Seasons Come and Seasons Go ...

The following lyrical works have been created over many years. I've reworked old ideas, penned new ones, and relived an entire gamut of emotions at times, when I've reread them and what they reveal.

Letter by letter, keystroke after keystroke, ideas have found form after experiencing or observing human behaviour: spontaneous moments of joy; gentle flutterings of hope in my heart; what seemed like never-ending heartbreak; and long periods of reflection—considering the bigger questions like how I fit into the world and in what way I can best serve as a catalyst for change that may hopefully, in some small way, benefit the planet and the collective human spirit.

So much in life inspires me. As a songwriter, I do my best to balance life's offerings. Although some people view the world with a very different outlook than I do, and have questioned my wearing of rose-coloured glasses, I am well aware of the heaviness that can be felt (and at times, fostered) even at a global level. I'm also aware that the developing world, at times, ushers in uncertainty. As part of the human experience we've been extremely fortunate to witness major, breakthrough advancements in technology, (which have and will continue to benefit all areas of humanity), yet these same breakthroughs are, regrettably, almost always abused by a minority within society for selfish gain.

In trying not to sweat the small stuff—and acknowledging, but not becoming overwhelmed by the plight of global issues—I'll often find myself censoring and limiting (across all technologies) what I feel is an imbalance of news feeds from media broadcasting service providers. Although I'm drawn to human understanding, I don't believe the human psyche can remain unaffected by repetitive reporting day after day, hour after hour, that all too often seems to award valuable airtime to stories based on those who live with an absolute and blatant disregard for life and potential.

I'd rather fill my spiritual cup with peaceful content—watching trees dance in a breeze, feeling the warmth of winter sunlight on my skin, listening to the sound of laughter, or capturing someone's smile. I often look at passersby and wonder what experiences have shaped each of those strangers to live by certain values.

I've been transfixed by a young child's repeated exaltation watching a small wave reach the shore and crash over their own tiny, bare feet, experiencing every new wave like it's the first. I have also watched another small child politely ask their adult caregiver for help several times. Then, after the fifth ignored request, the child, in need of a new tactic to be heard, screeches their demand in a totally abrasive manner, only to be severely reprimanded for 'inappropriate behaviour'. I believe instances like these are clear indications of what is already shaping the differing values of future adults who will try to live and fit—and at times rebel—within society.

Human experience is what I am most drawn to. These are my words, my sometimes real, sometimes imagined experiences; my seasons—starting with summer's exquisite abundance—that have been waiting patiently to be read or heard and perhaps in some small way, vicariously felt.

Summer

'Lyrically Speaking'

From my first breath, would you not encourage me towards my highest potential?

My 'summer' words reflect moments filled with such purpose and sacred connection that, for me, they are akin to sipping from the Holy Grail.

During this glorious season, new spring growth—having now reached its potential—rests near the earth's surface, settled and warm underneath a lavish summer blanket. Gently tucked in, under ideal conditions, her harvest ripens to find depth of flavour and sits in readiness for the taking, with every single part of life stretching out in the hope of being softly kissed by sunlight.

At times, sated by her offerings, we find ourselves in need of respite to rebalance our overindulgent (and occasionally gluttonous) appetites. With little concern given to moderation, we're ultimately forced to search out ways of restoring equilibrium to our physical body, our fractured state of mind, and to varying degrees, our depleted spirit.

Still, feelings percolate, and while lost in this intimacy we'll often continue flirting enthusiastically—dancing, swimming, singing, sleeping, breathing, and living—within this perfect energetic oasis; recognising, yet floating free from, summer's restrictions.

Lyrically, my summer words explore life's essence; discovering unconditional, euphoric moments that will never be erased. Moments for me when I held 'magic' in my hand, and in the hope of retaining that magic, I placed my open palm gently towards my heart leaving an imprint, that I will carry with me throughout my lifetime.

    A Brand-New Daylight's Morning
    (Suggestions: acoustic; pop; R&B)

    V1

    My bare-naked's gently shaking,
    But I won't fall into forsaken 'cause
    The gauze you wrapped 'round my heart's dry,
    And you won't let me bleed.

