. At least we get a feeble chance to throw out the idiots in Washington. Unfortunately, we don't get the opportunity vote out the idiots in the board room unless we can afford a whole lot of stock. But we can try.

ExxonMobil's profits in 2009 slid to 19 billion from 44 billion the year before. Sounds like they need a new boss.   Call them and vote for me as new CEO. It's all part of the 2010 Bob Mullany stimulus package. I've been unemployed for 9 months but I have 20+ years of management experience.. I promise to focus more on alternative energy ! Their address and phone number :

Exxon Mobil Corporation

5959 Las Colinas Blvd.
Irving, TX 75039
Phone: 972-444-1000

Jan Akkerman and Paco De Lucia - Incredible Music Video of the Month

2010-02-01T13:22:00.000-08:00

Thought of the month

2010-02-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

"I'm not normally a praying man, but if you're up there, please save me, Superman!”
-Homer Simpson

Calling all Democrats ( that doesn't mean you, Joe )

2010-01-23T16:58:00.001-08:00

2010-01-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

"At least two thirds of our miseries spring from human stupidity, human malice and those great motivators and justifiers of malice and stupidity, idealism, dogmatism and proselytizing zeal on behalf of religious or political idols." -Aldous Huxley

I'll admit it - I'm a liberal. You can stop reading now if you are a conservative. What troubles me about recent events in Washington is that our government has become ludicrously incapable of doing anything of consequence at all. The recent battle over health care reform is a perfect example of the imperfection of representative democracy. The latest feat of logic from the 5-4 majority on the Supreme Court will only exacerbate the problem. I understand that many of the elections I've taken part in have consisted of choosing the lesser of many evils, and that that representative or senator or president is not going to focus on his constituents as much as he/she focuses on those who have donated large amounts of cash or trips or other goodies.
In health care, we have a fight that includes Big Health Care, Big Insurance, Big Pharma, Big Lawyers, and other middle sized and small groups kicking butt and taking names and bringing congress to a stand still. I thought the initial Big Issue would be the "public option", which would either give most of the Biggies listed above an Excedrin headache but help "regular people"  save money and get better health care, or turn us into a socialist hell where tea-baggers would be dragged off to secret containment camps left over from Dick Cheney's secret plan to take over the country. I was certainly surprised when president Obama spoke to a joint session of the House and Senate and gave it away immediatley. Then Obama's brain trust went into high gear and turned over the whole plan to another brain trust that included Max Baucus, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi, and a bunch of old white guys in suits. Suddenly, we were kissing Olympia Snowe's shrivelled butt for a meaningless vote and dropping  truckloads of goodies on Ben Nelson for a vote in a watered down bill that would essentially do nothing. For obviously  reason, this "nothing" was considered much worse than the "nothing" that Republicans were crying for because Mr. Obama liked it. So what do we have now ? Nothing , zero, naught, bubkes, zilch, nada !  Well, not entirely nothing. There were certain sections of the economy that were given a large stimulous package. That, of course, would be the wonderful companies that provide those stimulating political ads we so enjoy during dinnertime or driving to work, or spread like goat droppings all over the internet by the blogosphere ! We learn valuable information, like the fact that Obama is the reincarnation of Hitler or that Scott Brown is the reincarnation of JFK !
This is a heck of a way to run the country, but get used to it, because Mr. Roberts and his gang of four have unleashed the oppressed giant corporations and unions to spend as much as they like for the candidate of their choice and make up whatever they want because they're not really "connected" to the candidate they're supporting.
Well, this is our Brave New World. Just take your soma and everything will be fine. As Mr. Huxley wrote, it has "all the advantages of Christianity and alcohol; none of their defects."
I'm going to relax and go watch "24".

Thought of the Month

2010-01-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

Anywhere is walking distance, if you've got the time.
-Steven Wright

Thoughts on Haiti, God, and environmental determinism

2010-01-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

It's been a week since the disastrous earthquake in Haiti. Like nearly everyone, I was appalled by the carnage. Rush Limbaugh was appalled because it gave Obama a political edge with blacks "both light-skinned and dark-skinned". Pat Robertson blamed it on a deal with the devil in prerevolutionary days - kind of their own original sin that doomed them before the eyes of God. I find a much more logical explanation for Haiti's long and continued history of misery in Jared Diamond's 2005 book, Collapse - How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed.

The environmental element is a mix of geographic problems. According to earthquake experts the quake struck on a 50-60-km stretch of the more than 500-km-long Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault, which runs generally east-west through Haiti, to the Dominican Republic to the east and Jamaica to the west. Port-au-Prince is simply located in the wrong place where tectonic plates rub against each other and a shallow earthquake ensues in their backyard. To exacerbate the problem, Haitians live on the wrong side of 10,000 foot mountains that don't get as much rain as the Dominican Republic (on the other side of the mountains) Most of the rivers flow toward the DR. Historically, there was little level ground to make good farmland, and the forests were cut down for sugar plantations.
The biggest disaster ever for the island of Hispaniola occurred shortly after the first white guy showed up. Nearly all the native slaves used by the Spanish after a guy named Columbus landed in 1492 were wiped out within 30 years (1 to 3 million decimated to about 11 thousand) Over the ensueing centuries African slaves worked French sugar plantations. Meanwhile, forests were stripped for sale of wood back to France, further denuding the landscape of Haiti. Slaves successfully revolted against the French at the beginning of the 19th century. The freed slaves changed the plantations to subsistence farming on small, individually owned plots, and stopped most outside trade and foriegn ownership of property, The killer blow to any hopes of modernization was delivered more recently when ruthless dictators reigned in both the Dominican Republic (Trujillo, Balaguer) and Haiti (Papa Doc & Baby Doc Duvalier). The DR's dictators were at least interested in saving their natural resources and developing modern industry, while the Duvaliers didn't care about either. The result is the continued destruction of what little resources Haitians possessed. For example, Haitians depend on charcoal fuelt to the point they are encroaching on the forests on the Haitian border with the Dominican Republic and cutting more forest. The DR, meanwhile, switched to natural gas and other fuels decades ago.
The path Haiti took centuries ago prepared the way for the devastation we've seen on our TV's over the last week. The earthquake couldn't have been prevented, but the Haitians would have conceivably been better prepared to recover if their history wasn't a series of wrong turns on the road to progress and modernization. Modern buildings would have made a huge difference toward survival for many Haitians. Like Afghanistan and other poor countires, though, modern society can't be created overnight. Political corruption is hard enough to rout out without the further breakdown of society that is sure to follow the environmental devastation in Haiti. Haitians that Jared Diamond interviewed half a decade ago had "no hope" for a brighter future. Their latest catastrophe does not help the situation. The only hope they can dwell on is that they're starting with a blank slate to have another chance of improving their futures. The U.S. needs to do it's part to help this transition.

New Year's wish : Politic politicians

2010-01-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

Politic : Shrewd or prudent in practical matters; tactful; diplomatic (dictionary.com)

It's funny the difference one letter can make in a word. Politics, as practiced in modern democracies like our own, seems to lack shrewdness, prudence, practicality, tactfulness or diplomacy. If we look at the record of Barak Obama over his first year in the presidency, we can be an optimist and believe that he has some of these positive traits and has had a successful year overall. If we look at it from a liberal's point of view (as I do generally), there's much to be distressed about. Take health care, for example. It was evident that Obama had killed a real public option from the point he appeared before a joint session of congress and essentially conceded that it wasn't a key requirement for successful health care reform. Many liberals, like Howard Dean, have critized this and demand a stronger bill than the one they're currently concocting.
As the "debate" has progressed over the last few months, it's apparent that passing a reform bill with any meat on the bone becomes impossible, particularly in the Senate, when it requires appeasing the Ben Nelson's and Joe Lieberman's of the world.
I'm trying to be an optimist and hope that something is better than nothing, but you have to wonder at what point the bill becomes so watered down you have essentially destroyed it. I think they're close to that now, and may totter over the edge in trying to compromise with people using their leverage to suck even more out of their favorite lobbyists. It's obvious Republicans have decided en masse to fight any legislation that Obama might get credit for. The biggest two face of them all is John McCain, who has managed to fool people into thinking he's a man of integrity. Some are calling for more transparency by filming the negotiations. Otto von Bismark had a good point when he said " Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made" .
I think we should be able to watch this ugly process live and uncut. Those who have seen sausages being made tend at the very least to think twice before eating one. Those who have seen the impolitic behavior of those politicians holding legislation for ransom under the harsh lights of live TV may think twice before voting them back into a position of responsibility where they'll continue to legislate based on who's filling their pockets the most.

Preston Reed - Ladies Night Incredible music video of the month

2010-01-07T16:57:00.000-08:00

Funny but sad video (youtube)

2010-01-07T14:50:00.000-08:00

In transition (blog entry)

2010-01-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

I've been unemployed since May 13, 2009.  I have become involved in the community of people who share one trait - we are "in transition". Everyone in this world uses euphenisms like that as a way to soften the blow, but no one is really fooled. I'm out of a job, I don't bring any money in, I'm old (another thing I share with the majority of this community of those "preparing for our next success".)
One thing I hadn't anticipated fully was how this would color my ability to share my thoughts online. For example, I blew away any birthday wishes on facebook that mentioned my age specifically since the "experts" tell us that potential employers check out your social networking sites for information before hiring you. There are no online pictures of me with a bong or playing beer pong (fortunately there weren't a lot of pictures being taken or at least shared wholesale before the advent of the internet). But what if I choose to mention that Dick Cheney is a lying asshole who faked intelligence to start an unneeded war in a country that had nothing to do with 9/11?  There's a good chance my next potential employer thinks Dick and Sarah would make a great ticket for the next presidential race.

My status isn't all that unique with the unemployment rate hovering around 10%, which is small comfort. I've met people at church halls and community employment resource centers with impressive credentials and I think "How the hell could this happen to you ?". My  27 year old son works as a sales engineer for a company that's growing by leaps and bounds with software that everyone seems to want. He can't understand how a good salesman could ever be out of work for long. He hasn't seen the companies with the better mousetraps being gobbled up and spit out by the Microsoft's and Oracle's of the world. He was still a child when the dot-bombs gobbled up venture capital with great ideas, no products or profits, and newly minted millionaires who lose it as quickly as they made it. Sometimes reality bites.

He also hasn't seen how a good salesman or manager or engineer suddenly becomes a liability because of their high pay and increased medical problems, which make them unattractive employees to the owners who are looking for ways to cut costs. He has seen how the company owns your life and you're on call 24/7 when everyone can connect via smartphone and laptop from anywhere.

I can't really complain but I will anyway. After all, I'm part of the most self-absorbed generation in history - a baby boomer. Business has catered to us for our whole lives. We graduated college and joined the "counter-culture" until we decided our idealistic social service job with the poverty level wages wouldn't support the family we finally settled down and started.

In the sixties, we'd say "What a bummer, man ! " I still cringe watching Woodstock (the movie) because of the grammar which required "man" at the end of any sentence - Sister Agnes Dolores (alias "The Axe") would be so disappointed in me if she had seen me talking that way after diagramming all those sentences in elementary school !

Yes, it is a bummer and a bad trip but it's reality even if it's not on TV. As that a-hole on Jersey Shore would say, "I'm the situation, and you're going to have to deal with the situation". We are a resilient bunch,though, and we'll somehow get through it. Our last gift to our children will be showing our chidren by example how not to go gracefully into our golden years. We'll be begging for our kids to take us in and give us the remote.

The secret seems to be - make sure you make C level so you get the golden parachute when the shit hits the fan. And if you want a well examined life, don't share it with anyone because something's going to offend somebody. "Don't let them bring you down." (Neil Young)

1/6/2010

Notes on the content of this blog 1/4/2010 (blog entry)

2010-01-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

This is my first blog post that is not a song I have written. In December of 2009 I posted 139 song lyrics and one poem. More will be posted as I write them.
My favorite part of writing songs is the lyrics. I've had two prolific periods where I wrote the bulk of my songs - the 70's and the last few years . My first songs  were written in 1973 (the year after I graduated college.) I'd played guitar since I was 13 but it never dawned on me to write songs until 10 years later.
Over the next few years I played in a New England band ( IW Harper ) with Kevin Trant and Peter Goebel and then did some solo performing. We were a 3 piece band playing what today would be called alternative country or Americana. We had no drummer but people generally got up and danced anyway. I did background vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, and 5-string banjo.
My second prolific period has been over the past few years. My children have grown and gone off to college (Kelly) and work (BJ). I replaced years of soccer coaching, managing, field maintenance, and house league reffing with apprearances at open mics at local coffee houses and bars. My favorite spots have been Greenleaf Coffee House, Stage Left Cafe, the Fat Bean, Keywester, Gallery Cabaret, River's Edge, the Mast House, and Stillwater. I've met some good friends who share a love for writing and/or performing music.

