Monday, October 13, 2008

Broken Mirrors

Well, I didn't really think it was possible, but apparently there may still be a song or two left in this Old Dawg:



Broken Mirrors
Who was that stranger standing just in front of me?
Was that really someone I used to know?
Shoulders stooped, he was no one I ever wanted to be;
He looked so brave, but I know it was all just for show.
That’s alright; he can come round any night
I can’t really see him anymore;
I can leave him in pieces on the my floor.

Seems like I used to work so very, very god-damned hard
But life didn't get easier no matter how hard I tried;
Love dies quickly when you don’t water the grass in your own back yard;
And pain doesn’t stop just because you’ve cried.
But it’s OK: I’ve learned to keep on anyway
I can’t let it stop me anymore;
I don’t have to keep on keeping score.

Been so long since I stood this free and clear on my own;
Seems like I’ve never felt this strong.
A lion’s roar grows out of the seeds I’ve sown.
You can hear it in this song.
It’s all fine! Sunlight is on my mind;
I don’t have to be afraid anymore;
Love can heal this heart so sore.

Take heart, step into the playful light;
Dare to sing this song at the top of your lungs.
We’ll help each other celebrate days beyond dark night;
Climb the ladder hand in hand each and every rung.
It’s alright! Step into the Light
We don’t need the darkness anymore;
No, we don’t want the darkness anymore.
Anymore!



Once I have my new-fangled home recording software under control, and the words have slithered down into their most rhythmic form, I'll post the actual song.

Editors note: click here for a preliminary listen

Despite beautiful weather and magnificent mountainsides of fall splendour, I huddled all weekend in my home like a hermit, working on several projects. The creative energy is too strong too ignore. One just has to step aside and let it through.

Several times, I was dressed and ready to go forth, yet drifted back to computer and instruments, to polish, refine, play and explore some more, looking up suddenly to realize the days were done. I believe there is nothing special here, simply the willingness to follow my intuition, to listen to silence without judgement, to sit with humor and humility, to feel fear and pain, and notice how easily these feelings can be transformed, put to good use and made into gifts.

To offer them up to you, Dear Reader, is perhaps an act of foolish bravery, but I dare myself becasuse I am equally comfortable with being seen as a brave Fool (typically Shakespeare's most profound character).

For better or worse, each new post rewards me with encouragement (internal and external) to dig deeper and share further.

Please share with your friends

7 comments:

persistentillusion said...

I love it. I absolutely love it.

Anonymous said...

And pain doesn’t stop just because you’ve cried.

I own that line. I have felt it so many times. I have also noticed that the pain doesn't necessarily end just because you have forgiven.

Beatuiful song Kip!

Anonymous said...

Kip,
How wonderful that you are daring to sing at the top of your lungs. Won't it be a treat when you post the song - music and all.

Anonymous said...

I love it Dad! It's wonderful to be able to have my old dad back (meaning the younger dad from my youth but I bet you knew that). Love you tons!!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Kip. I look forward to more from such a talented man. Thanks for sharing.
Steve

Anonymous said...

I think it is VERY special to allow yourself to “follow your intuition, to listen to silence without judgment, to sit with humor and humility, to feel fear and pain, and notice how easily these feelings can be transformed, put to good use and made into gifts.”

To do this is a gift that you share with the world!

Thank you for daring to share your words and your music. It is uplifting, inspiring, and powerful beyond words. I love your song!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Hayden.

Laurie, that might be my favorite line too.

Laughngrl, the treat is the sense of wonder each time I play it over.

Zan, nothing has ever sounded so fine to me as that sweet little voice chirping out on "Puff the Magic Dragon" on that radio interview years ago.

Thanks, Steve.

Stacey, talk about balance: I focus on writing and then music distracts me.