Hello. After 30 combined years as a police officer and a Criminal Justice teacher, I retired in 2015. This allowed me the opportunity to babysit (full time) my soon to be born grandson, Dean. One day while taking Dean on our daily wagon ride, I was reminiscing about the many times I used to take my own children on this same wagon ride. I know my kids remembered these rides, but would my grandson? I became a bit melancholy, and I started formulating a song in my head. Perhaps many years from now this song would remind Dean of our fun times together, especially if I'm not here to remind him. This was the origin of The Little Red Wagon. Many, many years ago I used to write songs. Now that I have the time, it's been a blast writing more songs and having them recorded.
None of my songs would be possible without the engineering and musical talents of Rex Coombs, my brother-in-law and musician extraordinaire. You will see his name in all the liner notes of my songs. Thanks, Rex. Also, many thanks to the vocalists and musicians who performed on these recordings.
MOST RECENT SONG POSTED FIRST, THEN CHRONOLOGICALLY FROM NEWEST TO OLDEST.
None of my songs would be possible without the engineering and musical talents of Rex Coombs, my brother-in-law and musician extraordinaire. You will see his name in all the liner notes of my songs. Thanks, Rex. Also, many thanks to the vocalists and musicians who performed on these recordings.
MOST RECENT SONG POSTED FIRST, THEN CHRONOLOGICALLY FROM NEWEST TO OLDEST.
August 24, 2025
A LULLABY FOR COLE
New song. One of my favorite singers recently had her first child, so I wrote a lullaby for her to sing to him.
Pretty SWEET. Think of a music box. Vocals by Ali Sherman (mommy). Instrumentation and recorded by Rex Coombs.
A LULLABY FOR COLE
New song. One of my favorite singers recently had her first child, so I wrote a lullaby for her to sing to him.
Pretty SWEET. Think of a music box. Vocals by Ali Sherman (mommy). Instrumentation and recorded by Rex Coombs.
April 26, 2025
HE THOUGHT HE HAD MORE TIME
Vocalist is Ali Johnson Sherman. Music is played, recorded and mastered by Rex Coombs.
WHITE NOISE
January 21, 2024
Vocalist is Ali Johnson. Music is played by Rex Coombs. Rex also recorded and mastered the song.
March 8, 2022
NOTHING
Vocals and guitars by Woody Norris. Recorded and engineered by Rex Coombs.
March 8, 2022
NOTHING
Vocals and guitars by Woody Norris. Recorded and engineered by Rex Coombs.
March 27, 2022
LET'S GO DOWN TO THE RIVER TONIGHT
Vocals by Jonathan Burroughs. All instruments, recording and engineering by Rex Coombs.
April 5, 2021
THE WALK OF SHAME
Vocals by Ali Johnson. Lead guitar by Joe Huffman. All other instruments and engineering by Rex Coombs.
March 9, 2022 (Original version November 13, 2020)
THE LAND OF FAKE BELIEVE
Vocals by Ali (Johnson) Sherman and Jonathan Burroughs. Instrumentation and recorded by Rex Coombs
September 5, 2020
MR. DON'T KNOW IT ALL
Vocals by Jonathan Burroughs. Played and recorded by Rex Coombs.
October 7, 2019
TIME TO GO HOME
Vocals by Jonathan Burroughs. Played and recorded by Rex Coombs.
January 6, 2020 (Final Version)
HIGH-HEELED ARMY (HEY THERE, SISTER!}
Lead vocals by Traci Denhardt. Harmony vocals by Jennifer Wood. Lead guitar by Darren Reeder. Other instruments and recorded by Rex Coombs.
March 26, 2019
LIFE AFTER LIFE
Vocals by Jonathan Burrough. Played and recorded by Rex Coombs.
November 17, 2018
I SEE YOU DANCING
Vocals by Jim Bowser. Played and recorded by Rex Coombs.
October 27, 2018
THE COUNTY FAIR
Lead vocals and guitar by Woody Norris. Harmony vocals and banjo by Dale Ferguson. Other instruments played and recorded by Rex Coombs.
August 28, 2018 (Final Version)
IF YOU AIN'T CHEATIN', YOU AIN'T TRYIN'
Vocals and Guitar by Woody Norris. Lead guitar by Darren Reeder. Other instruments played and recorded by Rex Coombs.
October 24, 2018
OLD TIME COUNTRY SONG
Vocals and lead guitar by Woody Norris. Other instruments and song recorded by Rex Coombs.
March 9, 2018
WALK ON THE BEACH
Vocals by Dave Doig. Other instruments played and song recorded by Rex Coombs.
March 9, 2018
BALLROOM DANCING
Vocals by Dave Doig. Other instruments played and song recorded by Rex Coombs.
August 27, 2018
ADALIE
Vocals by Jim Bowser. Harmonica by Dave Norris. Other instruments played and song recorded by Rex Coombs.
November 19, 2017
PITY PARTY
Vocals and guitar by Woody Norris. Other instruments played and song recorded by Rex Coombs.
July 29, 2017
BOOTS & SKIRTS
Lead vocals by Woody Norris. Harmony vocals and banjo by Dale Ferguson. Other instruments played and song recorded by Rex Coombs.
October 11, 2016
THE LITTLE RED WAGON
Vocals and guitar by Dave Norris. Other instruments played and song recorded by Rex Coombs.
BELOW ARE NOTES ON SONGS, REVIEWS, AND OTHER FACTS ABOUT HOW I CAME UP WITH THE IDEAS. ALSO, THE LYRICS AND PERFORMIMG ARTISTS ARE LISTED FOR EACH SONG.
August 24, 2025
New song. One of my favorite singers recently had her first child, so I wrote a lullaby for her to sing to him.
Pretty SWEET. Think of a music box.
August 24, 2025
New song. One of my favorite singers recently had her first child, so I wrote a lullaby for her to sing to him.
Pretty SWEET. Think of a music box.
April 26, 2025
Only a little over one year this time...but a new song!
He Thought He Had More Time
Vocalist is Ali Johnson Sherman. Music is played, recorded and mastered by Rex Coombs.
He Thought He Had More Time
He did not see it coming
He did not have a clue
Is it better to do nothing when there’s too much left to do?
He knew that these things happen but he always thought “not me”
If he could stay a little longer what a better man he would be
He would call his mom and tell her he’ll be home on Christmas Day
And all those years he didn’t come he would make it up some way
He would have a catch with his best friend, the best son you could find
He always planned to do these things... he thought he had more time
BREAK
It does not make him angry
It does not make him sad
It makes him wonder what he did to deserve something so bad
Doctors say his days are numbered now, if only they could see
If he could stay a little longer what a better man he would be
He would tell his dad he’s sorry and reach out to shake his hand
Too many times he saw the faults and never saw the man
He would kiss his daughter’s cheek and say “forever you are mine”
He’d give his soulmate all his love… he thought he had more time
BREAK
He did not see it coming
He did not have a clue
BREAK
He did not see it coming
He did not have a clue
Is it better to do nothing when there’s too much left to do?
He knew that these things happen but he always thought “not me”
If he could stay a little longer what a better man he would be
He would call his mom and tell her he’ll be home on Christmas Day
And all those years he didn’t come he would make it up some way
He would have a catch with his best friend, the best son you could find
He always planned to do these things... he thought he had more time
BREAK
It does not make him angry
It does not make him sad
It makes him wonder what he did to deserve something so bad
Doctors say his days are numbered now, if only they could see
If he could stay a little longer what a better man he would be
He would tell his dad he’s sorry and reach out to shake his hand
Too many times he saw the faults and never saw the man
He would kiss his daughter’s cheek and say “forever you are mine”
He’d give his soulmate all his love… he thought he had more time
BREAK
He did not see it coming
He did not have a clue
BREAK
January 21, 2024
Almost TWO YEARS....Writer's block for sure....but finally, a new song!