One thing I discovered when I went through my piles of notebooks was the 70's/80's songs generally were pretty bad. I found a list of 104 songs from back then. Only 12 of them were included here. I'm too embarassed to share the rest. If a song is included in my blog I at least thought it had some redeeming value. While many songwriters' songs are autobiographical, that description fits about 10% of my songs. I frankly don't often know where the inspiration comes from for most songs but I'm thankful when it comes quickly and easily, which is often the case.

I've discovered that this format doesn't provide a very easy way to organize my songs. They are basically listed in the order I entered them, so many of my earliest and worst songs come first and my best are scattered all over the place. I added alphabetical labels to make songs available by the first letter of the song title but even that's kind of cumbersome.

I've added some links to music videos, recordings, and articles that intrigued me for one reason or another. My tastes tend to be eclectic, with the bulk of them being performances you probably haven't seen or heard before.

Leave a comment or question if you'd like.

It's Really Nice Being With You

2009-12-31T08:50:00.001-08:00

It's Really Nice Being With You © 1973 Bob Mullany

I really can't say now for sure
How long I'll be staying with you
I've loved other women before
But somehow it didn't ring true

And one thing's for certain that I can't ignore
As I gaze through the curtain that hangs on your door
It's really nice being with you

I'm sorry to be such a mess
I just don't know what I should do
It's better than lying, I guess
But it sure makes it rougher on you

And one thing's for certain that I can't ignore
As I gaze through the curtain that hangs on your door
It's really nice being with you

You've been such an angel to me
Seems you know what I've been going through
But you still need an answer, I see
'Bout what I'll eventually do

And one thing's for certain that I can't ignore
As I gaze through the curtain that hangs on your door
It's really nice being with you

Flowers don't grow where you walk
And your smile doesn't turn the sky blue
But I like what you say when we talk
And I like even more what you do

Now my future looks clearer than ever before
I feel finer each time that I walk in your door
And one thing's for certain that I can't ignore
It's really nice being with you
It's really nice being with you

Life's Been Good to Me

2009-12-30T13:27:00.000-08:00

Life's Been Good to Me

I awake as morning light comes streaming through my window
Lights up your hair as you lie sleeping peacefully.
I listen to the whisper of the pine trees as the wind blows
I must admit that life's been good to me.

Life's been good to me and I'm content to say
Life's been kind to me and mine in ,oh, so many ways
Yes, we've seen some broken dreams, and we do have our days
I've no regrets, 'cause life's been good to me.

Walk into my son's room as he's stirring from his slumber
he rubs the cobwebs from his eyes
and smiles up at me.
That smile's among the first of any blessings I could number
I must admit that life's been good to me.

Life's been good to me and I'm content to say
Life's been kind to me and mine in ,oh, so many ways
Yes, we've seen some broken dreams, and we do have our days
I've no regrets 'cause life's been good to me.

Another day, I guess I'm one day older
I try to face it philosophically.
When the weight of life is lifted from my shoulder
I'll have no regrets 'cause life's been good to me.

Life's been good to me and I'm content to say
Life's been kind to me and mine in ,oh, so many ways
Yes, we've seen some broken dreams, and we do have our days
But I've no regrets 'cause life's been good to me.

© 1984 Bob Mullany

Duck, duck

2009-12-30T13:20:00.001-08:00

Duck, duck © 1985 Bob Mullany

Momma duck and baby ducks walking in a line
2, 4, 6 and 7, 8, 9
Momma duck and baby ducks walking in a row
The way you waddle when you walk
You're walking too slow

You better duck, duck
Duck, duck
Watch out for the truck, duck
You'd better move your bucket
Or you'll be a schmuck, duck
Duck, duck, duck
Don't you press your luck, duck
You'd better move your bucket
Or you'll get your butt struck

Momma duck and baby ducks walking in the street
They got wings on their fingers
And webs on their feet
Momma duck and baby ducks waddle while they walk
And they're quacking while they're walking
-That's talking duck talk

You better duck, duck
Duck, duck
Watch out for the truck, duck
You'd better move your bucket
Or you'll be a schmuck, duck
Duck, duck, duck,
Don't you press your luck, duck
You'd better move your bucket
Or you'll get your butt struck

Nothing

2009-12-30T13:07:00.000-08:00

Nothing © 11/15/1974 Bob Mullany

Some of the happiest moments of my life
I'm sitting doing nothing with you
When I got nothing better to do
I love doing nothing with you

I've got no worries when I'm lost in the glory
Of sitting doing nothing with you
When we've got nothing better to do
I really love doing nothing with you

We don't have to walk
'Cause it doesn't matter where we are
Or what the rest of the world's up to
We don't have to talk
'Cause I know just exactly what you're feeling
And I know you're feeling it too

Some of the happiest moments of my life
I'm sitting doing nothing with you
When I got nothing better to do
I love doing nothing with you

Instrumental break

We don't have to walk
'Cause it doesn't matter where we are
Or what the rest of the world's up to
We don't have to talk
'Cause I know just exactly what you're feeling
And I know you're feeling it too

Some of the happiest moments of my life
I'm sitting doing nothing with you
When I got nothing better to do
I love doing nothing with you

Sugar Pie

2009-12-30T12:58:00.000-08:00

Sugar Pie © 1975 Bob Mullany

Oh, my, I love my sugar pie
Gonna love ya 'til the bees stop making honey
Gonna love ya 'til the sun falls from the sky
Oh my, I love ya, sugar pie
Gonna love ya, gonna love ya 'til the day I die

Well, I got no job and I got no money
But I got a little lady and she calls me honey
She knows I'm gonna ramble,
Knows I'm gonna roam
She knows I'm gonna love her
'Til the cows come home

Oh, my, I love my sugar pie
Gonna love ya 'til the bees stop making honey
Gonna love ya 'til the sun falls from the sky
Oh my, I love ya, sugar pie
Gonna love ya, gonna love ya 'til the day I die

I've been to the country and I've been to the city
And I've seen a lotta gals that were sweet and pretty
None of them as sweet as my little sugar pie
And she knows I'm gonna love her til the well runs dry

Oh, my, I love my sugar pie
Gonna love ya 'til the bees stop making honey
Gonna love ya' til the sun falls from the sky
Oh my, I love ya, sugar pie
Gonna love ya, gonna love ya 'til the day I die

I rolled snake eyes, and I rolled a couple sevens
I've seen a bit of hell and I've seen a bit of heaven
Seen a bit of hell when I'm workin on the farm
Found a whole lotta heaven in my sweetheart's arms

Oh, my, I love my sugar pie
Gonna love ya 'til the bees stop making honey
Gonna love ya' til the sun falls from the sky
Oh my, I love ya, sugar pie
Gonna love ya, gonna love ya 'til the day I die

Maybe I'm Crazy

2009-12-30T12:47:00.001-08:00

Maybe I'm Crazy © 12/1/1974 Bob Mullany

Maybe I'm crazy and maybe I'm not
Maybe it's you who's crazy
Maybe I'm crazy and maybe I'm not
It really don't even faze me
'Cause whatever I do, I have a good time doing it
And there ain't a darn thing you can do to ruin it
Maybe I'm crazy and maybe I'm not,
Or, maybe, baby, it's you !

Maybe I'm wrong and maybe I'm not
There's two sides to every story
Yeah, maybe I'm wrong, and maybe I'm not
But I surely ain't gonna worry
'Cause whatever I do, I have a good time doing it
And there ain't a darn thing that you can do to ruin it
Maybe I'm wrong and maybe I'm not,
Or, maybe, baby, it's you !

There's a minute possibility my mental agility
Ain't quite up to par
But a cranial disability isn't my responsibility
'Cause I am what I is what I are
'Cause whatever I do, I have a good time doing it

And there ain't a darn thing that you can do to ruin it
My entire personality may be a liability
Or, maybe, baby, it's you !

What more can I say, I just know I feel OK
And whatever I do I have a good time doing it
-There ain't a darn thing you can do to ruin it
Maybe I'm crazy, and maybe I'm not,
Or maybe, just maybe, baby, it's you !
Yeah, maybe, maybe baby it's you !

Slow End of Saturday Night

2009-12-30T12:27:00.001-08:00

Slow End of Saturday Night © 6/17/1980 Bob Mullany

When your Sunday morning is the slow end of Saturday night
And the sun on the shades says it's time to turn out the lights
All the butts and bottles and bodies are a sorrowful sight
When your Sunday morning is the slow end of Saturday night

On the wrong side of thirty some mornings don't feel so good
You know it hurts you but you still don't live like you should
Your soul feels the music but the message seems misunderstood
On the wrong side of thirty some warnings don't do much good

Another Sunday morning wondering where your Saturday went
Did your friends forget you, did the message never get sent ?
Jesus loves you, but he's still not paying the rent
Another Sunday morning wondering where your Saturday went

You go through phases like the moon shining down on the night
Hitting on some other man's woman and starting a fight
Sowing the seeds of destruction and you know it ain't right
And now your Sunday morning is the back end of Saturday night

When your Sunday morning is the slow end of Saturday night
And the sun on the shades says it's time to turn out the lights
All the butts and bottles and bodies are a sorrowful sight
When your Sunday morning is the slow end of Saturday night

Call Me

2009-12-30T12:07:00.000-08:00

Call Me © Bob Mullany 5/1975

Call me irresponsible
I’m liable to make a mess of any given situation
You may even say that I’m unconscionable
But that don’t bother me none
You can say what you wanna, babe, I ain’t your boss
But I think we go together like linguini and sauce
You can call me a phony
Say my knees are too boney
But I’ll still love you, honey, like a kid loves a pony
You can have your fun, but when it’s said and done
You’ll still be the one (you know, you’ll always be the one)
Yeah, you’ll still be the one that I love

Call me irrepressible
I'm likely to agree without the slightest hesitation
You may even say that I’m detestable
It still won’t bother me none
You can say what you wanna, it don’t matter to me
But I think we go together like honey and tea
You can act real grumpy, you can even try to dump me
Burn my TV dinner, make my mashed potatoes lumpy
You can have your fun, but when it’s said and done
You’ll still be the one (you know, you’ll always be the one)
Yeah, you’ll still be the one that I love

Call me reprehensible
I’ll just say I’m trying to live up to my reputation
You may even say I’m never sensible
It sure don’t bother me none
You can say what you wanna, when you wanna, my dear
But I think we go together like deep dish pizza and beer
You can try to forget me
And deny you ever met me
Do your best to upset me
Send your boyfriend to get me
You can have your fun, but when it’s said and done
You’ll still be the one (you know, you’ll always be the one)
Yeah, you’ll still be the one that I love

Shoes

2009-12-30T12:01:00.001-08:00

Shoes © 4/18/2007 Bob Mullany

My money is gone, it's all been spent
Some went for food, some went for rent
And some I'm not sure where it went
I'm sure some of it went for booze
The rest of it went for
Shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes,
God, my baby loves shoes !

Don't get me wrong, I'm doing swell,
I've got a good job, they pay me well
But, still, my budget has gone to hell
On shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes,
God, that woman loves shoes !

Red ones, green ones, yellow ones too
Some of them's black and some of them's blue
High heels, flats, and pumps with jewels
Yes, shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes
Man, my woman loves shoes !

When I've gone around the bend
And my life's come to an end
Slice me up in one foot blocks
Throw them into old shoe boxes
And line them end to end
Then bury them deep, my friend
Find some cheap flowers to send
That'll leave her more money to spend
On shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes,
God, that woman loves shoes !

