CD LYRICS

“I enjoyed hearing you and Patty last night. You have an awesome sound and have found a blend of the best of both of you that is totally unique.” – “Stompbox” Steve Hodak, Brevard County (FL) musician

TEN YEARS TRAVELIN’ (Third All-Original Sound Traveler CD, Published 2020)

Ten years? Really? Seems more like a lifetime or two compressed into a moment. Sound Traveler began as a prayer – two people joined by love and music hoping to travel our neighborhood, our region, our country, and our world, sharing what we most cherish with others.

Sound Traveler – Patty and Bob -- we are just two, a simple operation taking the show on the road. But we are supported by so many. With this collection of original tunes, we invite you to travel with us to physical, emotional, and maybe even spiritual destinations. Hope you enjoy.

1. Promised Land – What is it? A place where we’ve been or a destination yet to be realized? The choice is ours. It seems we all remember a “promised land,” and we’re trying to find our way back. I think I will follow the trumpet!

Promised Land

I’m goin’ back back to the Promised Land
I’m goin’ back back any way that I can
I’m goin’ back back oh to that Promised Land
Back from whence I came
So long ago, I left it there
While I went on alone
I felt so strong
Like I didn’t need anyone there
To help me go along
Help me when I’m wrong
Help me make it right
And right now, right now

I’m goin’ back back to the Promised Land
Going back back any way that I can
Going back back to the Promised Land
Back from whence I came
Long years ago, I lived a life
Letting everything flow
Where love began
Promising to never end
Didn’t know I didn’t Know
Didn’t know I shouldn’t go
That I could never stay away
Now on my way, on my way

Open the gates open the gates
I’m comin’ back home again
No longer temptin’ my fate
I’m finally on my way
No longer churnin’ alone
No longer running from home
Returning to live with the ones
Who love me when I’m me

Instrumental -- Promised Land Instrumental

Open the gates open the gates
I’m comin’ on through again
To awake at the dawning of day
And see the world new again
Calling on ones who called me
Falling on ones who caught me
Learning to finally stand free
Stand free Stand free

I’m goin’ back back into the Promised Land
I’m goin’ back back any way that I can
I’m goin’ back back to that Promised Land

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

2. Leaving Killarney – What a magical place! In Killarney National Park, the spirits of Ireland are on full display. In the park, there is a waterfall that crashes through the middle of the forest casting a mist that allows rocks and tree trunks to turn green with an abundance of moss and ferns. Though many Irish people have left the Emerald Isle, their souls seem to return and populate such ethereal places. In this song, we try to imagine how it must feel to leave while realizing that a part of one’s being must be left behind.

Leavin’ Killarney

Leprechaun sips Guinness at dawn
A fairy helps ‘till last drop is gone
Mist fills the air and drifts on
I’m leavin’ Killarney this morn

Unicorns down by the stream
Diamonds flash under every tree
Saints above have mercy on me
I’m leavin’ Killarney today

Yeah, I’m leavin’ Killarney
Away from from my home in Killarney
I’m leavin’ Killarney
I’m leavin’ Killarney today
Yeah, I’m leavin’ Killarney
Away from my home in Killarney
I may never return to Killarney
I’m leavin’ Killarney today

Short break

Here in a world of emerald-green
Moss climbs in mystical trees
Sight lay soft on rolling leas
I’m leavin’ Killarney this morn
I know each soul ever walked this land
Each and all would lend me a hand
Will I find others ever that can
Since I’m leavin’ Killarney today

Yeah, I’m leavin’ Killarney
Far away from from my home in Killarney
I’m leavin’ Killarney
I’m leavin’ Killarney today
Yeah, I’m leavin’ Killarney
Away from my home in Killarney
I may never return to Killarney
I’m leavin’ Killarney today

Break

Sheep stare from hedge-lined fields
Clouds march to wind-swept seas
New sights in the world I believe
So I’m leavin’ Killarney this morn
Lord and saints keep safe for me
My home where’er I be
I fear the finest of me
Remains in Killarney today

Short break

Repeat last two choruses /

I’m leavin’ Killarney today
I’m leavin’ Killarney today

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

Family Reunion – “A holy communion among the ones whom we love.” We share the hope that all may experience the gift of family, in whatever form that might take. Patty and I both feel blessed beyond measure with what has been given to us.

3. Family Reunion

Ooooo Fam’ly Reunion / Let there be no confusion
This is where you belong
Ooooo Open the door wide / Let each one come inside
Make yourselves at home

Though it seems it’s been a long long time
Never ever were you off my mind
I’ve been waiting just to see you here
Feel you near once again at the
Ooooo Fam’ly Reunion (Ooooo) A holy communion
(Ahhhhh) Among the ones whom we love

We remember that so many times
Things we felt to say just slipped our minds
But we won’t be leaving here today
Until we’ve had the chance to say
I love you / I love you / I love you

For the sake of my family, I would do most anything
For the love of my family, I would stand I would shout I would sing

Instrumental (harmonica)

Oooooooo Ooooooo Ooooooo Ooooooo

For the love of my fam’ly, I wouldn’t trade my life with a king
For the sake of my fam’ly, the most precious gifts I’d bring
I would bring

Ahhhhhhhh Oooooooo

To the (ooooooooooo) Fam’ly Reunion
All the old and the new ones
And for the ones yet to come
Ahhhhhh yes today and tomorrow / Through joys and such sorrows
We thought we couldn’t go on

But as we gather at the old homeplace
Tears and laughter seem to find their space
As we look ahead loving now
Hoping once again

Oooooo Fam’ly Reunion / Let there be no confusion
This is where you belong
Oooooo Open the door wide / Let each one come inside
Make yourselves at home / At home

Words and Music: Robert L Tatum

4. Like a Stream – While in Hiroshima, Japan, I began composing this song. Hiroshima was once the sight of unspeakable carnage, but now I feel peace emanating from the very epicenter of a nuclear blast – like a healing stream of universal forgiveness. Patty and I invite you all spend some time there.

Like a Stream (Hiroshima Melody)

See you in the morning
See you when the night time comes
See you in the dawning
See you when the day is done
Alive purely alive
Alive and we glide

Feel breezes blowing
Magic running through your hair
Reaching for the sparkle
Fairy dust sprinkled there
What can it mean
How did this come to be

Life is always a dream
And love flows clear like a stream

Instrumental break

I feel the earth movin'
Spinnin' right beneath my feet
Scattering the memories
Sifting through for ones to keep
While white waters rise
And clouds brush the skies

Silver train racing
Streaking deep into the night
Sleep chasing like a madman
Tapping wildly on my sight
Your face floating there
Your hand sweeping care – away

Life is always a dream
And love flows clear like a stream

Instrumental Break -- trumpet

I hear unfamiliar language
While I search with closing eyes
Mysteries keep dancing
Visiting us where we lie
You sigh in your sleep
Our selves settled deep

See you in the morning
See you when the night time comes
See you in the dawning
See you when the day is done
Alive purely alive
Alive and we still glide

Life is always a dream
And love flows clear like a stream

Flowin' Down
Flowin' Down
Flowin' Down
Flowin' Down
Flowin' Down
Flowin' Down
All the way Down
To our shared soul

Words and Music: Robert L Tatum

5. Brasstown Road – Oh, I do love the banjo and crisp spring mornings in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our lives seem to always involve renewal and the shaking off of bad experiences Spirits ride high on Brasstown Road. Come with us.