White Noise
Vocalist is Ali Johnson. Music is played by Rex Coombs. Rex also recorded and mastered the song.
Almost TWO YEARS....Writer's block for sure....but finally, a new song!
White Noise
Vocalist is Ali Johnson. Music is played by Rex Coombs. Rex also recorded and mastered the song.
White Noise
Second row by the door staring at the tile floor
Doesn’t hope for anything except for that damn bell to ring
He’ll never be the teacher’s pet or one of the boys
He’s just white noise
She picks up her old iPhone another Friday night alone
Scrolling through her Instagram but no one really gives a damn
She has a lot of things to say but she has no voice
She’s just white noise
Living in a world of mediocrity canceled by society
Off alone in the dark where no one can see
Take away their fears and their anxieties so they are not afraid to sing
Then we’ll hear how colorful white noise can be
He won’t try to make the team he’ll just learn to forget that dream
She won’t try to win the part it’s better to protect her heart
If there’s a risk of failure then retreat and avoid
And be white noise
Living in a world of mediocrity canceled by society
Off alone in the dark where no one can see
Take away their fears and their anxieties so they are not afraid to sing
Then we’ll hear how colorful white noise can be
Gentle hearts are easy to break
Painted smiles are easy to fake
Lift them up and see how they fly
Shut them out their spirit may die…and leave them
Living in a world of mediocrity canceled by society
Off alone in the dark where no one can see...but if we
Take away their fears and their anxieties so they are not afraid to sing
Then we’ll hear how colorful white noise can be
Then we’ll hear how colorful white noise can be
Second row by the door staring at the tile floor
Doesn’t hope for anything except for that damn bell to ring
He’ll never be the teacher’s pet or one of the boys
He’s just white noise
She picks up her old iPhone another Friday night alone
Scrolling through her Instagram but no one really gives a damn
She has a lot of things to say but she has no voice
She’s just white noise
Living in a world of mediocrity canceled by society
Off alone in the dark where no one can see
Take away their fears and their anxieties so they are not afraid to sing
Then we’ll hear how colorful white noise can be
He won’t try to make the team he’ll just learn to forget that dream
She won’t try to win the part it’s better to protect her heart
If there’s a risk of failure then retreat and avoid
And be white noise
Living in a world of mediocrity canceled by society
Off alone in the dark where no one can see
Take away their fears and their anxieties so they are not afraid to sing
Then we’ll hear how colorful white noise can be
Gentle hearts are easy to break
Painted smiles are easy to fake
Lift them up and see how they fly
Shut them out their spirit may die…and leave them
Living in a world of mediocrity canceled by society
Off alone in the dark where no one can see...but if we
Take away their fears and their anxieties so they are not afraid to sing
Then we’ll hear how colorful white noise can be
Then we’ll hear how colorful white noise can be
March 27, 2022 - Remixed The Land of Fake Believe (3rd time!) Give it a listen below.
March 9, 2022 - New Song...Nothing. See below original post.
Below is my original post. Updates are always listed first.
Hello. After 30 combined years as a police officer and a Criminal Justice teacher, I retired in 2015. This allowed me the opportunity to babysit (full time) my soon to be born grandson, Dean. One day while taking Dean on our daily wagon ride, I was reminiscing about the many times I used to take my own children on this same wagon ride. I know my kids remembered these rides, but would my grandson? I became a bit melancholy, and I started formulating a song in my head. Perhaps many years from now this song would remind Dean of our fun times together, especially if I'm not here to remind him. This was the origin of The Little Red Wagon. Many, many years ago I used to write songs. Now that I have the time, it's been a blast writing more songs and having them recorded.
None of my songs would be possible without the engineering and musical talents of Rex Coombs, my brother-in-law and musician extraordinaire. You will see his name in all the liner notes of my songs. Thanks, Rex. Also, many thanks to the vocalists and musicians who performed on these recordings.
Hello. After 30 combined years as a police officer and a Criminal Justice teacher, I retired in 2015. This allowed me the opportunity to babysit (full time) my soon to be born grandson, Dean. One day while taking Dean on our daily wagon ride, I was reminiscing about the many times I used to take my own children on this same wagon ride. I know my kids remembered these rides, but would my grandson? I became a bit melancholy, and I started formulating a song in my head. Perhaps many years from now this song would remind Dean of our fun times together, especially if I'm not here to remind him. This was the origin of The Little Red Wagon. Many, many years ago I used to write songs. Now that I have the time, it's been a blast writing more songs and having them recorded.
None of my songs would be possible without the engineering and musical talents of Rex Coombs, my brother-in-law and musician extraordinaire. You will see his name in all the liner notes of my songs. Thanks, Rex. Also, many thanks to the vocalists and musicians who performed on these recordings.
March 27 - I decided to rework The Land of Fake Believe for a 3rd time. Hopefully, this is the one!
March 9, 2022 - New song. Nothing Vocals and guitars by Woody Norris. Recorded and engineered by Rex Coombs.
Nothing
You called me Nothing
Said I never would amount to anything if I didn't follow all of your plans
I'd be a nothing
Never make any kind of difference or be any kind of worthwhile man
But here's what I see from where I am
A three-bed, two-bath rambler sitting on an acre that we own
Two little mop headed rug rats dancing in the grass to their favorite song
A beautiful woman sitting on the front porch happy to see me home
Now ain't that something coming from nothing.
Nothing just a word you used to let me know I never would measure up
and be a
Someone who would make you proud, live out your dreams better than you ever could
I didn't do that but I did good in a
A three-bed, two-bath rambler sitting on an acre that we own
Two little mop headed rug rats dancing in the grass to their favorite song
A beautiful woman sitting on the front porch happy to see me home
Now ain't that something coming from nothing.
Words hurt love dies
Now I see through all your lies
What you are can't hurt me anymore
A three-bed, two-bath rambler sitting on an acre that we own
Two little mop headed rug rats dancing in the grass to their favorite song
A beautiful woman sitting on the front porch happy to see me home
Now ain't that something coming from nothing.
Now ain't that something coming from nothing.
You called me Nothing
Said I never would amount to anything if I didn't follow all of your plans
I'd be a nothing
Never make any kind of difference or be any kind of worthwhile man
But here's what I see from where I am
A three-bed, two-bath rambler sitting on an acre that we own
Two little mop headed rug rats dancing in the grass to their favorite song
A beautiful woman sitting on the front porch happy to see me home
Now ain't that something coming from nothing.
Nothing just a word you used to let me know I never would measure up
and be a
Someone who would make you proud, live out your dreams better than you ever could
I didn't do that but I did good in a
A three-bed, two-bath rambler sitting on an acre that we own
Two little mop headed rug rats dancing in the grass to their favorite song
A beautiful woman sitting on the front porch happy to see me home
Now ain't that something coming from nothing.
Words hurt love dies
Now I see through all your lies
What you are can't hurt me anymore
A three-bed, two-bath rambler sitting on an acre that we own
Two little mop headed rug rats dancing in the grass to their favorite song
A beautiful woman sitting on the front porch happy to see me home
Now ain't that something coming from nothing.
Now ain't that something coming from nothing.
New Song. Let's Go Down to the River Tonight. Vocals by Jonathan Burroughs. All instruments, recording and engineering by Rex Coombs.