    V2

    Been 26 million minutes seen
    Before your guard lay down with me,
    And I felt blessed new beginnings,
    Giving us both what we need.

    PC

    I've been waiting for this lay-down point of view of you, forever.

    CH

    You're still here with me, and it's morning,
    With no sign of a warning cry.
    Let your truth fall on me.
    There's no need to bounce off alibis.

    TAG

    You used to run and hide away;
    Now you're laying with me
    In a brand-new daylight's morning.

    V3

    You're the perfect past where we've both been.
    The last puzzle piece that fits right in.
    And to think I had you stored away
    With keepsakes by my bed, could've felt more of this instead.

    PC

    I've been waiting for this lay-down point of view of you, forever.

    CH

    You're still here with me, and it's morning,
    With no sign of a warning cry.
    Let your truth fall on me.
    There's no need to bounce off alibis.

    TAG

    You used to run and hide away;
    Now you're laying with me
    In a brand-new daylight's morning.

    Bridge

    Knowing what I know now,
    Had I missed this, my soul would cry.
    Instead, it's on your high.

    CH

    You're still here with me, and it's morning,
    With no sign of a warning cry.
    Let your truth fall on me.
    There's no need to bounce off alibis.

    TAG

    You used to run and hide away;
    Now you're laying with me
    In a brand-new daylight's morning.

Insight: "Air-Raid Warning"

Time and time again, I find myself lost in the extraordinary lyrics of others, often left intrigued by the lives or moments that inspired them.

These words filtered in reflecting on a near-perfect moment with someone who allowed me to share my truth, unconditionally. While immersed in their poignant, sensitive energy, I found the freedom to let my own vulnerabilities surface, knowing they'd stay safe in their care.

"Air-Raid Warning" explores a mutual need for intimacy, within a relationship built on foundations of unconditional love and trust.

• Finalist—Songsalive! Australia—The Song Comp—'Lyrics only' category

    Air-Raid Warning
    (Suggestions: acoustic; film & TV)

    V1

    As you lay me down here sacred,
    My soul's exposed bare-naked,
    And I'm watching your eyes moving
    Like a searchlight on my skin.

    V2

    And every little mark there,
    Shares a secret part of me where
    I've survived air missiles coming in.

    CH

    But I'm not waiting for an air-raid warning.
    I'll lay here with you till morning.
    No threat of missiles here since this begun.
    What happened here, let us defuse
    Artillery that wasn't used,
    And now we've shooting stars to wish upon.
    Feel no need to run for cover,
    Wrapped here in your arms (safe from harm);
    'n' though there's chaos right outside our walls, I know
    You won't make me fallout, here.

    V3

    You survey crease and fault lines,
    Shy away from broken heart lines,
    Understanding where they came from,
    'Cause your skin wears them too.

    V4

    Tension as you trace around
    Every tear stain that you've found,
    Is colour washed away from blue.
    A magic, undiscovered hue, blending me and you.

    CH

    But I'm not waiting for an air-raid warning.
    I'll lay here with you till morning.
    No threat of missiles here since this begun.
    What happened here, let us defuse
    Artillery that wasn't used,
    And now we've shooting stars to wish upon.
    Feel no need to run for cover,
    Wrapped here in your arms (safe from harm);
    'n' though there's chaos right outside our walls, I know
    You won't make me fallout, here.

    Bridge

    Take me, trace me, as you face me; let me see you feel my/your truth.
    I won't hide, but if I cry, it's only 'cause your touch is soothing.

    CH

    But I'm not waiting for an air-raid warning.
    I'll lay here with you till morning.
    No threat of missiles here since this begun.
    What happened here, let us defuse
    Artillery that wasn't used,
    And now we've shooting stars to wish upon.
    Feel no need to run for cover,
    Wrapped here in your arms (safe from harm);
    'n' though there's chaos right outside our walls, I know
    You won't make me fallout, here.

Insight: "Always"

I love the feeling that songs in the vein of Green Day's "Time of Your Life" can evoke. Witnessing raw emotion between mates singing a farewell tribute to someone who'll be catching an overseas flight in the morning, can bear perfect testimony to life and human connection. Moments such as that can never be bought.