Like a Dove

2009-12-30T11:47:00.000-08:00

Like a Dove
Bob Mullany © 1973

You can see I am a young man – that’s no time to be alone
And though I may appear to be I have a love to call my own
She’s gentle as the shadow of a cloud upon the meadow
Though sometimes it’s a lonely love
It’s the only love I know

In a way, she’s like a rainbow
But softer like a sunset
With the shyness of a woodland doe
She’s fragile as the violet

But a rainbow’s only water
And a sunset’s only sand
A doe would be so sad to leave the woodland if you caught her
A fragile violet when its picked will wither in your hand
It took a while to find a way to finally win her love
I just let her fly her free and fancy way just like a dove…

You can see I am an old man – I may seem to be alone
And though I may appear to be I have a love to call my own
She’s gentle as the shadow of a cloud upon the meadow
Though sometimes it’s a lonely love
It’s the only love I know
It took a while to find a way to finally win her love
I just let her fly her free and fancy way just like a dove…

The Secret of Champions

2009-12-30T11:38:00.001-08:00

The Secret of Champions © 2001 Bob Mullany

The champion's not a breed apart
It's more an essence of the heart
The champion's strength lies deep within her
The quiet confidence of winners

Those without the champion's eyes
See shiny baubles as the prize
What you now know sets you apart
You've learned what's in the chmapion's heart

Years of struggle and defeat
To work through pain and fe3ar and doubt
That's what makes the victory sweet
That's what life is all about

Written for U13 & U14 Team Chicago Brazil Girls
2001 and 2002 USSF Region II Champions

Scratch My Back

2009-12-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

Scratch My Back © 1973 Bob Mullany

We got no money in our pockets
We don't even have a car
We're way out in the country
So we can't go very far
But I think I thought of something
Make us feel just fine
Honey, let me scratch your back
And then I'll let you scratch mine
It'll make your body quiver
And send shivers up your spine
Honey, let me scratch your back
And then I'll let you scratch mine

We've got to do a little planning
So we do it up right
Baby, light a couple candles,
Then we'll turn off all the lights
Then we'll smoke a couple numbers
And drink a little wine,
Honey, let me scratch your back
And then I'll let you scratch mine
It'll make your body quiver
And send shivers up your spine
Honey, let me scratch your back
And then I'll let you scratch mine

We can do a little scratching,
Then we'll do a little rubbing,
Get into the tub
And do a little bit of bubbling
Then a little bit of loving
By the soft moonshine
Honey, let me scratch your back
And then I'll let you scratch mine
It'll make your body quiver
And send shivers up your spine
Honey, let me scratch your back
And then I'll let you scratch mine

South of the Border

2009-12-30T11:03:00.001-08:00

South of the Border © 1985 Bob Mullany

Breathing is painful, there's snow to my knees
The weatherman's talks of our next deep freeze
We've got icicles hanging from all of the trees
I'd sell my soul for a tropical breeze

Take me south of the border
I think a vacation's in order
Let's go south of the border
'Cause freezing's not really my thing
I'm going south of the border
We'll live on tequila- we won't drink the water
I'll see you all in the spring

I could be crazy but I get no thrill
Turning art into life with my own Big Chill
With the money I'd spend on my heating bill
I'll eat beans and burritos 'til I've had my fill

Take me south of the border
I think a vacation's in order
Let's go south of the border
'Cause freezing's not really my thing
I'm going south of the border
We'll live on tequila- we won't drink the water
I'll see you all in the spring

The air is so brittle I swear it'll break
It's so darned cold it makes my teeth ache
I think that the biggest mistake I could make
Is staying here freezing - I've had all I can take

Take me south of the border
I think a vacation's in order
Let's go south of the border
'Cause freezing's not really my thing
I'm going south of the border
We'll live on tequila- we won't drink the water
I'll see you all in the spring

Nameless Lady

2009-12-30T10:42:00.000-08:00

Nameless Lady © 6/21/1978 Bob Mullany

Nameless lady
If you could know the subtle urges you engender
Young as the moment, old as time
A hint of passion so sublime
It's in a world away from here that you'll surrender

Two directions,
Missed connections,
Passing ships
The moon and sun
Appear as one in their eclipse

Nameless lady
You wouldn't know, to look at me,
I'm such a savage
You'll pass me by, we'll never meet
Two souls alone upon a street
Yet in my mind a spell is cast
-You have been ravished

Two directions,
Missed connections,
Passing ships
The moon and sun
Appear as one in their eclipse

Mercy

2009-12-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

Mercy

As I look out our window
Clouds obscure the setting sun
Then they usher in the darkness
As another day is done
Muffled voices from the TV
As I lay down in our bed
Is the only sound I hear
Except the voice inside my head (it says)

Oh, mercy, mercy, mercy where did our love go wrong
A love that once seemed endless, a love that seemed so strong
I know I’m far from sinless, but our love is nearly gone
Do you think that we should end this or should we carry on ?

We go to work each morning
And we come home every night
We never really talk much
So we rarely ever fight
Yes, we keep it from the children
Because it would hurt them so
Though they’ve really never seen us touch
Since many years ago

Oh, mercy, mercy, mercy where did our love go wrong
A love that once seemed endless, a love that seemed so strong
I know I’m far from sinless, but our love is nearly gone
Do you think that we should end this or should we carry on ?

I’m not dreaming ‘bout the future
I’m remembering the past
“Cause as I look around
I see how little of love lasts
Though it isn’t always darkness
And it isn’t always cold
It seems happy ever after's
Just a fairy tale we’re told.

Oh, mercy, mercy, mercy where did our love go wrong
A love that once seemed endless, a love that seemed so strong
I know I’m far from sinless, but our love is nearly gone
Do you think that we should end this or should we carry on ?
Do you think that we should end this or should we carry on ?

© 5-23-2005 Bob Mullany

There Ain't No Water in the Well

2009-12-27T11:20:00.001-08:00

There Ain't No Water in the Well © 5/2002 Bob Mullany

There ain't no water in the well,
There ain't no water in the well,
Creek's gone dry, and it's hot as the dickens
The cow's dry too, had to slaughter the chickens
And you cover your mouth as the dust storm swells
And there ain't no water in the well

There ain't no water in the well,
There ain't no water in the well,
Neighbors come calling, but you never can tell
If they just come calling
Or it's fear that they're smelling
And they hope you're selling
'Cause there ain't no water in the well

There ain't no water in the well,
There ain't no water in the well,
Now the banker's here with his starched white collar
And making you an offer 'bout a dime to the dollar
And you're clean out of credit so you might as well sell
'Cause there ain't no water in the well

How Will I Stop Loving You ?

2009-12-27T11:00:00.001-08:00

How Will I Stop Loving You © 5/22/1987 Bob Mullany

I had this awful revelation
As you're looking at me
Looking at you dancing with him
I can see that you're lovers
-And it's not just some casual thing

I'm filled with utter devastation
As you're looking at me
Looking at you dancing with him
But I'll swallow my pride, step aside
So your love can take wing

You had the power
To bring so much joy into my life
You used that power
And wielded it just like a knife to my heart
And left me here bleeding
But you won't hear me
Pleading for you to return
It's just another hard lesson to learn
Now that we're through
-How can I stop loving you ?

Can you feel my frustration ?
As you're looking at me
Looking at you dancing with him
Now I find I was blind
And for you it was some little fling

I feel this awkward fascination
As you're looking at me
Looking at you dancing with him
Now I know that it's over
And I must deal with the pain
That that brings

You had the power
To bring so much joy into my life
You used that power
And wielded it just like a knife to my heart
And left me here bleeding
But you won't hear me
Pleading for you to return
It's just another hard lesson to learn
Now that we're through
-How can I stop loving you ?

I Ain't Lonely

2009-12-27T10:00:00.001-08:00

I Ain't Lonely © 6/5/1984 Bob Mullany

I ain't lonely, just alone
What you took for rock steady, girl,
Was just a rolling stone
Someday you'll be back
But I'll be gone, gone, gone
Then you're gonna be lonely
Not just alone

You're probably thinking that you broke my heart
That's the furthest from the truth that you could be
I planned on leaving you, girl, from the start
So your leaving made things easier for me

I ain't lonely, just alone
What you took for rock steady, girl,
Was just a rolling stone
Someday you'll be back
But I'll be gone, gone, gone
Then you're gonna be lonely
Not just alone

I'm sure someday you'll come to see the light
That you lost the best man that you'll ever see
It's already much too late to set things right
Since you never really meant that much to me

I ain't lonely, just alone
What you took for rock steady, girl,
Was just a rolling stone
Someday you'll be back
But I'll be gone, gone, gone
Then you're gonna be lonely
Not just alone

Let me set the record straight now that we're through
You ain't the first or best love that I ever met
Nearly all of them were prettier than you
You can bet the farm that I ain't finished yet

I ain't lonely, just alone
What you took for rock steady, girl,
Was just a rolling stone
Someday you'll be back
But I'll be gone, gone, gone
Then you're gonna be lonely
Not just alone

Casual Encounter

2009-12-25T13:51:00.000-08:00

Casual Encounter © 7/18/78 Bob Mullany

It was just another casual encounter
The liquor worked well,
And it loosened our tongues
Conversation came easily
And was easily forgotten
But got awkward and stale
While the night was still young

Our defenses were down,
Two tired old fighters
We called it a draw,
Not a punch had been thrown
And though we both knew the odds
On an easy one nighter
It beat spending another
Cold night all alone

Play 'em if you got 'em
If you hit the bottom
Don't let it get you down
Chance is gettin' thinner
But maybe it's a winner
You've got to lay your money down
You've got to lay your money down

It was opening night
And we knew our parts well
We recited our lines
You seemed slightly bemused
We were put to the test
But it's so hard to tell
'Til you wake in the morning
And you read the reviews

Play 'em if you got 'em
If you hit the bottom
Don't let it get you down
Chances gettin' thinner
But maybe it's a winner
You've got to lay your money down
You've got to lay your money down

Secrets

2009-12-25T13:32:00.001-08:00

Secrets © 9/12/1974 Bob Mullany

You thought that I was sleeping
But I heard you speaking of me
In whispers with your dearest friend,
You told her that you love me

I could almost feel her smile
In knowing what she knew
Last night while you were sleeping
I had told her I love you

White Goddess

2009-12-25T11:50:00.001-08:00

White Goddess © 1976 Bob Mullany

I was up all night
praying for a revelation
The moon was pearly white
And perfect for illumination
Still l waited 'til the dawn
And the night went on and on
I've learned that she's got her own inclinations

Sometimes she comes,
Sometimes she won't,
Sometimes she'll tease me
But once in a while,
She comes with a smile,
And gives me all I needed just to please me

I was out on the road
On my way to a destination
I was singing along
To a song on my favorite station
She hopped in at a light
And said, "You can be with me tonight,
You know the real thing's always better than an imitation."

Sometimes she comes,
Sometimes she won't,
Sometimes she'll tease me
But once in a while,
She comes with a smile,
And gives me all I needed just to please me

Little Reasons

2009-12-25T10:59:00.001-08:00

Little Reasons © 1978 Bob Mullany

Your love, it fits me like a favorite easy chair
That I can sit and rest my bones in
Your love, it soothes me like a shady summer stream
Where I can come and throw my stones in

Don't need no bright lights like the big, big city
This ain't no Hollywood affair
It's little reasons that keep changing with the seasons
And the comfort in just knowing you'll be there

Our love flows easy like a breeze across the rye
A gently churning, turning, tawny sea
And just beneath the surface of those breezes flowing by
Our love is growing deeper quietly

Don't need no bright lights like the big, big city
This ain't no Hollywood affair
It's little reasons that keep changing with the seasons
And the comfort in just knowing you'll be there

No, I won't shout it like some blaring neon sign
My words would only crumble if I tried
I know that you can feel it, just how glad I am you're mine
And the peace we share in being satisfied

Don't need no bright lights like the big, big city
This ain't no Hollywood affair
It's little reasons that keep changing with the seasons
And the comfort in just knowing you'll be there

Senorita Bonita

2009-12-23T14:19:00.001-08:00

Senorita Bonita © 3/17/2007 Bob Mullany

Senorita Bonita
Es tan bueno contrarle
Ambos van a la playa
Y bailar en la noche

Buscando conchas marinas
Y baile en el cantinas
Espero que usted pueda
Romance en la noche

Bájese a la playa
Y siéntese por el fuego
Usted puede sentirse
Mi deseo como bailamos

Puede decir mi fortuna
Andamos bajo la luna
Pronto nosotros
Los romances en la noche

Pretty senorita
I'm so happy to meetcha
Let's go down to the beach
And dance the night away

We'll go searching for seashells
I'm still hoping you can tell
I'd like to romance the night away