Let’s Go Down to the River Tonight
Just got home from a double shift
Now it’s baseball, soccer y’get my drift
Then dinner and a story before bedtime
I love this life, but what a grind
I’ve got a plan I know will work
Let’s go before it’s too late
Drop the kids off at momma’s then hit the road
It’s time we went on a date
Let’s go down to the river tonight
Strip off our clothes in the pale moonlight
And take a swim like we are young again
There’s a party for two at the river tonight
We’ll dance in the grass ‘til morning light
Just you and me wild and free at the river tonight
Keeping up with the Joneses ain’t no fun
Gotta have every gadget under the sun
Need a bigger TV and the newest iPhone
In constant contact never alone
It’s time we left that noise behind
And had a little me and you
We’ll be the only ones in this whole world
If only for a day or two
Let’s go down to the river tonight
Strip off our clothes in the pale moonlight
And take a swim like we are young again
There’s a party for two at the river tonight
We’ll dance in the grass ‘til morning light
Just you and me wild and free at the river tonight
Time flies like the river runs
Goes rushing by us and then it’s gone
These days won’t last forever
Let’s not waste a single one
Let’s go down to the river tonight
Strip off our clothes in the pale moonlight
And take a swim like we are young again
There’s a party for two at the river tonight
We’ll dance in the grass ‘til morning light
Just you and me wild and free at the river tonight
Just got home from a double shift
Now it’s baseball, soccer y’get my drift
Then dinner and a story before bedtime
I love this life, but what a grind
I’ve got a plan I know will work
Let’s go before it’s too late
Drop the kids off at momma’s then hit the road
It’s time we went on a date
Let’s go down to the river tonight
Strip off our clothes in the pale moonlight
And take a swim like we are young again
There’s a party for two at the river tonight
We’ll dance in the grass ‘til morning light
Just you and me wild and free at the river tonight
Keeping up with the Joneses ain’t no fun
Gotta have every gadget under the sun
Need a bigger TV and the newest iPhone
In constant contact never alone
It’s time we left that noise behind
And had a little me and you
We’ll be the only ones in this whole world
If only for a day or two
Let’s go down to the river tonight
Strip off our clothes in the pale moonlight
And take a swim like we are young again
There’s a party for two at the river tonight
We’ll dance in the grass ‘til morning light
Just you and me wild and free at the river tonight
Time flies like the river runs
Goes rushing by us and then it’s gone
These days won’t last forever
Let’s not waste a single one
Let’s go down to the river tonight
Strip off our clothes in the pale moonlight
And take a swim like we are young again
There’s a party for two at the river tonight
We’ll dance in the grass ‘til morning light
Just you and me wild and free at the river tonight
New Song. The Walk of Shame. Vocals by Ali Johnson. Lead guitar by Joe Huffman. All other instruments and engineering by Rex Coombs.
Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) critique of The Walk of Shame.
I highlighted the "good stuff" LOL!!!
FORM/STRUCTURE: Your form and structure are great! No critique here.
LYRICS: This song is really fun to listen to. I had a feeling it would be
from the jump. The storyline is very clear and easy to follow. But the one
major critique I have is that I wish it was a little grittier. You’re
talking about the infamous Walk of Shame… and I think this song could
really benefit from some more imagery about what the reality of that looks
like. I think the lyrics you have here are really clever! But something tells
me that you have the potential to be a little bit wittier in some of your
verbiage. I would love to see you go outside the box and say something that shocks people. I think
it would completely elevate an already great song! This is all subjective.
But I think you’re in a great place with this one!
TITLE/HOOK: Love the title! The Walk of Shame is something the best of us
know. I think it totally reaches out and grabs listeners attention. The hook
is great and catch. Good work!
OVERALL THEME/IDEA: Theme is strong and stands up on it’s own throughout
the entirety of the song. Well done!
MELODY: I think the melody is solid. Very catchy. Could maybe bump up the
tempo a smidge, but that’s my only recommendation!
I highlighted the "good stuff" LOL!!!
FORM/STRUCTURE: Your form and structure are great! No critique here.
LYRICS: This song is really fun to listen to. I had a feeling it would be
from the jump. The storyline is very clear and easy to follow. But the one
major critique I have is that I wish it was a little grittier. You’re
talking about the infamous Walk of Shame… and I think this song could
really benefit from some more imagery about what the reality of that looks
like. I think the lyrics you have here are really clever! But something tells
me that you have the potential to be a little bit wittier in some of your
verbiage. I would love to see you go outside the box and say something that shocks people. I think
it would completely elevate an already great song! This is all subjective.
But I think you’re in a great place with this one!
TITLE/HOOK: Love the title! The Walk of Shame is something the best of us
know. I think it totally reaches out and grabs listeners attention. The hook
is great and catch. Good work!
OVERALL THEME/IDEA: Theme is strong and stands up on it’s own throughout
the entirety of the song. Well done!
MELODY: I think the melody is solid. Very catchy. Could maybe bump up the
tempo a smidge, but that’s my only recommendation!
March 4, 2021
More feedback from another Nashville critic about The Land of Fake Believe.
FORM/STRUCTURE: Your form and structure are great and the timing is a little
long at around almost 4 minutes so see if you chop it up or take out any
redundancy you find.
LYRICS: I love your lyrics! This is a beautiful song and I love the
descriptions of places and people and memories, its all well done. I have no
notes for you here! I enjoyed it and thought that it was wonderful.
TITLE/HOOK: I think your title is good and catchy and your hook is the same
and I think you did a great job!
OVERALL THEME/IDEA: I think you have a really unique idea and I love how you
incorporated such an interesting perspective into the song. Well done.
January 20, 2021
I submitted my song The Land of Fake Believe to NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) for critique. Here's some feedback...
FORM/STRUCTURE: All good for a singer/songwriter/folk tune.
TITLE/HOOK: This is an AWESOME huge hook.
LYRIC: What a great hook and super cool lyrics, but stylistically this isn't
country, it's folk. It's darn awesome though.
OVERALL THEME/IDEA: Great imagination, cool lyrics. It's up to you if you want to try to take this song in a more commercial place by modifying the
hook set up and strongly changing the melody.
I decided I would try to make the song more "Country", so we changed the instrumentation and I located a more contemporary female country singer...Ali Johnson. Below is the newest version of The Land of Fake Believe. Thanks Ali, Jonathan (again), and Rex.
More feedback from another Nashville critic about The Land of Fake Believe.
FORM/STRUCTURE: Your form and structure are great and the timing is a little
long at around almost 4 minutes so see if you chop it up or take out any
redundancy you find.
LYRICS: I love your lyrics! This is a beautiful song and I love the
descriptions of places and people and memories, its all well done. I have no
notes for you here! I enjoyed it and thought that it was wonderful.
TITLE/HOOK: I think your title is good and catchy and your hook is the same
and I think you did a great job!
OVERALL THEME/IDEA: I think you have a really unique idea and I love how you
incorporated such an interesting perspective into the song. Well done.
January 20, 2021
I submitted my song The Land of Fake Believe to NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) for critique. Here's some feedback...
FORM/STRUCTURE: All good for a singer/songwriter/folk tune.
TITLE/HOOK: This is an AWESOME huge hook.
LYRIC: What a great hook and super cool lyrics, but stylistically this isn't
country, it's folk. It's darn awesome though.
OVERALL THEME/IDEA: Great imagination, cool lyrics. It's up to you if you want to try to take this song in a more commercial place by modifying the
hook set up and strongly changing the melody.
I decided I would try to make the song more "Country", so we changed the instrumentation and I located a more contemporary female country singer...Ali Johnson. Below is the newest version of The Land of Fake Believe. Thanks Ali, Jonathan (again), and Rex.
November 13, 2020
Here's my newest song. Thanks to Jonathan and Kelly for the vocals. As always, thanks to Rex.
Here's my newest song. Thanks to Jonathan and Kelly for the vocals. As always, thanks to Rex.