I wanted to write something about honouring 'connection', that goes beyond distance. To those who, no matter where life takes them, will be with me always.

    Always
    (Suggestions: acoustic; anthem; farewell song; pop)

    V1

    I wish that I could make it take a pill and
    Make this precious moment in time stand still.
    Never been good at goodbyes; always found an alibi
    And never surfaced.

    PC

    It doesn't matter where you're going or for how long.
    Part of you will stay here when you're far from home,
    So I hope you'll never feel alone.

    CH

    No matter where this road might take you,
    No matter who or what you see,
    I want you to remember one thing,
    That you'll always be here with me.

    TAG

    Always,
    Till the end of my days.
    Always.

    V2

    Wish I could hide inside your pocket,
    Or teleport awhile 'n' sit sharing your space.
    Still, in a second or two, when my head thinks of you
    I'll see you smashing out our favourite song.
    (And you'll be right back here, where you belong.)

    CH

    No matter where this road might take you,
    No matter who or what you see,
    I want you to remember one thing,
    That you'll always be here with me.

    TAG

    Always,
    Till the end of my days.
    Always.

    Bridge

    Fly high around this Earth of ours; play on the moon,
    But know the next time I see you won't be a second too soon.
    Just swear, no matter where you are out there
    You'll stay in touch, 'cause I'm missing you so much already.

    CH

    No matter where this road might take you,
    No matter who or what you see,
    I want you to remember one thing,
    That you'll always be here with me.

    TAG

    Always,
    Till the end of my days.
    Always.

    OUTRO

    Sitting here in my space,
    Always.
    You'll always have a place here, with me,
    Always.

Insight: "As You Are"

I've witnessed far too many people immobilised by external and sometimes internal expectation. Somewhere along the way, they've lost sight of the extraordinary qualities and traits they have to offer; I hope these words address that imbalance.

"As You Are" was inspired by someone who's learnt to routinely push away not only the people who'd brought judgement to the table but also those who'd offer a cup of kindness, as they'd learnt from experience that kindness was only ever offered conditionally.

Regardless of this thwarted belief system, my hope is that someday, when kindness is placed before them yet again, they'll find newfound courage within, resisting the urge to push.

    As You Are
    (Suggestions: acoustic; film & TV; slow)

    V1

    Please don't crawl inside your skin,
    Trying to bury everything.
    You'll always be safe here with me,
    Exactly as you are.

    V2

    You might run away and hide,
    Frightened of your foolish pride,
    But I love all you feel inside,
    Exactly as you are.

    V3

    Let my daylight kiss your fear.
    My cradled lips will catch your tears.
    No need to hide what's deep inside.
    I want you as you are.

    V4

    Is there something you would send
    If our last days couldn't bend?
    'Cause they should see you here with me,
    Exactly as you are.

    Bridge

    If only you could see the awe in you that's reaching me,
    You would understand a greater plan and just be the man I've seen.

    V5

    They too would cry tears of joy
    That I cry when I see the boy
    Inside the man, God's/love's perfect plan,
    Exactly as you are.

    V6

    Ever after, you will be
    In my reflections when I see
    In mirrors, glass, and waters past,
    You just as you are.

    V7

    Blessed grace, I have to say
    How grateful I am for this day
    To know it's real when I reach and feel you,
    Just the way you are.

    OUTRO

    I see the man, God's/love's perfect plan,
    Exactly as you are.

Insight: "Blessed"

I've heard some great interviews during my time. One interview in particular, with an Australian country music artist—a fair dinkum Aussie bloke—inspired "Blessed". I couldn't help but admire his frankness and honesty; two qualities that people of the land are renowned for.

What struck me was the reverence he had for his wife, admitting that his relationship with both her and their growing family had led him to feel more solidified as both a performer and man. It was refreshing to hear a male role model sharing his truth and vulnerabilities when, as a general rule, most men bow down to conditioning that they must 'man up' and never show their softer side publicly and sometimes, even privately.