Let's go down to the playa
And we'll sit by the fire
You can feel my desire
As we dance the night away

You can tell my fortuna
As we walk 'neath la luna
As we romance the night away

Give It All You Have

2009-12-23T13:02:00.001-08:00

Give It All You Have © 3/6/2001 Bob Mullany

I knew somehow you'd call
The story's made the rounds
Some friends are quite appalled
At least that's how it sounds
I don't claim to be wise
But I'm not so surprised
Sometimes you give it all you have
But love still lets you down

And so the rumor's true
And bad news travels fast
You're not surprised I knew
Let's put that in the past
It happens all the time
One of life's lesser crimes
Sometimes you give it all you have
But love just doesn't last

I know just how you feel
I tell you as a friend
Your wounded pride will heal
Your broken heart will mend
And though you're full of doubt
Your good heart will win out
Go on and give it all you have
And love will come again

Let It Be You

2009-12-23T12:05:00.001-08:00

Let It Be You © 12/16/1979 Bob Mullany

All I want is a piece of land
That I can call my own
I'll get myself a little old house
That I can call my home
And someone I can share it with
So I'm not all alone

Let it be you, babe,
Let it come true, babe,
My whole life through, babe,
Let it be you, let it be you

Some men love the rambling life
They can't keep their feet still
But all I want is my own little place
On the sunny side of the hill
With the woman I love right by my side
My dreams will be fulfilled

Let it be you, babe,
Let it come true, babe,
My whole life through, babe,
Let it be you, let it be you

One of these days I'll find my place
And I will settle right down
A fine friend and familiar face
With everybody in town
On summer nights my lady and I
Will watch the sun go down

Let it be you, babe,
Let it come true, babe,
My whole life through, babe,
Let it be you, let it be you

Listen to the Night

2009-12-23T10:26:00.001-08:00

Listen to the Night © 9/20/1978 Bob Mullany

You just rolled in on a midnight bus
And you got yourself a room
And your kids cling to you anxiously
As the neon fights the gloom
You're all children lost in darkness
With real substance to your fears
You mutter every prayer you know
And you pull the blankets near

Listen to the night
It's got a heartbeat of its own
Reach out in the night
You don't have to be alone
There's angels in the night
And they'll be staying near
Soon there'll be the light
Because you finally faced your fear

Your mind is working overtime
Like a movie flashing by
How you'd never felt so terrified
And you can't help wonder why
You knew this raging animal
You saw your frightened kids
Now you pray for absolution
For the sinful thing you did

Listen to the night
It's got a heartbeat of its own
Reach out in the night
You don't have to be alone
There's angels in the night
And they'll be staying near
Soon there'll be the light
Because you finally faced your fear

You lie and wait for morning
But you'll hate to greet the dawn
As you try to weigh your choices
Against the chances that are gone
So you bought yourself a ticket
And you took yourself a ride
But you know they're gonna catch you
'Cause you know somebody died

Listen to the night
It's got a heartbeat of its own
Reach out in the night
You don't have to be alone
There's angels in the night
And they'll be staying near
Soon there'll be the light
And you can finally face your fear

The Kind of Love You Want

2009-12-23T09:24:00.001-08:00

The Kind of Love You Want © Bob Mullany

Can you give me a notion
Just how strong is your love ?
Is it deeper than the ocean
And higher than the stars above ?
Is it stronger than the strongest tree
That bends but will not break ?

Is that the kind of love you want ?
Is that the kind of love you want ?
Is that the kind of love you want ?
Then that's the kind of love we'll make

I need to know right now
Will you love me 'til the end ?
Will your love stay strong forever
Or will you just pretend ?
'Cause if you were to leave me
I would break right down and die from my heartache

Is that the kind of love you want ?
Is that the kind of love you want ?
Is that the kind of love you want ?
Then that's the kind of love we'll make

Some folks run in circles,
They ain't ever satisfied
But I'm gonna wrap you up in my love
And keep you by my side

I need to know right now
Will you love me 'til the end ?
Will your love stay strong forever
Or will you just pretend ?
'Cause if you were to leave me
I would break right down and die from my heartache

Is that the kind of love you want ?
Is that the kind of love you want ?
Is that the kind of love you want ?
Then that's the kind of love we'll make

Time

2009-12-23T09:11:00.001-08:00

Time © 10/11/1984 Bob Mullany

I've got nothing but time,
Time for waiting on you
I've got nothing but time
-Tell me, what you gonna do ?
I'm waiting on you

The clock on the wall means nothing at all
When you measure your time in tears
These tears that fall are nothing at all
For you, they'll fall for years

I've got nothing but time,
Time for waiting on you
I've got nothing but time
-Tell me, what you gonna do ?
I'm waiting on you

Those men you see are nothing to me
There's one thing they don't know
Time, you see, means nothing to me
And time will see them go

I've got nothing but time,
Time for waiting on you
I've got nothing but time
-Tell me, what you gonna do ?
I'm waiting on you

No, time ain't much
There's nothing to touch
It's nothing to feel or see
Though time, as such,
Ain't really that much
It means so much to me

I've got nothing but time,
Time for waiting on you
I've got nothing but time
-Tell me, what you gonna do ?
I'm waiting on you

The Healing Tree

2009-12-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

The Healing Tree © 2/28/1982 Bob Mullany

The healing tree, when cut, will flood
It's wound with holy healing blood
That cures the ills of poor mankind
The lame, the sick, the lost, the blind

Pilgrims came and knelt in prayer
This wondrous gift from God to share
With hopeful hearts and grateful tears
They took miraculous souvenirs

And so the precious blood was shed
Until the healing tree was dead

Thank You

2009-12-23T08:45:00.001-08:00

Thank You © 1988 Bob Mullany

Here's to the woman who gave my life to me
As once I was a part of her she's still a part of me
From her I learned the lesson of what real love ought to be
Thank you for loving me,
For all the faith you showed in me,
For the man I turned out to be
Time passes slow as children grow
But I'll always love your loving me

Here's to the young loves that never seem to last
Like falling stars we wish upon they slip away so fast
Our dreams of the future are now memories of the past
Thank you for loving me, for all your warmth and honesty
For all the joy you shared with me
Time passes on, and though you're gone
I'll always love your loving me

Here's to the woman who is always at my side
My wife and my companion, my lover, and my guide
Our love's an endless ocean ever changing as the tide
Thank you for loving me,
For all the faith you showed in me
For all the joy you shared with me
Time passes by, and 'til I die
I'll always love your love in me

Here's to the woman who's the apple of my eye
My angel with a little bit of devil in her eyes
I've watched you grow from infancy
As the years went rolling by
Thank you for loving me
For the happiness you brought to me
For the woman you turned out to be
Oh, how time flies before these aging eyes
But I'll always love your loving me

And when the final page is turned
Of all the lessons that I've learned
There's one I'm sure that you'll agree is true
You'll always love the thought of someone loving you

If Wanting Was Water

2009-12-12T11:22:00.001-08:00

If Wanting Was Water © 1976 Bob Mullany

Lucky Eddie, he spends his days out at the track
He gives them his money
and sometimes they give him some back
He has a good time, sits in the sunshine,
Gets to see all his friends
He generally loses but when he gets lucky he wins

If wanting was water, and wishes were breezes,
and dreams were sunny blue skies
He'd be out on the ocean, perpetual motion
Sweet summer sun in his eyes

Sister Maria, she goes to confession each day
She doesn't sin much so I guess she don't have much to say
She works in the kitchen and helps with the cleaning
and when she's not busy, she'll pray
Content in the knowledge she'll get to heaven some day

If wanting was water, and wishes were breezes,
and dreams were sunny blue skies
She'd be out on the ocean, perpetual motion
Sweet summer sun in her eyes

Injun Benjamin works on the corporate farm
Some people claim he's a crazy mulatto
But he never did me no harm
When they light the fires to dry the tobacco
He sleeps on a cot in the barn
With his transister music,
a bottle of rum,
and machete as long as your arm

If wanting was water, and wishes were breezes,
and dreams were sunny blue skies
He'd be out on the ocean, perpetual motion
Sweet summer sun in his eyes

If wanting was water, and wishes were breezes,
and dreams were sunny blue skies
We'd be out on the ocean, perpetual motion
Sweet summer sun in our eyes

Carry Me Home

2009-12-12T11:07:00.001-08:00

Carry Me Home © 10/05/2009 Bob Mullany

I feel the flutter of fragile wings
My dreams reveal delightful things
Bless this bliss believing brings
My angel's come to carry me home...

I saw such an awesome sight
My soul flowed in a river of light
River of stars, giver of life
My angel's come to carry me home...

Carry me home, carry me home
After many a mile, and many a trial
Let me lie and rest awhile
Then come carry me home

(Bridge) Bless me, mother, for I have sinned
But I've found your sweet light within
I'll never doubt your love again
My angel's come to carry me home

Like rain on the river flows to sea
This river of light will carry me
To stars that are a part of me
My angel's come to carry me home ...

Carry me home, carry me home
After many a mile, and many a trial
Let me lie and rest awhile
Then come carry me home

Educated

2009-12-12T11:04:00.001-08:00

Educated © 10/30/2009 Bob Mullany

I've learned to drink wine, and leave some in the bottle
I've learned to take time, and give it some space
I've learned to accept that some people know better
I've learned when to let you put me in my place

Now you can say I've become educated
Learned to live within limits, and stay in the lines
I've tried my best, but I can't reconcile
The life that I live, and the one in my mind

I never smoke pot, and I never liked whiskey
But sometimes I stay up to see the sun rise
I think of old friends, and the whims of addiction
We never quite get it 'til somebody dies

Now you can say I've become educated
Learned to live within limits, and stay in the lines
I've tried my best, but I can't reconcile
The life that I live, and the one in my mind

I read the paper - it has two dimensions
It comes in colors - the white and the black
While life comes in colors that bleed all together
Once you stop the bleeding, don't ever look back
Don't ever look back, or the monsters will get you
Try to live in the moment, and do what you can
If you need a shoulder to cry on I'll be there
I can't live your life, but I still understand

Now you can say I've become educated
Learned to live within limits, and stay in the lines
I've tried my best, but I can't reconcile
The life that I live, and the one in my mind

Can I Come Back

2009-12-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

Can I Come Back 1980 © Bob Mullany

This is the the time of my true confession
For all the trouble that I've put you through
I'd like to say that I've learned my lesson
I'd like to think that I have grown some too

But I'm leaving it up to you
You decide now what we'll do
Tell me, honey, now, are we through
Or can I come back to you ?

This is the time for our reconciling
Despite the struggle that we've both been through
I,m glad to see that you still can smile and
in time you'll learn that you can trust me too

But I'm leaving it up to you
You decide now what we'll do
Tell me, honey, now, are we through
Or can I come back to you ?

Bridge:
Here I am with my heart on my sleeve
Like a runaway child come home again
Here I am 'cause I want to believe
Our love's still strong, remembering when...

There was a time we were ,oh, so certain
As if our destinies were carved in stone
I'd hate to think that it's the final curtain
I'd hate to spend another night alone.

But I'm leaving it up to you
You decide now what we'll do
Tell me, honey, now, are we through
Or can I come back to you ?

Every Little Thing

2009-12-12T10:58:00.001-08:00

Every Little Thing © 5/5/2009 Bob Mullany capo 7 D (G)

God bless these eyes, I love the curve of your cheek
God bless these ears, I heard our little one speak
God bless these arms, I can hold you tight
Then every little thing in the world is right

Every little thing, every little thing,
Everything in our world is right
Every little thing, every little thing,
Everything is gonna be alright

God bless these legs, they carry me home to you
Our hearts still beat so our love's still true
As we wake together from a peaceful night
Then every little thing in the world is right

Every little thing, every little thing,
Everything in our world is right
Every little thing, every little thing,
Everything is gonna be alright

Bridge:
It's not so complicated what we lovers know
Autumn brings colors, winter brings snow
Spring brings flowers then summer shines bright
And every little thing in our world is right

Every little thing, every little thing,
Everything in our world is right
Every little thing, every little thing,
Everything is gonna be alright

All is one, it all has its place
The light of dawn as it touches your face
The tug on our hearts as birds take flight
Then every little thing in the world is right

Every little thing, every little thing,
Everything in our world is right
Every little thing, every little thing,
Everything is gonna be alright

Long Ago

2009-12-12T10:55:00.000-08:00

Long Ago
Bob Mullany © 10-29-1985 (Key of G)

Back in an age of innocence
With new love’s boundless confidence
We both knew we never would part
Through fortune or coincidence
I’ve never ever seen you since
Though you still hold a place in my heart

It was long ago, but , oh...
The touch of your fingers,
The scent of your skin,
The taste of your mouth
It was long ago, but, oh...
An ember still lingers
Love, where have you been,
And where are you now ?