Brasstown Road

Walkin' down BrassTown Road
Livin' a tale oft' told
Walkin' down Brass Town Road
In the spring time

Breathin' fresh clean air
Travelin' could be anywhere
Who knows if we'll get there
In this lifetime

My sweet baby said to me
Oh, Honey, what do you see
When you stare into the stinging breeze
Slip your body closer to me

Short Break

Walkin' down BrassTown Road
Livin' a tale oft' told
Walkin' down Brass Town Road
In the springtime

Faded pictures from the past
Slowly falling from my grasp
Let the winter go at last
Welcome springtime

My sweet baby said to me
Oh Honey can you let it be
Will you fin'ly let your heart run free
And spend this time here with me

BREAK

My sweet baby said to me
Deep in my eyes, can you see?
You can be anything you want to be
Just hold fast to me

Walkin' down Brass Town Road
Losing a once heavy load
Walkin' down Brass Town Road
Feelin' sunshine spring sunshine

Feelin' good times come again
Feelin' good times come again

Words and Music: Robert L Tatum

6. James and Josephine – Yep, seems my ancestor was a bank robber in the sultry southern town of Savannah, Georgia where I was born. He skipped town without a trace, but apparently made off with a stash of cash and a pretty lady named Josephine. Not much is known about what happened next, so we’ll sing about how it might have come to be.

James and Josephine

His name James, hers Josephine
Both short on money, neither short on dreams
Him with a fam’ly, her with a scheme
In a summer in Savannah when air felt like steam

The air felt just like steam

Refrain:

(Her) When there’s a way, there’s a way
(Him) With a smile in her eye, that’s all she had to say
(Her) When it’s time, there’s always time
Lose all that went before, and you just change your mind
(Him) Change my mind

Instrumental

(Her) I heard you was a banker, and know I ain’t no tease
We could style together if you’d just use your keys
Bank don’t need no money, all we want’s a better life
Say goodbye to your children, walk away from your wife
(Him) Far away from that old wife

Refrain

He crept home through the boneyard then back to the bank
Into a bag went the money, into the mist went his life
His fam’ly still a’waitin’, but now he’s out of sight
Just another story on a hot summer night
My great grandpa’s own true story
On a hot summer’s night

Instrumental

His name James, hers Josephine
Both short on money, neither short on dreams
Him with a fam’ly, her with a scheme
In a summer in Savannah, when air felt like steam
The air felt just like steam

Words and Music: Robert L Tatum

7. Fantasy Waltz – Maybe you’ve seen her. She dances exquisitely, as if in a trance, to a melody maybe only she can hear. Sometimes Patty and I get the chance to play waltzes for a group of excellent dancers. At times, we think we catch of glimpse of her.

Fantasy Waltz

Silently spinning in circles
She floats like a dream through the air
Rising above like a mist on the wind
She settles back down again

Eyes softly closed as sweet music
Sweeps her through shimmering scenes
Back to a time she may never have known

But remember – oh yes, yes she does

Ooooo Oooooo Ooooooooooo

Instrumental

Ooooo Ooooooo Ooooooooooo

No one recalls if a partner
Ever spun close by her side
But her smile opens wide like the sunrise
Bathing the world in pure light

Young men they gaze in amazement
Little girls slip into dreams
Of being this fairy who sparkles and twirls
And they wonder how it must feel

Oooooo….

Eyes softly closed as sweet music
Sweeps her through shimmering scenes
Back to a time she may never have known
But remember – oh yes, yes she does
Remember, Oh yes, yes she does
Remember, She always will

Oooooo 2x

Words and Music: Robert L Tatum

8. Bendice – Cuba is a musical celebration! The beat of the claves forms the foundation of this tune, and the trumpet makes it soar. My original title was “Mi Sueno de Cuba” which means my dream of Cuba, but I changed it to “Bendice” which means “bless.” We were certainly blessed during our stay in Cuba, and we want the wonderful people there to be blessed as well.

Bendice

Bendice Bendice Bendice
Bendice los suenos de Cuba

Instrumental

Bendice Bless the children
Bendice Bless the ladies
Bendice Bless all people
Bendice todos la gente
Bendice la gente de Cuba

Instrumental

Bendice Bless the street dogs
Bendice Bless the stray cats
Bendice Bless cart horses
Bendice los animales
Los animales de Cuba

Instrumental

Bendice Bless the singer
Bendice Bless the dancer
Bendice Bless the music
Bendice la cancion
La cancion de Cuba

Instrumental

Bendice Bendice
Bendice los suenos eterno
Bendice los suenos de Cuba
Bendice los suenos de Cuba

Words and Music: Robert L Tatum

9. Pulse of the Sea – Patty wrote the lyric to this song while writing her book, Cruising Alaska Tropical Style. I wrote the music to accompany her lyric. I hope you can feel the pulse and maybe the salt-sea spray as well!

Pulse of the Sea

The pulse of the sea rocks us at night
The dolphins that play, sunsets so bright
The places we go, friends we've made
Calm breezes blow, memories never to fade

We sail round and round on this floating town
Each day's much the same
Our friends come and go, some sooner than we know
Time seems to pass so slow
Fam'ly so far away, why do we stay
Cruising on these crazy boats?

The money, you see, but the answer must be
Deeper – it gets in our blood
Were we gypsies when we came? Did the ocean make us so?
Did we ever have a choice? Is this the place we had to go?

The pulse of the sea rocks us at night
Dolphins that play, sunsets so bright,
The places we go, friends we've made,
Calm breezes blow, memories never to fade.

Musical Break

We shouldn't forget the price we must pay
To live the cruising way
Of working hard and playing long
Of patience great and perseverance strong
This is our way...the ship's way...the ocean's way... the only way for me

The pulse of the sea rocks us at night
Dolphins that play, sunsets so bright,
The places we go, friends we've made,
Calm breezes blow, memories never to fade
Calm breezes blow memories never to fade
Calm breezes blow memories never will fade.