The Land of Fake Believe
When I was young my days belonged to the land of make believe
Ribbons and bows and dress up clothes were all that I would need
My wedding dress would be the best the world would ever see
I had it all the belle of the ball in the land of make believe
But here in the land of fake believe nothing is quite what it seems
The smiles are painted on faces that hide the pain of broken dreams
We play the part betray our hearts so no one else can see
We spend our time surviving here in the land of fake believe
G.I. Joes and long home runs homeruns I hit with tobacco sticks
Racing Power Wheels at Talladega, learning magic tricks
I was flying rockets to the moon, climbing up the highest tree
I had it all was riding tall in the land of make believe
But here in the land of fake believe nothing is quite what it seems
The smiles are painted on faces that hide the pain of broken dreams
We play the part betray our hearts so no one else can see
We spend our time surviving here in the land of fake believe
We’re keeping up appearances, the couple of the year
If this is really paradise it sure is cold in here
I wish I could start life again. I wish I could be free
You can’t go back to yesterday and the land of make believe
But here in the land of fake believe nothing is quite what it seems
The smiles are painted on faces that hide the pain of broken dreams
We play the part betray our hearts so no one else can see
We spend our time surviving here in the land of fake believe
We spend our time surviving here in the land of fake believe
When I was young my days belonged to the land of make believe
Ribbons and bows and dress up clothes were all that I would need
My wedding dress would be the best the world would ever see
I had it all the belle of the ball in the land of make believe
But here in the land of fake believe nothing is quite what it seems
The smiles are painted on faces that hide the pain of broken dreams
We play the part betray our hearts so no one else can see
We spend our time surviving here in the land of fake believe
G.I. Joes and long home runs homeruns I hit with tobacco sticks
Racing Power Wheels at Talladega, learning magic tricks
I was flying rockets to the moon, climbing up the highest tree
I had it all was riding tall in the land of make believe
But here in the land of fake believe nothing is quite what it seems
The smiles are painted on faces that hide the pain of broken dreams
We play the part betray our hearts so no one else can see
We spend our time surviving here in the land of fake believe
We’re keeping up appearances, the couple of the year
If this is really paradise it sure is cold in here
I wish I could start life again. I wish I could be free
You can’t go back to yesterday and the land of make believe
But here in the land of fake believe nothing is quite what it seems
The smiles are painted on faces that hide the pain of broken dreams
We play the part betray our hearts so no one else can see
We spend our time surviving here in the land of fake believe
We spend our time surviving here in the land of fake believe
September 5, 2020
It's been some time since I was able to get studio time and get a new song published. Covid-19 stinks!
In any case, I'm uploading a new song before I have the CD cover and liner notes prepared. I just wanted to get something new out there. Thanks to Jonathan Burroughs again for his vocals and Rex Coombs for playing all the instruments and his engineering talents.
This one's for Pat W. and N.P.
It's been some time since I was able to get studio time and get a new song published. Covid-19 stinks!
In any case, I'm uploading a new song before I have the CD cover and liner notes prepared. I just wanted to get something new out there. Thanks to Jonathan Burroughs again for his vocals and Rex Coombs for playing all the instruments and his engineering talents.
This one's for Pat W. and N.P.
Mr. Don’t-Know-it-All
When I was a kid my dad would drop to his knees
He would tell me to get into heaven that’s how it must be
I told him I don’t pray to a God I can’t see
And what has his God done for him or me
But when he got sick I prayed everyday
And the God I couldn’t see showed me the way
Here comes Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
Mr. High-On-His Horse has taken a fall
It might be hard admitting you’re wrong
Convincing yourself they were right all along
Being stuck in your ways ain’t easy to fix
But any old dog can learn new tricks
Sometimes when you wanna run first you must crawl
Like Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve we would chant
You might think you’re gonna get married but no you can’t
Then my son came to me and said dad we must talk
Time to shut my mouth, start to walk the walk
Now there’s a rainbow tattoo on my chest
And I have pride just like the rest
Here comes Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
Mr. High-On-His Horse has taken a fall
It might be hard admitting you’re wrong
Convincing yourself they were right all along
Being stuck in your ways ain’t easy to fix
But any old dog can learn new tricks
Sometimes when you wanna run first you must crawl
Like Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
I used to be an expert on any topic I was king
But I’m a whole lot smarter now that I don’t know everything
Here comes Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
Mr. High-On-His Horse has taken a fall
It might be hard admitting you’re wrong
Convincing yourself they were right all along
Being stuck in your ways ain’t easy to fix
But any old dog can learn new tricks
Sometimes when you wanna run first you must crawl
Like Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
Sometimes when you wanna run first you must crawl
Like Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
When I was a kid my dad would drop to his knees
He would tell me to get into heaven that’s how it must be
I told him I don’t pray to a God I can’t see
And what has his God done for him or me
But when he got sick I prayed everyday
And the God I couldn’t see showed me the way
Here comes Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
Mr. High-On-His Horse has taken a fall
It might be hard admitting you’re wrong
Convincing yourself they were right all along
Being stuck in your ways ain’t easy to fix
But any old dog can learn new tricks
Sometimes when you wanna run first you must crawl
Like Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve we would chant
You might think you’re gonna get married but no you can’t
Then my son came to me and said dad we must talk
Time to shut my mouth, start to walk the walk
Now there’s a rainbow tattoo on my chest
And I have pride just like the rest
Here comes Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
Mr. High-On-His Horse has taken a fall
It might be hard admitting you’re wrong
Convincing yourself they were right all along
Being stuck in your ways ain’t easy to fix
But any old dog can learn new tricks
Sometimes when you wanna run first you must crawl
Like Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
I used to be an expert on any topic I was king
But I’m a whole lot smarter now that I don’t know everything
Here comes Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
Mr. High-On-His Horse has taken a fall
It might be hard admitting you’re wrong
Convincing yourself they were right all along
Being stuck in your ways ain’t easy to fix
But any old dog can learn new tricks
Sometimes when you wanna run first you must crawl
Like Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
Sometimes when you wanna run first you must crawl
Like Mr. Don’t-Know-It-All
January 6, 2020 - Update
I had Jennifer Wood add harmony to High-Heeled Army (Hey There, Sister!). She did a great job complimenting Traci's vocals. Hear the newest version below.
I had Jennifer Wood add harmony to High-Heeled Army (Hey There, Sister!). She did a great job complimenting Traci's vocals. Hear the newest version below.
November 16, 2019 Update:
I rewrote the song High-Heeled Army. The original version tried too hard and was not in a good key for the vocalist. So here's the new version. Traci (Howie) Denhardt is the vocalist again...yay! Darren Reeder was added with his great lead guitar. Rex Coombs played everything else and recorded and mastered the song.
I rewrote the song High-Heeled Army. The original version tried too hard and was not in a good key for the vocalist. So here's the new version. Traci (Howie) Denhardt is the vocalist again...yay! Darren Reeder was added with his great lead guitar. Rex Coombs played everything else and recorded and mastered the song.
High-Heeled Army (Hey There, Sister)
Year after year she kept her nose to the grind but as the good old boys moved up they left her behind
She wonders if she’s wasting her time.
He closed the door and said you got me all wrong I want to do all I can do to move you along
Different day, same exact song. How’s a woman gonna stay strong?
Hey there sister with your eyes to the ground raise them up, raise them up take a look all around
There’s a new day coming, and the world’s gonna see that our high-heeled army has got to be free
Hey there sister you don’t have to take it tell him no, tell him go you don’t have to submit
Time’s are a’changin’, and our brothers will see that our high-heeled army has got to be free
Free to be all we can be without compromise
When what we do will matter more than our shape and size
We’ll break ev’ry ceiling, knock down ev’ry door we don’t want everything we just want more
Hey there sister better times are at hand shout it loud, shout it proud we are taking a stand
There’s a new day coming, and the world’s gonna see that our high heeled army has got to be free
Free at last…high-heeled army, free at last…high-heeled army
Free at last…high-heeled army, and we’re gonna let the people hear it everyday
Hey there sister with your eyes to the ground raise them up, raise them up take a look all around
There’s a new day coming, and the world’s gonna see that our high-heeled army has got to be free
Hey there sister better times are at hand shout it loud, shout it proud we are taking a stand
There’s a new day coming, and the world’s gonna see that our high heeled army has got to be free
Our high-heeled army has got to be free.