Burning bridges we have crossed
Choices taken, choices lost
Further and further we strayed
Memories so deep embossed
Worn a bit but never lost
Never quite faded away…

It was long ago, but, oh...
The touch of your fingers
The scent of your skin
The taste of your mouth
It was long ago, but, oh...
An ember still lingers
Love, where have you been,
And where are you now ?

Another time, another space,
And love may wear another face
But that doesn’t change what love is
Memories still hold a place
As new love’s pleasures are embraced
And love is much richer for this.

It was long ago, but , oh...
The touch of your fingers
The scent of your skin
The taste of your mouth
It was long ago, but, oh...
An ember still lingers
Love, where have you been,
And where are you now ?

My War

2009-12-12T10:51:00.001-08:00

My War © 1993 Bob Mullany

It's been twenty years now since my war was done
And I returned from the hysteria to Michigan
I remember well the welcome home I had
One old friend from high school and my mom and dad

Dad, he had a job on the assembly line
And soon after I returned he helped to get me mine
And so I went to work and I got through the day
But inside of six months I blew it all away

There's this wound, it doesn't heal
And it left this hole in me
And the drugs and alcohol, they took their toll on me
I'd spent too much time a world away from here
And I'm still paying for the "privilege" of that golden year

Now, adrift among the dispossessed, I mark the time
With a string of doomed relationships and petty crimes
And any dreams I may have nurtured have been blown away
By the minefields in my mind where all the nightmares stray

Yes, I'm bitter still, though I still have my pride
And a respect for life from one who's seen so many die
And, though I may be down, I know I can survive
'Cause I've been through hell before and I came out alive

Now, I hope you'll listen well now to the words I say
Though the mere mention of defeat may make you turn away
All you mother's sons may not know wrong from right
But if they send you off to war make sure as hell they get it right

'Cause it's been twenty years now since my war was done
And I call it my war though I never wanted one
No one seems to claim it except to place the blame
In the name of my fallen friends I accept it without shame

Miles of Bad Road

2009-12-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

Miles of Bad Road © Bob Mullany 6-28-2007

They covered it closely in all of the papers
They all had opinions but no one knew much
Val looked good in the pictures from high school they published
But miles of bad road had all left their touch

It was luridly tragic but strangely exciting
For a moment in time they were media stars
Survivors were left their own interpretations
As they picked up and moved on and lived with the scars

They’d married young when she dropped out of high school
A baby was born with her daddy's blue eyes
He worked at the mill on the three to eleven
One night he left early and found a surprise

Tim was a guy she had dated in high school
Before she met John and got swept off her feet
Then evenings got lonely and some things just happen
What happened next I don’t care to repeat

They covered it closely in all of the papers
Not much like this happens in this kind of town
Now one family visits a loved one in prison
And two families’ loved ones lie under the ground

Easy To Please

2009-12-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

Easy to Please
© Bob Mullany 1973
Key of D

It’s so easy for you to please me
All I need to do is just to see your smile
If I got the blues and I wanna lose 'em
Just need to be with you a little while
Yeah, It’s so easy for you to please me
And we’ve been together now a long, long while
But if there was a moment and I had to choose one
It would be the moment that I saw you smile.

I want to tell you how I feel
All my fondest dreams are real
And I’ve forgotten all my sorrow
Life was flying by so fast
It seemed love just couldn’t last
Now I can’t wait for tomorrow
‘Cause It gets better every day

It’s so easy for you to please me
All I need to do is just to see your smile
If I got the blues and I wanna lose 'em
Just need to be with you a little while
Yeah, It’s so easy for you to please me
And we’ve been together now a long, long while
But if there was a moment and I had to choose one
It would be the moment that I saw you smile.

Instrumental break

It seemed people just pretended
Love was there when it had ended
For fear of being all alone
Up ‘til know I never new it
But I see that we can do it
We can make it on our own
I know our love is gonna stay

It’s so easy for you to please me
All I need to do is just to see your smile
If I got the blues and I wanna lose 'em
Just need to be with you a little while
Yeah, It’s so easy for you to please me
And we’ve been together now a long, long while
But if there was a moment and I had to choose one
It would be the moment that I saw you smile.

Descending chords D (G10), A (D9), G (D7), A (G5), G, A, D (repeat)

Moments

2009-12-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

Moments © June 1, 2009 Bob Mullany

Through the eyes of innocence
The devil is a handsome prince
The brilliance of his unctuous smile
Can overwhelm a trusting child
So heed that chill upon your neck
Your gentle soul you must protect
Don't doubt the fear you feel inside
That tells you you should run and hide
When it comes time to make a choice
Learn to trust your inner voice

These are the moments in your life
You need the good friends that you've found
The ones on which you can depend,
The ones that never let you down,
Though many obstacles impede them
They are still there when you need them
Through all the struggles and the strife
Through all those moments in your life

You have a young and restless heart
Embrace your role, and play the part
Wild and free, you chase a spark
That leads you deeper in the dark
But things aren't always what they seem
A dervish dances through your dream
You follow and it sucks you deep,
Now you can't even stop or sleep
Your mother never had explained
how freedom binds you in it's chains

These are the moments in your life
You need the good friends that you've found
The ones on which you can depend,
The ones that never let you down,
Though many obstacles impede them
They are still there when you need them
Through all the struggles and the strife
Through all those moments in your life

Experience, it has its costs
All you gain extracts a loss
Wisdom is a deep dark lake
It's depths filled with your old mistakes
You wear your many scars with pride
Now come and be the blushing bride
The groom awaits, your song begins
You've been forgiven all your sins
Something's born as something dies
I still see sparkles in your eyes

These are the moments in your life
You need the good friends that you've found
The ones on which you can depend,
The ones that never let you down,
Though many obstacles impede them
They are still there when you need them
Through all the struggles and the strife
Through all those moments in your life

Comes a time you pass the torch
Sing your songs on your front porch
Your children have their lives to live
You gave them what you had to give
Each generation has its day
Sustains some scars along the way
The long hard journey has begun
For your daughters and your sons
And though you're proud you made them strong
You're not allowed to come along.

These are the moments in their lives
They need the good friends that they've found
The ones on which they can depend,
The ones that never let them down,
Though many obstacles impede them
They are still there when they need them
Through all the struggles and the strife
Through all those moments in their lives

Winter Storm

2009-12-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

Winter Storm

G Cm
January, driving snow
Em
Frosted windows, four below
G A
The snow flies as the blizzard grows
Am D D7
The winds groan as the moment slows

C B7
Looking out on empty streets
Em G
Grateful for unnatural heat
C Em
Well stocked shelves, and thanks to you
A D
A steaming pot of winter stew

The wind is carving sculpted drifts
Logs settle and the fire shifts
You rise to put the kettle on
Then cocoa, cake, and Mendelssohn

We’re lost inside the fire’s flames
A mix of colors with no names
Cinders in the fireplace
Reflect upon your pretty face
I whisper in a sleepy voice
“I've never made a better choice”
In our bed we burrow deep
You spoon with me and go to sleep

© 2/4/2007 Bob Mullany

The Most Trustworthy Guy in the World

2009-12-12T09:04:00.001-08:00

The Most Trustworthy Guy in the World © Bob Mullany 9/8/2006

You can see him approach in the Budweiser mirror
You feel resignation and a slight twinge of fear
He drank up his courage and put down his feet
And he’s hoping he’s someone you’re longing to meet
His timing seems perfect, the band’s song is done
He’s got his best line on the tip of his tongue
Then BANG !,he’s shot down in the blink of an eye
He doesn’t continue, he doesn’t ask why
His shoulders slump down and it’s clear that he’s beat
As he looks at the floor and slinks back to his seat

Fueled by illusion and liquor and lust
Another poor bastard has bitten the dust
Though it can be awkward, it’s certainly just
These days it’s not easy to know who to trust
If you want to discuss it, I’m here for you, girl
And I’m the most trustworthy guy in the world

I can see you’re well versed at deflecting requests
From bleary eyed guys who can’t see past your breasts
But hope springs eternal, and the night it is long
After five shots of vodka his mojo seems strong
So he sidles on up with a casual flair
Like a man of the world who’s already been there
Then BANG !, he’s shot down like a duck from the sky
Still he gets some applause from the rest of the guys
As he staggers on off to his barstool retreat
And his friends offer vodka to toast his defeat

Fueled by illusion and liquor and lust
Another poor bastard has bitten the dust
Though it can be awkward, it’s certainly just
These days it’s not easy to know who to trust
If you want to discuss it, I’m here for you, girl
And I’m the most trustworthy guy in the world

Many men dream of a beauty like you
And they hope that some magic will make it come true
Then there’s always that player who thinks it’s his right
To find a quick score and get lucky each night
He’s a golden tongued devil with sparkling eyes
Who seeks to entrap you with beautiful lies.
But BANG!, he’s shot down and he’ll never know why
You can even hear snickers from some the guys
Still he struts like a cock in his Calvin Klein shirt
As he exits in search of a new place to flirt

Fueled by illusion and liquor and lust
Another poor bastard has bitten the dust
Though it can be awkward, it’s certainly just
These days it’s not easy to know who to trust
If you want to discuss it, I’m here for you, girl
And I’m the most trustworthy guy in the world

You say this guy seems honest and shy and sincere
Though his judgment is clouded with a half dozen beers
Still, he’s very disarming, and charming, and bright
But question his motives, you need to be right
There’s just one more option I’d like to suggest
I have my own portable polygraph test
We can hook him up here, and we’ll give him a shot
And we’ll know right away if he’s lying or not
Then BANG!, he’ll be shocked with a terrible jolt
From my tazer that zaps him with thousands of volts

Fueled by illusion and liquor and lust
Another poor bastard has bitten the dust
It seems pretty drastic, but it’s only just
I may be the last guy in the world you can trust
You don’t need to thank me, I’m here for you, girl
And I’m the most trustworthy guy in the world

Copyright Bob Mullany 9/8/2006

Old

2009-12-12T08:59:00.001-08:00

Old © 5/30/2009 Bob Mullany

My hair has gone all white and my old body's weak
My face is like a prune, sometimes my plumbing leaks
My wife has gone off somewhere, I don't know where she said
I don't even recognize her if I skip my meds
My stamina is hammered, and my strength is sapped
But I'm so goddamned old that I don't give a crap

It's just another senior moment, they get longer every day
Another (wait a minute, I forgot, what was I gonna say ?)
My life's filled with senior moments, another day has slipped away
Thanks for stopping by ,(who are you anyway ? )

My pills are in the bathroom in neat little rows
I gingerly put on my favorite comfort clothes
Or I'll stay in my pajamas, 'cause nobody cares
I sleep down in the pantry, I can't climb the stairs
I can cuss you if I want to, that can be some fun
Or tell a dirty joke if I can remember one.