Words: Patty Kunze Tatum Music: Robert L Tatum

10. Some Things Last – I wrote the song for my mom’s 90th birthday celebration. All who knew her appreciated her as a unique and memorable individual. She lived well, and she always will.

Some Things Last

Every mornin’ when I wake up
Ev’ry evenin’ when I fall back to sleep
I thank God that I wake up
I thank God that He gave you to me
And I marvel. O how I marvel at how blessed

For each one who has known you
For everyone sharing your path
No one ever just knows you
Everyone is changed and that lasts
For a lifetime, maybe more than a lifetime – Some Things Last

Some things pass like a storm in the night
Some things pass like a sudden fright
Some things pass like the heat of the day
While someone like you was meant to stay
Some Things Last

Like the love that you’ve shown us
Like the faithfulness of each breath
Like encouragement given
Like comfort in times of distress

Like the songs that you’ve sung to us
Like the stories you’ve shared on the way
Like the lessons you’ve taught us
Like examples you live every day

Through your lifetime, More like our lifeline
Some Things Last

Some things pass like a storm in the night
Some things pass like a sudden fright
Some things pass like the heat of the day
While someone like you is an answer to praise
Someone like you is an answer to praise

Some Things Last

Words and Music: Robert L Tatum

11. The Lord’s Prayer – Okay, I borrowed the words and stirred them just a little, but I feel the prayer. I hope the music sets off the message well. It is a prayer for me when we sing it.

The Lord’s Prayer

Now and forever, Now and forever

Our Father, who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
And deliver us from evil

For Thine is the kingdom the power the glory
Now and forever Now and forever

(Instrumental)

Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
And deliver us from evil

For Thine is the kingdom the power the glory
Now and forever Now and forever
Now and forever, Now and forever

Words: Traditional Music: Robert L Tatum

12. In Our Garden – Our mountain home is on the far side of nowhere, but it is a garden for us. Some plants are cultivated, some wild, but all burst with life in the summer. Patty brings life to the whole enterprise.

In Our Garden

Beyond the horizon, deep into the hills
Spring is blooming and removing the chill
From our garden / From our waking garden

Earthy aromas and composted life
Fertilizer seeps into plants bathed with light
In our garden our sunny garden…. Today

Take some time, sip some wine
You’ll feel fine -- so fine -- in our garden

Snow peas green beans zucchinis like trees
Swiss chard lettuce and arugula leaves
Blackberries, blueberries soon ready to please

Hanging tomatoes and green onions too
Wildflowers blooming and peeking on through
In our garden we only do what we want to

Take some time, sip some wine
You’ll feel fine -- so fine -- in our garden

Groundhogs, chipmunks, little squirrel thieves
A hound dog diggin’ in the ground beside me
We’ve got nothing to do, nowhere to be

Hummingbirds, goldfinches, chikadees
Grossbeaks and cardinals singin with glee
All in our garden, Come sing with me

Instrumental

Take some time, sip some wine
You’ll feel fine -- so fine -- in our garden

Tree frogs chirp their songs so free
Owl stares silent and soulfully
Over our garden our lovely garden

Sun’s rays scatter like emeralds through trees
Dusk grows softly and welcomes the breeze
In this garden where God meant US to be

Take some time, sip some wine
You’ll feel fine -- so fine
All of the time
In our garden / In our garden

Words and Music: Robert L Tatum

13. Spirits in the Hall – Many have passed from this life, but are they really gone? Maybe, if we’re all very quiet, we might sense them still. The mandolin taught me this song, and now we share it with you.

Spirits in the Hall

Listen close, you'll hear their footfalls in the hallway
When you're still, you feel their breath upon your face
Like tinkling bells, you hear laughter soft as breathing
Just relax, feel the warmth of their sweet grace

Was that just yesterday when they were standing here
Their smiles like summer sun, their love like Christmas cheer

Did I hear my Aunt Sue whisper "Sugar"
Did a grin just crease my daddy's face
Did my grandma's finger touch my forehead
What was that which slowed my heart's rapid pace

Was that just yesterday when they were standing here
Their smiles like summer sun, their love like Christmas cheer

(Chorus)

We don't walk alone
We don't live lives solitary
So far from home and places
We hardly know anymore

We don't cry just tears
Our voices heard and recognized
No one passes unrealized
And unloved

There are a million spirits waiting in each hall
There are a million spirits waiting on us all

Musical break – recorder

Listen close, you'll hear their footfalls in the hallway
When you're still, you feel their breath upon your face
Like tinkling bells you hear laughter soft as breathing
Just relax, feel the warmth of their sweet grace

Was that just yesterday when they were standing here
Their smiles like summer sun, their love like Christmas cheer

(Chorus)

We don't walk alone
We don't live lives solitary
So far from home and places
We hardly know anymore

We don't cry just tears
Our voices heard and recognized
No one passes unrealized
And unloved

There are a million spirits waiting in each hall
There are a million spirits waiting on us all

Mandolin out

Words and Music: Robert L Tatum

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TRAVELIN' DREAMS (Second All-Original Sound Traveler CD, Published 2014)

Putting an album together is scary. You start with a blank CD, and you hope to fill it with music and lyrics that will be meaningful – for yourself and for others. Idea by idea, instrument by instrument, and track by track the project grows. Finally, it comes to fruition. Birth. Then it begins a new life. Each song begins its own journey, apart from our guidance.

Travelin’ Dreams

As I compiled material for this CD, I wanted to begin with a song that would invite the listener to journey with us as we tried to musically embrace some of the experiences we've had so far in our travels. I wanted to start with Patty's trumpet, allowing it to sweep each listener into our world.

1. Travelin’ Dreams

One thing we've learned through our endeavors is that many things that we imagine (dream) are possible if we allow and expect them to come true. Come and share our “Travelin' Dreams” with us. Who knows where our next steps will take us?

Travelin' Dreams

When you dream dream
Wake up in the morning and reach for it
When you dream dream
Wake up in the morning all new

When you dream dream
Don't let darkness weigh you down
When you dream dream
You'll know the light is soon to be

Life's more than what you make of it
Love's more than what you feel
Life's more than what you make of it
Make your love become real

Make love real
Make life real
Make love real
Love life real

(Instrumental)

Love's more than what you make of it
Life's not only what you see
Love grows a little every day
When you dream and let it be

Let life be
Let love be
Let life breathe
Love Life Be

(Instrumental)

Dream dream
Dream Dream
Dream Dream
Dream Dream

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

2. ‘Neath the Waters

One morning, while on a performance road trip, I woke up with the chorus of this banjo song jangling in my head. As soon as I wrote the chorus, questions started flooding my mind. Why does this character feel he needs to be washed? What is the cause of this great urgency? Is it because of something he did or something done to him? Could it be a little of both?