Year after year she kept her nose to the grind but as the good old boys moved up they left her behind
She wonders if she’s wasting her time.
He closed the door and said you got me all wrong I want to do all I can do to move you along
Different day, same exact song. How’s a woman gonna stay strong?
Hey there sister with your eyes to the ground raise them up, raise them up take a look all around
There’s a new day coming, and the world’s gonna see that our high-heeled army has got to be free
Hey there sister you don’t have to take it tell him no, tell him go you don’t have to submit
Time’s are a’changin’, and our brothers will see that our high-heeled army has got to be free
Free to be all we can be without compromise
When what we do will matter more than our shape and size
We’ll break ev’ry ceiling, knock down ev’ry door we don’t want everything we just want more
Hey there sister better times are at hand shout it loud, shout it proud we are taking a stand
There’s a new day coming, and the world’s gonna see that our high heeled army has got to be free
Free at last…high-heeled army, free at last…high-heeled army
Free at last…high-heeled army, and we’re gonna let the people hear it everyday
Hey there sister with your eyes to the ground raise them up, raise them up take a look all around
There’s a new day coming, and the world’s gonna see that our high-heeled army has got to be free
Hey there sister better times are at hand shout it loud, shout it proud we are taking a stand
There’s a new day coming, and the world’s gonna see that our high heeled army has got to be free
Our high-heeled army has got to be free.
October 7, 2019 Update:
New song...Time To Go Home. This song was inspired by a friend of mine. She deserves better, and will one day have better. Jonathan Burroughs is back, singing on my most recent song. He does a great job. Darren Reeder is a boss on lead guitar. Of course, Rex Coombs played everything else and engineered and recorded the song.
New song...Time To Go Home. This song was inspired by a friend of mine. She deserves better, and will one day have better. Jonathan Burroughs is back, singing on my most recent song. He does a great job. Darren Reeder is a boss on lead guitar. Of course, Rex Coombs played everything else and engineered and recorded the song.
Time To Go Home
for Katie J.
She packed up the dress with the ribbons and lace
She didn’t bother closing the door
They walked down the aisle six months ago
Now he says he doesn’t love her no more
Where do you go when there’s nowhere to go
Can you start over again
What do you do with a life when it ends
Before it ever really begins
When the path you’re on leads you to nowhere
And your dreams have all faded to dust
When your heart is so battered and broken
Time to go home
When you can’t find a body to lean on
And your world is spinning out of control
When you pray but you don’t hear an answer
Time to go home
He stuffed all his clothes in an old duffle bag
Beat up guitar slung over his back
Ten long years he has played every dive
So many he could never keep track
Where do you go when there’s nowhere to go
Can you start over again
What do you do with a life when it ends
Before it ever really begins
When the path you’re on leads you to nowhere
And your dreams have all faded to dust
When your heart is so battered and broken
Time to go home
When you can’t find a body to lean on
And your world is spinning out of control
When you pray but you don’t hear an answer
Time to go home
Back to your friends, the stand by you kind
They will never let you down
All of your hopes and dreams were made
Right there in your hometown
When it comes time to circle the wagons
And you know you can’t make it alone
Wrap yourself in friends and family
Time to go home
When the path you’re on leads you to nowhere
And your dreams have all faded to dust
When your heart is so battered and broken
Time to go home
When you can’t find a body to lean on
And your world is spinning out of control
When you pray but you don’t hear an answer
Time to go home
Yes, now it’s time to go home.
for Katie J.
She packed up the dress with the ribbons and lace
She didn’t bother closing the door
They walked down the aisle six months ago
Now he says he doesn’t love her no more
Where do you go when there’s nowhere to go
Can you start over again
What do you do with a life when it ends
Before it ever really begins
When the path you’re on leads you to nowhere
And your dreams have all faded to dust
When your heart is so battered and broken
Time to go home
When you can’t find a body to lean on
And your world is spinning out of control
When you pray but you don’t hear an answer
Time to go home
He stuffed all his clothes in an old duffle bag
Beat up guitar slung over his back
Ten long years he has played every dive
So many he could never keep track
Where do you go when there’s nowhere to go
Can you start over again
What do you do with a life when it ends
Before it ever really begins
When the path you’re on leads you to nowhere
And your dreams have all faded to dust
When your heart is so battered and broken
Time to go home
When you can’t find a body to lean on
And your world is spinning out of control
When you pray but you don’t hear an answer
Time to go home
Back to your friends, the stand by you kind
They will never let you down
All of your hopes and dreams were made
Right there in your hometown
When it comes time to circle the wagons
And you know you can’t make it alone
Wrap yourself in friends and family
Time to go home
When the path you’re on leads you to nowhere
And your dreams have all faded to dust
When your heart is so battered and broken
Time to go home
When you can’t find a body to lean on
And your world is spinning out of control
When you pray but you don’t hear an answer
Time to go home
Yes, now it’s time to go home.
May 26, 2019 Update:
New song...Life After Life. I've been fortunate to work with a lot of talented people, and when I needed a vocalist for my new song, I reached WAY back and found Jonathan Burroughs. Jonathan used to perform in my performing arts company about 30 years ago. Some things improve with age, like Jonathan's voice. Thank you, my Brother in Blue.
Darren Reeder plays both guitars on this track. He's amazing. Rex Coombs once again plays bass and recorded and engineered the song.
New song...Life After Life. I've been fortunate to work with a lot of talented people, and when I needed a vocalist for my new song, I reached WAY back and found Jonathan Burroughs. Jonathan used to perform in my performing arts company about 30 years ago. Some things improve with age, like Jonathan's voice. Thank you, my Brother in Blue.
Darren Reeder plays both guitars on this track. He's amazing. Rex Coombs once again plays bass and recorded and engineered the song.
Life After Life
for Marty, forever
Here in the dark after heavy breathing
I silently pray you’re never leaving me
Wondering how I ever found someone like you
Never before and never again could I
Find the meaning of my life in your two
Eyes are like a mirror straight into my soul
Now I find you are my peace of mind
You are my everything and everything more
You and me where fate meets destiny
Day after day, year after year, life after life
The preacher says that I’ll reach heaven but
When I’m with you I start confessing that
Heaven can’t be better than where I am now
Angel wings have got nothing on
You are the reason miracles come
Truer words were never spoken than
I love you…
Now I find you are my peace of mind
You are my everything and everything more
You and me where fate meets destiny
Day after day, year after year, life after life
Sorry God but if you don’t mind
I’ll stay right here ‘til the end of time
I know it’s good and I know you’re great
But if you don’t mind then heaven can wait
Now I find you are my peace of mind
You are my everything and everything more
You and me where fate meets destiny
Day after day, year after year, life after life
Day after day, year after year, life after life
c. 2019 Mickey Bailey, All Rights Reserved
for Marty, forever
Here in the dark after heavy breathing
I silently pray you’re never leaving me
Wondering how I ever found someone like you
Never before and never again could I
Find the meaning of my life in your two
Eyes are like a mirror straight into my soul
Now I find you are my peace of mind
You are my everything and everything more
You and me where fate meets destiny
Day after day, year after year, life after life
The preacher says that I’ll reach heaven but
When I’m with you I start confessing that
Heaven can’t be better than where I am now
Angel wings have got nothing on
You are the reason miracles come
Truer words were never spoken than
I love you…
Now I find you are my peace of mind
You are my everything and everything more
You and me where fate meets destiny
Day after day, year after year, life after life
Sorry God but if you don’t mind
I’ll stay right here ‘til the end of time
I know it’s good and I know you’re great
But if you don’t mind then heaven can wait
Now I find you are my peace of mind
You are my everything and everything more
You and me where fate meets destiny
Day after day, year after year, life after life
Day after day, year after year, life after life
c. 2019 Mickey Bailey, All Rights Reserved
April 1, 2019
My first song, The Little Red Wagon, was a finalist in the Great American Song Contest in the Folk/Americana category. Didn't win, but got past the semi-finalist to the finalist group this time. Yay (LOL)!