It's just another senior moment, they get longer every day
Another (wait a minute, I forgot, what was I gonna say ?)
My life's filled with senior moments, another day has slipped away
Thanks for stopping by ,(who are you anyway ? )

My face is worn and weathered, with eyes full of clouds
My neck would make most any wild turkey proud
I had been doing something but I can't recall
How long have I been sitting staring at the wall ?
Come pour me a shot, and we can toast my fate
I'll be stopped for drunken driving at the Golden Gates

It's just another senior moment, they get longer every day
Another (wait a minute, I forgot, what was I gonna say ?)
My life's filled with senior moments, another day has slipped away
Thanks for stopping by ,(who are you anyway ? )

Good, Good Love

2009-12-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

Good, Good Love © 5/19/2000 Bob Mullany Key of G

You say you’re lonely
You say you’re blue
You say he’s the only one you could ever love
But I know that ain’t true

I’ve got some bad news, girl
This ain’t no perfect world
But, honey, I’ve got some good news too
If you just give me a chance,
I’ve got some good, good love for you

You say you’re shattered
And it’s torn you apart
And nothing really matters now
If you can’t win his heart

I’ve got some bad news, girl
This ain’t no perfect world
But, honey, I’ve got some good news too
If you just give me a chance,
I’ve got some good, good love for you

Troubles, we all have our share
We’ve all got our cross to bear
Everybody knows it’s true
The darkest hour’s before the dawn
but you’ve got the strength to keep hanging on
Here’s something you can hang on to-
If you just give me a chance,
I’ve got some good, good love for you

Yes, I’ve been lonely
God knows I’ve been blue
'Cause you’re the only one I really love
But I'm just a friend to you
Yeah, that's some bad news, girl,
This ain’t no perfect world
But I’m hoping for some good news too
If you just give me a chance
I’ve got some good, good love for you

Stay or Go

2009-12-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

Stay or Go

Bob Mullany © 2006 (5-1-2006)

Do you love me or do you not
Am I the only man you've got
Or do you have a backdoor man
How do I fit into your plan
Tell me, girl, I want to know
Should I stay or should I go ? (3 times)

Come on ,baby, sit right down
Tell me, who's your favorite clown
The Bozo with the big red nose
The sad one with the hobo clothes
Or am I the biggest clown you know
Should I stay or should I go ? (3 times)

Last night I met your brother Jack
He'd just had a heart attack
You were giving him CPR
In the back seat of his car
He don't look much like you, you know
Should I stay or should I go ? (3 times)

You don’t have to be no nun
But I like it when you dress like one
Yeah, I’m your bad boy, its no doubt
It's time to get your ruler out
Hurt me in a good way, though !
Should I stay or should I go ? (3 times)

Do you love me or do you not
Come on, baby, give it one more shot
Double or nothing, heads or tails
I'll cover the bet, baby, if we fail
Tell me,do I win, or place, or show ? And...
Should I stay or should I go ? (3 times)

Lonely Moon

2009-12-11T21:04:00.001-08:00

Lonely Moon

I made you cry, we had a fight
I’m walking through a lonely night
A lonely moon’s the only light
And that’s not much light at all

I wish I may, I wish I might
Find a wishing star tonight
But there’s not a single star in sight
No, there are no stars at all.

So I’m wishing on the lonely moon
And hoping for an answer soon
I’m praying for forgiveness too
It hurts me to be hurting you

So won’t you come and walk with me
So the lonely moon can see
That through it all our love endures
-we’re not lonely anymore

Maybe then the sky will clear
And the stars will reappear
Then the moon won’t be so blue
Shining down on me and you

© Bob Mullany 10-13-2005

Heart of Glass

2009-12-11T21:02:00.001-08:00

Heart of Glass - Bob Mullany © 9-1983

You’re not the first lonely victim of good love gone bad
This ain’t the first or the last time someone’s been sad
And though your friends say it’ll work out OK
and soon all this sadness will pass
how, though, could they know
you’ve got a Heart of Glass
and its been shattered…
‘Though you’ve got a fire still burning that’s too hot to touch…
Love was the one thing in your life that really mattered
You lost it all when you learned how to love too much…

You’re not the only one to be left lonely and blue
You’re not the first or the last to learn love ain’t so true
And though your friends tell you that it’s just as well
And it’s all for the best in the end
How, though, could they know that your heart can’t know love again
‘Cause its been shattered…
‘Though you’ve got a fire still burning that’s too hot to touch
Love was the one thing in your life that really mattered
But you lost it all when you learned how to love too much.

Love Will Find A Way

2009-12-11T20:56:00.000-08:00

Love Will Find a Way

If I never gaze into your eyes again
If I never feel your warm breath on my skin
If we never walk the garden hand in hand
And we never take the journeys that we planned
I sincerely hope that you will understand
In a war of love and duty, where often duty wins the day
Our love survives, and love will find a way

It’s been said we reap the harvest of our sins
Though it’s often not the righteous one who wins
Choice still has its consequences in the end
So be mindful of the messages you send
They may not convey the meaning you intend
In a war of love and anger, where often anger wins the day
Our love survives, and love will find a way

Yes, it’s true, I haven’t seen you for a while
Yet in my memory I clearly see your smile
There’s a thousand miles between us, as you know
And we both found other lovers long ago
Yet I must confess that I still love you so
In a war of love and distance, where often distance wins the day
Our love survives, and love will find a way

Now our lives are passing faster than we know
And it seems our shiny dreams have lost their glow
As I stood before a mirror recently
An aging wrinkled stranger looked at me
And I wondered when you saw me what you see
In a war of love and aging, where often aging wins the day
Our love survives, and love will find a way

© Bob Mullany 1-14-2005

Queen of the Jungle

2009-12-11T20:49:00.000-08:00

Queen of the Jungle © 1974 Bob Mullany

She walks through the alleys with a panther's grace
Her streetwise eyes put all the guys right in their place
With a touch, a little smile, she can knock you dead
Then she'll run away and leave you with the demons screaming in your head
She feeds upon your fantasies, and she must be fed
So forget all your vanity, and hang on to your sanity,
'Cause for her it's just a game to play, and she holds all the aces...

Queen of the Jungle, don't it hurt to be alone ?
Too much fire in your veins has turned your heart to stone
But with me you blew your cover, and couldn't hide the pain
The past just can't be changed, there's no need to explain

As you slipped into the shadows, I thought I saw a glow
I only wish that you would let it in and make it grow
The circus is in town, and you know it's here to stay
And they're so glad to be with you, you'll never have to pay
It's time to pass your crown on, it will only drag you down
All that matters has been shattered, and lies scattered on the ground
You must make do with what is left, or be the Queen of Clowns

Queen of the Jungle, don't it hurt to be alone ?
Too much fire in your veins has turned your heart to stone
But with me you blew your cover, and couldn't hide th pain
The past just can't be changed, there's no need to explain

I don't have to be your lover, I just want you to discover
How to open up your heart and learn to love someone again
I don't have to be your lover, I just want you to discover
How to open up your heart and learn to love someone again
I don't have to be your lover, I just want you to discover
How to open up your heart and learn to love someone again...

I'm So Over You

2009-12-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

I'm So Over You © 5/17/2008 Bob Mullany

I'm so over you, you're so under me
You're like this little speck below me I can barely see
What's that you're saying, dear ?
You're words are so unclear
My mind's a million miles away
While you're still standing here
How can you even dare to ask me if I care ?
No, I care more about some people that I've never met at all
'Cause I'm so over you

Yes, I'm so over you I can't recall your name
But it's not me - you really only have yourself to blame
Why can't you understand
I was your perfect man
We were the perfect pair, with a perfect life,
Living out my perfect plan
But now you've blown it all, why even try to call ?
I'd rather talk with some old dead guy who was buried years ago
'Cause I'm so over you

I'm so over you, yes, I'm the boss of you
And I demand that you be banned from acting like you do
Don't ever come around
Don't even make a sound
Go hide away in some big hole and burrow deeper underground
Your problems can't be solved,
Somehow you have devolved
Now, some amoebas are less feeble than the strongest part of you
That's why I'm over you

I'm so over you, yes, I'm superior
Even a fool like you can see that you're inferior
So show me more respect
Get down and genuflect
If you should choose to worship me,
You can start your own sect
But I'm still warning you, not even that will do
If you got God to take your side I'd question His good judgement too
'Cause I'm so over you
Yes, I'm so over you
God, I'm so over over over over you !

Born Lucky

2009-12-11T20:41:00.001-08:00

Born Lucky © Bob Mullany 1974

My kids call me dad, and my mom calls me “Sunny”
I’m good with my hands, but I’m bad with my money
Your expression sure shows that you don’t think it’s funny
But I’m doing the best that I can for you, honey

Born lucky, live lucky,
And if I don’t get killed,
I might even die lucky too
Some of it’s good luck and some it’s bad
But I’m lucky you love me as much as you do

Now you don’t think much of the comp’ny I’m keepin’
When I try to explain, you know what I’m knee-deep in,
Seems I always get caught when I’m tryin’ to creep in
But I ain’t that much trouble (at least when I’m sleepin’)

Born lucky, live lucky,
And if I don’t get killed,
I might even die lucky too
Some of it’s good luck and some it’s bad
But I’m lucky you love me as much as you do

I don’t think I’m evil, though I can’t say I’m good
Sometimes I may drink a bit more than I should
But sometimes I drink a bit less than I could
Yes, I’m better than some are, so, honey, knock wood –

You’re born lucky, live lucky,
And if you don’t get killed
You may even die lucky too
Some of it’s good luck, and some of it’s bad
But you’re lucky I love you as much as I do.

Georgie Gates

2009-12-11T20:39:00.000-08:00

Georgie Gates © Bob Mullany 1976

No one knew what evil fate
Touched the birth of Georgie Gates
As he grew, he felt its weight
He learned to steal when he was eight
Breaking into boxes on the neighborhood pay phones

At ten he’s stealing his old man’s port
At twelve his first time in the court
With cocky walk and bold retort
At thirteen, he had his first snort
He found what he needed and he felt it to his bones

Home had turned into a drag
Dad had left and momma nagged
Real life was a quarter bag
A spoon, a match, a touch of skag
To give him warmth and company when he was all alone

He slept upon his sweaty sheets
And in the darkness hit the streets
With slippery hands and stealthy feet
Heart of ice and hands of heat
He knew what he needed and he got it on his own

For his crimes he finally paid
In a jail cell so afraid
No one knew he hid the blade
‘Til in the morning there it laid
Beside his bloody body with his wrists sliced to the bone

He went through life with two clenched fists
He went to death with two slashed wrists
Seldom liked and seldom kissed
Never loved and never missed
He pissed away his young life
Like one pisses on a stone

Georgie Gates © Bob Mullany 1976

Kindness of Strangers

2009-12-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

Kindness of Strangers © Bob Mullany 5/6/2001

There are some situations where you’re left unprotected
And your good friends are all far away
So you come to depend on the kindness of strangers
To help you get through the next day

In this cynical age it is hard to be trusting
And it’s good to be cautious, it’s true
Still there’s times that we find that the kindness of strangers
Is the one chance we have to pull through

Bridge:
With our insular lives we sometimes forget
That some strangers are friends that we just haven’t met

If you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere
And it looks like you’ve lost it again
You may have to rely on the kindness of strangers
And you’ll find that you’ve found a new friend

Disturbin' Suburban Blues

2009-12-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

Disturbin Suburban Blues © Bob Mullany 1973 /2006

I’ve been working for the good life now
For twenty years or more
My house looks just like everyone’s
‘cept the number on the door
My bedroom walls are so darned thin
I can hear the neighbor snore
And my wife is looking uglier than she ever did before

I’ve got them disturbin’ suburban beer-burping blues
If you could see my credit file you’d know I paid my dues
Is it any wonder that I drown myself in booze ?
No matter how I play this game of life I seem to lose.

My daughter’s only 15 she’s already smokin’ grass
The blue jeans that she wears all week seem painted on her ass
She thinks tattoos and belly rings are the ultimate in class
And the boys around the neighborhood say that she’s pretty fast !

I’ve got them disturbin’ suburban beer-burping blues
If you could see my credit file you’d know I paid my dues
Is it any wonder that I drown myself in booze ?
No matter how I play this game of life I seem to lose.

My teenaged son’s a slacker and he doesn’t go to school
He dropped out ‘cause he said the teachers were a bunch of tools
He thinks that I’m a working fool and SlipKnot’s really cool
If I hadn’t spent so much on them I’d smash his family jewels

I’ve got them disturbin’ suburban beer-burping blues
If you could see my credit file you’d know I paid my dues
Is it any wonder that I drown myself in booze ?
No matter how I play this game of life I seem to lose.

My wife won’t even kiss me when we go to bed at night
Every time I try to touch her she puts up a fight
I don’t know why I just don’t leave and someday, pal, I might
But I know she hates the sight of me so I stick around for spite

I’ve got them disturbin’ suburban beer-burping blues
If you could see my credit file you’d know I paid my dues
Is it any wonder that I drown myself in booze ?
No matter how I play this game of life I seem to lose.

I thought that I was doing well, I was a man of means
‘Til the bank foreclosed my mortgage and then picked my pockets clean
My wife then turned survivalist
And she’s stocking up on beans
Last night she went on Ebay a bought herself an M16

I’ve got them disturbin’ suburban beer-burping blues
If you could see my credit file you’d know I paid my dues
Is it any wonder that I drown myself in booze ?
No matter how I play this game of life I seem to lose.