'Neath the Waters

Take me on down to the river
Wash me in a fast-flowin' stream
Bury my head 'neath the churnin' waters
Scrub my soul until I am clean

Cletus Jones, I swear that he followed me
Cletus Jones had evil in his mind
Cletus Jones in wickedness did follow me
He's the one who made the start
He's the one who never stopped
He put this black stain into my heart

Take me on down to the river
Wash me in a fast-flowin' stream
Bury my head 'neath the churnin' waters
Scrub my soul until I am clean

Cletus closed his eyes on that clear summer morn
When the sun shone warm on my skin
Cletus Jones closed his eyes on that evil day
I found this knife and drove it straight in
I never listened to his screams and then
I drove that knife again and again and again and again

Take me on down to the river
Wash me in a fast-flowin' stream
Bury my head 'neath the churnin' waters
Scrub my soul until I am clean

Break

Now Cletus Jones lies alone up on old Chestnut Ridge
But he can't feel summer sun on his bones
Cletus Jones without sight stares at falling night
Never more will he stalk or will he roam
Never more will his evil be known
But will I ever find my way back home?

Take me on down to the river
Wash me in a fast-flowin' stream
Bury my head 'neath the churnin' waters
Scrub my soul until I am clean

Take me on down to the river
Wash me in a fast-flowin' stream
Bury my head 'neath the churnin' waters
Scrub my soul until I am clean
Scrub my soul until I am clean
Scrub my soul until I am clean

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

3. In My Lady’s Eyes

One of Patty's most endearing traits is her unselfconscious and childlike nature. One early evening as we sat on our balcony in Cape Canaveral, she started talking to the sun, the clouds, the birds, and the passenger ships passing by. I, of course, had my guitar handy and incorporated each phrase into an impromptu melody.

In My Lady’s Eyes

She says, Look at the clouds, pretty pink clouds
Floating in the sky
She says, Look at the birds silhouetted against them

She says, Look at the sun, that satisfied one
Sliding through the horizon
Feel the breeze blow gentle as your breath

She looks at me her face asparkle
Her laugh bouncing soft and free
Hair flowing down like a rippling stream

When she tilts her head
And leans real close
It’s oh so easy to see
The loving smile in my lady’s eyes

She says, Look at the ship, bright colorful ship
Sailing to the broad ocean
She says, Look at all the little people waving at us

She says, I’ll take you there
We’ll go everywhere across seventy-seven seas
And late at night I’ll feel your body, right next to me

Then she tilts her head
And she leans real close
And it’s oh so easy to see
The loving smile in my baby’s eyes

Break

Then she tilts her head
And she leans real close
And it’s oh so easy to see
The loving smile in my lady's eyes

She clicks her tongue
Just for fun
As we kiss for eternity
And I feel the smile in my lady’s eyes.
Yea, I can feel the smile in my lady’s eyes

Words and Music: Robert L Tatum

4. Tropical Sun

Each spring and summer, we spend time in the mountains of western North Carolina, parting only when the leaves begin to turn and temperatures regress. As winter invades our Carolina home, we return to the sunny shores of Florida where winter is merely the name of a mild season and rarely a description of the weather. The two worlds could hardly be more different. Our rustic dwelling in Carolina requires almost continual work while our Florida dwelling gently invites us to stroll the beach, kick up our feet, and let the warm Atlantic waters wash our cares away.

In this song we celebrate our winter hideaway. The reggae beat bounces the melody along as we sing about the obvious benefits of surrendering to the effects produced by our warm “Tropical Sun.”

Tropical Sun

You’re so smooth, Baby
Put me in the mood, Baby
No way we gonna lose, Baby
Our good life has come
In the tropical sun

You walk through the day, Baby
Make your own way, Baby
I swoon when you sway, Baby
Yes, the good life has come
In the tropical sun

And we're Walkin’ oh yeah
Talkin’ oh yeah
Listenin’ oh yeah
Touchin’ oh yeah
Huggin’ oh yeah
Feelin’ oh yeah
Lovin’ oh yeah
Oh yeah – In the Tropical Sun
In the tropical sun

Break

You feel so right, Baby
Who could put up a fight, Baby
Finally I feel the light, Baby
Nevermore will I run
From this tropical sun

And we're walkin’ oh yeah
Talkin’ oh yeah
Listenin’ oh yeah
Touchin’ oh yeah
Huggin’ oh yeah
Feelin’ oh yeah
Lovin’ oh yeah
Oh yeah – In the Tropical Sun

You’re so smooth, baby
Put me in the mood, baby
No way we gonna lose, baby
Our good life has come
In the tropical sun
In the tropical sun
In the tropical sun (several repeats)

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

5. My Baby Treats Me Like a Dog

To be treated like a dog was once considered a terrible thing. But no more. Many people who attend our shows are often accompanied by their canine companions. Most of these furry, four-legged privileged pooches are nothing if not pampered. I'm not ashamed to say that “My Baby Treats Me Like a Dog.”

My Baby Treats Me Like a Dog

My baby treats me like a dog (My baby treats me like a dog)
My baby treats me like a dog (My baby treats me like a dog)
But before you give me pity
Or think I should be ashamed
I think you’ll find I’m sittin’ pretty
Playin’ hound dog games

She treats me like a dog She treats me like a dog
My baby feeds me ev’ry day (My baby treats me like a dog)
She gives me treats and lets me play (My baby treats me like a dog)
She rubs me behind my ears
Talks real soft and draws me near
Warms her hands as she strokes my hair
Takes me with her ev’rywhere
She treats me like a dog She treats me like a dog

MUSICAL BREAK

She calls me to hop into her lap (My baby treats me like a dog)
She says good boy! and things like that (My baby treats me like a dog)
She teaches me to do some fine tricks
And doesn’t even mind a good lick
Then she looks into my eyes
And says I have a big surprise wooooo
She treats me like a dog (My baby treats me like a dog)

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

6. WHEN I GROW UP

The idea is simple: we all need to be growing, developing, becoming. I hope I can grow until there is no more growing to do, grow until I am embraced by the Author of it all “When I Grow Up.”

When I Grow Up
When I grow up I’ll be a mountain
When I grow up I’ll be a shining sea
When I grow up I’ll be the arching blue sky
I’ll Feel countless eyes lookin’ at me
When I grow up When I grow up

When I grow up I’ll be a tiny pebble
When I grow up I’ll be a grain of sand
When I grow up I’ll be a fragile snowflake
That you can catch in your bare hand
When I grow up When I grow up
When I grow up When I grow up

Instrumental Break

When I grow up I’ll be the deepest cosmos
When I grow up I’ll be a foreign land
When I grow up I’ll see forever
And hear the softest sigh wherever I am
When I grow up When I grow up

When I grow up I’ll feel God’s pleasure
When I grow up I’ll know God’s plan
When I grow up I’ll be forever
Deep in God’s soul as sure as I am
As sure as I am Just as sure as I am
When I grow up When I grow up

When I grow up

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

7. Till We Start Again

“Till We Start Again” features Patty on both concertina and percussion and invites everyone to dance. Dancing feet give evidence of sincere appreciation, and we love it. And we'll just keep on playing... “Till We Start Again”!