Here's the critique...
Warmly engaging melody captures the heart of the relatable sentimental theme. Along with the well-presented and symbolic title/hook this song really stands out. This is beautiful songwriting! - C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S - and good luck with your songs and music. I hope we’ll hear more from you in the years ahead. Keep writing songs!
January 23, 2019
Not really a big deal, but two of my songs received honorable mentions in the Song Door International Songwriting Competition. There were 5 finalists, and 72 honorable mentions. That's a LOT of honorable mentions, but it is from thousands of entries from all over the world, so not too bad. The two songs? Pity Party and The County Fair...both sang by Woody Norris. See below for links to the songs.
My first song, The Little Red Wagon, was a finalist in the Great American Song Contest in the Folk/Americana category. Didn't win, but got past the semi-finalist to the finalist group this time. Yay (LOL)!
Here's the critique...
Warmly engaging melody captures the heart of the relatable sentimental theme. Along with the well-presented and symbolic title/hook this song really stands out. This is beautiful songwriting! - C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S - and good luck with your songs and music. I hope we’ll hear more from you in the years ahead. Keep writing songs!
January 23, 2019
Not really a big deal, but two of my songs received honorable mentions in the Song Door International Songwriting Competition. There were 5 finalists, and 72 honorable mentions. That's a LOT of honorable mentions, but it is from thousands of entries from all over the world, so not too bad. The two songs? Pity Party and The County Fair...both sang by Woody Norris. See below for links to the songs.
November 29 Update...
I sent a copy of The County Fair to the St. Mary's County Fair Association (Mr. John Richards, president)...They liked it so much they have posted it on the county fair Facebook page! Here's a link https://www.facebook.com/smcfair/ You might have to copy and paste the link. Thank you, St. Mary's County Fair!!!
I sent a copy of The County Fair to the St. Mary's County Fair Association (Mr. John Richards, president)...They liked it so much they have posted it on the county fair Facebook page! Here's a link https://www.facebook.com/smcfair/ You might have to copy and paste the link. Thank you, St. Mary's County Fair!!!
November 17 Update...
New song...This was a hard song to write. Jim Bowser did a beautiful recording of this tribute song I wrote for my Mom. 59 years she ran the Bunny Bailey Dance Studio. Mom passed away this past April. The song is titled..."I See You Dancing".
New song...This was a hard song to write. Jim Bowser did a beautiful recording of this tribute song I wrote for my Mom. 59 years she ran the Bunny Bailey Dance Studio. Mom passed away this past April. The song is titled..."I See You Dancing".
I See You Dancing
As I think back on my life
There isn’t a day without you
You raised me up from a child
My life is your story
The sun comes up in the morning
The sun goes down in the night
At times I wasn’t my best
But you held my hand through it all
When my world was lonesome and cold
You’d warm it with your smile
The sun comes up in the morning
The sun goes down in the night
The days you and I had are gone
But see, how your love still remains
It lifts up my eyes to the sky
Where I see you dancing
The sun comes up in the morning
The sun goes down in the night
The sun comes up in the morning
The sun goes down in the night
As I think back on my life
There isn’t a day without you
You raised me up from a child
My life is your story
The sun comes up in the morning
The sun goes down in the night
At times I wasn’t my best
But you held my hand through it all
When my world was lonesome and cold
You’d warm it with your smile
The sun comes up in the morning
The sun goes down in the night
The days you and I had are gone
But see, how your love still remains
It lifts up my eyes to the sky
Where I see you dancing
The sun comes up in the morning
The sun goes down in the night
The sun comes up in the morning
The sun goes down in the night
October 27 Update...
New song...The County Fair.
I have been having Woody Norris do the vocals and guitar playing on a lot of my songs. Woody is in a Bluegrass band, 15 Strings. After hearing 15 Strings at a local Bluegrass festival (a first for me!), I was inspired to try to write a Bluegrass song. The only memory I have of Bluegrass music is hearing it every year blasting from a single loud speaker attached to the top of a telephone pole at our County Fair. It's a great memory for me. And that inspired this song. Woody's band mate, Dale Ferguson, plays the banjo and does the harmony vocals. This time Rex Coombs plays the bass, in addition to mixing and mastering the CD.
New song...The County Fair.
I have been having Woody Norris do the vocals and guitar playing on a lot of my songs. Woody is in a Bluegrass band, 15 Strings. After hearing 15 Strings at a local Bluegrass festival (a first for me!), I was inspired to try to write a Bluegrass song. The only memory I have of Bluegrass music is hearing it every year blasting from a single loud speaker attached to the top of a telephone pole at our County Fair. It's a great memory for me. And that inspired this song. Woody's band mate, Dale Ferguson, plays the banjo and does the harmony vocals. This time Rex Coombs plays the bass, in addition to mixing and mastering the CD.
August 29th Update...
I tweaked my song Adalie, and had my friend Jim Bowser redo the vocals. You can listen to the new version further down the page. Thanks Jim!
I tweaked my song Adalie, and had my friend Jim Bowser redo the vocals. You can listen to the new version further down the page. Thanks Jim!
August 28th Update...
After listening to advice and critiques, I have re-written If You Ain't Cheatin, You Ain't Tryin'. I think it's better.
After listening to advice and critiques, I have re-written If You Ain't Cheatin, You Ain't Tryin'. I think it's better.
This song was inspired by a Criminal Justice student of mine. I told the students the only thing that would get them in real trouble in my class was if they cheated, and a student yelled out "Sgt. Bailey, if you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'". That cracked me up, and inspired this song.
If You Ain’t Cheatin’, You Ain’t Tryin’
Last Friday night my boys and I were out on the town
We were playing cards and shootin’ shots a’ throwin’ ‘em down, when
Somehow an Ace just up and fell right outta my sleeve
And my best friend Bobby on my right said I better leave
Then some joker threw a bottle right at my head
So I punched that stupid sucker…and then I said
If you ain’t cheatin’ you ain’t tryin’
When it hits the fan …and it really starts a’ flyin’
And you’re caught red handed you had better start lyin’
If you ain’t cheatin’, brother you ain’t tryin’
Last Saturday we hit the strip, just Bobby and I
We were crusin’ and a’choosin’ who we might like to try
When my boy had the audacity to straight call me out
Talkin’ ‘bout the girl I left at home and if she finds out
So I told the dude just like before when I’m in a bind, I tell
The very first lie that comes to my mind, I said
If you ain’t cheatin’ you ain’t tryin’
When it hits the fan …and it really starts a’ flyin’
And you’re caught red handed you had better start lyin’
If you ain’t cheatin’, brother you ain’t tryin’
Last Sunday I went off to church to go make amends, I swore
I’d be a better man… to my girl and my friends, as I
Got back home I saw that Bobby’s truck was outside
When I caught him naked in the hall he looked up and lied
Talkin’ all this trash about how this was really no thing
As he jumped straight out the window…he started to sing
If you ain’t cheatin’ you ain’t tryin’
When it hits the fan …and it really starts a’ flyin’
And you’re caught red handed you had better start lyin’
If you ain’t cheatin’, …I’m tellin’ you
If you ain’t usin’ ev’ry trick in the book
When you get caught up and your goose is cooked
And you try to sell some bull but they ain’t a’buyin’
If you ain’t cheatin’, I’ll lay it on you one more time
If you ain’t cheatin’ you ain’t tryin’
When it hits the fan …and it really starts a’ flyin’
And you’re caught red handed you had better start lyin’
If you ain’t cheatin’, brother you ain’t tryin’
Last Friday night my boys and I were out on the town
We were playing cards and shootin’ shots a’ throwin’ ‘em down, when
Somehow an Ace just up and fell right outta my sleeve
And my best friend Bobby on my right said I better leave
Then some joker threw a bottle right at my head
So I punched that stupid sucker…and then I said
If you ain’t cheatin’ you ain’t tryin’
When it hits the fan …and it really starts a’ flyin’
And you’re caught red handed you had better start lyin’
If you ain’t cheatin’, brother you ain’t tryin’
Last Saturday we hit the strip, just Bobby and I
We were crusin’ and a’choosin’ who we might like to try
When my boy had the audacity to straight call me out
Talkin’ ‘bout the girl I left at home and if she finds out
So I told the dude just like before when I’m in a bind, I tell
The very first lie that comes to my mind, I said
If you ain’t cheatin’ you ain’t tryin’
When it hits the fan …and it really starts a’ flyin’
And you’re caught red handed you had better start lyin’
If you ain’t cheatin’, brother you ain’t tryin’
Last Sunday I went off to church to go make amends, I swore
I’d be a better man… to my girl and my friends, as I
Got back home I saw that Bobby’s truck was outside
When I caught him naked in the hall he looked up and lied
Talkin’ all this trash about how this was really no thing
As he jumped straight out the window…he started to sing
If you ain’t cheatin’ you ain’t tryin’
When it hits the fan …and it really starts a’ flyin’
And you’re caught red handed you had better start lyin’
If you ain’t cheatin’, …I’m tellin’ you
If you ain’t usin’ ev’ry trick in the book
When you get caught up and your goose is cooked
And you try to sell some bull but they ain’t a’buyin’
If you ain’t cheatin’, I’ll lay it on you one more time
If you ain’t cheatin’ you ain’t tryin’
When it hits the fan …and it really starts a’ flyin’
And you’re caught red handed you had better start lyin’
If you ain’t cheatin’, brother you ain’t tryin’
July 30 Update...
