My first song. I’m not much at melodies; typically I have lyrics that I struggle mightily to coerce a tune around. I believe that’s the exact opposite approach of most successful songwriters.
View Pictures in the Clouds »Pictures in the Clouds
Original song by Elliot
No One Like Alice
I think Springsteen said once that the only time he’d used a rhyming dictionary was for Blinded By The Light. Similarly, the only sentiment behind these lyrics was to play off the Robert Service–esque rhyme scheme.
View No One Like Alice »The Good Old Days
Sad how easy it is to update this song, by switching “Syria” for “Lebanon.” Although not many WWII vets are left to fill the shoes of the first protagonist. Still, there must be another justified war to reference instead. Right?
View The Good Old Days »Jacob’s Birthday Song
For years, the best man at my wedding said he hated "The Birthday Song" and never wanted people to sing it to him. So one year we were challenged to write a new song that he couldn't complain about. Music maestro Aaron Gee-Clough composed some music, and I bashed out the lyrics.
View Jacob’s Birthday Song »Translating Moscow Nights
My friend Andrei, from Moscow School No. 45, got married in September 2007. Since his American wife’s family was mostly from Massachusetts, the wedding was held in Salem. Large bride’s party; smaller groom’s party able to make the trip from Russia. I wanted to bring a little balance to the reception, so I toted along…
View Translating Moscow Nights »Le Moribond
Original French lyrics by Jacques Brel Adieu l’Émile je t’aimais bien Adieu l’Émile je t’aimais bien tu sais On a chanté les mêmes vins On a chanté les mêmes filles On a chanté les mêmes chagrins Adieu l’Émile je vais mourir C’est dur de mourir au printemps tu sais Mais je pars aux fleurs la…
View Le Moribond »The Deathbed
English lyrics by Elliot Thomas Grant, from Le Moribond by Jacques Brel Farewell, Emile, I loved you well Farewell, Emile, I loved you well, you know We drank together the same wine Together praised the women fine And your cares were always mine Farewell, Emile, I’m going to die And though it’s hard to die…
View The Deathbed »Seasons in the Sun
English lyrics by Rod McKuen, from the French original Le Moribond by Jacques Brel Goodbye to you, my trusted friend. We’ve known each other since we’re nine or ten. Together we climbed hills or trees. Learned of love and ABC’s, skinned our hearts and skinned our knees. Goodbye my friend, it’s hard to die, when…
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