‘Till We Start Again

Grab your brother Grab your sister too
Don’t even tell ‘em What you’re gonna do
Call your neighbor from on down the street
Call your old girlfriends tell ‘em where to meet

Chorus

We’re gonna dance ‘till the break of day
We’re gonna dance ‘till they take us away
And then we’ll start again
Yeah, then we’ll start again

No need to worry if you ain’t got no steps
No need to worry you’ll have a lots of help
Drop all your troubles just outside the door
Just get to movin’ on across the floor

Chorus

Call your mother Tell your dad to get loose
Ev’n dear old Granny gonna shake her caboose
Tell your teacher, “Just give it up for a day”
When she lets her hair down then we’re all on our way

(Break)

Chorus

If they say you’re foolish, just smile in their face
Just cause we’re human don’t mean we all have to race
Tell me, really, what have you better to do?
When you’re really happy that’s when you’re really you

Chorus end

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

8. I Would

Who knows what will happen in life? Would you consider every possibility, reasonable or not? “I Would.”

I Would

If I could fly like a bird who soars
I would...fly
Into the darkness of the sky...high
No one but I

If I could run like a stallion on a prairie
I would...run
Out to the setting of the sun high
No one but I
Feeling alive

Harmonica fill

If I had fins like a dolphin in the water
I would...swim
Out to the brim of the deepest sea just me
Livin’ my dream

Ahhhhhhhh flying into the sun
Ooooooooo swimming to the still water
I would

Harmonica break

Ahhhhhhh flying into the sun
Ooooooooo swimming to the still water
I would

You smile at me
And say you’d like to come with me
I would love to
Share my dream with you
And fly, you and I, into the sky

Ahhhh flying into the sun
Oooooo swimming to the still water
Ooooooo swimming to the still water

I would

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

9. Charts Yet

No, I haven't seen Sound Traveler listed in Billboard Magazine, but I'll keep an eye out. Who knows, we could make the “Charts Yet.”

Charts Yet

I must have been about eleven or twelve
When I bought a guitar at a rock-bottom sale
It was guaranteed...to have six strings
I wrestled that thing, I fought it well
With fingers bleedin' I tried until
A melody, I released into the air

(Guitar riff)

It wasn't long before I could play a chord
And when the spirit was right I could sing, sort of
And I just knew I would find my way
I played for everyone, made 'em listen to me
At church, at school, on local TV
A safe bet I'd make it big someday

(Guitar break)

Now when people look at me, they must think it's a shame
I've worked so hard for such a little gain
As they well know, I ain't made nothin' yet
But no matter what they think, it don't seem so bad
In fact it's as much fun as I've ever had
And who knows, I might make the charts yet

(Bridge)

Maybe that's all there is to it
Maybe just ain't got 'round to it
Maybe there wasn't that much I could ever do
Maybe it wasn't the time for me
Maybe John Q Public wasn't ready for me
But Who knows, I could make the charts yet

(Guitar break)

And if I play 'till I'm a hundred and three
If someone will still listen to me
I'll play on -- I won't be done yet
Don't you be thinkin' that it's a shame
When you see me tappin' with that walkin' cane
Cause who knows, I could make the charts yet

Maybe that's all there is to it
Maybe you give your life to it
Maybe I've had more fun playin' it this way
When I count up the times I've had
Separate good from bad
Who knows, I could make the charts yet.
Who knows, I could make the charts yet.
Who knows, I could make those rock charts yet.

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

10. North of the Barge

The first time I heard the term “North of the Barge” used in common speech on the Space Coast of Florida, I was captured by the poetry of the phrase, and I knew I wanted to write a song about it.

North of the Barge

North of the Barge, waitin’ north of the barge
Can you get me home, young sailor, north of the barge
You see, she’s waitin’ for me
I pray she’s waitin’ for me
So turn around young sailor
I feel she’s waitin’ for me

North of the Barge, once we lived large
The world lay before us, north of the Barge
We were somethin’ to see
Somethin’ special to see
Completely new and different
We were hopin’ to be

She’ll be fine She’ll be fine
Just like I always remember after all this time
She’ll be fine, oh so fine
Don’t make her wait forever, let’s not waste time

Instrumental Break

She’ll be fine She’ll be fine
Just like I always remember after all this time
She’ll be fine, oh so fine
But don’t make her wait forever, I can’t waste time
Don’t make her wait forever, I can’t waste time

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

11. Cruise Control

Years ago, when my kids played soccer, I would go to their practices with my guitar in hand. As I watched the players on the field, this guitar riff found its way under my fingers. Later, when Patty and I started making music together, I thought it would be cool to add a trumpet line to the already active guitar part.The resulting product has both of us hanging on by the skin of our teeth. Patty, who can play trumpet as sweetly as the angels, lets it rip in this arrangement.

Music: Robert L. Tatum

12. Lead On

When I shared the song with Patty, she was as moved as I had been. I knew I wanted Patty's soulful trumpet to sing a melody part. Together we wove the plaintiff notes of the trumpet into the very fabric of the song. I think of it as another voice – an angelic one at that. I'm delighted that this song and Patty's expressive trumpet conclude our album. And since we believe that the best endings contain the seeds of rebirth, we pray that the Spirit continue to “Lead On.”

LEAD ON

Oh Lord, help me through this day
Oh Lord, guide me on my way
Through this day
On my way
Oh Lord, Oh Lord

Oh Lord, help me as I walk
Oh Lord, guide me as I talk
Let me just say
Words filled with praise
Oh Lord, Oh Lord

Lest I surrender to the night
Guide me safely to the light
Shining bright
Through the night
Oh Lord, Oh Lord

Lead me Lead me back home
Lead me Lead me forever on
‘Till I get to the other side some fine day
‘Till I reach the promised land
‘Till I get to the other side on that day
And I take my Savior’s hand
Lead on Lead on

Trumpet Break

Lest I surrender to the night
Guide me safely to the light
Shining bright
Through the night
Oh Lord, Oh Lord

Lord, be with me when I die
As I lay this body down to lie
Like a husk of corn
Until the morn of endless day

Lead me Lead me back home
Lead me Lead me forever on
‘Till I get to the other side some fine day
‘Till I reach the promised land
‘Till I get to the other side on that day
And I take my savior’s hand
Lead on Lead on
Lead on Lead on
Lead on Lead on

(Trumpet Out)

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

SOUND TRAVELER (First All-Original Sound Traveler CD, Published 2011)

Everything starts somewhere. These are the lyrics from our first all-original CD. We present some stories and tunes that we hope you can connect with.