Two new songs posted today. The first song, Old Time Country Song, is posted below. The second song, If You Ain't Cheatin', You Ain't Tryin', is posted above because I rewrote the entire song and re-recorded the demo.
Two new songs posted today. The first song, Old Time Country Song, is posted below. The second song, If You Ain't Cheatin', You Ain't Tryin', is posted above because I rewrote the entire song and re-recorded the demo.
This song was inspired but a comment I heard that country music is "Redneck Country Garbage". I tried to write a song that harkens back to really old, really "redneck" country music. It reminds me of my county in the 1970s, where people went to local bars and listened to live country music.
July 17, 2018 Update...
One of my songs, PIty Party, has been selected by Alyssa Adams, Creative Director of Diamond Eye Music in Nashville, to be considered for publication. This does not mean the song will be published, but if you do not write for a publisher's house team of writers it is very hard to get any song heard by music companies/labels. This is the first step in getting a song heard by a label or publisher. Yay!
Thank you Nashville Songwriters Association International for the opportunity.
June 28, 2018 Update...
The Little Red Wagon (my first song) was a semi-finalist in a Song of the Year Contest.
This is Jennifer with the Song of the Year songwriting contest. I
am contacting you about the material you submitted into the
previous contest. Even though your material did not
place as a Winner or Finalist, you still did incredibly well in the
contest. You had an entry that received the Semi-Finalist
placement as listed on your personalized placement page at
http://2018contest.songoftheyear.com/mickeybailey.html
The 'Semi-Finalist' placement is the highest placement next only to the one winner and four finalists from each category.
June 19, 2018 Update...
TWO NEW SONGS ....Ballroom Dancing; Walk On The Beach...See BELOW...
One of my songs, PIty Party, has been selected by Alyssa Adams, Creative Director of Diamond Eye Music in Nashville, to be considered for publication. This does not mean the song will be published, but if you do not write for a publisher's house team of writers it is very hard to get any song heard by music companies/labels. This is the first step in getting a song heard by a label or publisher. Yay!
Thank you Nashville Songwriters Association International for the opportunity.
June 28, 2018 Update...
The Little Red Wagon (my first song) was a semi-finalist in a Song of the Year Contest.
This is Jennifer with the Song of the Year songwriting contest. I
am contacting you about the material you submitted into the
previous contest. Even though your material did not
place as a Winner or Finalist, you still did incredibly well in the
contest. You had an entry that received the Semi-Finalist
placement as listed on your personalized placement page at
http://2018contest.songoftheyear.com/mickeybailey.html
The 'Semi-Finalist' placement is the highest placement next only to the one winner and four finalists from each category.
June 19, 2018 Update...
TWO NEW SONGS ....Ballroom Dancing; Walk On The Beach...See BELOW...
This is my first song.
The Little Red Wagon
The little red wagon sat rusting in a field
And the old man sat rusting in his den
The little red wagon was the first thing he bought
When she whispered the news in his ear
All around town he would pull his little girl
Day by day, month by month, year by year
In the wagon she’d put her most favorite toys of all
And the neighbors would wave now and then
She would sing silly songs, he would laugh and sing along
And the next day they’d do it all again
Tick tock goes the clock, and the wagon wheels turn
And the years rumble by like a train
Keep your eyes open wide, lock the memories inside
You may never ride down this road again
Pops, he was called, by the boy in his arms
Since she laid her little son by his side
With a glint in her eye, she said “why don’t you try?”
So he took his grandson on a wagon ride
In the wagon he’d put his most favorite toys of all
And the neighbors would wave now and then
He would sing silly songs, Pops would laugh and sing along
And the next day they’d do it all again
Tick tock goes the clock, and the wagon wheels turn
And the years rumble by like a train
Keep your eyes open wide, lock the memories inside
You may never ride down this road again
The little red wagon sat rusting in a field
And the old man sat rusting in his den
Then the door opened wide and a man stepped inside
He said “take me on a wagon ride again”
“I’m too old” said his pops, “I don't have the strength.
I am sorry but my wagon days are through”
“Not at all” the grandson said as he kissed him on his head
“All these years, now it’s time that I pulled you”
And he lifted the old man and gently placed him down
And the neighbors waved now and then
As he sang silly songs, Pops laughed and sang along
And the next day they did it all again
Tick tock goes the clock, and the wagon wheels turn
And the years rumble by like a train
Keep your eyes open wide, lock the memories inside
You may never ride down this road again
The little red wagon sat rusting in a field
And the old man sat rusting in his den
The little red wagon was the first thing he bought
When she whispered the news in his ear
All around town he would pull his little girl
Day by day, month by month, year by year
In the wagon she’d put her most favorite toys of all
And the neighbors would wave now and then
She would sing silly songs, he would laugh and sing along
And the next day they’d do it all again
Tick tock goes the clock, and the wagon wheels turn
And the years rumble by like a train
Keep your eyes open wide, lock the memories inside
You may never ride down this road again
Pops, he was called, by the boy in his arms
Since she laid her little son by his side
With a glint in her eye, she said “why don’t you try?”
So he took his grandson on a wagon ride
In the wagon he’d put his most favorite toys of all
And the neighbors would wave now and then
He would sing silly songs, Pops would laugh and sing along
And the next day they’d do it all again
Tick tock goes the clock, and the wagon wheels turn
And the years rumble by like a train
Keep your eyes open wide, lock the memories inside
You may never ride down this road again
The little red wagon sat rusting in a field
And the old man sat rusting in his den
Then the door opened wide and a man stepped inside
He said “take me on a wagon ride again”
“I’m too old” said his pops, “I don't have the strength.
I am sorry but my wagon days are through”
“Not at all” the grandson said as he kissed him on his head
“All these years, now it’s time that I pulled you”
And he lifted the old man and gently placed him down
And the neighbors waved now and then
As he sang silly songs, Pops laughed and sang along
And the next day they did it all again
Tick tock goes the clock, and the wagon wheels turn
And the years rumble by like a train
Keep your eyes open wide, lock the memories inside
You may never ride down this road again
Boots & Skirts was inspired by a local catering/party venue in our county. Although this particular venue isn't really a big red barn, it is a barn in the middle of a field. Get out your line dancing boots!