Home Cooking

2009-12-11T20:29:00.000-08:00

Home Cooking © 6-10-2007 Bob Mullany

There ain’t nothing like home cooking
Make you warm inside
Give me some of that home cooking
I’ll be satisfied

I could do with some home cooking
Nearly every night
I stay happy with home cooking
Makes me feel alright

Bridge:
Times I’m needing some comfort food
To hold my hunger back
Times I’m wanting something quick
So I just need a snack
I have a thing for home baked cookies
Baby makes them sweet
I got a Jones for some home baked cookies
'Cause They're such a treat

If I ain’t getting no home cooking
I can’t go without
If I ain’t getting no home cooking
I’ll be stepping out

There ain’t nothing like home cooking
Make you warm inside
Give me some of that good home cooking
I’ll be satisfied
I'll be satisfied
I'll be satisfied

All To Myself

2009-12-11T20:20:00.001-08:00

All to Myself © Bob Mullany 12-13-2006

I’m a loner when you’re not around
I’d be a goner if you left town
I used to feel lost but now I feel found
I've got you all to myself

You get annoyed when I get so enthused
You’re the only story on my evening news
Please understand it’s not something I choose
I need you all to myself

Don’t mean to scare you with my attitude
When you’re not here I start coming unglued
I don’t eat, I can’t think about food
I need you all to myself

I’ve got a little movie running through my brain
We’re walking and laughing in the summer rain
I watch it over and over again
I wish I had you all to myself

Can’t stand to think of you with other men
I don’t want to hear about all your friends
I block them out so I can pretend
I have you all to myself

A Moment In Time

2009-12-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

A Moment in Time C capo 6th fret (G form)

G Em Bm
A baby is born, a mother in tears
Dm C
From the pain and the joy and the hopes and the fears
Cm (3) G
Mother and child, husband and wife
E Am
Sharing this wonderful moment in life
Cm (1)
Yes, our lives are defined
D G
By these moments in time

G Em Bm
Children, they grow, make their mistakes,
Dm C
But in the end they will learn what it takes
Cm(3) G
Then they’re ready to go and make their own way
E Am Cm(1)
Never knowing if this is the day that their path is defined
D G
By a moment in time

C Bm
Then strangers will meet, it could be fate
Dm C
They may not remember the time or the date
Cm(3) G
But something has changed, an ember ignites
E Am
And over time it’s burning so bright
Cm(1)
That their love is defined
D G
By a moment in time

A F#m
A moment in time, it could be now
C#m D
It takes but a moment exchanging a vow
Dm A
A moment in time but it means so much
F#m Bm
Like all of those moments our lives have been touched
Dm C#m
By someone we love or somebody new
Em (3) D
We learned to love and our lives are renewed
E(x)A(2)D(3)G(2) B(open)E(open) * E
It’s moments like this when our life is defined
A A(5) A(9)
By a moment in time

I don’t know what to call the chord in the next to the last line so I indicated where my fingers are. It’s a really pretty sounding chord in this context whatever it is.

© 2/26/2007 Bob Mullany

Judy Queen

2009-12-11T20:11:00.000-08:00

Judy Queen

Judy Queen, sweeter than I can say,
Judy Queen, sweeter than I can say,
She's got sky blue eyes and lips like Cabernet

Judy Queen, how does your garden grow ?
Judy Queen, how does your garden grow ?
Flowers bloom when you walk down the row

Judy Queen, you’re always on my mind,
Judy Queen, you're always on my mind,
The way you smile, you could teach the sun to shine

Judy Queen don’t need no fishing bait
When she go fishin’, don’t bring no fishin’ bait
Fish jump right in the boat to meet their fate

Judy Queen, you're my sweet string bean
Judy Queen, yeah, you're my country queen
Like Aphrodite wearing old blue jeans

Judy Queen, I love to hear you sing,
You sound so sweet, I love to hear you sing,
I wonder how you hide your angel wings

Judy Queen, sweeter than I can say,
Judy Queen, sweeter than I can say,
She's got sky blue eyes and lips like Cabernet

© 8-16-2007 Bob Mullany

Fading Away

2009-12-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

Fading Away © 5-17-2007 Bob Mullany (G)

Shadows are slowly extending
Darkness continues descending
This story has no happy ending at the end of the day

You’re fading away, colors gone grey
Flowers that wilt
You’re fading away a little each day
And it sharpens the guilt
Yes, you’re fading away…

Scenes from a grainy old movie
Shot from the shadows still sooth me
But details grow duller, and frames are less focused each day
You’re fading away, colors gone grey
Flowers that wilt
You’re fading away a little each day
And it sharpens the guilt
Yes, you’re fading away

Bridge:

My only wish - by some sheer strength of will
I could turn back the clock, I could make time stand still
Then I'd rewrite your story, and you wouldn’t be dead
And if Death demands payment he can take me instead
You’re fading away, Colors gone grey
Flowers, they wilt
Fading away a little each day
And it sharpens the guilt
Fading away, washing away
Sand castles we built
You’re fading away… (3 times and fade)

Legend In Your Own Mind

2009-12-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

Legend G (capo 3 ) Bb

Go on and smile for the camera
It’s your reality show
No one’s ever gonna see it but the people you know
Still you feel that the deal is real and delivered and sealed and signed
Yeah, you’re always gonna be a legend in your own mind

Even when you were a young girl
You loved to play the part
You were strutting your stuff all over and breaking their hearts
And now you’re a woman as fine as any woman that a fella could find
I’m not surprised you’re acting like a legend in your own time

You love to flirt with the fellas
And it drives them wild
When you walk like a woman but you talk like a child
In return you’ve learned already that they’re ready to be better than kind
Yeah, they treat you just like you’re a legend in their own minds

I heard you’re headed for the city
And I’m wishing you luck
Just remember that the city, it can hit you like a runaway truck
Read the signs ‘cause you’re in it ev’ry minute don’t you ever go blind
They may not know that you’re gonna be a legend in their own time

Still, there’s a lot of opportunity
In the place you are
You’ll find somewhere, somehow, someway, you’re finally gonna be a star
And when you smile for the cameras
On your reality show
I’ll tell my buddies you remind me of somebody that I used to know.

© Bob Mullany 7-21-2006 .

Clueless (PG13)

2009-12-11T17:36:00.000-08:00

Clueless © 1/2/2007 Bob Mullany
(PG13 version)

It seems life should be so simple, but we make it so complex
Be it the poetry of love, or the biology of sex
We get discombobulated, as we’re pondering our mate,
Is it really love you're feeling, or just something that you ate ?
It seemed so elementary when we first went off to school,
They say, "Treat each other kindly", it’s one simple golden rule,
It gets complicated quickly, when you’re out on that first date,
Should you try to kiss her now, or be a gentleman, and wait ?
As for me, I was a Catholic boy, as shy and free of sin
As a hermit crab gone hiding as the tide is coming in.

High school can be cruel, if you’re not cool as you should be,
We were parked out at the lake, I'm sweating uncontrollably,
Does this cute girl really like me, is that why she’s here with me ?
If I try to slip her tongue, will she freak out, or laugh at me ?
If I ask her to the backseat, will she think that I’m a creep
(I'd love to cop a feel, but now my arm just went to sleep)
When I go to make my next move, am I early, am I late ?
Should I try for the trifecta, or go home and curse my fate ?
A thousand burning questions fog my brain, what shall I do ?
Then, she says, “I should go home, now” , and I still haven't got a clue !

Then off we go to college, and the pressure to perform
Goes up another notch, ‘cause there’s no parents in the dorm,
As the alcohol flows freely, you may be the Beer Pong king,
But some lovely college women aren't impressed by such a thing,
So be careful what you say, and pay attention when she speaks,
She may be a violent feminist, or some tantric yoga freak
If you don’t learn to read the signs, it could be a long five years,
Because the wrath of college women scorned can be much worse than your fears.
Still, some hope for a hookup, or a husband they can wed,
With some luck, you’ll get some action if you find one in your bed.

For some time, I've been a grownup, and some people call me boss,
As to understanding women, I confess that I’m still lost,
There's the mysteries of life, and evolution, and creation,
Yet, it seems, in time, some scientist will find some explanation,
There’s the secrets of the pyramids, and a unifying theory
Then, there’s that overwhelming mystery of the woman that you marry
I’m not saying you don’t love her, it’s a complicated question
But is it really love you're feeling or just clinical depression ?
I love my wife and daughter, but when I die, I hope to see
God turns out to be a woman, and she’ll explain it all to me

© 1/2/2007 Bob Mullany

My Backyard

2009-12-11T17:29:00.000-08:00

My Backyard

Another day is nearly done
Sit and watch the setting sun
Nothing really much to do
Now that all my work is through
Times can be tough and life can be so hard
But oh, the livin's easy
Yeah, the livin's easy
Mmm, the livin's easy
Out in my backyard.

As the dusk comes creepin' in
The nightly concert will begin
The crickets start on their first set
And I'm beginnin' to forget
Times can be tough and life can be so hard
But oh, the livin's easy
Yeah, the livin's easy
Mmm, the livin's easy
Out in my backyard.

Bridge:
A cusser's moon is on the rise
The kids are catchin' fireflies
in a Mason jar
We'll let 'em stay up late tonight
Lie back and count the satellites
Floating through the stars

Times can be tough and life can be so hard
But oh, the livin's easy
Yeah, the livin's easy
Mmm, the livin's easy
Out in my backyard.

For any friend I care about
The welcome mat is always out
Grab yourself a comfy seat
Find a place to rest your feet
Times can be tough and life can be so hard
But oh, the livin's easy
Yeah, the livin's easy
Mmm, the livin's easy
Out in my backyard.

© 8-3-1989 Bob Mullany

For The Lover Who Left Me Tonight

2009-12-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

For the Lover Who Left Me Tonight

Bob Mullany © 1974

Walking the rain-shiny streets,
And it’s quite nearly fright’nin’
Hey, Mr. Moonlight, where are you,
Won’t you bring me some gold ?
Just street light, and shadow, and street light,
And occasional lightning
Between late in the evening
And early next morning, and cold…

I wish there was someplace called home now
That I could go home to
With someone to hold me, and love me,
And say its all right
There are lovers a stone’s throw away
From these streets that I roam through
With my sorrowful song for the lover who left me tonight

I hear the night train,
Somewhere in the distance its rumbling
Do you hear the whisper
Of some new love’s voice in your ear ?
I gambled on love and I lost,
And now my world’s crumbling
How could I throw away
Everything I held so dear ?

What’s done has been done,
And I know I’m the one who was wrong now
And I wish I could turn back the clock
And make everything right
But lessons come hard to a fool,
And here’s where I belong now
With my sorrowful song
For the lover who left me tonight
With my sorrowful song
For the lover who left me tonight.

Swim

2009-12-11T17:06:00.002-08:00

Swim

You stand looking out over the ocean so sadly, Marina
Kissed by the moonlight alone with your thoughts on the beach
Is there someone you wish you were seeing beside you, Marina ?
Somewhere out over the ocean out of your reach
Somewhere out over the ocean out of your reach.

Come share the soothing summer sea with me, Marina
Your beauty’s eternal, our bond is eternally deep
I’ll show you my love and I know you’ll love me, Marina
But I’ll be content to watch over you while you sleep
Yes, I’ll be content to watch over you while you sleep.

We will swim out into the ocean together, Marina
Feel its blessed caress as the distant shore disappears
It will free you and me from our sorrow forever, Marina
Let the cool water come wash away all of our tears
Let the cool water come wash away all of our tears.

© 2003 Bob Mullany 10/19/03

Life's Little Accidents

2009-12-11T13:00:00.001-08:00

Life's Little Accidents

All alone, all alone,
in these halls of brick and stone.
One of life's little accidents
buried out behind the fence
to dry up like a bone.

I am blind, I am blind,
I have nothing on my mind.
And I have no words to speak
I'm just another sideshow freak
that the circus didn't find.

I'm the refugee of life
I'm the blood on fortune's knife
One of life’s little accidents
Buried out behind the fence
To dry up like a bone

There's a sky, there's a sky
out my window passing by.
But I've never smelled the trees
and I've never felt the breeze
And only God can answer why.

I will die, I will die,
but you'll see nobody cry.
They'll just scratch me off their lists
and in a month I won't be missed
although God knows there's some who'll try.