1. Stars Tonight – Sometimes you get lucky. I wrote this song for the wedding of my niece Amy and her husband Kevin. I wanted to write a nice romantic song from the point of view of a young man who has fallen for the woman he loves. Years later, the song came alive when Patty and I substituted trumpet for the original single-note guitar lead and claimed it as our own.

Stars Tonight

Trumpet introduction

Hey, look into the stars tonight
Tell me if you’re feelin’ like I am

Ahhh, look into my eyes and see
Is this where you want to be on and on

Could it be (Could it be)
That you’ve fallen in love with me (you’ve fallen in love)
I’m in love with you (you)
I’m in love with you (you)
Look into the stars

Tell me why (tell me why)
I feel this way (I feel this way)
Tell me why (tell me why)
I want to stay (I want to stay)
Tell me why (tell me why)
I don’t want to go away no no no no never from you (you)
From you (you) from you (you)

Trumpet break

(Trumpet echoes)
Tell me why it seems I’m always looking in your eyes
I never want to go away … away … again

Ooooo, Look into the stars tonight
Tell me if you’re feelin’ like I do
Ooooo Look into my eyes and see
Is this where you want to be on and on.

Tell me, could it be that you’ve fallen in love with me
My love’s forever with you, with you, with you

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

2. Long Time Waiting – In a special way this song marks the beginning of a romance between Patty and me that led to her being called Patty Tatum today. I like the sense that falling in love is just one beginning that leads to countless additional new beginnings. I always intended this to be a wedding song, sung as a dialogue between two people at the moment they prepare to walk down the aisle. The last line sums it up: “Now it all comes to this….”

Long Time Waiting

I think I’ve been a long time waitin’
I think I’ve felt a long time cravin’
For something so hard to express
And now it all comes to this

I think I’ve been a long time hopin’
I think I’ve been too long now mopin’
Wonderin’ what I would do
If I could not find one like you

I think I’ve been a long time (long time)
Waitin’ for you
I think I’ve been a long time (long time)
Waitin’ for you

Do you really care?
Will you try to get to know me?
Do you really want me?
And will it really show
All our days ooooooooo

Cause I think I’ve been a long time waitin’
I think I’ve felt a long time cravin’
For something so hard to express
And now it all comes to this

I think I’ve been a long time (long time)
Waitin’ for you
I think I’ve been a long time (long time)
Waitin’ for you

And now it all comes to this.

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

3. Smoky Hollow – I wrote this about our isolated little place in the depths of the Appalachian Mountains where we have a lot of neighbors, but none of them happen to be human. Deer, birds, frogs and other forms of wildlife roam freely around the place. The main story of the song is how a relationship can be fostered in such a setting.

Smoky Hollow

(Harmonica Intro)

Sittin’ by a tree where the cool wind blows
Sunlight fallin’ through the broad leaves
In Smoky Hollow

Clear stream skippin’ through the rocks with ease
I look at you You smile at me
In Smoky Hollow

(Short harmonica break)

We run like kids ‘cross an open field
We roll in the grass when I catch your heel
In Smoky Hollow

Two lives converge, yours and mine
No clocks ever made could measure time
In Smoky Hollow

Where the heavy rains don’t fall
Where the winds don’t blow too hard
Where the sun shines soft and warm
Where even ancient life feels young

We claim a treasure ours for free
Full in the face like a summer breeze
In Smoky Hollow

Secrets shared under open skies
No one there but you and I
In Smoky Hollow

Where the heavy rains don’t fall
Where the winds don’t blow too hard
Where the sun shines soft and warm
Where sweet memory covers all

(Guitar and harmonica break)

When I look at you my old heart yearns
I wonder, could we return
To Smoky Hollow

When I catch your eyes, I think I see
Through hazy mists … Could we still be
In Smoky Hollow

Where the heavy rains don’t fall
Where the winds don’t blow too hard
Where the sun shines soft and warm
Where our love is ever young

Down in Smoky Hollow
Down Down in Smoky Hollow
Down Down Down
In Smoky Hollow

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

4. Not Walk Away – This song just makes me smile. I was working on some mandolin playing when this tune almost jumped off the instrument. On a deep level the song is about commitment. On a lighter note it is about fun.

Not Walk Away

Baby, do you want to know
Baby, just how it’s gonna go
Baby, what do you want me to say
Baby, I’ve been waiting ev’ry day

For a girl like you
To tell my secrets to
Who will not walk away
Who will not walk away

Baby, I’m tellin’ you right now
Baby, I don’t know the whys and hows
Baby, I haven’t got a clue
All I know is how I feel about you

And I’ve been waitin’ every day
For the one who wants to stay
And will not walk away
Who will not walk away

Baby, do you want to know
Baby, just how it’s gonna go
Baby, haven’t got a clue
All I know is how I feel about you

And I’ve been waitin’ every day
For the one who wants to stay
And will not walk away
Who will not walk away
Will not walk away
Who will not walk away
You will not walk away
You will not walk away

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

5. Fine Time to Call – I actually wrote and recorded this song long before I met Patty. The song captures a moment and a feeling in my life. It’s a place I visit, like an exhibit in a museum. It’s the story of a terminally idealistic young man who feels helplessly swept by a dark capricious wind. I think I play the moss on the trees into the music and sing the dusk of a setting sun into the lyric.

Fine Time to Call

Walkin’ through the woods on a hot, humid summer’s evenin’
Walkin’ through the woods with my life hangin’ limp like dead tree limbs.
Rememberin’ a voice on the telephone
A voice I hadn’t heard for many years
I heard a tender voice on the telephone
Now I’m walkin’ through the woods
Why do I feel so alone

While walkin’ through the woods, I feel a drop of rain reach my bare head
While walkin’ through the woods, I remember every word that she spoke
She said she’d never really forgotten me
She had assumed that I would always be there
But she never had the nerve to say she loved me
Now there is no way
Her being married and so far away

(Instrumental break)

(Bridge)
I wonder if she’d see me if I passed through tonight
I wonder if she’d greet me as a lover or as a friend
And I wonder I’d sleep — would she put me out on my own again
And I wonder if she knows how friendly I might be still….