There was a line in a documentary I used to show my criminal justice students where the girl says sarcastically "I'm having a pity party". Somehow that line inspired this song.
Pity Party Lyrics
She came in the bar with fire in her eyes
And she called me out in front of the guys
Said she’s had it up to here, and then she said
Some low down things about me and the bed
Some of my boys started laughing at me
And she cut them down like an old oak tree
And as she turned and walked away
She said “find somewhere else to stay”
I lost my girl and my house too
There’s only one thing left to do…
I’m having a pity party
In the back of my truck
I’ll hang some speakers from my shotgun rack
Invite my two friends Jim and Jack
I can watch the game on my iPhone
It ain’t so bad being left alone
If you’re looking for fun
You must come to my
Pity party in the back of my truck
At 2 o’clock when the bar closed down
I drove my Ford to the edge of town
And took a left at the flashing light
The glow of fire lighting up the night
I pulled in the drive in time to see
My tools, my clothes, the Christmas tree
Going up in smoke and one more thing
She hit me in head with my wedding ring
I guess she must be really mad
There’s no sense in me being sad
I’m having a pity party
On my front lawn
The fire feels good from the deck
Clothes are optional, what the heck
I’ll make some s’mores and wieners too
It seems the practical thing to do
If she calls the cops they’re welcome
To my pity party on my front lawn
The boys showed up with blue lights on
They told me to pack and to get gone
But my pals Bud and Miller too
Said I don’t think so, why don’t you
Then the big one grabbed me by my chest
And told me to just give it a rest
When the short one dumped me in their car
I knew I may have gone too far
I’m headed for the county jail
And since I cannot post my bail
I’m having a pity party
In the back of my cell
My new pal Spike will be my guest
And his guy Butch and all the rest
And though I want to get turned loose
First pass me some more go-go juice
The Sheriff’s mad as Hell about
The pity party in the back of my cell
I’m having a pity party
Come to my pity party
I’m having a pity party
Come to my pity party
In the back of my cell
She came in the bar with fire in her eyes
And she called me out in front of the guys
Said she’s had it up to here, and then she said
Some low down things about me and the bed
Some of my boys started laughing at me
And she cut them down like an old oak tree
And as she turned and walked away
She said “find somewhere else to stay”
I lost my girl and my house too
There’s only one thing left to do…
I’m having a pity party
In the back of my truck
I’ll hang some speakers from my shotgun rack
Invite my two friends Jim and Jack
I can watch the game on my iPhone
It ain’t so bad being left alone
If you’re looking for fun
You must come to my
Pity party in the back of my truck
At 2 o’clock when the bar closed down
I drove my Ford to the edge of town
And took a left at the flashing light
The glow of fire lighting up the night
I pulled in the drive in time to see
My tools, my clothes, the Christmas tree
Going up in smoke and one more thing
She hit me in head with my wedding ring
I guess she must be really mad
There’s no sense in me being sad
I’m having a pity party
On my front lawn
The fire feels good from the deck
Clothes are optional, what the heck
I’ll make some s’mores and wieners too
It seems the practical thing to do
If she calls the cops they’re welcome
To my pity party on my front lawn
The boys showed up with blue lights on
They told me to pack and to get gone
But my pals Bud and Miller too
Said I don’t think so, why don’t you
Then the big one grabbed me by my chest
And told me to just give it a rest
When the short one dumped me in their car
I knew I may have gone too far
I’m headed for the county jail
And since I cannot post my bail
I’m having a pity party
In the back of my cell
My new pal Spike will be my guest
And his guy Butch and all the rest
And though I want to get turned loose
First pass me some more go-go juice
The Sheriff’s mad as Hell about
The pity party in the back of my cell
I’m having a pity party
Come to my pity party
I’m having a pity party
Come to my pity party
In the back of my cell
I wrote this song "Adalie" about my granddaughter (and her dad, my son, Jeff). She's adorable, and a ball of fire!
I wrote this song for my wife. Self-explanatory.
This song is based on real people and a real experience. It's very long.
LISTEN TO REX PLAY!
Walk On The Beach
Walk On The Beach
Today while I was walking on the beach to get some air
I came upon a man standing there
I recognized him as the father of my daughter’s friend
I wondered if he’d know me from back then
As I got a little closer, though his words were not for me
His voice was soft and trembling as he spoke them to the sea
If I walked into the ocean would this pain be washed away?
If I let it take me under would your memory go or stay?
Will the sands of time be stronger than the sand beneath my feet?
Or will they bury me one grain at a time…like your memory?
The gentle breeze grew stronger and the waves began to rise
And a voice began to speak above the tide
I looked around to see if someone else was walking near
There was only this one voice that I could hear
At first I thought my mind was playing tricks inside my head
But her voice grew louder as she spoke and this is what she said
As you walk into the ocean feel my love wash over you
Let our mem’ries live as long as these cool waters running blue
Though the sands of time are always falling through the hour glass
If there’s anything that you must know for sure…our love will last.
He slowly raised his head as tears were falling to the ground
As his daughter walked to him without a sound
He said “I heard the words you spoke and I’m sure mom did too”
And she said “It was not me, I thought it you”
And once again the waves began to crash against the shore
And through the wind a voice rang out and spoke just like before
As you walk into the ocean feel my love wash over you
Let our mem’ries live as long as these cool waters running blue
Though the sands of time are always falling through the hour glass
If there’s anything that you must know for sure…our love will last.
They turned and walked away and now I could plainly see
It wasn’t just for them but also me
Too long have I been carrying this painful memory
I closed my eyes and walked into the sea
And then I heard a voice that I had not for many years
She whispered to me gently as I wiped away my tears
As you walk into the ocean feel my love wash over you
Let our mem’ries live as long as these cool waters running blue
Though the sands of time are always falling through the hour glass
If there’s anything that you must know for sure…our love will last.
Though the sands of time are always falling through the hour glass
If there’s anything that you must know for sure…our love will last.
Walk On The Beach
Today while I was walking on the beach to get some air
I came upon a man standing there
I recognized him as the father of my daughter’s friend
I wondered if he’d know me from back then
As I got a little closer, though his words were not for me
His voice was soft and trembling as he spoke them to the sea
If I walked into the ocean would this pain be washed away?
If I let it take me under would your memory go or stay?
Will the sands of time be stronger than the sand beneath my feet?
Or will they bury me one grain at a time…like your memory?
The gentle breeze grew stronger and the waves began to rise
And a voice began to speak above the tide
I looked around to see if someone else was walking near
There was only this one voice that I could hear
At first I thought my mind was playing tricks inside my head
But her voice grew louder as she spoke and this is what she said
As you walk into the ocean feel my love wash over you
Let our mem’ries live as long as these cool waters running blue
Though the sands of time are always falling through the hour glass
If there’s anything that you must know for sure…our love will last.
He slowly raised his head as tears were falling to the ground
As his daughter walked to him without a sound
He said “I heard the words you spoke and I’m sure mom did too”
And she said “It was not me, I thought it you”
And once again the waves began to crash against the shore
And through the wind a voice rang out and spoke just like before
As you walk into the ocean feel my love wash over you
Let our mem’ries live as long as these cool waters running blue
Though the sands of time are always falling through the hour glass
If there’s anything that you must know for sure…our love will last.
They turned and walked away and now I could plainly see
It wasn’t just for them but also me
Too long have I been carrying this painful memory
I closed my eyes and walked into the sea
And then I heard a voice that I had not for many years
She whispered to me gently as I wiped away my tears
As you walk into the ocean feel my love wash over you
Let our mem’ries live as long as these cool waters running blue
Though the sands of time are always falling through the hour glass
If there’s anything that you must know for sure…our love will last.
Though the sands of time are always falling through the hour glass
If there’s anything that you must know for sure…our love will last.