I'm the refugee of life.
I'm the blood on fortune's knife.
One of life's little accidents
buried out behind the fence
to dry up like a bone...

Bob Mullany 10-19-77

This Must Be Love

2009-12-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

This Must Be Love

The sky was always blue
The sun was always bright
But the world I thought I knew
Has never seemed so right

Could this be love ?
Yes, it must be love
The deeper kind that we’ve dreamed so much of
Yes, this must be love…

Like a puzzle that’s complete
Like a mystery’s final clue
Like the stranger that you meet
That you’d swear you always knew

I know it’s love
Yes, this must be love
The deeper kind that we’ve dreamed so much of
Yes, this must be love…

You’re the hand that holds the key
You’re the eyes that see my soul
You’re the kiss that wakens me
You’re the truth that makes me whole

You brought me love
Yes, this must be love
The deeper kind that we’ve dreamed so much of
Yes this must be love…

© Bob Mullany 6-20-2004

Cold

2009-12-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

Cold © Bob Mullany 2/22/2003

Like a pilgrim who’s lost on a cold, moonless night
I've been cursing the darkness and praying for light
It's so cold, cold, like a night owl’s moan
And I never felt so alone

The secret to love is the power of trust
Our love, it was iron, but it turned to rust
Now it’s cold, cold, like a skeleton’s bones
And I never felt so alone

Bridge:
Now our love has grown stale, and it's way past its prime
Like a song I stopped writing 'cause I can't find the rhyme
Don't go searching for clues at the scene of the crime
Some things just wear out with the passage of time

I guess I’ll be leaving, I guess that you’ll stay
That's the way that we do it in these modern days
It's so cold, cold, like ice on a stone
And I’ve never felt so alone

Dreaming

2009-12-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

Dreaming - Bob Mullany © 1975 (Key of C)

And so the heartache has begun,
and the dream goes unfulfilled,
What once seemed so predestined
has become a test of wills.
It seems we never could control
The changes as they came,
But no one ever asked for them
So no one can be blamed.
-It’s a lesson to be learned,
It’s the hardest one I know,
When life treats you with such disregard,
But the dream won’t let you go.

Dreaming...(could we be dreaming our lives away)
Dreaming…(and keeping hope alive another day)
It’s so easy to just close your eyes
When you find you love someone
That you no longer recognize
And you begin to realize
you’ve been dreaming…

We were such a pretty pair
As we walked along the beach
I assumed you always would be there
‘Till you were out of reach
Now we’re lost amid the crowd
As we carry on alone
We should cry but we’re so proud
We let time turn our hearts to stone
And it seems our love’s been spurned
As we go our separate ways
And the love we felt so clearly
Seems to vanish in the haze...

Dreaming...( Have we been dreaming our lives away)
Dreaming... (and keeping hope alive another day)
It’s so easy to just close our eyes
When we find you love someone
That we no longer recognize
And we began to realize we've been dreaming…

And so that’s how the story goes
but that’s not how the story ends…
While life goes on, the dream endures
And the dreamer can pretend
Another place, another time
And the story will resume
For two lonely prisoners of love
Locked away in separate rooms and …

Dreaming (are will still dreaming our lives away)
Dreaming, (and keeping hope alive another day)
Now I've finally opened up my eyes
And the dream is finally through
(Pause)
Honey, is that really you
Or am I dreaming ?

Kiss

2009-12-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

Kiss © 7/4/2008 Bob Mullany

My head tells me no but my heart disagrees
It seems I've come down with the kissing disease
I love when we talk, but I also know this
I have other designs on those ruby red lips

If I should kiss you, how would you react
Will you back away, or will you kiss me back ?
One simple question, it's nothing complex
Unless we're considering what happens next

My head tells me stop, 'cause my chances are dead
While my heart optimistically forges ahead
There's chemistry here, and the magic is brewing
Still my brain screams, "You have no idea what you're doing !"

If I should kiss you, how would you react,
Will you back away, or will you kiss me back ?
One simple question, it's nothing complex
Unless we're considering what happens next

Since Adam and Eve ate a sweet piece of fruit
Humans are caught in one common pursuit
Despite all the knowledge we claim to possess
Love defies logic, we still have to guess

If I should kiss you, how would you react,
Will you back away, or will you kiss me back ?
One simple question, it's nothing complex
Unless we're considering what happens next

The Place I Am

2009-12-11T12:32:00.001-08:00

The Place I Am © 1980 Bob Mullany

Did you ever feel abandoned
Like a fool out in the rain
As you sit there stranded in the breakdown lane
You try to turn yourself around but the gears are jammed
If you ever had the feeling, then you know about the place I am

Caught in a jam, out on the lam
If you ever had the feeling, then you know about the place I am

I woke up with the jitters
And I went downtown
Had a couple shooters just to calm me down
But ain't it hell getting stoned alone when the place is jammed ?
If you ever had the feeling, then you know about the place I am.

Caught in a jam, out on the lam
If you ever had the feeling, then you know about the place I am

Got a mind full of wishing
Got a pocket full of wind
Got a book full of numbers of some long-lost friends
Tried to call a couple people but their lines were jammed
If you ever had the feeling, then you know about the place I am

Caught in a jam, out on the lam
If you ever had the feeling, then you know about the place I am

I Wish I Could Believe

2009-12-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

I Wish I Could Believe © 5-20-2007 Bob Mullany

It’s plain you believe every word you’ve been saying
The way you conceive it, your singing is praying
Where you open your heart and you say what you needed to say
Do you really believe that redemption is found
In embracing your faith like you do ?
I wish I could believe, I wish I could believe,
I wish I could believe like you

Some churches embrace you and kill you with kindness
But faith unexamined can be willful blindness
Such blindness is evil and needs to be driven away
If faith can stand up to the clear light of reason
I might be a believer like you
I wish I could believe, I wish I could believe,
I wish I could believe it too

We all make our choices 'bout loving and giving
It’s clear in your voice there’s been pain in the living
But you turn it to beauty, then you bravely give it away
Do you need to believe that the power and the glory
of a savior is certainly true ?
I wish I could believe, I wish I could believe,
I wish I could believe like you

I love how you raise up your hands while you’re playing
Like a blessing, but do you feel doubt when you’re praying ?
If God holds the answers She sure doesn’t give them away
Am I touched by the devil, am I really that evil,
or just one of a cynical few ?
Still, I wish you’ll find bliss and redemption in this life
and forever when this life is through
I wish I could believe, I wish I could believe,
I wish I could believe it's true
I wish I could believe, I wish I could believe,
I wish I could believe like you

The Fisherman

2009-12-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

The Fisherman

The fisherman has magic hands, as easy as you please
He can conjure up white-bellied fish from beneath the dark green seas
He looks to the horizon as he feels a salty breeze
The waves, they keep on rolling,
The fisherman keeps trolling,
And the sea swells never cease
The fisherman’s found peace…

Now, he’s packed up his provisions as the dawning light begins
Now, he pushes off the dock, and now he’s on the sea again
As his sunburned face relaxes, the bow cleaves the briny seas
The fisherman’s gone fishing
And the fisherman’s found peace…

For over forty years, now, she’s the one who shared his heart
Yes, he met her back in high school, guess they felt it from the start
Now it seems that it was destined since they’ve never been apart
Their love was blessed with children,
Their bond, it kept on building,
And continued to increase
'Til the fisherman found peace…

Now, he’s packed up his provisions as the dawning light begins
Now, he pushes off the dock, and now he’s on the sea again
As his sunburned face relaxes the bow cleaves the briny brack
The fisherman’s gone fishing
Someone’s granted him his wish, then,
The fisherman’s gone fishing
And he won’t be coming back…

© 10-3-2006 Bob Mullany

Blaming God

2009-12-11T12:19:00.001-08:00

Blaming God © 6-12-2007 Bob Mullany

The fatal physics of a crash
The Jaws of Life a grisly joke
Revolving lights reflect on glass
And on a crowd that barely spoke
“There but for the grace of God,”
Somebody whispered to a friend
The phrase struck me as rather odd
There they go blaming God again

Perhaps it was the will of God
Perhaps it was an accident
Some bad things happen every day
We pause and wonder what they meant
Perhaps some cosmic dice were tossed
And it’s their turn to take the fall
Perhaps God's will can't be discerned
Or he just wasn't there ar all.

Katrina’s such a pretty name
It won’t be used much any more
Except in stories of the storm
Of how they watched her come ashore
“There but for the grace of God,”
Survivors say, some lost a friend,
No one saw him there that day
But now they’re blaming him again

Perhaps it was the will of God
Perhaps they needed to repent
Some bad things happen every day
Could some of them be heaven sent ?
It could be karma, could be fate
It could be nothing much at all
Perhaps God's will can't be discerned
Or he just wasn't there at all.

September, 1963,
Kids arrive for Sunday school
No one heard the car approach
No one saw the bomb they threw
Four little girls were blown away
While surely in a state of grace
And in the presence of the Lord
Could they have found a safer place ?

Perhaps it was the will of God
A higher purpose to be served
Some bad things happen every day
And yet some seem so undeserved
Could be the politics of hate
- the Grand Wizard's grand cabal
Perhaps God’s will can’t be discerned
Or he just wasn't there at all

Long Hard Journey

2009-12-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

Long Hard Journey © Bob Mullany 12-2-2006

When I was young I knew the answer
Have faith, and faith will pull you through
Then doubt spread through me like a cancer
Can we say anything is true ?
Still, we depend upon each other
And try our best to do what’s right
Taking care of one another
On this long, hard journey through a cold, dark night
On this long, hard journey through a cold, dark night

Now you have come to walk beside me
And you’ve been kind enough to care
You found me lost and sought to guide me
And always kept me in your prayers
Though you could leave should you decide to
You chose to help me find the light
Your faith, it springs from deep inside you
On this long, hard journey through a cold, dark night
On this long, hard journey through a cold, dark night

Bridge:
We seek the truth, but can’t be certain
Faith gives us strength, but finally fails
No one who's gone beyond the curtain
Returns alive to tell the tale
I wish I was among the faithful
And shared their certainty tonight
For such a gift I would be grateful
On this long, hard journey through a cold, dark night
On this long, hard journey through a cold, dark night

At times I’m tired beyond measure
I fear the darkness and the cold
Still I have memories to treasure
I have your love to have and hold
We’ve seen our children grow and flourish
And now their love is shining bright
That’s all I need now to be nourished
On this long, hard journey through a cold, dark night
On this long, hard journey through a cold, dark night

I used to be among the faithful
Somehow I lost my gift of sight
Lord, if you’re listening, I’d be grateful
At the journey’s end if I could see the light
At the journey’s end, Lord, let me see the light (let me see the light, let me see the light, let me see the light)
Lord, I’d be grateful if I could see the light

Letting Go

2009-12-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

Letting Go

We were there to watch you breathing
in your cradle as you slept
We were there to catch you when
you stumbled after your first step
We were there to ease your fear
and hold you on a stormy night
We were there to laugh with you
as you discovered life’s delights

And it’s all been done before
And we’re always wanting more
A baby's world’s so full of doubt
There’s so many things to fret about
We’re so proud to see you grow
…But it’s so hard letting go…

We were there to walk you to the bus
on your first day of school
We were there to comfort you
those bigger kids can be so cruel
We were there with juice boxes
and cookies when the game was done
We were there to make up games
when life just didn’t seem much fun

And it’s all been done before
And we’re always wanting more
It seems life’s flying by so fast
We want to make the moments last
We’re so proud to see you grow
…But it’s so hard letting go…

We were there to help you
when your homework didn’t make much sense
We were there to take your pictures
when you dressed up for the dance
We were there to calm you
when you got into that accident
We smiled through the tears because
we knew what graduation meant

And it’s all been done before
And we’re always wanting more
Now’s the time to close the door
On the child that you were before
We’re so proud to see you grow
…But it’s so hard letting go…

Bridge:
Now you’re graduating college,
Now you’re moving to another state,
Now you’re getting a promotion
From the sounds of it you’re doing great,
Now you’re saying that you found someone,
We're glad to hear you’re not alone,
Now you say you’re getting married
And planning children of your own…

And its all been done before
And we’re always wanting more
The wheel of life’s about to turn
And soon enough you’re going to learn
You’ll be so proud to see them grow
…But it’s so hard letting go…

© Bob Mullany 12-9-2001