Still walkin’ through the woods, I hear the sad whippoorwill pleading
Calling for a time which has gone and which cannot be again
She picked a fine time to call me
She picked a fine time just to see how I’d been
She picked a fine time to call me
And now I must begin to try to forget her again
Now I must begin to forget her all over again
All over again
All over again

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

6. Florida Sunshine, Florida Rain – I wanted to write a rousing song about Florida and my joy at living in Cape Canaveral. When I asked Patty how I could include some “local color” into the song, she started throwing out names like Yeehaw Junction, Okahumpka, and Weeki Wachee. After we added Patty’s magical trumpet lines, the song jumped to life.

Florida Sunshine, Florida Rain

(Trumpet introduction)

They tell me there’s somethin to be said
For New York and LA
They tell me they’re both nice places to stay

They tell me that big things are happenin’
All along the way
To which I say
Hope you have a good day there.

Florida sunshine, Florida rain
Seems to me I’ve got everything
I see no reason to leave this place again

(In the north) I got Jacksonville
(In the south) there’s Miami or even Key West
(As for a West Coast) well Tampa seems good to me

(For a thrill) I got Orlando
(For a chill) there’s Tallahasee on a mid-winter day
(As for the outback) We got the Okefenokee and down south the Everglades

Florida sunshine, Florida rain
Some things should just stay the same
I see no reason to leave this place again

(Instrumental – Trumpet lead)

For uptown, I got Yeehaw Junction
(Kayak) with the mermaids in the Weeki Wachee
(Canoe) down the Suwanee River and tiptoe to Barefoot Bay

(Talkin’ old) I got St. Augustine
(Catch a snack) Catch that in Okahumpka
(Blast off) in Cape Canaveral
As long as it’s a sunny day

Florida sunshine, Florida rain
Some things should just stay the same
I see no reason to leave this place again

No, I see no earthly reason
To leave this place, leave this place again
Nah, I see no earthly reason
To leave this place again

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

7. Gators for Sale – This is a true story – more or less. Some details have been “enhanced” for the sake of the story, but many are right on the money. When I was a kid, we did buy a baby alligator from a side-of-the-road establishment on US Highway 17. Lord Chesterfield most certainly lived in our unfinished bomb shelter, and the little beast has been the subject of legend ever since. As I’ve said before about this little song, “If it didn’t happen this way, it should have!”

Gators for Sale
(Ballad of Lord Chesterfield)

(Guitar and harmonica intro.)

We were headin’ south on US 17
Sky was blue, trees were green
Muggiest day I think I’d ever seen

Well the sun shone hot on our sedan roof
Sweat rolled off my daddy, he began to droop
When up ahead like a mirage we saw a sign

“Come see our gorilla,” the billboard screamed,
“And snakes by the dozen like an African scene
And gators, yes genuine gators for sale!”

We were six-packed in a car built for four
Excitement grew ’till we could take no more
Momma threatened murder if we didn’t hush

But in a moment of weakness my daddy pulled over
At a shabby little shack called The Jungle Marauder
And like a herd of jackals we bolted right out of the car

(Harmonica break)

Well it wasn’t quite Disney’s Animal Kingdom
And Busch Gardens had nothin’ to fear
But back in ’63 it was the finest thing we’d seen.

When we all burst in, that man had our number
Showed a tiny little gator from this land down under
“Florida’s finest,” he said with a wicked grin

“Come see our gorilla,” the billboard screamed,
“And snakes by the dozen like an African scene
And gators, yes genuine gators for sale!”

Well Mama said, “No” but Daddy Said “So
I wonder how much that little critter’ll grow.”
“Please, Daddy, tell him that we’ll take it!”

(Guitar and harmonica break)

When we were back on the road again
We named him after the Lord Chesterfield Inn
“Chester” for short and he was for a while

Then he outgrew the box in a few
So we moved him into our unfinished bomb shelter to
Ready, it seemed, for whatever might commence

“Come see our gorilla,” the billboard screamed,
“And snakes by the dozen like an African scene
And gators, yes genuine gators for sale!”

You see, we thought Chester might feel at ease
In that block-lined hole with water of green
Showin’ his chompers pretty as you please

Besides the cold war didn’t seem so hot
In light of this growin’ reptile we’d got
I guessed the Russians would just have to wait

(harmonica break)

Well, it’s many years later and I say with a tear
We released that gator not far from here
In a swamp just perfect for his sun-lazin’ style

And as far as I know he’s probly content
With a Mrs. Chesterfield
And I’ll bet they’re makin’ gators,
Genuine gators for sale

“Come see our gorilla,” billboard screamed,
“And snakes by the dozen like an African scene
And gators, yes genuine gators for sale!”

“Come see our gorillas,” the billboard screamed
“And snakes by the dozen like an African scene
And gators, genuine gators for sale!”

We talkin’ gators, Lord Chesterfield gators for sale!

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

8. Lighthouse Keeper – An immigrant from the Emerald Isle, my great-great- great-grandfather John Michael Doyle designed, built, and manned lighthouses. I almost feel like he had a part in the writing of this song. I like the metaphor of the lighthouse as a point of stability in a rolling sea of uncertainty.

Lighthouse Keeper

Lighthouse keeper, do you still scan the waters
To protect the lives and hopes of those on the sea
Looking forward, looking back
Recall the Emerald Isle of your father’s dreams
Did you think your children would remember you?

The work of your hands, you always built strong
Lighting the way to tomorrow and well beyond
To times unfamiliar in little touch with the past
But your hope and love continue and last
And through you — all your children, we are blessed.

All of your children, wherever they go
Whatever they know in their lives
All of your children, each will be as a lighthouse
Each will shine with a light that comes from within
You, Lighthouse Keeper with eyes on the water
With heart of warmth and love, you make it show
You make it glow

(Bridge)
Oooooooo Light across the waters
Oooooooo Light rippling across the sea
Love for one another
Love for you and me

(Instrumental)

All of your children, wherever they go
Whatever they know in their lives
All of your children, each will be as a lighthouse
Each will shine with a light that comes from within…

You Lighthouse Keeper
Do you still scan the waters
To protect the lives and hopes of those on the sea
Of those like me
We’re all on the sea
Make safe harbor for me
Shine your light on me….

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

9. White Cadillacalimousina – When Patty and I saw a white limousine, I immediately started riffing the tag line of this song. Soon we began throwing nonsense phrases at each other and kept repeating “white cadillacalimousina.” I later took out the guitar, got a rhythm going, and there it was – something a little different, even for us!

