Category Archives: New Song

New Song: Sitting down to say a tune

It’s been a whole lot of time since I posted a new song.

It’s been a whole lot of time since I wrote a new song.

But, I figured today was a good day to do both.

It’s my daughter’s first birthday. This song is for her. Only she would be able to understand it, I think.

To everyone else it makes no sense. It hardly makes sense to me.

So that’s that.

Happy Birthday, Della. Shake that pineapple can.

Mother Mary

Okay, here we go…a new song called Mother Mary. After, well, let’s see, about seven and a half months. I’m okay with that. Wasn’t for lack of playing or performing.

Anyway…have a listen.

I had the idea for this tune jumbling around up in my head for about a week and then I sat down on Wednesday in a quiet moment of clear breath (for about the first time since January) and popped it out.

Felt easy…like I hadn’t quit writing.

Oh, did you not know I’d quit writing? It was a break. I was doing it and then I wasn’t.

And now I am again. So there.

So, I had this idea. The “Mother Mary” idea. The two-word phrase going over and over and I knew I had to get it out out out. I think I did. I like the way the verses flow.

The chorus part I had a little trouble with. Had three different versions of it. The other two were much too complicated, so I simplified it. Threw out what wasn’t needed and I’m pretty sure I still said what I needed to say.

And that’s that.

A new Talkin’ Headline is coming your way on Tuesday too. And then the re-recorded version of the song I released this week, last year. That’ll be on Wednesday. It’s a re-record of the tune “Cause, Mama,” if you wanted to get a jump on listening to the original version.

New Song: You Broke My Heart

Well, well, well. Look at this. A new song.

I know it’s been a while…since…uh…January 2. But sometimes it’s good to just take a break and focus on other things.

Guess I was focusing a little too hard.

Anyway, it’s also been a month since I’ve done a Talkin’ Headline, and a long time in between re-recorded versions of year-old songs, so I’m gonna start those up again this week too. This blog is all about the practice of songwriting after all. Not the practice of waiting around for some sort of inspiration. Which isn’t a practice at all.

I wrote this new song last week. I think it sounds like the direction that Poor Elvis is headed in. It’s something, at least.

While I was off from writing, did you know that I planned a tour? And recorded and pressed a 7-inch vinyl record? And had a kickstarter project to raise funds for both?

I’m heading out on the road this Friday. Starting in Madison at Mother Fool’s Coffeehouse playing a show with Boo Bradley.

So, it’ll be a busy June. With lots of shows out of town and a few in Chicago, too. But I’ll keep up with the writing and recording. See where it heads.

40 Days and 40 Nights

Well, here’s the first new song of the new year, 40 Days and 40 Nights. Didn’t think I’d quite be able to get this one out. Was having a lot of trouble coming up with any ideas for anything at all.

Then I got this…

I really don’t think this one’s completely done. Maybe it needs another part that’s different, or two more verses. Something. There’s lots that I do like about it, though. I really like the chorus. I’ll admit that I’ve had the idea of using “mmm’s” in a song for a while. I’m just glad they fit in pretty well to this one.

So, I guess that’s it.

So now, on into 2012. Lots more new songs coming. Talkin’ Headlines (one tomorrow for sure) and re-recorded versions of 2011 songs every week. And also maybe some videos of some sort (I still gotta work out what exactly those may be, though).

So, see ya around soon.