White Cadillacalimousina

(harmonica intro)

She’s in a white Cadillacalimousina
She’s in a white Cadillacalimousina
A pearly white Cadillacalimousina
A silky nice Cadillacalimousina

Now I’ll ask you once again if you’ve seen her
She’s in a white Cadillacalimousina
Smokin’ little number guarantee ya
Foggin’ that white cadillacalimousina
Please tell me, have you seen her
She’s ridin’ in a white –
A white Cadillacalimousina

Could be a beautiful brunette by name of Mona
Bronzed by the sun and a little Coppertona
Come down East from way out West in Arizona
In a sleek Cadillacalimazona?
Please tell me, have you seen her
She’s ridin’ in a white –
A white Cadillacalimousina

Oooo watch her ride
Wish I could be by her side
Oooo maybe I’d get kind of sly
Pretend to be sorta shy
Until she’d look me Until she’d look me
Until she’d look me in the eye

All in a white Cadillacalimousina
All in a white Cadillacalimousina
A pearly white Cadillacalimousina
A silky nice Cadillacalimousina

Could be a bomb blonde baby ballerina
Tucked in her white Cadillacalimousina
Cuter little thing you’ve never seena
In her white Cadillacalimousina
Please Tell me, have you seen her
She’s ridin’ in a white –
A white Cadillacalimousina

Oooo watch her ride
Wish I could be by her side
Oooo maybe I’d get kind of sly
Pretend to be sorta shy

(Instrumental break)

Till the sun sneaked in from the Eastern Sea-a
And she finds herself sitting next to me-a
With as shocked an expression as could be-a
In her white cadillacalimousina

Then she said…
Don’t know how I didn’t see ya
But I’ll ask you to get out of my
White Cadillacalimousina

No No No No – This is my dream (Please Get Out….)
You’re not supposed to be talking!
Is it morning already?
Now, if I can just get back to sleep and straighten this out.

White Cadillacalimousina White Cadillacalimousina
White Cadillacalimousina White Cadillacalimousina

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

10. Should Have Known Her – After working at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games for a stretch of nearly twenty-four hours, I came home with Scottish rhythms reverberating through my head. Soon I began to spin a lively Celtic tale about a fatally feisty Scottish belle. Despite the fickle nature of the lassie and the responses of the singer, everything works out in the end.

Should Have Known Her

(Harmonica Intro)

I should have known it right away
When I saw her strut and felt her sway
No I never ever should have stayed
I should be safe at home

Yeah, I should have known it right away
And turned my back as if to say
I never saw you, and you needn’t stay
I’m gonna go on home

Lie di-dn di-dn Di-dl-lie
Di-dl-lie di-dn di-dn Di-dl-lie
Di-dl-lie di-dn di-dn Di-dl-lie
Di-dl-lie di-dl li-tn ta-die

(Harmonica break)

When first I looked into her face
Heard angels sing “Amazing Grace”
If I didn’t leave, It’d be too late
I’d never get back home.

She caught me in her azure eyes,
In pools of blue sharks sometimes thrive
I’m lucky now to be alive
And finally make it home

Lie di… (Harmonica)

She told me of her tragic life
And all she’d hped for was to be the wife
Of someone gentle, kind, and nice
I should have been at hom

Felt sorry for her, so would you
She was attractive — good looking too
‘Most made me forget all I knew
That I should be safe at home

Lie di… (Harmonica Bridge)

Another day, what should befall
Felt her sending out her siren call
‘Twas another man she did enthrall
Showing him her starry eyes

I should have known it right away
Women like her will make you pay
Save it for another day
I’m gonna go on home

Lie di… (Harmonica)
Lie di…

I’m gonna go on home

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

11. Only Now – When Patty and I were flying back from Los Angeles, I felt the sensation of being suspended in time and space. As Patty slumbered beside me, I wrote a little poem which later became this song. I wanted Patty’s trumpet to simulate the flight itself – starting low at the beginning, soaring high during the middle sequences, and returning softly to the earth at the end. It totally captures the idea I wanted to convey.

Only Now

Thirty thousand feet
I’m about to fall asleep
Strange how quickly we become
Numb to the future and the past

Like a rocket we soar
Through an open door
While so slowly below
The ground creeps away to the horizon

As we fly And we fly
As we fly And we fly

Traveling from west to east
Recalling those whom we leave behind
Strolling along
Cooled by their chill summer ocean

As we fly Still we fly
As we fly Still we fly

Trumpet instrumental

Traveling from west to east
Behind us the sun retreats
And gradually slides
Over the edge of the familiar

And we fly Still we fly
And we fly Still we fly

Now beside me you dream
In softened darkness that seems
As black swan feathers
Cradling the silence of night

Thirty thousand feet
I’m about to fall asleep
Strange how quickly we become
Numb to the future and the past

Only now Can last
Only now Can last
Only now Can last
Only now
Only now
Only now

Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum

12. Everything Comes in Time – When I began to work on this song, I traveled down a winding road leading to… an emotional journey? The circle of a full life? A metaphor representing life, death, and what follows? You can decide where you want it to take you. As soon as I started to develop this CD, I wanted this song to be the concluding number.

Everything Comes in Time

Ooooooooooo

A baby child on my very first day
I looked up as if to say
I want to get up
I want to get around

I sat right up there in the bed
Shook my head like I was ready
To hit the road
Like I was ready to make my way

When a voice said, “Little Baby,
Why don’t you lie back down.
Oh Little Baby, just look at what’s all around.
Your life has just begun,
You don’t need to be on the run

‘Cause everything comes in time
Yeah everything comes in time
Everything comes in time
Everything comes in time”

As a young man I roamed the streets
While an old man shuffled his feet
And he asked me, “Hey, what’s your hurry?”
He said, “The sunshines bright nearly every day
And in the night time there’s a lot to say
In the moonlight if you’re ready
But you gotta slow down some, if you’re gonna be ready
‘Cause everything comes in time
Yeah everything comes in time
Everything comes in time
Everything comes in time”

(Bridge)
Ooooooooo Oooooooo
I grew up, found a wife
Settled down for a beautiful life in the country
Had ourselves some lovely kids
Did all the things we never did before

‘Till she said, “I no longer love you”
‘Till she said, “I no longer care”

Now I really know….
Every thing comes in time
Everything comes in time
Everything comes in time

They wheeled me into a cold, gray room
The doctor came all too soon
And then he said, “I think it’s time.”
The nurse wiped something from her eye
And at my bedside someone cried, but I didn’t know
Who it could be
When all at once it flashed back to me
That everything came in time
Yeah, everything came in time
In this old life of mine
I’d felt the sweet sun shine
And everything came in time.

Just when I began slippng away
I felt a voice inside me softly say
I’m beside you now, you can let go
I saw a face I can’t now describe
But when I closed my eyes
I could hear the voice better
Better all the time
A little better, better all the time

Saying, “Little Baby,
Why don’t you lie back down
Oh… Little baby, just look at what’s all around
You don’t need to worry
You did it all just fine…………. And

Everything came in time
Everything came in time
Everything comes in time
Everything comes in time

Everything comes in time
Words and Music: Robert L. Tatum